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Author Topic: Antique Functional Electrical Vault  (Read 9618 times)

Tom Bourke

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Antique Functional Electrical Vault
« on: August 29, 2014, 09:21:26 PM »

I found this on a metal working forum I frequent. http://www.machinerymoverschicago.com/blog/Antique-Functional-Electrical-Vault/

From the thread I read on it the system voltage is 240V.  The exposed buss bars are not normally accessible to the operator.  The operator is exposed to the hot knife switches.  The big switches have secondary carbon pads that are first make/last break to limit the damage from arcing.
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Scott Holtzman

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Re: Antique Functional Electrical Vault
« Reply #1 on: August 30, 2014, 06:15:30 AM »

I found this on a metal working forum I frequent. http://www.machinerymoverschicago.com/blog/Antique-Functional-Electrical-Vault/

From the thread I read on it the system voltage is 240V.  The exposed buss bars are not normally accessible to the operator.  The operator is exposed to the hot knife switches.  The big switches have secondary carbon pads that are first make/last break to limit the damage from arcing.

What a work of art, I get the same feeling when in ancient phone vaults.   I also enjoy old broadcast transmitters.  Knowing the potential on the plates always kept you on your toes as you tuned the grid/output.  Those huge glass tubes were lovely also.


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Jonathan Johnson

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Re: Antique Functional Electrical Vault
« Reply #2 on: August 30, 2014, 02:39:59 PM »

The obligatory disclaimer:

It should be noted that these examples of old electrical installations violate many portions of current electrical, building, and occupational safety codes, but they are typically "grandfathered" in because they met the codes when they were installed.

Even though the installations are very neatly done by tradesmen who were obviously proud of their craft, they should not be considered an example of safe construction practices.
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Stephen Swaffer

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Re: Antique Functional Electrical Vault
« Reply #3 on: August 30, 2014, 04:01:01 PM »

I agree Jonathan.  However, I always admire the workmanship involved in many of these old installs.   As well I find it enlightening/intriguing that a previous generation managed to use gear that we find extremely hazardous-yet they were smart enough to do so reasonably safely.  If only we would learn to combine present day knowledge and safety by design with yesteryears awareness of the potential hazards!
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Steve Swaffer

Jonathan Johnson

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Re: Antique Functional Electrical Vault
« Reply #4 on: August 30, 2014, 08:14:16 PM »

I always admire the workmanship involved in many of these old installs.

I do, too. It seems that quality workmanship these days is hit-or-miss. An industrial facility that I occasionally do computer work for has two nearly identical, large, machine control panels, but they were built by different panel shops. One is done very neatly, and if you saw it by itself you would probably be impressed. But the other is absolutely a work of art that makes the first look haphazard.

The shop that built the second one? They also do residential, commercial, and industrial wiring. They have divisions that install low voltage (data networks, security systems, etc.), traffic signals and street lighting, and utility distribution. Every one of those divisions exhibits stellar workmanship. They train their electricians well and hold them to high standards.
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Jonathan Johnson

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Re: Antique Functional Electrical Vault
« Reply #5 on: August 30, 2014, 08:21:50 PM »

This is true craftsmanship in the modern age, found on the 'net. Electrical contractor not identified.



Source: http://www.electriciansonlinetraining.net/__conduit_bending_emt.html

If you do it right the first time, you won't have to do it right a second time.
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Cailen Waddell

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Re: Antique Functional Electrical Vault
« Reply #6 on: August 30, 2014, 08:50:24 PM »


This is true craftsmanship in the modern age, found on the 'net. Electrical contractor not identified.



Source: http://www.electriciansonlinetraining.net/__conduit_bending_emt.html

If you do it right the first time, you won't have to do it right a second time.

At a theater I used to work at, we had a dimmer renovation, and the electricians were a couple good ole boys from the sticks.  Every single one of their conduit runs and bends looked like this.  Every single one.   When the factory tech from ETC came to do the turn on he said it was the cleanest work he had ever seen.   He took pictures, I'll try to did someone.  Tradesman that take that much pride in their work are getting harder to find, and all seem to be, politely, near retirement age.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
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frank kayser

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Re: Antique Functional Electrical Vault
« Reply #7 on: August 31, 2014, 12:54:32 PM »

I found this on a metal working forum I frequent. http://www.machinerymoverschicago.com/blog/Antique-Functional-Electrical-Vault/

From the thread I read on it the system voltage is 240V.  The exposed buss bars are not normally accessible to the operator.  The operator is exposed to the hot knife switches.  The big switches have secondary carbon pads that are first make/last break to limit the damage from arcing.
Interesting that the meter POCP meter sockets and some of the conduit seem to be very recent.  Interesting, too, are some of the rules governing grandfathering - some jurisdictions require "everything" be brought up to code when making "upgrades", while others seem to be more of a "permanent" grandfathering.  No doubt, a balancing act between safety and cost to the business. 


frank
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Stephen Swaffer

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Re: Antique Functional Electrical Vault
« Reply #8 on: August 31, 2014, 04:53:43 PM »

Tradesman that take that much pride in their work are getting harder to find, and all seem to be, politely, near retirement age.


So too are the customers that are willing to pay for quality work. Just as in the audio world, the bottom line for may customers is the dollar.  Quality workmanship often takes more time, and quality workers cost more to keep on the payroll. The reality is that I prefer to do top of the line work, but I have to stay busy which means I have to be competitive even with guys that take shortcuts.  Just like you can't take your best rig to every gig.
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Steve Swaffer

Tom Bourke

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Re: Antique Functional Electrical Vault
« Reply #9 on: August 31, 2014, 08:06:14 PM »

Interesting that the meter POCP meter sockets and some of the conduit seem to be very recent.  Interesting, too, are some of the rules governing grandfathering - some jurisdictions require "everything" be brought up to code when making "upgrades", while others seem to be more of a "permanent" grandfathering.  No doubt, a balancing act between safety and cost to the business. 


frank
Also interesting is the guy who posted those pics was working on the "hazardous side" with out full PPE.  The chunk he was touching was dead but the stuff around him was not.  He had commented about sweaty hands!  :o 
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I have a mild form of Dyslexia that affects my ability to spell.  I do use spell checking to help but it does not always work.  My form of Dyslexia does not affect my reading.  Dyslexics of the world untie! <a href="http://www.cwalv.com" target="_blank">http://www.cwalv.com</a>

ProSoundWeb Community

Re: Antique Functional Electrical Vault
« Reply #9 on: August 31, 2014, 08:06:14 PM »


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