What’s Wrong Here? Hint: Bus Bar Peek-a-Boo
Hint: Bus bar peek-a-boo
The huge opening created by the missing circuit breaker blanks is large enough for a person to stick their entire hand in the enclosure and contact the energized bus bars. This is a real shock hazard and violates the requirements of Sec. 408.7. Unused circuit breaker openings must be closed with closures identified for that purpose or with some other approved means that provides protection substantially equivalent to the enclosure walls. Section 110.27(A) also has several requirements to prevent accidental contact with energized parts of electrical equipment operating at 50V through 1,000V, including using approved enclosures. Another concern with the missing breaker blanks is the increased probability of arcs and sparks escaping this enclosure and igniting nearby combustible materials.
About the Author
Russ LeBlancRuss LeBlanc
Owner
Russ started in the electrical trade as an apprentice in 1985. He worked his way up to become a Journeyman Electrician and then eventually became a Master Electrician and Licensed Construction Supervisor. In 1999 Russ become an Electrical Instructor for The Peterson School of Engineering in Massachusetts where he developed his passion for teaching, and quickly became Department Head of Electrical Instruction. Russ has taught thousands of apprentices, electricians, engineers, inspectors, and other electrical professionals during his career as an instructor. He continues to provide electrical professionals with Electrical Code seminars, Arc-Flash Awareness training seminars and educational material through his LeBlanc Consulting Services in North Reading, MA whose specialty is educating electricians. He has been an active member of the NFPA Electrical Section and has authored hundreds of National Electrical Code proposals and comments which have become Code rules to improve the safety for the electrical industry. Russ is also an IAEI certified Electrical Inspector.
Please visit www.russleblanc.net for more information.
