TIL my old boss was right about using a torque screwdriver on panel lugs

I always thought it was overkill until I saw a 200 amp main fail in a new build, and the fire marshal pointed to uneven torque as the cause. He pulled out his own tool and showed me the spec sheet, saying 'This isn't a suggestion, it's a procedure.' How many of you actually torque every connection, or do you still go by feel?

2 comments

2 Comments

dakota_burns969d ago

Wait, the fire marshal carries his own torque screwdriver? That's... intense.

casey4859d ago

Makes total sense actually. They need to check if emergency exit hardware is installed right. Like those panic bars on doors. If the bolts are too loose, the whole thing fails when someone pushes on it. That's a huge safety risk in a real fire. So yeah, having the right tool to check that stuff is pretty basic for the job.