Testing Times!

[Marvo]

its just the Postoffice who insist on a unbroken supply

Lol, if I had a pound for every time I was told 'we can't knock the power off' I'd have retired years ago. Speak to the manager and remind him of his legal responsibilities to ensure safety of employees and the general public and tell him there will be a requirement for an arranged power down so he must just stop moaning and start making the necessary arrangements. You can also remind him that the testing will highlight most issues that could cause future power outages and instabilities so not allowing the power-down for full testing is actually shooting himself in the foot in the long run.

 

[Sharpend]

Well said, it always amazes me that electricity is the unseen enemy, yet so many businesses think you have magical powers to fault find/test without powering down. It begs the question what kind of service have they been used too by previous electricians. Why can't we just do our job and do it correctly?

 

[Marvo]

I think a lot of the time they just take a chance because it's a lot of hassle to power down machinery and POS systems and computer servers etc. Possibly the tactic has paid off in the past where other electricians have compromised. If they're adamant they won't allow the power outage I warn them I'll insist on a copy of their in-house regulations that prevent it and the refusal in writing with their signature on it so future issues will be referred straight back to them with proof.