• Short Circuits

    Everyone makes mistakes. Some are just funnier than others.
    June 1, 2005
    2 min read
    Image

    False Arrester

    I had just finished the electrical trim-out on a new Habitat for Humanity house and called for the final inspection when I noticed that I'd forgot to install the surge arrester on the outside distribution panel. I got to work wiring it in, and I finished just as the electrical inspector rolled up and asked me to hot wire the house from the temporary pole so he could check out all the devices. About two minutes after he started his inspection, we heard what sounded like a recoilless rifle going off. We ran outside to see what was happening, and there on the side of the house next to the panel was a large black spot where the surge arrester had been located — I forgot to wire in the neutral. The GC still hasn't let me live that one down.Chris Randolph
    Winter Park, Fla.




    A Job Well Done

    While cleaning the roof vents at a local restaurant, a cleaning crew inadvertently pulled down and disconnected some EMT that ran to a control panel and controlled four different ventilators. We were called in and instructed to get them running ASAP and then rewire the control panel. We successfully got three running, but when we connected what we thought were the start leads for the fourth vent, I started to hear a hissing noise. We soon realized it was the sound of the CO2 fire suppression system emptying into the kitchen. By the time we made it past the fleeing staff and into the room, it was filled with a cloud that looked like plumes of white smoke the space shuttle makes when it takes off.
    Rich Kuklewicz
    Turner Falls, Mass.


    Illustrations by Clint Metcalf

    About the Author

    EC&M Staff

    Sign up for EC&M Newsletters
    Get the latest news and updates.

    Related

    NEC Requirements for Flexible Cords and Fixture Wires
    Code Quiz: Type SO Cord Uses Permitted
    Solve EV Charging challenges for a seamless transition
    Sponsored
    Electrical Conduit Comparison Chart
    Sponsored

    Voice Your Opinion!

    To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of EC&M, create an account today!