Transformer changeout incident

[rob8210]

Hey Fellas! Just want to tell you guys about a recent incident involving a local contractor. The crew has been working on submersible transformer changeouts. This particular one they were changing was a 16kv/120v/240v single phase. When it was all done and turned on they discovered the had way they had used a 8kv/120v/240v can. Caused damage to 11 or 12 houses.

[BigClive]

On one hand you could say they should have checked the plate before installing it, but that's easier to say in hindsight.

Sometimes you just don't even think of a need to do that because every single unit you were supplied before was correct.

[Orgnizdlbr]

Always check the voltage before leaving the yard, energize the pot and take voltage first before putting load on it. If they did that, they'd have picked it out before damage.

Rob, what damage was done? If I'm reading right, it would have produced about 60/120.....

[Pootnaigle]

oncehadomecontractorschanuta12o24opotwith a48ooneeburnrdupeverything forsnentire block

[rob8210]

''Twas the other way around, they got 240/480v. I still haven't heard the total amount of damages.

[Orgnizdlbr]

''Twas the other way around, they got 240/480v. I still haven't heard the total amount of damages.

Got it, I read it backwards.

[rob8210]

The safety department ruled it " foremans error" , duh!!!!

[BigClive]

"Safety department." Or to give it a more appropriate name - "The post incident blame department."

[rob8210]

The actual truth is the wrong transformer got by at least 2 journeyman and 2 apprentices. The foreman signed off all the paperwork as being correct, it in fact was all wrong. When I asked the fellas what voltage they were working on, nobody knew! Young foreman, 26 years old , knows everything! Need I say more? The good news , sort of, is I got laid off on Monday, strange day for a layoff but who cares!

[Orgnizdlbr]

Same know it all that you and I discussed?

[rob8210]

Yep Labor, the very same. I had a frank discussion with the owner about it one day, to no avail. His crew is made up of apprentices and fellas from the west with very little live work. So I did the only thing I know, I warned all the apprentices to watch their arses and question everything, and if they don't feel comfortable, to refuse! I also had a good chat with the safety department, they are decent guys but totally out of their element. I told them , without a doubt this fella will kill someone if nothing changes. I even offered to act as a consultant to help them. They are actually civil labourers at best , they need all the help they can get! Of course so do I !

[Orgnizdlbr]

26 yo know it all in the tools is bad enough, but a 26 yo foreman running inexperienced crews is a recipe for disaster. 43 years in the trade and I stilled learned until I retired. For all you apprentices out there, read robs post, good advise there. My advise is if it don't look or sound right, ask! Don't be afraid to tell the foreman it unsafe.

[rob8210]

Thanks, Labor!

[rob8210]

The last I heard the bill for damage was close to $200,000