Electric Substation Safety Message Board
Padmount transformer
I recently had the misfortune of being involved with an arc blast from a three phase pad. I was pulling a oil sample and came in contact with the secondary live. I had boots covering but evidently not all the way. With the exception of some minor burns and hair loss I am ok. My question to anyone of you is this. Padmounts have the sample valve stuck way down behind wires. I have to go into the prohibited approach boundary to reach the sample valve. Is there a safe way to sample or are there OSHA regs that state the unit must be de-energized? I had all the correct PPE and FR on. But to me sampling these energized is dangerous even with rubber blankets and boots. By the way the unit was 480/270. Any replies is greatly appreciated
Tom, having worked around many pads I woulnd't do anything in a 480v trans. Some pads have a sampling valve in the primary compt. I would hope an interuption could be arranged, for this quick job. If something broke or didn't work with sampling valve you are in a pickle with the tub hot. Just my ven6thoughts.
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