The case of the nocturnal boiler failure.

RayWohlfarth

In this case, the boiler was problem free for the past three years. On the first cold snap, the boiler didnt work. I checked it and it ran great while I was there. Satisfied it was working correctly, I left. Later that day, the owner called and said his building was cold. You will not believe what I found. https://youtube.com/watch?v=Y_tidilJwGc

PC7060

Hahaha, perfect example of the last idiot rule (“where was the last guy working?”).  And we all take turn being the idiot who caused a problem!   

RayWohlfarth

@PC7060 LOl exactly I have to give the electron credit for his innovation

RayWohlfarth

@PC7060 Electrician sorry

mattmia2

pretty sure the code says that central heating equipment has to be on its own circuit...

PC7060

mattmia2 said:

pretty sure the code says that central heating equipment has to be on its own circuit...

Yes, but it’s faster to steal a branch!  🙄

Solid_Fuel_Man

So, did you bill him for both times? Lol

Big_Burner

Solid_Fuel_Man said:

So, did you bill him for both times? Lol

Absolutely

JUGHNE

Yes, I believe that boiler should be on it's own circuit.

I have seen incandescent short out inside the bulb, without breaking the glass, and trip a breaker.
Or fluorescent ballasts short out and trip the circuit also.

This would put one out of heat maybe for the weekend....always friday PM.

And were the pumps on a separate circuit?

MaxMercy

So, did you bill him for both times? Lol

Absolutely

Even after he specifically asked you not to????????????

mattmia2

JUGHNE said:

I have seen incandescent short out inside the bulb, without breaking the glass, and trip a breaker.
Or fluorescent ballasts short out and trip the circuit also.

When the filament breaks it flops around. Sometimes it touches other pieces of the filament and becomes much shorter and therefore much lower resistance which is sometimes enough to trip the breaker or blow the fuse before it overheats and burns clear.

LED drivers either parts of lamps or parts of fixtures built with the cheapest parts the manufacturer can find can short in all sorts of ways.

RayWohlfarth

@Solid_Fuel_Man I did invoice for one service call trip charge and for the hour I was there on the second trip.
@JUGHNE They made the fire alarm company come back and fix it

exqheat

The most asked question by the professional: " What was the last guy here thinking?"

exqheat

Remember you called me. Problems take time to find. solutions are easy.
You Mr. customer did not find the problem. That's why you called me.
The boiler was fine.
It took time to find what the last guy did.
Your not paying for the two visits. Your paying me for the time to solve the problem.
You couldn't think of leaving the lights on. I did.
That's two problems solved.

RayWohlfarth

@exqheat Exactly Thanks

STEAM DOCTOR

exqheat said:

The most asked question by the professional: " What was the last guy here thinking?"

Not necessarily. The assumption that the last guy was thinking, is not necessarily correct.

CLamb

I'm surprised the owner never went to look at the malfunctioning boiler and noticed that it worked then.

RayWohlfarth

@CLamb The owner is not technical at all. I think he was just calling after hearing the office staff complain