John E. wrote:
I have been asked to offer an opinion in a sensitive situation.

BZZZT! Danger Will Robinson!

Before offering your opinion, examine what *you* stand to
gain/lose.

The "sensitive situation" could be a bucket of rattlesnakes,
and your participation might direct some of those snakes
your way.

Someone is looking at you as the "expert" whose opinion
carries weight in his/her mind. Your opinion is bound
to be used to bolster the argument of whichever side
asked you: "Well John said ... "
That bolstering could get you in trouble with the other
person - and it is likely or possible that whatever you
say will be misquoted.

Taking sides in a "sensitive situation" is fraught with
danger.

The next issue is that you are not sure enough of your
opinion to voice it without seeing what people here
think. Or, if you have already voiced it, you have
enough doubt to seek other's viewpoints here. Either
way, it highlights the problem(s) that sensitive
situations create.

If, for the moment, we take the possible danger to you
out of the equation and just look at the situation:
Who can tell? Does anyone replying to the post have
all of pertinent the facts? We don't know the details
of the agreement between the handyman and the shop
owner, whether there was any specific discussion concerning
the CNC machine, what claims the handyman made as to his
experience or expertise, any applicable laws in the location
the work was done, whether/if/when the power utility changed
things and on and on. People could reply with 100% valid
opinions that might not apply to the specific situation.
So, while there may be a clear legal and moral responsibility
for each party, it is impossible for us to to know what it is
at this point.

Ed



A machinist moved his shop across town and required some rewiring (3-phase
outlets, conduit, etc.) in order to locate some machines where he wanted
them.

He hires a guy who's not a pro (and later discovers is not insured) but has
done shop wiring before and had a good attitude and track record. The guy
does good work. No complaints about the quality of his work.

Owner throws the switch, all works fine.

The story continues 4 weeks later when the very expensive CNC fries its
controller PCB to the tune of $4000.

Turns out the voltage in the shop was upward of 245 and the taps in the CNC's
power supply were set for 220.

What is the legal and moral responsibility of each party?

What will not be helpful are replies about the character or intelligence of
either of the players or their actions.

Thanks.