utility obfuscation and obstruction [RE-wrenches]

[Bill Brooks]

I'm definitely with Bob-O on this one.

Most of these lineman's arms are bigger than my waist. It's just not worth
the fight. Choose your battles. Even a $30 switch can often suffice. I'm not
a big fan of the pullout air conditioning switches anyway. I've seen a few
good ones and I've seen some that I wouldn't put on my enemy's doghouse. A
gang-operated, visible-break, load-break-rated, lockable switch (able to
handle a 3/8" utility lock shank) can be as little as $30. Why fight it at
this point. I do believe the day will come when all utility linemen will
understand the capabilities of our wonderful inverters, but until that day,
just install the switch. I actually use my switch a fair amount for service
reasons, and I have to admit that I trust that visible open switch a lot
more than my circuit breaker when I'm touching wires.

Many pullout switches hide the internals so the cover has to be removed to
confirm the visible open anyway. Low priority fight.

Bill.


-----Original Message-----
From: Bob-O Schultze, Electron Connection
[mailto:econnect at snowcrest.net]
Sent: Tuesday, May 07, 2002 7:35 AM
To: RE-wrenches at topica.com
Subject: Re: utility obfuscation and obstruction [RE-wrenches]


Jeff and All,
My experience with Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) here in CA is that
they require a visible handle, non-fused, lockable disconnect. Since
we're on the ac output of the inverter, that's a pretty standard 30A
or 60A box. Even in Nema 3R, it's about $60.00 wholesale. Installed
in most systems it adds less than $200.00 retail to the total cost of
the system. While I agree that it is unnecessary with today's
inverters, the only rationale I've heard expressed that makes any
sense is that it gives a lineman 1) a visual indication of OFF and 2)
peace of mind once they lock it out for line work.
It's important to keep in mind that most utility lineman would NOT
qualify for an electrician's license in most states. I'm not
"dissing" them in any way, it's just that their work experience is
limited by what they do. Given that, I don't have a problem with
making their stress level just a little less. There are bigger, more
important fights to fight.
Bob-O

>
>"This device is a disconnect NOT a switch. It does not meet the
>requirements of VT PSB Rule 5.100 " A utility accessible, locakable, load
>break rated, visible break disconnect switch with safe working clearances
>is required for all installations.
>

--
Bob-O Schultze, Electron Connection
PO Box 203, Hornbrook, CA 96044
800.945.7587 or 530.475.3402
fax 530-475-3401
www.electronconnection.com

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