ECN Forum Forums General Topics of the Trade General Discussion Area service tie in methods

just wanted to know what is your preferance for splicing services at the mast. Split bolts ans tape, stripless taps like the isco's, or crimps?

My favorite way is to let the Power Company handle it.

If I did splice it they will come later and replace whatever I do with crimps.

I wish iwire where I am at the power company will only do it if they are bringing a new drop to the home. Also what I put there stays they dont cut it off and replace it with there own so it better last.

Bob, that used to be the way but if you are dealing with Nstar you have to make a permanent connection. They don't redo them anymore unless of course you want to pay. I usually use a but connector or a parallel groove connector.

H-Taps only." H Crimps"

Threw away them parallel bolt POCO connectors long ago.

Dnk....

Working with NStar, just two Fridays ago I was working for NStar.

Got a ton of connectors, insulators, tape and wedge clamps.

I guess I have been out of service changes to long, any services I have done lately have been new and NStar has made the connection.

Home depot sells the big (4/0)butt splicers for $5 each, cheaper than a split bolt and easier to install since you can get the service side all tightened up before working with the hot side. Also keeps the Al & Cu apart. I always leave a note and the POCO leaves them so I can use them over and over. Someday I'd like to get a crimping system but it's a lot of $$$.

I won't tell the union boys.

Don't mean to spoil the party, but have you all checked with your POCo?

Our PoCo requires that either you use their connectors (provided free) or crimp connectors (the big ones that require a hydraulic crimper, of course!)
Their connectors are of the parallel groove type.

How can an electrical contractor's employee make this connection and comply with the rules in OSHA and NFPA70E?
Don