Do you lock off?

[Andy78]

I'd agree that they're not the most reliable of instruments. I always check that they're functional before and after use, preferably on a live cable if not, then by the static on my clothes!

It worked before, it worked after, it still threw me a curveball. You are damn right they are not the most reliable of instruments, or use any reliable method to function.

 

[HandySparks]

Safe isolation of a 3036 would require the use of a blanking module after removal of the fuse carrier as you are potentially leaving exposed live parts, as safe isolation is prevent electric shock to anyone not just the person working on the circuit. This would also prevent accidental replacement of a fuse. So in answer to Murdochs question no it isn't safely isolaoted

It may not be 'safely isolated', but would you do it (given the circumstances outlined by Murdoch)?

 

[Andy78]

Safe isolation of a 3036 would require the use of a blanking module after removal of the fuse carrier as you are potentially leaving exposed live parts, as safe isolation is prevent electric shock to anyone not just the person working on the circuit. This would also prevent accidental replacement of a fuse. So in answer to Murdochs question no it isn't safely isolaoted

I see the point about being able to replace a fuse into the slot.
Is not the barrier requirement for both live parts and the front of an enclosure IP2X ? This would be afforded by the fuse base surely, therefore not leaving exposed live parts ?

 

[Plonker 3]

It may not be 'safely isolated', but would you do it (given the circumstances outlined by Murdoch)?

I probably would, but that doesn't mean that safe isolation is followed does it? If I were to get electrocuted you can almost be certain the coroner would attribute this to the cause.

 

[HandySparks]

I probably would, but that doesn't mean that safe isolation is followed does it? If I were to get electrocuted you can almost be certain the coroner would attribute this to the cause.

Indeed. And the poll is about what you actually do rather than what you think you should do!

 

[Plonker 3]

I see the point about being able to replace a fuse into the slot.
Is not the barrier requirement for both live parts and the front of an enclosure IP2X ? This would be afforded by the fuse base surely, therefore not leaving exposed live parts ?

It is indeed.

 

[Plonker 3]

Indeed. And the poll is about what you actually do rather than what you think you should do!

True, but I would like to think we are discussing the use of safe isolation rather than what we may do. Because as strange as it sounds I am sure there will be some who read this and think that we as competent sparks don't need to safely isolate so they don't need to neither.

I suppose one way of covering our backsides would be to say we have carried out a dynamic risk assessment.

 

[ruston]

I took the meaning as "do we practice what we preach." The degree of safe isolation (in a domestic) is proportional to the circumstances . You have to know that the circuit cannot be energized except by you.

 

[davesparks]

I always attach a 'do not switch on' sign in front of the DB, and keep the fuse in my pocket or lock the mcb off if there is anyone else in the building. Unless I am in a position to see anyone approach the DB

 

[bigdavs83]

I'll echo what's been said already. I work in commercial/industrial and we have been provided with the very fetching bumbag lock off kit. If it's seen or found out we have not applied the rams set out and not used a lock off kit its gross misconduct and up the road you go minus the van keys!! I have however been guilty in the past of not locking off whilst doing homers or working in my own house. It's very easy to get relaxed around the potential killer of electricity because we work with it every day and getting a "belt" somehow comes as part of the job! It shouldn't and no ones life is worth taking chances.

 

[baldsparkies]

Domestic !!
Remove cover, disconnect circuit cables from breaker, replace cover.
Started in the trade 1970, still here and going strong.
Works for me.
Commercial different ball game, but your after the same end result.
Working on an electrical circuit without causing harm to yourself, another person, or the installation.

 

[Tidy Max]

I just wear marigolds and wellies. Time is money gents.

 

[baldsparkies]

I just wear marigolds and wellies. Time is money gents.

I prefer yellow, goes with my PPE

 

[Geordie Spark]

Always ............ whenever I remember (and the Poll button thingy doesn't work on my lappy)

 

[Adam W]

I know you're always supposed to lock off, but as others have said you do your own risk assessment - if everyone in the house knows you're working on the electrics, you've told them you're going to knock the power off for a bit, even put a bit of tape and maybe a note on the MCB, what's the likelihood of someone coming along and turning it back on without you noticing?