OOPS!! - ECN Electrical Forums

Quote

Finally had something worth photographing to end the year.

Owner bought some new electronic goodies and needed the high speed cable connection.

Cable guy drilled through from the inside and right into the service entrance cable. They asked the electrician if he could just tape it up.

Then the owner and Cable guy started arguing because the Cable guy said the Main breaker didn't trip so it is the owners fault.

It was pointed out to them that even after the house was on fire and the 50 KVA transformer on the pole blew and blacked out the neighborhood the Main breaker still wouldn't trip.

Note: New service being installed.

- Alan Nadon

well that service looks pretty ratty to begin with, much nicer now [Linked Image]

At least his aim was good, right through the middle! If he was acutually aiming for that spot, he would have missed it by a foot. We all know how that goes. Just like when the fish tape manages to hook everything EXCEPT what you are trying to hook!

100 amp services? I didn't think they were even done anymore. I haven't installed one in twenty years around here except for simple services feeding signs, etc. I haven't seen a residence, even an old one getting an upgrade getting less than 150. Maybe it's just where I am located. Am I missing something?

This looks like it was already taped up before the CATV guy even came along... The HO should thank him for the new service line [Linked Image]

The service on the left looks nice and new... I wonder why they didnt do both at the same time?

The new service is being installed to replace the damaged one. The old one was in poor condition with the outer jacket of the SE cable falling off. That is why it had the tape to hold it together.
Most new services being installed are 200 amp. but, the Code only requires 100 for a dwelling. As long as they can save a buck they will do whatever is cheapest.
I can only enforce the Code.
Alan--
Happy almost New Year..

I would love to see the drill bit used to make that hole in the SE cable. [Linked Image]

Also, I'd like to know why the installer didn't use an offset nipple on the load side of the new meter. I always use one on a service like this. That uni-strut looks awful on a house, IMO.

Speaking of strut, I have never used green strut, & have never seen other electricians use it. Thought that was plumbers strut.

The green strut resists corrosion better... I wouldn't have a problem with the strut personally, if they had used the strut with smaller slots or even non slotted and made their own holes, thus a smaller piece on the wall.... The offset nipple and a 2 hole strap would suit me just as fine here... [Linked Image]

Quote

The green strut resists corrosion better...

That's news to me Lostaz'..but alright. [Linked Image]

Yeah I agree, that strut could have been a little bit shorter, or done with a two hole strap with a nice offset.

Kind of ugly on the side of a house no matter the color.

I would have done something different.

Doesn't anyone tape up the grounded conductor anymore?

Never seen anyone tape up the grounded conductor.

Not saying it's a bad idea only that it would be unusual in my area.

I was taught to tape the grounded conductor 25yrs. ago, and I still do it. In my area it is pretty commom, but I see that alot of guy's are getting away from it.

[This message has been edited by HCE727 (edited 01-01-2007).]

Luke..
Check out this from unistrut
http://www.unistrut.com/literature/index.php?doc=PermaGreen&pg=1

Quote

Then the owner and Cable guy started arguing because the Cable guy said the Main breaker didn't trip so it is the owners fault

!!!

How dare that Owner have a Main OCPD that cannot sense Faults and Overloads on its Line Side!!!
[Linked Image]

Dang, I would have loved to witnessed this situation - and ask the CATV Installer what His / Her Planet of origin is!

Scott35

"The offset nipple and a 2 hole strap would suit me just as fine here..."

I would have used the proper 2 hole strap, it would fail inspection here, with the kindorf strap.

The cable guy drilling into a service cable,
happens very often, no supprise, many of them get paid piece work, hurry, hurry, what took so long!

Hey Lostaz' just checked out the link, thanks for passing that along.

Les, whats a kindorf strap? I've never heard that term... [Linked Image]

Luke, No problem at all [Linked Image]

Kindorf is one of many brand names for the metal strut framing systems. See also Unistrut, Superstrut, Versabar, etc....

*I think Lostaz was being sarcastic. There are several different brand names and terms in this trade and strut/ kindorf happens to be one of them. Green unistrut/ kindorf is new to me. I have in the past used galvonized unistrut in outdoor locations so it wouldn't rust as much, or as quickly. If I had the choice I'd prefer using what I call a "cowboy" clamp.

wow, thats some nice work, anybody knows how did that, so they can come and do my service in my house.

Shack:
Ever see a 'Uni-strut' catalof?? Or...McMaster Carr??

Galv, green painted, gold anodized, fiberglass, stainless

If you have the money...they have the strut.

Large distributor up in Kenilworth

[Linked Image from i214.photobucket.com]

Take a look, more than just electrical work, its art.
from High Tech electric in Indiana. leave a comment.

kind of tooting our own horn there huh?
sorry to break it to you, but hanging some 3/4 flex and a 4x4 with three wires ain't that hard
also those wires are too long, if they were forced into a box they'd be all crimped and messed up.

modesty is a virtue

-Will

p.s. you put the photo in the wrong area.