The expectation is that the work done in other than dwelling occupancies will be done by qualified persons. The US NEC does require that the continuity of the grounded conductor (dare I say neutral) not rely on it's connection to a device. If that requirement is adhered to then the absence of a common shut off will not create a hazard were lock out tag out procedures are faithfully applied. If you skip the final testing step then you did not adhere to LOTO.
-- Tom
Thanks Ben for your quick responce! I do check the hot side of single phase circuits to insure that I've shut down the correct circuit, but how do you check the nuetral side, if shared, and unaware that it is, with a multimeter? Your statement about "marking circuits as multi-wire" is my big bitch here. They don't do it in the industrial side, where as in a dwelling you should install two pole breakers. They don't do it in the industrial side. I have come across where circuits are shared with ballast lighting, i.e. sparks.
Well, even if there is a shared neutral AND the neutral is wired through a outlet the other HOT wire will be nearby. The "extra" hot wire should be a "clue!" AND your run of the mill sensitive DIGITAL multimeter will register a few volts when the probe is held next to a hot wire. You can also invest $20 (or MUCH less) in a pocket voltage tester that beeps and lights when near a hot wire.
If you only have one pole loads it is "excessive" to require two pole breakers. In the case of lighting loads it is common to reduce lighting levels by switching out 1/2 or 1/3 of the fixtures on a string. The electrician with any real experience and common sense should be aware of "funny" things that can happen when you break the neutral.
You can try talking to his boss and/or the building official before you appeal or take it to court.
Sincerely,
Donald L. Phillips, Jr., P.E. Worthington Engineering, Inc.
145 Greenglade Avenue Worthington, OH 43085-2264snipped-for-privacy@worthingtonNSengineering.com (remove NS to use the address)
614.937.0463 voice 208.975.1011 faxAny inspector who makes up the
Here the inspectors are intimidated by well experienced contractors and AE firms. A new hospital addition is a case in point. The AE desiged the incoming underground service like this. 4-3" conduits enter an occupied basement and run approx. 80' (unprotected) across the ceiling and turn up into the main switchgear on the first floor.
Same hospital, different building, the secondary conduits turn up out of the first floor (buried) in the center of the building and run vertically into the bottom of the main switchgear on the second floor. The only protection, other than the metal conduit, is metal studs and sheetrock forming a chase around the conduits.
This was made known up the line....but the influence of the hospital and AE firm resulted in no correction.
Having said that, I agree that most AHJ's are honest and do their best to hold to the NEC. It can be hard tho, when you see major violations like these, to swallow a correction notice over some trivial problem.
PolyTech Forum website is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers or service providers discussed here. All logos and trade names are the property of their respective owners.