Originally Posted By: roconnor This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
jtedesco wrote:
Do you remove panel covers .... If not please tell me why.
If someone is not trained in that area, or does not have adequate PPE, then IMHO they should not remove the panel cover. In that case they should bail to a licensed professional for a full panel inspection.
Just my 2-nickles
-- Robert O'Connor, PE
Eagle Engineering ?
Eagle Eye Inspections ?
NACHI Education Committee
I am absolutely amazed sometimes by how much thought goes into doing things wrong
Originally Posted By: ecrofutt This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Well, after I removed all the glasses from the first shelf, the pill bottles from the second shelf, and the bowls from the third shelf, I discovered I would not be able to safely remove the cardboard panel cover, so I told the client to “Consult a licensed electrician to determine the best repair method, estimate costs, and perform any necessary repairs”.
Originally Posted By: jtedesco This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
roconnor wrote:
jtedesco wrote:
Do you remove panel covers .... If not please tell me why.
If someone is not trained in that area, or does not have adequate PPE, then IMHO they should not remove the panel cover. In that case they should bail to a licensed professional for a full panel inspection.
Just my 2-nickles
This answer is exactly what I was looking for, and a good reason for us to consider this type of training for our members. It may be possible for us to set up a few panelboards and use them for hands training during the training for those who will attend the electrical seminar at the Convention in January.
As far as PPE I have information to discuss dealing with the types of materials for clothing to be reasonably protected from an arc flash. I will call a few manufacturers asking if they are interested in setting up a booth at the convention.
I will guess that you have met the items described and have no problem removing the cover, right?
Originally Posted By: jfarsetta This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Arc flash? I do a lot of welding… most of it MIG. dont even talk to me about arc flash. Ever have sand thrown in your eyes?
We call it welder's flash, and it temporarily burns the retina of your eyes. Mind you, all folks are different, and it probably takes a bit more than a momentary flash to do damage, even temporary damage. However, the flash is loke a flash bulb going odd in your face. You can easily become disoriented, and you definitely DO NOT want to be near an open electrical panel if that happens.
Sparks from an electrical arc can set any clothing on fire. Wearing wrap around UV (wery dark) protective sunglasses may help a little.
-- Joe Farsetta
Illigitimi Non Carborundum
"Dont let the bastards grind you down..."
Originally Posted By: roconnor This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
jtedesco wrote:
It may be possible for us to set up a few panelboards and use them for hands training during the training for those who will attend the electrical seminar at the Convention in January.
Excellent idea. Kick it around with Gerry Beaumont. Maybe combine service panel inspection with safety procedures and PPE ... the two just go together.
Maybe also include an older fused service box and panel setup since some dont come across them too often, and possibly an older FPE panel ... maybe one with a separate frame ring to show how easy it is to drop that on the lugs if your not very careful, and other issues with those panels ... 
-- Robert O'Connor, PE
Eagle Engineering ?
Eagle Eye Inspections ?
NACHI Education Committee
I am absolutely amazed sometimes by how much thought goes into doing things wrong
Originally Posted By: Scott Wilson This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
There’s a good deal more to the arc-flash scenario than “meets the eye”.
Practice gained by welding doesn’t do justice to the possibilities of an arc in electrical equipment.
The expansion rate for the vaporizing copper during one of these events is about the same as the expansion rate of TNT. One cubic cm (I believe) expands at that rate to about one cubic meter, burning at thousands of degrees.
