It’s been my experience that some of the most significant electric arcs occur during the racking of draw out circuit breakers; I have written on the potential hazards while performing this work task.

See the picture below of the inside of a typical rackable circuit breaker.

While discussing remote racking devices during a recent NFPA 70E course, some of the students stated that when manually racking breakers, they can feel if there is a problem (such as increased resistance) and can rack the breaker back out, if necessary. The students expressed concerned whether a remote racking device continues racking if there was a potential problem.

Remote racking devices are equipped with a clutch and will stop turning whenever you reached the maximum torque setting. Some units have an auto set clutch; with others you set the clutch for a pre-determined torque.

Remote racking devices significantly reduce, if not eliminate, exposure to qualified employees while racking breakers. I strongly recommend that you evaluate your circuit breakers to determine if they are compatible with remote racking devices.

Jon