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Tuesday, May 23, 2017

Question:

Re: CQD answer published Tuesday, May 16, 2017 -Locking Doors

In response to Doug Gerke's question related to keeping the door closed/locked for safety, a Purdue student named Wade Steffey was electrocuted and killed in a dorm due to contact with a transformer. It could have been prevented had the door been properly latched and locked.

While not Code or OSHA required, it only makes sense to utilize the safety measures available. Maybe sharing Wade's story will help save another life in this situation.

https://news.uns.purdue.edu/x/2007a/070320PoliceSteffey.html

Thanks, Alec Hoffman

A

Answer:

Hey Alec thanks for sharing that incident. According to the news article the room contained high voltage equipment which evidently had exposed live parts.  Doors to those types or rooms are required to be locked as stated in 110.34(C) and 490.35 and must have signs DANGER — HIGH VOLTAGE — KEEP OUT.

But as you point out using available safety measures - such as locking doors to limit access even where there are no exposed live parts can help prevent incidents and is allowed as stated in 110.26(F).

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CHARLIE TROUT: Charles M. Trout, better known as Charlie, was a nationally known NEC® expert and author. He served on several NEC® technical committees and is past chairman of CMP-12. In 2006 Charlie was awarded the prestigious Coggeshall Award for outstanding contributions to the electrical contracting industry, codes and standards development, and technical training. Even though Charlie passed away in October of 2015, his work continues in spirit. NECA continues to maintain this question forum for its many subscribers in memory and recognition of all his significant contributions to making the NEC what it is today.

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