Turning off breaker is dangerous?

[Richpatty]

Ok. Was at NIRVC last week and saw this on their electric hookups.

Thoughts?

 

[Neal]

My understanding was breaker off anytime connecting/disconnecting as the arcing potential is the danger or fingers on prongs? That sign seems to lead to more danger.

 

[Richpatty]

I agree…. Which is why I was so puzzled. I think they just don’t want their breakers to wear out…

 

[redbaron]

Unless it’s meant for the groundskeeper and other employees that turn off breakers when an owner is inside the Rv.

They don’t want to be like the last guy that got yelled at by a customer, thus the danger sign.

 

[Neal]

Can you even open it? It looks like it may be taped closed.

 

[Richpatty]

Yea… you can open them so you can plug in. I could have shut them off, but obeyed the sign…. Reluctantly.

 

[Jim]

Someone should ask. This goes against everything I've been told/learned.

 

[Richpatty]

Ok….so I posted this on the “other” forum, which I know NIRVC watches….and they did come back saying it was to avoid wear and tear on the breakers…

I still think it would be better and more of a sure bet to shut them of before, but I guess it’s their equipment.

The main reason we put that on the breaker boxes is because the unnecessary wear that happens from switching the breaker on and off. The most cautious way to plug and unplug the coach would be to leave the breaker on, check all four pins for correct voltage then plug in. The transfer switch has a delay so there will not be an arc when you plug in. The arc would usually happen when you unplug, you will see this because there are loads on in the motorhome. This is one reason why we want to shut off air conditioning, or electric heated floors before unplugging as those are some of the highest loads in the coach. Once the loads are shutdown in the coach any remaining arc will be negligible and won't cause ware.

 

[Neal]

For my safety and health of my coach I would turn off the breaker. Sorry, breakers are cheap. Electronics in motorhomes are not nor is the threat of getting shocked desired.

But I'm open to opinions/feedback, is turning off the breaker unnecessary?

 

[GTS225]

And there are switch-rated breakers, if the facility wishes to spend the few extra bucks.

Roger

 

[Kevin D Pem]

You do know there is a main breaker in your load center right?

 

[Texas Clodhopper]

Sign be damned, I'm turning the breaker off every time I plug in or unplug. I often see labels stating the opposite: Turn the breakers off when plugging in or unplugging.

 

[DennisT]

Yeah, I’d be turning off before plugging in even though I only plug in the watchdog first - make sure good - turn off breaker - plug in coach cable to watchdog - close breaker.

They don’t wear out that fast unless they are using cheap breakers.

Just my 2 cents.

 

[team bradfield]

Sign be damned, I'm turning the breaker off every time I plug in or unplug. I often see labels stating the opposite: Turn the breakers off when plugging in or unplugging.

x2 always turn off to plug/unplug

 

[Neemer]

That is a surprising answer from NIRVC. Times must be rough all over.