• Does the circuit feed from an electrical panel or breaker box? If so - can the breakers or switches be effectively locked and tagged out?

• If the circuit is fed from the utility, is the feed point underground or overhead? Is it a fused circuit? Can you isolate the circuit from the feed, or do you need to notify the utility?

WHAT ARE THE IMPORTANT ASPECTS OF THE CIRCUIT, AND WHERE ARE THEY?

• Circuits that branch off from the main circuit should be identified

• Junction boxes, splicing enclosures, and locations of previous repairs should be noted and located

• Isolation points where the circuit can be broken down should be identified

WALK THE CIRCUIT

     This important step is often overlooked or skipped. Fault locating work is all about gathering clues and information, and using these clues and information to efficiently pinpoint the problem the first time.

• Are there any hazards in your work area that require special attention?

• Is there any new construction in the area of your circuit that could have caused damage? New driveways, new curbs, and other construction often cause damage to underground cables.

• Has anything recently been installed along the circuit path? Trees, gardens, and mailboxes are common culprits that damage underground cables.

• Have any new utilities been installed underground near your circuit? Underground facilities that have been recently trenched, plowed, or directional drilled in could have damaged your circuit.

 Now that you have a better understanding of the circuit through schematics and by walking out the circuit, and you have positively identified the feed point, you are ready to move on to testing the circuit.

next - TESTING the CIRCUIT