Just a note to let everyone know I’m baaaack! 😀.
It literally took a tornado to lift me out of a cozy retirement. My knees are shot, my tools rusty, and I’m driving a compact car — yet I just couldn’t say “no.”
No doubt I’m going to have to make some changes. Good heavens, I have a decade of code changes to absorb. I’m certain I’ll have to get a contractors license and set up a payroll.
Some things haven’t changed: this area is poor. The worst part is the “cultural poverty” where folks insist on continuing to add new kludge atop decades worth of sketchy work. For example, one customer needs a 175A service to replace the 1937 - 40A service after meth heads stripped the house of all wire. Folks need $5K worth of work at a minimum, yet think there’s a $100 magic trick to be found.
The PoCo has become more assertive — to the point where your usual service equipment isn’t acceptable. The panel makers even offer gear designed specifically for this area. Pretty impressive for a utility that only serves two states.
Some of the code changes have me shaking my head. IMO, the code panels enjoy playing king too much and have drifted far beyond basic safety.
The economy has entered a twilight zone. When it’s over, those who are actually productive will be either champs or chumps — only time will tell.
I am stunned at the tools offered these days. Imagine my surprise when I found my 14.4V cordless tool inventory was obsolete!
Anyway, I hope I’m welcome back. Drop me a line if you wish — I’m at Yahoo.
