exploreparadise2 Posted December 20, 2012 Report Share Posted December 20, 2012 I came across a panel where some of the circuit breaker handles were covered with duct tape. The panel was installed in a small retail building. The store manager told me the tape was there to prevent employees from turning off power to some circuits and not because the breakers were tripping. I recall that Mr. Hansen stated during a seminar that a circuit breaker can still trip in an overcurrent situation if the handle can't move. Do I remember that correctly? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marc Posted December 20, 2012 Report Share Posted December 20, 2012 Yes. Marc Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim Port Posted December 21, 2012 Report Share Posted December 21, 2012 There are breaker locks made specifically for this purpose. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AlexisnaveCA Posted January 29, 2016 Report Share Posted January 29, 2016 Hie exploreparadise2.. The fact is If you never want a breaker to trip, you might be able to watch your usage carefully enough to prevent that. But normal people, who inadvertently trip breakers , are not doing a no-no. The very tripping of breakers is what keeps everyone from ever truly overloading any circuits. So you don't have to wonder or worry. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim Katen Posted January 29, 2016 Report Share Posted January 29, 2016 Yes. Marc Agreed. You can't prevent a breaker from tripping by holding the handle in the "on" position. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rjbrown2 Posted February 2, 2016 Report Share Posted February 2, 2016 I would infer that Mr./Ms Retail is regularly using some of the breakers in the panelboard as switches (and SWD marked breakers are rated for such use as I understand) The tape is there as a guide or reminder to 'Don't open these circuits' rather than some brute force method of keeping the circuits energized. I have worked in an operation like that years ago. Usually the circuits that are a 'natural' for that are lighting circuits. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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