Unsafe at any speed electrician
 

Just had our AFCI breakers swapped out last week. I cringed when I observed him pop out the old breaker then use a cordless drill to both unscrew the hot and neutral leads and then install the new breakers still using the drill. The drill clutch was on full drill, no slip. I questioned him on his unique technique. He told me that he knows his drill and how would I do it. Told him by hand both for safety and workmanship reasons. He didn't agree, he knows his drill. Never in my 45 year working career have I observed any electrician do something so stupid. Not only could he have over tightened the screws, he may also have slipped with his drill and landed straight into the buss bar. Is this a Florida thing or what ?

Now go and check using a screw driver the screws in the hinges on your homes doors
You'll be surpised how many were stripped when they were origionaly installed by the contractor using a 18 volt cordless

Using a drill for wood is understandable and common practice. But a circuit breaker ?

The the screws on newer circuit breakers are designed for square drive heads-also the breakers are designed for certain torque settings--call the company, speak to his supervisor, I really doubt he knows the true torque settings-When I was in business I had my employees use Milwaukee electric screw drivers.

All of our interior plastic electrical box plates are deformed because the installer(s) tightened the screws too much.

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What makes you suggest it is a Florida thing? I haven't had a Floridian do one thing in our house. Everyone is a retired "whatever" from New York or New Jersey.

It was a warranty issue, otherwise I would have done it myself. The service electrician was a local.

Eaton says 28-32 inch/pounds for the wire size that would attached to a 20 amp AFCI

I know what 3 ft lbs sounds like on a drill. His wrist spun when it landed. Will bring down my small torque wrench next trip. Thanks for the info.

You will also find that a lot of the "electricians" that show up to do service work are not licensed. The requirement seems to be that as long as an employee in the office holds a license, they are covered.

thats true in all the trades

That's how everybody gets away with cheap help. Right to work states are wonderful.

I don't understand why he at least didn't put the drill in clutch slip setting. I never us my drill on full lockout unless I am drilling in metal or wood. I've been mechanic for 48 years and can torque stuff based on size and materials. But, even I would not of done that especially on someone else's property. Sometimes I just can't watch some one else work!

Definitely, verify if ANY workers on your property are covered by workers comp insurance.

IF that electrician ( tree trimmer, handyman, etc) gets injured on your property, he can sue you and win.

Check with Seniors vs Crime for full details. In fact, check with them before having work performed to see if you are dealing with a reputable person.