ECN Forum Forums Photo Discussion Forums Photos for General Discussion Topic: >> Threadbare SEU Cable

Is it just a shadow or is the neutral discolored (from heat?) where it appears to be touching the hot?

jd,

I think it's just shadow.

I've seen many a rusted Meter Pan/Can and Panelboard that had to be replaced because of this. Some close calls where neutral lugs in meter pan rusted away and came loose resulting in loss of some electronics and motors within House. Has anyone else seen similar or worse situations that resulted from the cable being in this condition?

What do you tell or advise a Homeowner when the cable is in this condition?

Bill

Not two hours ago, I talked a customer into the option of PVC and RHW-2 4/0 Al conductors, in liu of SEU.

I told him, even with the newer sunlight resistant SEU, water leaking into the meterbase and trickling down the neutral onto the lug would eventually cause a lost neutral, etc. and, it being a rental property, he decided to go with the more robust installation.

I hate SEU and SER with a passion. It's hard to work with and expensive.

I'd say the difference in cost of the two is less than $75 on an entire "typical back to back" OH installation.

JMHO



[This message has been edited by sparky66wv (edited 09-23-2002).]

Looks like it's time for some electrical grade exterior duct tape.

'66, I'm with you, I won't do an overhead service without a PVC mast.

6 BLKECS40 Strap for 4/0 SEU $0.58 =$3.48
15 WALSEU4/0 4/0 SEU Cable 3 Conductor $1.97 =$29.55
1 BLKWT9 2" SEU Connector for Meter Base $6.43 =$6.43
1 HOLDEH2 2" 4/0 SEU Weather Head $6.56 =$6.56
Total SEU =$46.02


45 WXLP4/0AL #4/0 XLP-USE Al Conductor per foot $0.65 =$29.25
1 BLKDEH2 Mast Head 2" PVC $6.56 =$6.56
10 CONPVC200 2" Conduit PVC Schedule 40 per foot $0.47 =$4.70
6 S-C6H5B 2" Pipe Hanger "Mineralac" $0.59 =$3.54
1 CARE943J 2" Male Adapter PVC = $0.95 $0.95
Total PVC =$45.00

The materials price for PVC is actually cheaper!

And maybe an extra hour labor at the most...

(I hope the columns come out right...)

[This message has been edited by sparky66wv (edited 09-24-2002).]