Circuit Breaker Panel

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Circuit Breaker Panel

The circuit breakers for the space are located on the northeast corner of the building; to the left corner facing the window.

Layout of panel

[TODO: Table with name and position of breakers, blow amperage, nominal amperage, wattage.]

Description of circuits

[TODO: One heading for each named circuit. Voltage, Blow Amperage, Nominal Use Amperage (80% Rule), and 80% wattage. Basic description of circuit and its constituents. Unordered list per each heading, of what it powers.]

Warnings

Hazards: The panel is a HIGH VOLTAGE environment.

Live voltage at high current is ALWAYS PRESENT at the panel.

Not A Switch!

Do not use the circuit breakers to generally interrupt power to circuits, or to turn off equipment under normal circumstances.

In Case Of Unplanned Loss of Power

If a circuit is opened (“blown”, shuts off) randomly and completely unprovoked, do NOT turn the breaker back on without:

  • a safety inspection and audit of
    • the equipment connected
    • and its circuit
  • by a senior and knowledgeable member, and
  • with an O.K. by a board member.

If a circuit is blown while powering on or operating high-current devices or tools under load, that circuit may be overbooked for your use. Find another circuit that is less populated, which can handle it.

Circuit limits, outlet limits

We only have NEMA 5-15 receptacle power outlets at the space for general use. These are rated for 15 amps of constant current PER OUTLET, maximum - but does NOT specify the maximum current available to the circuit.

If you are connecting a high-current load to a 15-amp circuit, other devices on the circuit can easily overrun the current limitation for that circuit.

Don't use our electricity to mine bitcoin or run high-current ambient loads, please. Not only is it expensive, but it keeps others from being able to use the circuits for tools and projects at the space.

Also Please, do not coalesce or combine two circuits by their plugs with a so-called “Y-cable”. Yikes.

DON'T MESS WITH THE PANEL! EVER!!!

Do not interact with the parts behind the panel, add new circuits, or otherwise tamper with the breaker panel unless you are OUR certified electrician and approved by the Building.

I don't give one flying damn if your arc welder keeps tripping the circuit and you “need a 50-amp for it”.

Upgrading the panel, adding new circuits, or installing higher-rated service is likely to require a board decision, and also a proposition to our landlord in most cases.

Sorry for the language, but it got your attention, I hope?