When testing electric pumps and their controllers, what shall the inspector do first?

When testing electric pumps and their controllers, what shall the inspector do first?

• A. Apply lockout/tag out procedures.
• B. Determine all possible sources of electrical supply to the equipment.
• C. Open controller cabinet.
• D. Start pump and run for 30 minutes

Answer: (B)

Identifying all sources of electrical supply feeding the pump and its controller must come first. Knowing every possible source lets you plan complete isolation and de-energization, so no hidden feed can energize parts during testing. After identifying the sources, you would apply lockout/tagout and verify zero energy before proceeding. Opening the controller cabinet or starting the pump without establishing isolation exposes you to live voltages or unexpected motion, which is unsafe.

Identifying all sources of electrical supply feeding the pump and its controller must come first. Knowing every possible source lets you plan complete isolation and de-energization, so no hidden feed can energize parts during testing. After identifying the sources, you would apply lockout/tagout and verify zero energy before proceeding. Opening the controller cabinet or starting the pump without establishing isolation exposes you to live voltages or unexpected motion, which is unsafe.