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

What are the issues here?
What can result from the cable being in this condition? Have you seen any real problems arise from something like this?

The most common problem i see is water 'wicking' down the wire into the main breaker and/or panel.

It's also easier for the smaller strands to be damaged and thus compromise the neutral. Rusted galvanized strap in contact with the aluminum strands. Is there any support for the service drop? Coax or phone drop to conductor clearance?

I wonder if the insulation on the polarities
(like that word?, the utility guys use it)has begun to crack yet.
Maybe that will happen on July 4th.

Well I find it hard to list this as a cable assembly since there is no outer jacket. The dissimular metals as for the strap in contact w/ the AL is a good point too.

arseegee, I think that is older SEU with the outer jacket rotted away.

Note the threads around the cable in the lower part of the picture...

[This message has been edited by sparky66wv (edited 09-22-2002).]

Sparky66, I know there use to be an outer sheath. I have seen this a bunch around here. Had a job not to long ago where the vinyl guys pulled down the service entrance and then wanted me to strap it back. I told the GC that I wouldn't touch it unless we restacked in RMC. Funny how people are more worried about vinyl siding than safe electricity.

Pardon me for saying, but shouldn't that third phase properly be wrapped under the bare neutral too? ;-)

Can anyone identify what's going on directly beneath the weatherhead on this cable? Looks pretty bad in the pic...

Mike (mamills)

The 'extra' cable that you see here is just a cable TV wire that runs down alongside the weathered service cable.

Bill