We have a bit of a debate going at my workplace... when opening 4KV switchgear @ a large motor control housing, should one stand to the side of the cubicle door or in front of the door. Most of us maintain that you should stand to the side. One guy insists that he is an electrician and you should stand in front of the door so that if the Switchgear flashes it will blow open the door and blow you out of the path. He maintains that if you open from the side the door could blow open & part of your body would be exposed to the flash... comments?
Safely Open 4kv Switchgear
- Thread starter kegardner
- Start date
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winnie
Senior Member
- Location
- Springfield, MA, USA
- Occupation
- Electric motor research
I have no experience with this, I just saw an adv for it in the back of ECM and thought that it was amusing:
http://www.chickenswitch.com/
-Jon
http://www.chickenswitch.com/
-Jon
zog
Senior Member
- Location
- Charlotte, NC
So the door will blow you out of the way???? 1st of all you need to be wearing the proper PPE for that task, most likely a 40Cal flash suit, but that depends on the results of your arc flash analysis. 2nd, you need to be qualified to perform that task pe rthe NFPA 70E which means, among other things, you understand the construction and operation of the equipment.
As far as where to stand, 30 feet away is the best answer, we use the aforementioned chicken switch daily, work great. If you dont have one, your best bet is to stand off to the hinged side of the door.
As far as where to stand, 30 feet away is the best answer, we use the aforementioned chicken switch daily, work great. If you dont have one, your best bet is to stand off to the hinged side of the door.
Pierre C Belarge
Senior Member
- Location
- Westchester County, New York
Any qualified individual knows that you would let the apprentice open/close any hazardous switch. 
I hope you know I am only kidding.
That "chicken switch" looks like a great idea to me. I was never comfortable with the large equipment being turned on for the first time or after repairs made.
I hope you know I am only kidding.That "chicken switch" looks like a great idea to me. I was never comfortable with the large equipment being turned on for the first time or after repairs made.
- Location
- Wisconsin
- Occupation
- PE (Retired) - Power Systems
Proper NFPA70E PPE will protect you against the heat from arc FLASH incident energy.
I know of no PPE that will protect you from the shock wave caused by arc BLAST energy.
So if your PPE does not protect you from a "simple" blast, what chance does it have when you get hit by the big hunk of metal that used to be the door?
I know of no PPE that will protect you from the shock wave caused by arc BLAST energy.
So if your PPE does not protect you from a "simple" blast, what chance does it have when you get hit by the big hunk of metal that used to be the door?
brian john
Senior Member
- Location
- Kilmarnock, Va
- Occupation
- Retired after 52 years in the trade.
UUUUUMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM.
When you get hit by a Mack Truck should you face it directly or turn sideways. Better to not put yourself in a position where gear is going to hit you with a blast.
Utilize proper safety gear and avoid putting yourself in situations where the gear is going to blow up in your face. And I do not care if it is 208/120, 480/277, 5KV and on and on.
When you get hit by a Mack Truck should you face it directly or turn sideways. Better to not put yourself in a position where gear is going to hit you with a blast.
Utilize proper safety gear and avoid putting yourself in situations where the gear is going to blow up in your face. And I do not care if it is 208/120, 480/277, 5KV and on and on.
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