Painting circuit breakers

[iwire]

It went to over 200 post so unless you have a few hours you might want to pass

He already responded, check the new poll.

 

[K8MHZ]

I have a weird idea they might try, it's called a DIRECTORY
That would be far better than paint unless they have a lot of non english speaking workers. If thats the case then go back to paint

It's obvious that many of you have never worked maintenance in a foundry.

I am not defending the aforementioned painting. In fact, I am party, as many of you are, to bringing the practice to a halt.

For those of you that just can't fathom a reason for the practice in the first place, there actually are several.

Color coding provides for quick ID of circuit categories in harsh conditions. There is ash everywhere and many times the air is so full of smoke you can't see 10 feet ahead of you. Breakers are used as switches and as such will be operated by anyone working there, qualified or not. Everything has to be made as idiot proof as possible. In fact, in shops with conditions so harsh only a few brazen (and not particularly bright) souls can even endure, that endeavor bears more weight than safety as many of us here can attest.

As per my last conversation, the NEC section we talked about will be referred to and if my pal has the authority the handle painting practice will end. I mentioned the other means of coding and he was very receptive.

I think the REAL reason the handle painting was done was because 'that's the way we have been doing it for years'. I can see how it would be easier and faster just to glob some color on a handle vs. taking time to pin stripe a panel cover that may or may not even be there.

One idea we did discuss just may end up getting tried. When I suggested coding the cover, it was mentioned that where the color coding would go there were already circuit numbers. I suggested getting colored transparent tape and using that so the circuit numbers would show through the tape.

Thanks all!

 

[Jim W in Tampa]

Seems a safer fix would be to have switches beside the panel. Then you could paint them and have much larger place for the name of the circuit.
I do not see what your doing as totally unsafe as the electrician should be able to scrape paint off if unsure of breaker size. With that said it still is a violation

 

[jusme123]

AND in that case those folks are correct. :grin:

And I disagree

 

[jusme123]

So what are you trying to say, we ignore the word "and" where is appears in the code?

Chris

yes, but only when there is a burrito to support (see post 'Burrito Q: Fastening of EMT'). There trying to say AND is an illegal immigrant who jump the borders of the code book- AND ignore it

 

[Jim W in Tampa]

OK BOB help me to understand this

"Originally Posted by jusme123
this majority in this forum do not believe the word 'and' is applicable in the code, as referenced in the pole taken on not supporting emt

AND in that case those folks are correct. "

What exact words in NEC did i miss that says forget about the AND word !!!!!