4.

Outlets
a.

b.

Outlet boxes and device covers generally were specified to

be phenolic composition in order to effect economies and
obtain corrosion-resistant qualities.

Outlet box mounting brackets and plates were designed and
made up of extruded aluminum. Design was such that they
were suitable for a number of different type boxes.

In certain areas, such as the CMR, special equipment was installed.
Design of the wiring for this equipment was made by Users.
As the work progressed, material scarcity and long delivery dates
caused difficulties and it became necessary to make substitutions in
order to keep within the construction schedules, Substituted materials
were all Underwriters approved and performed satisfactorily. These substitutions consisted mainly of safety switches, some of which had to
have fuse reducers installed; certain lighting fixtures; panels, as
indicated above; conduit fittings, etc. Costs were, in some cases,
greater than the original design specified, but the gain in completion
more than offset the slight increase in costs.
Some difficulty was experienced with plastic-case circuit breaker
handles sticking. Excessive absorption of moisture and small clearances
between the handle and enclosing case were found to be the causes.
This trouble was corrected by applying heat to drive out the moisture
and, in some cases, by installing incandescent lamps in the panel to
provide heat.
From the experience gained in the electrical work on this Project,
several recommendations may be made for future jobs of like nature.
1.

The use of fused switches instead of circuit breakers for

circuits other than lighting should be considered,

Fuses are

more easily changed in ratings to accommodate last minute
changes in loads, and their action on overload or short-circuit
would not be materially affected by adverse moisture conditions.
Exceptions to this might be installations where space would be
at a premium. There circuit breakers would be used.

2.

3.

Light fixtures exposed to strong winds should be specified to

have a screw-type reflector to prevent loosening such as might
occur with other types.
Porcelain lamp-holders, with their heavier and stronger sections,

should be used instead of composition lamp-holders which, be-

cause of their thin sections and low compression strength,
were often broken at the socket or near the mounting holes.
4.

Tumbler wall-type switches should be substituted for canopypull-chain switches, which often became defective.

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