Do you really need insulated tools?

[pc1966]

Wonder what percentage of sparks have cut through a live cable that they 'knew for certain' was dead?

I suspect it is far more common than we would like to think!

If you are cutting a cable where you can see the end and have just proving it dead, probably not. But if you have isolated a circuit and proven it dead in order to cut in to add something half-way along, then you can't be so sure!

That is possibly one of the few cases with a non-contact indicator might help to show the cable is not as dead as expected, but as they can't be trusted it would definitely be a case of insulated cutters and keeping one's face well back just in case.

Of course, if it is a high current conductor like a sub-main then you really ought to have some arc-flash PPE in use; at the very least some heat resistant leather gloves and a face mask.

 

[pc1966]

If doing PPE properly of course you get arc-flash rated clothing and should ware that as well as gloves & face-mask.

But even you are not dealing with such a high energy risk it is a good idea not to wear synthetic material such as nylon or polyester for jumpers & shirts, etc, normally. Cotton or wool is better, it is still not heat/flame proof, but at least won't melt and stick to your skin making such an incident a whole lot worse than it could have been.

 

[telectrix]

my lad once cut through a "disused" shower cable, ruined a pair of CK cutters. plumber had told him it was dead/disconnected.

Isaid to my lad. lesson 1.......never trust a wet-pants.

 

[Rockingit]

It's like this...... you don't need to be wearing a seatbelt in a car. Until the accident happens.

 

[7029 dave]

Yes you do need them, would never use anything else, anyway I love my boddingtons.

 

[telectrix]

Yes you do need them, would never use anything else, anyway I love my boddingtons.

i prefer Marstons.

 

[Pete999]

i prefer Marstons.

I

 

[Pete999]

I prefer "Cotes Du Rhone" cus I used to be posh

 

[7029 dave]

i prefer Marstons.

Is it a good beer Tel.

 

[7029 dave]

I prefer "Cotes Du Rhone" cus I used to be posh

Lol not a bad wine Pete