Tuesday, March 10, 2009

Electrical Disconnect

I received a pressure washer today from Italy. Thats not really news. The newsy bit was when I went to plug it in. Couldn't do it! The plug was different. Why is it that all electrical connections in the Oil Patch must be as individual as snowflakes? The generators are typically 3 phase but are often single phase. The loads are usually single phase but can also be three phase. Power outputs can vary from 220v-480 v and equipment can require anywhere from 120V-480V. Some equipment can only run on 50hz, some can only run on 60hz and some doesn't care. None of this stuff has any drawings or nameplates and can only be identified with intuition and a fluke meter.
Why does it have to be this way...always.
Calling the sparky now...

4 comments:

schmerly said...

pj.. you don't need a Fluke, a touch with a wet finger is just as good, and the results are a lot more fun!!

pj said...

Funny you should mention that. I been on a number of units where the grounding was "less than perfect". Shocking this day nd age. ( bad pun intended).

pj said...

btw kudos for knowing what a fluke meter is :)

schmerly said...

pj.. Don't forget I'm an instrument engineer, I've stolen quite a few over the years off projects I've been on! so don't say where have all the bloody Fluke's gone? caus' now you know!