[R-390] OT - Transmission lines - local

[rbethman]

The 4160/2400 was always "fun"!

Our emergency generation equipment produced that for output.  We had one 
of our *OWN* techs not watch what he was doing with a Simpson 260 one day.

The PT, (Potential Transformer), used for metering to the control panel 
was producing erroneous output.  Said *tech* used the 260 - BUT - 
connected it across the HIGH Side in lieu of the low side.  Needless to 
say, the Simpson wasn't to enthused about the 2400VAC.  The tech was 
"squatting" with the meter just below the "beloved *jewels*".  Sort of 
removed the clothing in that area as the 260 went POOF!

NEVER make an assumption that even someone that went through the SAME 
training YOU did *will* keep his/her mind adequately focused on the task 
at hand!

I happened to a few feet away.  I knew what he was looking for - BUT - I 
had NO idea where he was reaching with the probes!

Bob - N0DGN

On 2/24/2011 5:27 PM, Les Locklear wrote:
> Interesting story about 4160 volts.
>
> Several years ago when I was still an electronic controls technician 
> for the government at Keesler AFB, we had a couple of chiller plants 
> that had 4160 running to the chiller control panels and then was 
> stepped down to 120. We would always caution the new airmen not to 
> carry a voltmeter into the switchboard area as they might be fooled 
> into thinking they would do a "simple" voltage check. One did one time 
> and that fluke destroyed itself and burned him too. We would call out 
> the line crew and let them check the 4160 fuse panels with their 
> rubber and leather gloves and the buck roger ray gun  that indicated 
> voltage. It was usually one leg down and we couldn't get good readings 
> inside our control panels. We never messed with that stuff. We worked 
> up to 660 volts, nothing higher, that's what they were for. Nasty stuff!
>
> Les