1960's switchgear

[OzWiz]

Had a job interview recently at a large government owned educational site. One of the questions asked was about what promlems one might encounter with 1960's switchgear as they have a fair bit on the site. This is not something i have had much experience with so had to blag it...

I know there will be people here who know what they were after so any info would be of interest...

Cheers...

 

[wozz]

asbestos springs to mind

 

[OzWiz]

Didn't think of that at all! Was thinking in terms of worn parts, undersized conductors etc. Thanks!

 

[wozz]

by the description you give i would have thought the building is riddled with it, so they maybe questioning you to find out if you would consult the asbestos register (which is sumtimes useless) before commencing work.

 

[revjames]

Not to mention PCBS

 

[Riggy]

Not to mention PCBS

Good call!

Carcinogens were very popular in the '60's. ray

 

[Evans Electric]

Another thing to watch out for is colours. Picture the MEM style switchfuses and isolators (other makes too) , the older ones show GREEN when ON and RED when OFF (as traffic lights I guess) Then they were changed around (15th edition I think) to GREEN for OFF (Safe) RED for ON (Danger) .

Could be dangerous if you are suddenly working in an older premises.

 

[revjames]

Good call!Carcinogens were very popular in the '60's. ray

I have encountered it quite a lot over the years. It used to be in everything from transformers to chokes in fittings.

 

[Riggy]

I have encountered it quite a lot over the years. It used to be in everything from transformers to chokes in fittings.

Also in power factor correction capacitors.