ECN Forum Forums Code Related Discussion NEC & other Code issues wait a minute!!!

Ah yes Pierre, "Intent"! I have to say the NEC specifically says "Service entrance cables". That is enough for me. Now Reel-break 230.24 gives you clearances for service drops. 230.26 Tells you the point of attachment must be high enough to comply with the clearances in 230.24. If this is a service upgrade the point of attachment is already there. If the clearances on the existing drop are to low I would say they must be raised in this situation. If your weatherhead on your se is below the new point of attachment you should have to raise it. (I have lived and learned that one). Kind of a gray area because the poco usually comes in after you have done your work but you should be ready for what they have to do. I just did two service upgrades and I installed service masts because the drops (Fine for the last 30 years) were to low.

No I`m about 13" above where the incoming lines attach to the home. Thats my argument even if I raise my se then if poco doesn`t remove and raise there point of attachment its no use.But honestly the lines sag quite a bit and really needs a pole set on either side of the drive and one of the linesmen agrees. But the engeneer will have to make the call.I wish I had a digital camera to post a pic. I`m way up on the eve in the highest part of the A.If I rased to the tip top the poco`s cable would still be low IMO.I think the inspector realizes this but in order for it to be fixed this is his only ave.to have me get it moved.I`ll be surprised if the poco leaves this the way it is the lineman stated the engeener will tell them where to set the other pole.. we`ll see hopefully today he`ll come out.

Generally, the AHJ will work with the serving electric utility to get the required clearances. On the other hand, most electric utilities will not force an expensive change on a customer unless it is something that the customer has caused. In most cases, the electric utility is required to meet the NESC and is required to do whatever is necessary to achieve compliance.

It looks to me like a pole will have to be set if you are going all the way to the peak and still do not have the required clearance. Who pays for the pole and what remediation is required will be the responsibility of the electric utility and must be done under their regulations that are filed with your state's regulatory commission.

As an FYI, I believe we have to set our point of attachment at 15ft. If we can't get it directly on the structure we have to put up a Mast. Sometimes POCO here will allow less if the Pole is close.

Many times situations arise where we can't just put it back the way it was. Sometimes you can catch a break with some things, but I wouldn't count on it. Generally we know if we're doing a service replacement or an upgrade that everything must be brought up to current specs.

Bill

OK they did agree to set a pole.I also noticed where the wire was in bad shape coming through a tree so they all win.POCO has no problem later own because of tree rubbing cable raw. Inspector got wires raised.I got a phone call from the neighbor for some work at his house..Thanks for all the replys I read and learned a few things. Hadn`t heard of nesc codes so something good came out of the deal.