Mario is a great asset to have available to you. He's one of a rare breed who can "do", explain what they are "doing" and also explain why they are "doing" it in a particular way. Thanks to he Slater for letting you "borrow" him to do this vital job.
18robsmith. Thanks for watching as always. He is a CPO stationed here with the US Coast Guard. He got involved during the Sullivans sinking with the Coast Guard. He's been a great asset while working under the tutelage of Barry at USS Slater.
Jeebusk...thanks for checking back in! Appreciate it. With other duties, I haven't been able to make as many videos in the past, but will continue as best I can!
When I worked on shipboard electrical systems, many years ago, I remember the ground detection lamps indicated a fault. Maybe with wye connected shore power it's normal.
@@BuffaloNavalPark Bringing back old memories. In the mid-70's was on a floating submarine dry dock that was built in '43. Four engine rooms with two diesel engines each and two switch boards and remote metering and generator controls each. If a sub was in dock an engine room was supplying power to the sub and the E/R was rotated each day. Anyway, whether we were going to be bringing in, or getting rid (shitting the sub) of a sub; all E/R's would come on line and operate independently. All the ground detector lamps were on and I flipped the test switch. It indicated a full C phase ground. We paralleled to the bus and I checked the ground detector. It had vanished and never came back. We also provided fresh water and cooling water for the reactor. No idea how that operated. We provided and it was them that determined things after that. The sub crew went to floating quarters in a barge. A palatial change for them.
The whole 7 minutes leading up to that I’m saying to myself “I hope they all stand away from that panel” we’re taught to look away anytime we have to “throw the big switch” lol….. good job guys
This is a big step in re-establishing shore power and restoring this ship which I'm finding out is more and more a very special ship. But I think you folks already knew that🙂 Once again no news is good news
thank you, Steven for your support. She is a special ship. She had a terrible emergency last year, but we are working hard to move away from that event and to keep her healthy going forward!
Robert, we are planning a lot this year...starting with the 80th of the launching in April right through Sept with her 80th commissioning. We are also partnering to do events with USS Kidd and USS Cassin Young as it is also their 80th anniversaries.
Thanks Tim, I'm sure logistics make it difficult, but if you're ever interested, just let us know...we have people who volunteer for an extended weekend from all over the country!
@@BuffaloNavalPark thank you. The restoration of the electrical distribution is right up my alley. That and my love for these old vessels and the desire to see them live on.
"ALIVE! IT'S ALIVE!" 😂 Sorry, I couldn't help myself. How about finding some part numbers or descriptions of those meters so your loyal audience can beat the bushes for parts. Just a thought.
This video is a long long way from showing viewers the how and why of restoration of power onboard and if we are to take it at face value it shows some of the reasons the ship sank in the first place and does not instill confidence in its future. What did those very bright ground detector lights do when the test switch was pressed? It was tested wasn't it? Why are they all so bright? They should not be at full brightness when insulation resistance is acceptable. What is the leakage current on the now higher voltage? The first video never stated that the "testing" was done with lower (1/2 ?) voltage which produced less stress on the insulation. The fact that 20A fuses did not blow is far from proving that the hull is not dangerously energized and capable of either dissolving in the next few weeks or killing the first person to complete the circuit between the ship and a shore ground. Has anyone measured the voltage between the hull and a shore ground? Having everyone standing on rubber mats in the middle of the engine room was kind of amusing but doesn't speak well of the knowledge and skills of those present at this little exhibition. Relying on leakage current to "heat" the cabling is absurd, current through the leakage path(s) does nothing but damage the already weakened insulation. Either load the circuit and hope for the best or use low voltage DC in a closed circuit to warm the conductors. Why are you waiting to apply power to the lighting transformers? Megger test the transformer circuit from the switchboard and either power them up - they make a good load to warm the rest of the conductors - or isolate them if they are ruined. Waiting for another video is not doing the ship or its equipment any good, it just gives more time for moisture intrusion, corrosion, and damage. A competent marine electrician will know the how and why of restoring compromised equipment, hire one today and stop pretending to "save the Sullivans".
Indeed the video is just a snapshot, depicting one short event in the 8 month long process to get this far. I have been working with Mario and the others at every step. In order to keep these videos watchable, a lot of technical boredom is omitted. We are being extremely cautious, as Mario stated in this video, we trust nothing until proven safe. The ground detector lights appeared brighter than usual, I suspect, because the lighting level in the space is low and the video camera makes everything look brighter than in reality - just look at the other temporary lights for comparison. At every step, the team takes phase-to-phase resistance measurements and phase-to-hull measurements using a megohmmeter (megger). Each phase -to-hull has been very encouraging, several megaohms each. We know the hull is not energized. Phase-to-phase readings internal to the cable indicates some moisture may still be present. Where readings are too low, we do not energize, but rather force off the moisture via external means. The 20 amp fuses used in the temporary fused disconnect are there to minimize arc flash should there be an undetected fault. The next step will be to energize the lighting transformer bank, but the inrush current is greater than 20A, so larger fuses are needed. We will only take that step once the 450VAC part of the switchboard is proven functional and safe. Your criticism of the pace is unprofessional. Safety is paramount. Accidents happen when people rush. Everything is checked and rechecked before any action is taken. That makes for boring videos, however. Yes, if there were more people and more financial resources, the pace would go faster, no doubt. When on active duty, I was trained to restore electric equipment from salt water immersion, and we are using those same practices on The Sullivans. The equipment is old, but built to the same standards so I have no doubt that with care, the electrical system can be properly and safely restored.
@@barrywitte6562 My criticism is not of the pace, it is of the process, but thanks for the additional information as it raises more questions. I was incorrect in stating that the first video did not say that initial testing was done at lower voltage when in fact Mario and Shane said it was. Given it is a 3 phase system, the voltage was probably 208V but still the low resistance leaked 100mA someplace, either between conductors or to the hull. That amount of current at that voltage means the insulation resistance was around 2K Ohms which is far less than “several megohms”. The fuses in that disconnect on deck sure look like Bussman KT series from the home store. If that is what they are, they might be fast acting but are not fast enough to prevent an arc flash. This video begs the question, why bother with the risk of electrical fires, shock hazards, and electrolytic corrosion issues resulting from trying to reenergize a sunken electrical system? Energizing any of the 450V bus and branch circuits that were flooded before complete disassembly, inspection, overhaul, reassembly and testing to manufacturer’s standards along with replacement of flooded cabling is pointless. If all you want to do is provide lighting and utility outlets you don’t need to energize the switchboard and lighting transformers. If the lighting circuits on the port side were never wet, isolate them from the board and power them from a 120V supply hidden in some out of the way space. Run new cable for lighting in the formerly submerged compartments. The fixtures are probably corroded and electrically unsound junk by now but can most likely be gutted and refitted with LED bulbs.
@@oldtugs Fair comments, there's always a few ways to skin a cat... but the proper and safe way you suggest is correct. I own a 1943 patrol boat that was sunk at its moorings by well intention-ed museum staff, lucky for me the entire wiring system is tinned copper with rubber insulation, thanks to a navy refit in the sixties. Im still restoring the boat and modernising the engines and generators along the way.
@@oldtugs Well,OldTugs, you have technically valid points, but you do not have all of the information, just what has been presented in these TH-cam updates. I do not wish to argue with you in a public forum such as this. In fact I would argue with very little you say. If you are here to pick a fight, I politely decline. If you truly care about the ship, I invite you to contact the Buffalo Naval Park and volunteer your services.
@@barrywitte6562 "... you do not have all of the information, just what has been presented in these TH-cam updates." There is little if any real information provided by the organization that publishes these videos in order to attract financial support and publicize the park's attractions. I am not here to argue with anyone, just to point out the risks of allowing "well intentioned" but unqualified volunteers and staff to perform technical work and make operational decisions beyond their skill level. As I have pointed out in the past, that is what sunk the ship the first time. If you want public funding, expect public accountability.
Crying tears of joy for her . Thank you so much !
We'll keep you and everyone updated!
Mario is a great asset to have available to you. He's one of a rare breed who can "do", explain what they are "doing" and also explain why they are "doing" it in a particular way. Thanks to he Slater for letting you "borrow" him to do this vital job.
18robsmith. Thanks for watching as always. He is a CPO stationed here with the US Coast Guard. He got involved during the Sullivans sinking with the Coast Guard. He's been a great asset while working under the tutelage of Barry at USS Slater.
Glad to see power back to the board! Another step twords getting her powered back up
Agreed Jeremiah! Appreciate your support. Slow and steady will win this race for sure!
Outstanding to see the progress coming along smoothly
Thanks Patrick...we're taking it slow and really parsing out a five step process into 15 steps! Appreciate your support!
@@BuffaloNavalPark most welcome. I totally appreciate how and why!
Progress! It's great that you have such capable volunteers helping out. Kudos to all!
Thank you! ehermann01! Appreciate your comment, and thanks for your support as always!
Great job guys!
Thank you, prsklenar. I'll pass along your support and well wishes!
Bravo Zulu, all! Thanks for the great video, it's fun to see the ship's restoration as it happens.
Thank you, Michael! Appreciate your support! We were excited to bring everyone this video, and we'll be bringing updates as they happen!
As an Electrical Engineer myself, this is exactly how I would do it!
Thanks for your support, Sosayweall1952! We'll continue to provide updates to the electrical panels.
Well done.
Thank you, amnucc! Appreciate your continued support!
Good Luck
Thanks!!
It's great to see progress, i don't know why i haven't seen many recent videos.
Jeebusk...thanks for checking back in! Appreciate it. With other duties, I haven't been able to make as many videos in the past, but will continue as best I can!
@@BuffaloNavalPark
I got distracted too!
It's great to see the progress, things seem to be looking up!
Thank you, Jeff! Appreciate your support as always! She's slowly coming back to life!
When I worked on shipboard electrical systems, many years ago, I remember the ground detection lamps indicated a fault. Maybe with wye connected shore power it's normal.
Thanks for watching and your comment. This video is a few years old now, and there's been a lot of headway. I should do an updated one. Appreciate it!
@@BuffaloNavalPark Thank you for restoring an important part of the ship.
@@BuffaloNavalPark Bringing back old memories. In the mid-70's was on a floating submarine dry dock that was built in '43. Four engine rooms with two diesel engines each and two switch boards and remote metering and generator controls each.
If a sub was in dock an engine room was supplying power to the sub and the E/R was rotated each day.
Anyway, whether we were going to be bringing in, or getting rid (shitting the sub) of a sub; all E/R's would come on line and operate independently. All the ground detector lamps were on and I flipped the test switch.
It indicated a full C phase ground. We paralleled to the bus and I checked the ground detector. It had vanished and never came back.
We also provided fresh water and cooling water for the reactor. No idea how that operated. We provided and it was them that determined things after that.
The sub crew went to floating quarters in a barge. A palatial change for them.
super awesome
Thanks for your support!
Great Success !😃
Thanks! 😃 We're getting there...slow and steady wins the race! Appreciate your support!
The whole 7 minutes leading up to that I’m saying to myself “I hope they all stand away from that panel” we’re taught to look away anytime we have to “throw the big switch” lol….. good job guys
Thanks donkeyboy585. I know nothing about electricity, so I'm glad they said that out loud! Appreciate it!
Yeah, you really don't want to have the assembly become shrapnel.
This is a big step in re-establishing shore power and restoring this ship which I'm finding out is more and more a very special ship. But I think you folks already knew that🙂 Once again no news is good news
thank you, Steven for your support. She is a special ship. She had a terrible emergency last year, but we are working hard to move away from that event and to keep her healthy going forward!
Will there be any celebrations to the 80th Birthday of the USS The Sullivans?
Robert, we are planning a lot this year...starting with the 80th of the launching in April right through Sept with her 80th commissioning. We are also partnering to do events with USS Kidd and USS Cassin Young as it is also their 80th anniversaries.
Damn I would love to be a part of this leg of this project.
Thanks Tim, I'm sure logistics make it difficult, but if you're ever interested, just let us know...we have people who volunteer for an extended weekend from all over the country!
@@BuffaloNavalPark thank you. The restoration of the electrical distribution is right up my alley. That and my love for these old vessels and the desire to see them live on.
Sharing
Thanks as always, Robert!
"ALIVE! IT'S ALIVE!" 😂
Sorry, I couldn't help myself. How about finding some part numbers or descriptions of those meters so your loyal audience can beat the bushes for parts. Just a thought.
John, that's a great thought! Thanks so much...we'll see if we can do that moving forward! Appreciate it!
This video is a long long way from showing viewers the how and why of restoration of power onboard and if we are to take it at face value it shows some of the reasons the ship sank in the first place and does not instill confidence in its future.
What did those very bright ground detector lights do when the test switch was pressed? It was tested wasn't it? Why are they all so bright? They should not be at full brightness when insulation resistance is acceptable. What is the leakage current on the now higher voltage? The first video never stated that the "testing" was done with lower (1/2 ?) voltage which produced less stress on the insulation.
The fact that 20A fuses did not blow is far from proving that the hull is not dangerously energized and capable of either dissolving in the next few weeks or killing the first person to complete the circuit between the ship and a shore ground. Has anyone measured the voltage between the hull and a shore ground? Having everyone standing on rubber mats in the middle of the engine room was kind of amusing but doesn't speak well of the knowledge and skills of those present at this little exhibition.
Relying on leakage current to "heat" the cabling is absurd, current through the leakage path(s) does nothing but damage the already weakened insulation. Either load the circuit and hope for the best or use low voltage DC in a closed circuit to warm the conductors. Why are you waiting to apply power to the lighting transformers? Megger test the transformer circuit from the switchboard and either power them up - they make a good load to warm the rest of the conductors - or isolate them if they are ruined. Waiting for another video is not doing the ship or its equipment any good, it just gives more time for moisture intrusion, corrosion, and damage. A competent marine electrician will know the how and why of restoring compromised equipment, hire one today and stop pretending to "save the Sullivans".
Indeed the video is just a snapshot, depicting one short event in the 8 month long process to get this far. I have been working with Mario and the others at every step. In order to keep these videos watchable, a lot of technical boredom is omitted. We are being extremely cautious, as Mario stated in this video, we trust nothing until proven safe. The ground detector lights appeared brighter than usual, I suspect, because the lighting level in the space is low and the video camera makes everything look brighter than in reality - just look at the other temporary lights for comparison.
At every step, the team takes phase-to-phase resistance measurements and phase-to-hull measurements using a megohmmeter (megger). Each phase -to-hull has been very encouraging, several megaohms each. We know the hull is not energized. Phase-to-phase readings internal to the cable indicates some moisture may still be present. Where readings are too low, we do not energize, but rather force off the moisture via external means.
The 20 amp fuses used in the temporary fused disconnect are there to minimize arc flash should there be an undetected fault. The next step will be to energize the lighting transformer bank, but the inrush current is greater than 20A, so larger fuses are needed. We will only take that step once the 450VAC part of the switchboard is proven functional and safe.
Your criticism of the pace is unprofessional. Safety is paramount. Accidents happen when people rush. Everything is checked and rechecked before any action is taken. That makes for boring videos, however. Yes, if there were more people and more financial resources, the pace would go faster, no doubt. When on active duty, I was trained to restore electric equipment from salt water immersion, and we are using those same practices on The Sullivans. The equipment is old, but built to the same standards so I have no doubt that with care, the electrical system can be properly and safely restored.
@@barrywitte6562 My criticism is not of the pace, it is of the process, but thanks for the additional information as it raises more questions.
I was incorrect in stating that the first video did not say that initial testing was done at lower voltage when in fact Mario and Shane said it was. Given it is a 3 phase system, the voltage was probably 208V but still the low resistance leaked 100mA someplace, either between conductors or to the hull. That amount of current at that voltage means the insulation resistance was around 2K Ohms which is far less than “several megohms”. The fuses in that disconnect on deck sure look like Bussman KT series from the home store. If that is what they are, they might be fast acting but are not fast enough to prevent an arc flash.
This video begs the question, why bother with the risk of electrical fires, shock hazards, and electrolytic corrosion issues resulting from trying to reenergize a sunken electrical system? Energizing any of the 450V bus and branch circuits that were flooded before complete disassembly, inspection, overhaul, reassembly and testing to manufacturer’s standards along with replacement of flooded cabling is pointless.
If all you want to do is provide lighting and utility outlets you don’t need to energize the switchboard and lighting transformers. If the lighting circuits on the port side were never wet, isolate them from the board and power them from a 120V supply hidden in some out of the way space. Run new cable for lighting in the formerly submerged compartments. The fixtures are probably corroded and electrically unsound junk by now but can most likely be gutted and refitted with LED bulbs.
@@oldtugs Fair comments, there's always a few ways to skin a cat... but the proper and safe way you suggest is correct. I own a 1943 patrol boat that was sunk at its moorings by well intention-ed museum staff, lucky for me the entire wiring system is tinned copper with rubber insulation, thanks to a navy refit in the sixties. Im still restoring the boat and modernising the engines and generators along the way.
@@oldtugs Well,OldTugs, you have technically valid points, but you do not have all of the information, just what has been presented in these TH-cam updates. I do not wish to argue with you in a public forum such as this. In fact I would argue with very little you say. If you are here to pick a fight, I politely decline. If you truly care about the ship, I invite you to contact the Buffalo Naval Park and volunteer your services.
@@barrywitte6562 "... you do not have all of the information, just what has been presented in these TH-cam updates."
There is little if any real information provided by the organization that publishes these videos in order to attract financial support and publicize the park's attractions. I am not here to argue with anyone, just to point out the risks of allowing "well intentioned" but unqualified volunteers and staff to perform technical work and make operational decisions beyond their skill level. As I have pointed out in the past, that is what sunk the ship the first time. If you want public funding, expect public accountability.