Electrifying
Electrifying
10-01-2004, 03:21 PM
#3
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Highest voltage switch I've opened is a 230KV GCB(Gas Circuit Breaker) Disconnect Switch. Even with the breaker deenergized, the line to the switch was hot, it barked a little. Most Breaker disconnect switches are crank-open ganged switches, so all three phases open at the same time. Standing under a 230KV switch hearing it bark when your cranking on it, I didn't know whether to crank faster or run away.
When conditions are wet or it's even more fun.
When conditions are wet or it's even more fun.
10-01-2004, 06:04 PM
#4
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electrical-contractor.net has some good "safety" videos. Theres one in there somewhere with a delivery truck with a boom contacting some high volts welding the outriggers permanetly in place. And another one where a sub station goes KABOOM.
Hey Eswarts, Are you a sparky? What feild?
Hey Eswarts, Are you a sparky? What feild?
10-02-2004, 01:55 AM
#6
Our Electrical Shop Supervisor zapped himself with ~12kv last fall. Reached in to a case with a low voltage meter, no gloves, on a breaker being backfed by a CAT genset. Burned his hand, arm, elbow, and knee pretty badly. He is alive because he was reaching in with his right hand, had his right knee on the floor, and contacted his elbow (or it jumped) to the case. Blew the VOM to melted bits. He spent a couple days in the ICU, then weeks of rehab following the skin grafts. He has been back to work for a long time already, but I think the few working synapses he had were completely severed in the accident. He is definitely not all there.
10-02-2004, 06:09 AM
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Mostwanted
Not a Sparky, I work for a local utility in Transmission System Operations, I don't do the switching, I give the orders to the people who do the switching. We deal with 34KV up to 345KV.
Not a Sparky, I work for a local utility in Transmission System Operations, I don't do the switching, I give the orders to the people who do the switching. We deal with 34KV up to 345KV.
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10-02-2004, 09:28 AM
#8
zulusafari, a former coworker who left for California to work lost both arms..one below the elbow and one near the shoulder..when someone else lost control of a jumper, he instinctively put his arms over his head for protection and got between 2 phases..12,500 volts ..he was featured in a documentry, on the Discvery Channel I think
10-02-2004, 10:18 AM
#9
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We had a apprentice lineman killed this year. After a storm, he and journeyman were in a unfamaliar area, wasn't thinking, thought the line was de-energized since it was on the ground and grabbed hold of it. I wasn't there at the scene, and hope I never witness anything like that, but that is the worst thing I've ever heard come across the radio. The other linecrew members did exactly what they were supposed to do, call for help, CPR etc. The 22 yr. old apprentice left behind a wife and daughter and 2 week old son.
Just trying to send a message of "BE CAREFUL". Even experienced people make mistakes, but in this line of business, not many get a second chance. I went home and gave my wife & kids big hugs that night.
With all the cleanup happening in Florida right now, just want everyone to "BE CAREFUL".
DON'T ASSUME ITS DEAD!!!
Just trying to send a message of "BE CAREFUL". Even experienced people make mistakes, but in this line of business, not many get a second chance. I went home and gave my wife & kids big hugs that night.
With all the cleanup happening in Florida right now, just want everyone to "BE CAREFUL".
DON'T ASSUME ITS DEAD!!!
10-02-2004, 03:35 PM
#10
Good message! I remember reading the local paper as a kid. A Wisconsin Public Service crew had a transmission line fall. It draped the truck, burned it to a smoldering, melted mass. The guy on the ground was blown away from it, but was probably dead when he hit the ground. The unlucky fellow in the bucket tried to jump, but either the fall or the charge got him, too. Very sad, tragic incident! I have the utmost respect for electricity and those who are able to work with it!
Jughead440--I think the electrical supervisor saw that program or heard about him while going through therapy. I now recall him mentioning the incident, and how much luckier he is compared to your former coworker. We all think he is just lucky to be alive!!
Jughead440--I think the electrical supervisor saw that program or heard about him while going through therapy. I now recall him mentioning the incident, and how much luckier he is compared to your former coworker. We all think he is just lucky to be alive!!
10-02-2004, 05:35 PM
#12
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Strongest voltage I have ever dealt with is 440 VAC shipboard power. Never got shocked by it but have been tickled by 115 VAC several times, it definetly suprises ya. I never realized how destructive electricity could be until I saw those videos.
10-03-2004, 12:20 AM
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Originally posted by Mostwanted
Ever get hit by 277? Not the same as 120
Ever get hit by 277? Not the same as 120
10-03-2004, 02:49 AM
#15
Worst bite I've had was from the coil wire on a 440. Accel chrome cased high-spark job. My arm jumped, wnet numb, and was pretty useless for a few hours. The twitching wasn't for very long, but the muscles kind of bound up from the rapid contraction. Funny, until I read about the Neon Trnsformer, I had forgotten that little shock...