Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Why where such poorly designed Safety Switches ever allowed on the market

 At top left is one of the most dangerously designed electrical safety switches I have ever worked with. By looking at this switch can you tell if it is on or off?  VS the bottom left picture .

The switch at top left came on the market in the 60's and was finally put to bed in late 90's after how many electricians including myself  when I was a rookie experienced being shocked when it looked like handle was off and also having the stab on inside breaking and not separating from the interlock insuring power to circuit is broken.

Why these style switches where ever allowed on the market and then allowed to stay on the market so long and then never recalled is beyond negligence but it is the same old story  as long as it meet minimum requirements and there only to be installed and used by professionals there will be no action. Screw the rookie electricians and any one else who may come across it and not operate it properly because it is a confusing product.

                                                    It appears the original intent of the design was the preventing of the handle getting snagged  as it did not stick out as far as the bottom switch but what a bad way to do it.

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