You can probably guess what happens when a snake slithers across two phases in a service switchgear panel. It’s not good for the snake (or any other critter making such contact), and it could trigger a catastrophic arc blast.
It’s also not the most pleasant experience to be clipping a test lead onto a terminal at the very moment a swarm of hornets decides to show you what “Do Not Enter” really means.
Preventing conflicts with critters in your equipment is an ongoing effort. A multi-layered approach works best. Consider these tips:
- Examine venting configurations. If your air compressor room wall vent is only inches above grade level, some reptile or mammal will eventually come through that vent. Move the vent up, if at all possible.
- Install sonic repellent devices and other repellers (e.g., taste aversions, visual repellers), and put them in your PM program. Have replacements in stock.
- Install physical barriers, as appropriate: bird netting, bird spikes, sticky gels.
- Strictly prohibit any food or beverages outside of specified areas such as break rooms and lunch rooms.
- Ensure break room and lunch room trash containers are varmint-proof and emptied regularly. Critters might eat there, and later seek shelter in that critical process control cabinet. Don’t attract them with food.
