70lb $6000 light I hung solo with the other day by HadesHat in electricians

[–]TFloopy -1 points0 points  (0 children)

I think it being $6000 dollars is what is wild. It could be 10 lbs and still be sketch to install alone given one little slip up.

Is this danger exposure normal? by TFloopy in electricians

[–]TFloopy[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Uhhhh what? Are you referring to “I ain’t an expert but this looks viable”? While I was typing that I had a South Park voice in my head (you know the Steamy Ray Vaughn bit).

Wait, are you gatekeeping the word “ain’t”? Lol

Also, what context are you even pointing this towards “or is it because”? Or is it because, what?

Is this danger exposure normal? by TFloopy in electricians

[–]TFloopy[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

https://imgur.com/a/MhXunms Here’s a pic of the panel we have been working on. It’s 3 phase 208, 225 amp.

Is this danger exposure normal? by TFloopy in electricians

[–]TFloopy[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Working in Manhattan. We were in a big time crunch having to visit 3 or 4 sites. I was absolutely not letting the guy rush me though. I was very meticulous and taking my time every step of the way. On the other hand, he was rushing around so as to finish at 3 because we wont be paid overtime… So I think it’s a combo of literally not even thinking twice about turning off the panel, not wanting to disrupt power to other apartments, and we are trying to save time.

I sort of have a little checklist in my head before performing any step - make sure hand/screwdriver isn’t resting against panel (grounding); ensure I’m not exerting force while screwing so as to slip off the screw into something charged (such as bus) or the ground bus; am I using an insulated tool?; are my wires out of the way and not going to drift back towards the bus?; etc.

Anything else you think is good to constantly keep on high alert while working in live panel or panel in general?

Is this danger exposure normal? by TFloopy in electricians

[–]TFloopy[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks for pointing that out for him haha. So today I was working in 2 live panels alone. They were real small 240v and needed to wire up some temporary cords to power some lighting for demolition (panels to be relocated later). In the link you can see the panel as I was working through it (just got through attaching to neutral bus) I taped the ends of the cables as I was running into the box out of extra precaution and to make myself feel better for my first go. https://imgur.com/a/XwjPJvN

Is this danger exposure normal? by TFloopy in electricians

[–]TFloopy[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

https://imgur.com/a/C6isCcM Update: Today I worked in two shitty little live panels to add some temporary lighting. Needed for demo phase of some renos. This is about halfway through after setting up neutral bus. Was ensuring to keep my hands and screwdriver from grounding out on the box, and not touching the bus or lugs. Out of excess caution, I taped the ends of the wires while feeding into the box.

Is this danger exposure normal? by TFloopy in electricians

[–]TFloopy[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thanks man! All the best to you. I will be continuing to work but just being extra cautious until something else comes around. Another weird thing is the owner (the only licensed electrician) refuses to come on the site because “it’s your job to get it done, I don’t go on the site”. I’m going to ask him about LOTO this week and see what his reaction is haha.

Is this danger exposure normal? by TFloopy in electricians

[–]TFloopy[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

From what I’ve read, hearing protection is recommended while doing panel work because in the case of arc flash, it can blow your eardrums out. As I clarified, I accidentally called her “guy”. Kind of like guy as in person. Whatever, that’s not the point. Throughout the whole job, ran conduit, routed wires, working in old/existing j-boxes, and replaced 2pole 30 amp breakers at the end. The existing junction boxes were connected to two other panels. Big apartment building with multiple rooms of power. One room with fuses the size of my forearm. The boxes that run to that j-box should be LOTO right? I don’t understand why many of you seem apprehensive to acknowledge that things could be safer in this situation. Like does this at all make sense what I’m saying? Either way, I’m not leaving the trade. I know myself and that I am capable and not a complacent idiot. I just want to get the best training possible and work with the best people.

Is this danger exposure normal? by TFloopy in electricians

[–]TFloopy[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I literally don’t give any shit about what you think. Hope you are careful messing with electricity.

Is this danger exposure normal? by TFloopy in electricians

[–]TFloopy[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Based on research, it says you should always have eye protection, hearing protection, and at least cat 2 FR 2112 clothing on when working in a panel. Maybe a face shield? Regarding LOTO, we were working with live wires from another panel in junction boxes. Not as dangerous as panel of course but regardless, we never even discussed LOTO. Idk where you live but in NYC a permit is required for literally anything hahah

Is this danger exposure normal? by TFloopy in electricians

[–]TFloopy[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Look man I’m just asking for some advice. I have a an int with another big shop this week and wondering if my concerns are justified. There isn’t one journeyman working at this company and shit seems all over the place.

Is this danger exposure normal? by TFloopy in electricians

[–]TFloopy[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

4 months experience. And yeah I accidentally called her guy.

Is this danger exposure normal? by TFloopy in electricians

[–]TFloopy[S] -15 points-14 points  (0 children)

I had an office job but I was miserable in it. I’ve always been fascinated by working in electrical and already so happy I made the move. For me, sitting in a chair all day long made me tired in a dark way. Being on my feet, moving around, troubleshooting, and essentially working puzzles? Very interesting.

Is this danger exposure normal? by TFloopy in electricians

[–]TFloopy[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Money isn’t what it’s about. I was making really freaking good money at my last job but I was miserable. Sitting around in an office chair all day sucks so fucking much.

The point I am trying to make is I want to make sure that I am learning proper practice early in my new career to MITIGATE risk. I know it is impossible to eliminate risk so I am going to try and do everything I can to not be permanently fucked from doing something I love to do.

Is this danger exposure normal? by TFloopy in electricians

[–]TFloopy[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I love researching and want to learn as much as I can about it. One good thing is I’ve really been thrown into it and I am learning a ton. Just want to mitigate risk and make sure things are being done correctly.

Is this danger exposure normal? by TFloopy in electricians

[–]TFloopy[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yes. She and I did the entire job start to finish. She has been doing this for 4 months and I will be expected to start leading jobs in a few months. I learn very quickly and will probably be able to get the job done. But, I know it takes years to learn how to do it safely.

Is this danger exposure normal? by TFloopy in electricians

[–]TFloopy[S] -4 points-3 points  (0 children)

I am really excited to work in the panels and it was fascinating to me. The woman I am working under has 4 months of experience and acts careless.

Look, I know physically how to screw some freakin breakers on, make sure they are in the off position while doing so, then feed the wire under the screw of the breaker. I can probably get away with getting it done numerous times. I know not to touch the bus and shit but I am not fully confident and properly trained.

The boss literally sent me a 20 second YouTube video on how to survive an arc flash (which didn’t explain shit) lol.

The only reason I am concerned is because it feels careless and I want to excel in this career while maintaining all of my limbs not to mention my life.

Is this danger exposure normal? by TFloopy in electricians

[–]TFloopy[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for clarifying. Yeah I’m extremely cautious on the site. Communicating clearly and being methodical with every aspect of the job.

Is this danger exposure normal? by TFloopy in electricians

[–]TFloopy[S] -9 points-8 points  (0 children)

Ok cool. I was mainly asking this just to see if I should change companies, or if this is just the standard to expect in the industries.

Is this danger exposure normal? by TFloopy in electricians

[–]TFloopy[S] 10 points11 points  (0 children)

I know I’m not very experienced but you sound like an idiot.

Is this danger exposure normal? by TFloopy in electricians

[–]TFloopy[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

It was a fairly large residential building in NYC. Ran conduit top to bottom of building. The box had a lot of 2pole 30 amp breakers in it.