| We renovating a section of our factory in Southern New York state, and about
| to recondition a number of our old ovens and other equipment from that area
| that have a variety of old twist lock plugs of various designs. I am
| considering having them changed to regular straight blade 6-15 and 6-20
| plugs, but I am wondering if there is some NEC or OSHA requirements for
| twist lock plugs on certain equipment.
There can be such requirements. You have to consult with appropriate
experts or authority to determine. But basically, the intent for the
twist-lock plugs is to prevent inadvertent disconnection of power.
I do know of one business that got fed up with its janitors unplugging
computers and other equipment to power the vacuum cleaners and floor
sweepers. So they had twist-lock plugs put on the machines the janitors
use (sold it to them saying they wouldn't fall out so easily) and put
in sufficient twist-lock receptacles for the janitors to use.
I wonder if there are any cases where straight blade is safer because of
the ability to pull the plug easier in a panic, such as when the floor
waxer is climbing the walls.
| Phil Howard KA9WGN |
I have seen multiple instances where employees unfamiliar with the need to
twist before attempting to pull a twist-lock plug from its receptacle just
kept pulling (some with their foot up against the wall) until something gave
way! In some cases the receptacle, and/or plug was damaged. In others the
box was pulled from the wall.
You would think that after three or four times with the same outlet
management would invest the time to train operators?
Louis --
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