Replacing panels in dark basements [Archive]

ivsenroute

10-11-2008, 03:14 PM

nyerinfl

10-11-2008, 03:19 PM

Small generator, battery powered work lights?

Dennis Alwon

10-11-2008, 03:31 PM

Okay I pop the meter and hot wire a receptacle to the meter base-- no ocp -- I know shoot me. I do use a GFCI

SEO

10-11-2008, 03:36 PM

I've made up a cord with alligator clips with an in line fuse and a receptacle on the end. Clip to line side of meter.

iwire

10-11-2008, 03:37 PM

I have a dewalt compact fluorescent work light, it is more then enough for a simple panel change. I have a small inverter in the truck that I can run three battery chargers with so I can use my cordless tools as much as I want.

I am not above just asking the next door neighbor if I can plug in.

Back in the 80s we would usually put a 15 or 20 amp Edison base fuse in a temporary lamp socket and tap the service conductors with it.

brian john

10-11-2008, 03:46 PM

While we do not do service changes we do need temporary power. A 1900 box with utility cover fuse holder and duplex outlet and 5' SO with alligator clips.

MF Dagger

10-11-2008, 03:49 PM

Wire nut a temp outlet to the poco drop.

jaylectricity

10-11-2008, 03:53 PM

I have one of those Ryobi 18V flashlights that works well, but if it's going to be really dark and I'm doing something like a panel change I also have an extension cord with 3 receptacles on the female end and alligator type clips instead of the male plug on the other end. I clip those onto the meter.

Then I plug in either a plasterer's lamp or the halogen lamp I have. If I need a battery charged I have room for that.

And of course I can't live without my radio. :cool:

celtic

10-11-2008, 03:53 PM

My DeWalt of course:
http://www.dewalt.com//ProductImages/PC_Graphics/PHOTOS/DEWALT/TOOLS/MEDIUM/9/DW906_1.gif
DW906 (http://www.dewalt.com/us/products/tool_detail.asp?productID=232)

...and if that fails ~ I had previously gotten the "OK" from a neighbor to use their power and ran a cord out :)

I frown on the alligator clips after an "incident" occurred while we were doing a fire repair job....yea, we started another fire :mad:

jaylectricity

10-11-2008, 03:58 PM

I frown on the alligator clips after an "incident" occurred while we were doing a fire repair job....yea, we started another fire :mad:

Really? How did it happen?

iwire

10-11-2008, 03:59 PM

I like this one, 6 to 8 hours on a charge and much better light to work with.

http://65.118.245.21/product/dewalt-cordless-work-light-DC527.jpg

celtic

10-11-2008, 04:00 PM

Really? How did it happen?

The first or the second fire ? :D

iwire

10-11-2008, 04:03 PM

The first or the second fire ? :D

Wow, LMAO. :D :D

celtic

10-11-2008, 04:03 PM

I like this one, 6 to 8 hours on a charge and much better light to work with.

http://65.118.245.21/product/dewalt-cordless-work-light-DC527.jpg
No doubt :)

How about this puppy:
http://www.dewalt.com//ProductImages/PC_Graphics/PHOTOS/DEWALT/TOOLS/LARGE/0/DC022_3.jpg
DC022 (http://www.dewalt.com/us/products/tool_detail.asp?productID=15607)

Features:
http://www.dewalt.com/us/images/icons/icons_bullet.gifCordless/corded 38W Fluorescent worklight runs on 12-18V DEWALT batteries or AC power and provides area lighting without the extreme heat of halogen
http://www.dewalt.com/us/images/icons/icons_bullet.gif1 hour dual port battery charger charges (2) DEWALT 7.2-18V batteries in one hour or less
http://www.dewalt.com/us/images/icons/icons_bullet.gif(3) GFCI protected power outlets offers more versatility for jobsite power
http://www.dewalt.com/us/images/icons/icons_bullet.gifSpring loaded battery hold down keeps batteries in place when transporting from place to place
http://www.dewalt.com/us/images/icons/icons_bullet.gifCompact design provides quick and easy fold-up, transport and storage

celtic

10-11-2008, 04:05 PM

Wow, LMAO. :D :D
LOL

Well...we gotta be honest...right :wink:

iwire

10-11-2008, 04:08 PM

How about this puppy:
http://www.dewalt.com//ProductImages/PC_Graphics/PHOTOS/DEWALT/TOOLS/LARGE/0/DC022_3.jpg

I have seen it and it looks good but I do not own one. :smile:

jaylectricity

10-11-2008, 04:10 PM

The first or the second fire ? :D

Heh...well, I meant the one that started as a result of the clips.

And if that is still your response, I guess I'll choose the second one.

celtic

10-11-2008, 04:11 PM

I have seen it and it looks good but I do not own one. :smile:

...yet? :wink:

It's about $100.

I think I need one :D

ivsenroute

10-11-2008, 04:16 PM

I am one of the alligator clip users.

Just wanted to see who else was honest.

celtic

10-11-2008, 04:19 PM

Heh...well, I meant the one that started as a result of the clips.

And if that is still your response, I guess I'll choose the second one.

The first fire was caused by an electrical failure in an exhaust/whole house fan or something :-? ....we had nothing to do with it 8-)

The second fire...well, that was all us....:roll:

It was a nice steamy August day....clipped the power at the POA, clipped Mr. Ally Gator on with a cord attached. Shoved the end to the man in the basement and proceeded to "git 'r dun".
Later in the afternoon, CHUD starts screaming ... there is smoke billowing out the basement casement window....the grass is on fire....the cord is on fire...WTFD????

CHUD had but one 60w lamp on and nothing else.

Why this fire started....not really sure....maybe the cord laying on aluminum siding on the sunny side in August.

Now the house once again stank like fire...the HO's were not too happy about the smell ~ but at least the FD didn't have to come back.
I don't think we'll be getting very many referrals from this one.
LMAO

mdshunk

10-11-2008, 04:26 PM

Put me down in the alligator clip user category. Matter of fact, the linemen get a little provoked if I don't have them out and ready for them when they're there to cut the drop so they can install them for me. Number 6 in the photo below:

http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n277/mdshunk/servicetools3.jpg

splinetto

10-11-2008, 04:46 PM

infinity

10-11-2008, 04:47 PM

Wire nut a temp outlet to the poco drop.

We do the same, a temp drop with a 20 amp fuse and a GFCI protector.

mdshunk

10-11-2008, 04:48 PM

What is #10 in the picture?Clips on the end of a 3/8" drive socket extension to bend bigger conductors more easily.

splinetto

10-11-2008, 04:52 PM

Clips on the end of a 3/8" drive socket extension to bend bigger conductors more easily.
Does it work good?....It doesnt look like it however looks dont make a difference For ex a unibit looks like some torture devive and it is invaulable

celtic

10-11-2008, 04:53 PM

Clips on the end of a 3/8" drive socket extension to bend bigger conductors more easily.

Looks like it was stolen from school...the thing to close the windows.

splinetto

10-11-2008, 04:55 PM

Are you sure you are not supposed to screw it to the wall and hang your shovel off of it?

mdshunk

10-11-2008, 04:59 PM

Does it work good?....It doesnt look like it however looks dont make a difference For ex a unibit looks like some torture devive and it is invaulableIt works pretty good in tight spaces. Surprisingly, it workes better than the fancier and more expensive one from Rack-a-Tiers. I have this one too, and don't like it as much:

http://www.rack-a-tiers.com/images2/prodCAt-ads/C-item12/cat12-02.gif

splinetto

10-11-2008, 05:06 PM

Do you keep all of you tools on the truck? Sounds like you have alot of things that are needed however maybe only needs once a year...I would like to see how everything is organized in not only your truck but others who have alot of stuff. Do you have any pics ?

mdshunk

10-11-2008, 05:10 PM

Do you keep all of you tools on the truck? Things get rotated in and out as I figure out of they're useful or not. The cable bender goes in a nose bag of "service change tools":

http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n277/mdshunk/servicetools1.jpg

jrannis

10-11-2008, 05:16 PM

1800 watt inverter runs lights, fan, portaband and other goodies.

Marc,
I bought one of those wire strippers you have as #9. It doesnt seem to fit the cable that I bought it for. Did you have to adjust the one you use?

electricalperson

10-11-2008, 05:18 PM

i clip onto the service wires with alligator clips and have 4 receptacles to plug in worklights and batteries too

nolabama

10-11-2008, 05:19 PM

mdshunk

10-11-2008, 05:22 PM

Marc,
I bought one of those wire strippers you have as #9. It doesnt seem to fit the cable that I bought it for. Did you have to adjust the one you use?No adjustment needed. You need to buy each die for the insulation type and wire gauge, or it won't work. You also need to specify whether the conductor is compressed or compacted. Most are compact conductors now. I just bought the 4-way holder, then bought each die for what I needed it for.

Here's the link on the dies: http://www.ripley-tools.com/PDF/UtilityTool/sizing/4X4_PLUS_sizing.pdf

mdshunk

10-11-2008, 05:28 PM

where do you get that stripper from (#9) i have purchased almost all of the other items in your service change kit and i dont know were to get that stripper BTW thanks for the Elkind tip - greatest hex wrenches ever - wish they were ball end sometimes though #3 in the picture below is another real handy item for turning up the nut on weatherproof SE cable connectors without leaving wrench marks. It's a Ridgid E-110:

http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n277/mdshunk/servicetools2.jpg

nolabama

10-11-2008, 05:32 PM

i have that (#3); i was talking about the allen wrenches - love em' - when i use that rigid wrench the other guys just laugh - but no teeth marks:)

mdshunk

10-11-2008, 05:32 PM

For anyone that cares, the Eklind 9" T-handle hex key set is the best I've found for the money:

http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/items/6X308

bjp_ne_elec

10-11-2008, 05:34 PM

mdshunk

10-11-2008, 05:37 PM

I light dark basements with one of these. They cost about 4 dollars at WalMart, and I don't cry if they get busted or go missing:

http://pet-dog-cat-supply-store.com/shop/shop_image/product/ed0855d6f6acc04ea75b3471c49c69e4.jpg

bjp_ne_elec

10-11-2008, 05:41 PM

hbiss

10-11-2008, 05:43 PM

Put me down with the alligator clips crowd. WITH a 20A fuse!

-Hal

mdshunk

10-11-2008, 05:43 PM

#6 Alligator clip
#7 Just an ordinary current tap
#8 Big Klein that I specially ground to fit the slot in the older 100 amp Milbank lug screws more accurately
#9 Ripley Utility Tools 4x4 stripper
#10 Home-made cable bender for on 3/8" drive socket extension.

ultramegabob

10-11-2008, 05:46 PM

I have a power inverter on my truck

ivsenroute

10-11-2008, 06:04 PM

For anyone that cares, the Eklind 9" T-handle hex key set is the best I've found for the money:

http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/items/6X308

I was in Grainger yesterday and had that in my hand then put it back because I never heard of the brand before and did not trust it.

Glad you are vouching for it.

mdshunk

10-11-2008, 06:05 PM

Eklind is one of those brands you'll probably not see in your local hardware store, but they're all over in industrial facilities. Sort of like "Williams" for socket sets.

celtic

10-11-2008, 06:06 PM

I "sacrificed" a set of Allen keys....they fit nicely in a socket...hella leverage and no issues when torquing comes into the equation ;)

c2500

10-11-2008, 06:48 PM

That Dewalt DC022 is sweet! That's defiinitely my next "toy".

I have a couple of these. You get about 1 1/2 hours of light time with two 18volt xrp batteries. A slight bit less with the 14.4's. Picked them up at Depot a while back for $99 a piece. Cost is $98 or so. (I have a friend that tells me cost when I ask) They are clearing them out now...for $99. The tag said they were originally $149. The only drawback is that they can't use the lithium ion batteries because of the built in charger. The other flourescent 18 volt light is great also, especially in crawl spaces and attics.

c2500

alfiesauce

10-11-2008, 09:27 PM

Put me down in the alligator clip user category. Matter of fact, the linemen get a little provoked if I don't have them out and ready for them when they're there to cut the drop so they can install them for me.

the utility boys cut the power for you? Do you temp power back into the house until they come back to set up their permanant power again?

jimport

10-11-2008, 09:40 PM

I use one similar to this http://uslightingproducts.com/Images/headlampcar_big_1215.jpg

Always where I need the light and no shadows.

TOOL_5150

10-11-2008, 09:41 PM

the utility boys cut the power for you? Do you temp power back into the house until they come back to set up their permanant power again?

Last service upgrade I did.. the POCO guy told me that I should just to the disconnect, reconnect as well as moving the drop to the new mast, get it inspected, and when It passes to call them out then they come and install their crimps on the drop and seal the meter.

I was always told [prior to that] that POCO didnt want EC's to mess with their wires. :confused:

~Matt

wireguru

10-11-2008, 09:52 PM

I've made up a cord with alligator clips with an in line fuse and a receptacle on the end. Clip to line side of meter.

with a fuse??? you could sell those to the floor sander guys

alfiesauce

10-11-2008, 09:59 PM

Last service upgrade I did.. the POCO guy told me that I should just to the disconnect, reconnect as well as moving the drop to the new mast, get it inspected, and when It passes to call them out then they come and install their crimps on the drop and seal the meter.

I was always told [prior to that] that POCO didnt want EC's to mess with their wires. :confused:

~Matt

It's been a super rare occasion that poco has come out to disconnect a service in my experiences. I've always disconnected it and then reattached and somehow temped the connection so that the house has power restored to it within a 'reasonable' amount of time ei-that day and not tomorrow.
On farms I've even climbed up the dreaded transformer pole once or twice- but I do avoid that as much as possible.

mdshunk

10-11-2008, 11:05 PM

the utility boys cut the power for you? Do you temp power back into the house until they come back to set up their permanant power again?Depends on the particular PoCo. Most-yes, some-no.

TOOL_5150

10-11-2008, 11:07 PM

Isnt clipping to the lineside meter socket "technically" theft of service?

~Matt

mdshunk

10-11-2008, 11:08 PM

Isnt clipping to the lineside meter socket "technically" theft of service?

~MattYes, and if they want the 4 cents worth of electricity I'll use while doing the service change, I'll gladly give it to them tenfold. Before cell phones became real popular, I would just clip onto whatever with the butt set and make phonecalls to the office to save a dime too.

brian john

10-11-2008, 11:13 PM

LarryFine

10-11-2008, 11:37 PM

I made a power board for service changes a while back. It has a 10-foot 12/4 rubber cord with four heavy-duty clips, like #6 in Marc's pic. I put red boots on the red and black wires, and black boots on the neutral and green wires.

This feeds a small 2-space breaker enclosure which contains two 20a GFCI breakers, and then a pair of receptacles in a 4" square box with a double-duplex (aka 'quad') raised cover, all mounted on a 1x6 board with a hanging hole in it.

Sparky555

10-11-2008, 11:44 PM

What a bunch of VERY BAD BOYS!

I set up a small generator for lighting & power tools.

mdshunk

10-11-2008, 11:45 PM

What a bunch of VERY BAD BOYS!

I set up a small generator for lighting & power tools.http://img102.imageshack.us/img102/4426/cookie2ug2cx0.jpg

steelersman

10-11-2008, 11:48 PM

And of course I can't live without my radio. :cool:

That was an old song by LL Cool J. :)

mdshunk

10-11-2008, 11:52 PM

That was an old song by LL Cool J. :)I thought that was Aaron Tippin? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9nOl3OcjSPI

steelersman

10-11-2008, 11:53 PM

The first fire was caused by an electrical failure in an exhaust/whole house fan or something :-? ....we had nothing to do with it 8-)

The second fire...well, that was all us....:roll:

It was a nice steamy August day....clipped the power at the POA, clipped Mr. Ally Gator on with a cord attached. Shoved the end to the man in the basement and proceeded to "git 'r dun".
Later in the afternoon, CHUD starts screaming ... there is smoke billowing out the basement casement window....the grass is on fire....the cord is on fire...WTFD????

CHUD had but one 60w lamp on and nothing else.

Why this fire started....not really sure....maybe the cord laying on aluminum siding on the sunny side in August.

Now the house once again stank like fire...the HO's were not too happy about the smell ~ but at least the FD didn't have to come back.
I don't think we'll be getting very many referrals from this one.
LMAO
what is POA and CHUD. I'm pretty sure I know what WTFD is. :)

steelersman

10-11-2008, 11:57 PM

celtic

10-12-2008, 12:03 AM

what is POA and CHUD. I'm pretty sure I know what WTFD is. :)
POA= Point of Attachment [the hook]
CHUD= Cannibalistic Humanoid Underground Dweller [the guy who gets the basement work]
WTFD= What the faq, dude?

:D

steelersman

10-12-2008, 12:05 AM

I thought that was Aaron Tippin? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9nOl3OcjSPI
nope not even close. This is more like it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qqu7tcZTfCg

steelersman

10-12-2008, 12:08 AM

POA= Point of Attachment [the hook]
CHUD= Cannibalistic Humanoid Underground Dweller [the guy who gets the basement work]
WTFD= What the faq, dude?

:D
what does faq mean? Frequently Asked Questions? :)

lucky1974

10-12-2008, 04:29 AM

I put red boots on the red and black wires, and black boots on the neutral and green wires.

I also am an alligator clipper. Larry am i understanding that you have 4 seperate alligator clips.Wouldn't the ground and neutral under one clip be sufficient. Sorry just don't understand what seperating them ,and then attaching them to the neutral anyway would do for you.

TOOL_5150

10-12-2008, 04:47 AM

Yes, and if they want the 4 cents worth of electricity I'll use while doing the service change, I'll gladly give it to them tenfold. Before cell phones became real popular, I would just clip onto whatever with the butt set and make phonecalls to the office to save a dime too.

Yeah, I have done both as well... Just wanted to make it clear to the DIY'ers that read this to not get any ideas. :D

The cookie comment was quite funny BTW.

~Matt

iwire

10-12-2008, 06:54 AM

In the past I have tapped the unmetered conductors and I used a butt set as Marc described. But both of those actions are stealing. The fact it may only be stealing a little bit of money does not change the fact it is stealing. It kind of surprises me a Church guy like Marc has no problem stealing.

Considering that professionals like ourselves have batteries, inverters, portable generators etc. I have changed my ways and no longer steal power just because it is easy and it is how we all used to do it.

I also will mention that OSHA and 70E really do not allow us to cut and reconnect service conductors. In some areas it may be years before 70E has an effect, in other areas I bet 70E will start being enforced and the fines can be high.

Understand I am just throwing this out there, how you all choose to work is of course up to you, but you should at least be aware of the rules. :smile:

Not preaching just putting it out there for something to think about.

steelersman

10-12-2008, 07:34 AM

Not preaching just putting it out there for something to think about.

There's a radio commercial around my area where the pastor of the Mclean Bible Church will give a quick reference about something that could be troubling one in today's world and uses a snippet out of the Bible to help with it and at the end his slogan if you will is: "not a sermon, just a thought." :)

djcrzysounds@yahoo.com

10-12-2008, 08:09 AM

Okay I pop the meter and hot wire a receptacle to the meter base-- no ocp -- I know shoot me. I do use a GFCI

I went as far as to build a board with a small panel with 2- 120 Volt GFI receptacles and 1- 20amp 220V receptacle just in case. Even has a meter socket... (I know an over achiever.)

masterinbama

10-12-2008, 09:06 AM

Ryobi makes an 18 volt charger that plugs into the 12 volt power ports in your truck. Comes in real handy on service changes.

fishin' electrician

10-12-2008, 09:48 AM

Alligator clips with fuse protection.

In my neck of the woods it can be weeks, sometimes months before the POCO returns with the new meter. We install jumpers and the customer is billed by the POCO on an estimation basis, therefore no theft of service involved.

LLSolutions

10-12-2008, 10:18 AM

I think My PoCo has a unofficial don't ask, don/t tell policy. Kinda call when you're done, fax the inspection and they'll forget that you took a grinder to their meter lock if you forget that they're not going to show up for years to change the drop. You can request the bug nuts and dust caps for free from them. As for the temp I have a 12/3 Extra heavy usage cord with large alligator clips going to one of those 2 circuit panles with 2 20A gfci breakers feeding 4 cords. About as safe as I could get it without driving a ground rod.

stickboy1375

10-12-2008, 10:22 AM

Okay I pop the meter and hot wire a receptacle to the meter base-- no ocp -- I know shoot me. I do use a GFCI

I'm on this boat as well. :D

iwire

10-12-2008, 10:44 AM

I'm on this boat as well. :D

Ever seen a rubber cord burn like a wick?

I have, I suggest OCP at the very least. :D

stickboy1375

10-12-2008, 10:48 AM

Ever seen a rubber cord burn like a wick?

I have, I suggest OCP at the very least. :D
I use NM. :grin:

I do agree with you though, about the OCP. Need to build a better setup.

mdshunk

10-12-2008, 10:49 AM

I use NM. :grin:Well....

well....

I use tinsel cord wrapped in cannon fuse. 8-)

BLACK4TRUCK

10-12-2008, 11:32 AM

For doing service changes, I took a pair of battery jumper cables and wired one end into a 4x4 junction box and put in to 2 receptacles. I clip the red onto POCO hot and BLACK onto NEUTRAL. It also works great in the meter pan for doing panel changes. I also have a Sportsman's battery jumper that has a converter to 120V. I put a CFL in the clip on light and I have 8 hours of work time.

electricmanscott

10-12-2008, 12:31 PM

Okay I pop the meter and hot wire a receptacle to the meter base-- no ocp -- I know shoot me. I do use a GFCI

Mee too. Soo hard core.

MikeGee

10-12-2008, 02:41 PM

I use a husky LED head lamp and a helper holding a flash light.

stickboy1375

10-12-2008, 03:44 PM

I use a husky LED head lamp and a helper holding a flash light.

For the entire 6-7 hour panel change out? No thank-you. :)

celtic

10-12-2008, 03:49 PM

...a helper holding a flash light...

It would be more cost efficient to buy the most expensive battery operated light known to man

mdshunk

10-12-2008, 03:50 PM

It would be more cost efficient to buy the most expensive battery operated light known to man

That would be this one. 900 bucks for battery version, 1200 bucks for rechargable: http://www.foxfury.com/products/mf_1000_series/index.htm

celtic

10-12-2008, 03:58 PM

That would be this one. 900 bucks for battery version, 1200 bucks for rechargable: http://www.foxfury.com/products/mf_1000_series/index.htm

...and still a better deal the having Dusty on the payroll.8-)

peter d

10-12-2008, 03:59 PM

I use night vision goggles.

mdshunk

10-12-2008, 04:01 PM

I use night vision goggles.Best laugh I've had all day. In all seriousness, they're getting cheaper and cheaper. My oldest son gets these catalogs that have Russian surplus night vision stuff for not too much money.

SEO

10-12-2008, 04:02 PM

with a fuse??? you could sell those to the floor sander guys
I don't think that the sander guys would want to change fuses.:smile:

Podagrower

10-12-2008, 05:28 PM

No doubt :)

How about this puppy:
http://www.dewalt.com//ProductImages/PC_Graphics/PHOTOS/DEWALT/TOOLS/LARGE/0/DC022_3.jpg
DC022 (http://www.dewalt.com/us/products/tool_detail.asp?productID=15607)

I picked this puppy up at the Depot the other week on clearance. Found a use for it the next day. Changing out all the devices in a house and ran out of daylight. Popped in a battery and kept working. I discovered one problem, however. When your battery goes dead, the light pops off without warning, it doesn't get dim, it just gets black. Not convenient when your standing on a ladder trying to hang a ceiling fan. Other than that one little quirk, it is an awesome, bright light.

electricmanscott

10-12-2008, 05:39 PM

I use night vision goggles.

Whooppeee. I had my eyes replaced with cat eyes.

celtic

10-12-2008, 06:34 PM

Big deal.....I use mirrors and a frensal lense to harness the awesome power of the sun..I'm LEED certified now.

iwire

10-12-2008, 06:39 PM

You guys all still need to see?

What a bunch of newbies. :D

mdshunk

10-12-2008, 06:41 PM

You guys all still need to see?

What a bunch of newbies. :DBob just uses The Force. Myself, I still need training wheels, so to speak. I install braille wire and breakers.

Bernard1599

10-12-2008, 06:54 PM

Bob just uses The Force. Myself, I still need training wheels, so to speak. I install braille wire and breakers.

I’m new here and don’t mean to offend, but is this what is meant by saying “The blind leading the blind?”

Regards,

mdshunk

10-12-2008, 06:56 PM

I’m new here and don’t mean to offend, but is this what is meant by saying “The blind leading the blind?”

Regards,Yeah, pretty much. Basement stairs are real tough for me, being that I can't see at all.

SEO

10-12-2008, 07:06 PM

I'm finding that the older I get the more light I need and sometimes I still don't see the light.:smile:

LarryFine

10-12-2008, 07:43 PM

I also am an alligator clipper. Larry am i understanding that you have 4 seperate alligator clips.Wouldn't the ground and neutral under one clip be sufficient. Sorry just don't understand what seperating them ,and then attaching them to the neutral anyway would do for you.
I wouldn't want the risk of making tool cases hot because the neutral clip popped off of whatever it was clipped to, which is what would happen if I used a 3-wire cable.

Basically, what I made is wired as if it was a sub-panel, and for the same reasons. You might say my power board was wired in compliance with the 2008 NEC. :smile:

What if I was tapping onto the load end of a sub-panel feeder, maybe at a second building? Where would I land the combined neutral/EGC clip, the neutral or the EGC?

LarryFine

10-12-2008, 07:57 PM

You guys all still need to see?

What a bunch of newbies. :DAnd, of course, you can gell black from white just by feel, right? :grin:

walkerj

10-12-2008, 08:23 PM

No basements around here, but I use the tall Dewalt light like Bob posted and I never leave home without my headlight (and a backup).
The headlight can be worn on my bare head, a baseball cap, or a hardhat.
No need for the helper, no need for alligator clips.

cadpoint

10-12-2008, 08:25 PM

I'm finding that the older I get the more light I need and sometimes I still don't see the light.:smile:
ditto, ditto, & ditto...:roll:

wireguru

10-12-2008, 08:32 PM

what about giving the HO the option of a portable generator for an additional $75 or whatever to power their fridge and TV (and your worklights) or whatever during the service upgrade.

lucky1974

10-13-2008, 01:24 AM

I also will mention that OSHA and 70E really do not allow us to cut and reconnect service conductors. In some areas it may be years before 70E has an effect, in other areas I bet 70E will start being enforced and the fines can be high.

Bob, As a one man show nfpa70e is not enforced is it. Meaning as an owner , Versus employee? I am just asking because i am probably wrong, just what i thought.

TOOL_5150

10-13-2008, 01:56 AM

I picked this puppy up at the Depot the other week on clearance. Found a use for it the next day. Changing out all the devices in a house and ran out of daylight. Popped in a battery and kept working. I discovered one problem, however. When your battery goes dead, the light pops off without warning, it doesn't get dim, it just gets black. Not convenient when your standing on a ladder trying to hang a ceiling fan. Other than that one little quirk, it is an awesome, bright light.

Agreed. Their handheld light does the same thing - not suprised, since it is flourescent. Their new lithium batts do the same thing... so when I am depending on the light source and NEED to know when its starting to die out I use their older 9098 packs and the snakelight or the small handheld light.

~Matt

sparky707

11-04-2008, 08:50 PM

On what I make around here I can only afford candles, Sometimes I can get some free Holy candles from the Catholics. How about them Catholics thanks fathers

kid_stevens

11-04-2008, 08:53 PM

Generator! No basements here.

Of Course with upcharge for cordless phone service. Add to the fridge and my light circuits. Since my butt set is always in my truck I just bypass the cordless with it so they have phone service.

quogueelectric

11-05-2008, 03:38 PM

Best laugh I've had all day. In all seriousness, they're getting cheaper and cheaper. My oldest son gets these catalogs that have Russian surplus night vision stuff for not too much money.

First generation equipment is verry crude I have a scope it weighs about 10 lbs and is about 18 x3. Mr racoon didnt know I can watch him in the woods now. Btw I am old school alligator clips 12 copper melts at about 225 amps for ocp.

480sparky

11-05-2008, 04:06 PM

I take an ordinary drop light, install a 12v bulb, and run an extension cord to the truck. A short, custom-made cord with a female cap on one end, and a pair of big alligator clips on the other, and clamp onto the battery terminals.

peter d

11-05-2008, 04:12 PM

I make a pile of whatever happens to be stored in the basement, throw some gas on it, and light it up. That usually does the trick for a dark basement.

DAWGS

11-05-2008, 05:03 PM

I make a pile of whatever happens to be stored in the basement, throw some gas on it, and light it up. That usually does the trick for a dark basement.

Ive lost a couple of helpers using that method.:grin:

CopperTone

11-06-2008, 10:07 AM

Wire nut a temp outlet to the poco drop.

thats what we do too - with 12/2 romex about 10 ft long. blue Carlon single gang box. when it's beat, just make another. use an old gfi receptacle kicking around the truck.

Sparky555

11-06-2008, 10:33 AM

Before I bought a generator I'd do a temporary connection to the utility. I used an old AC fused disconnect with a GFCI outlet. IMO it's not safe to have it without a fuse. A glowing extension cord inside a home during an emergency repair isn't my idea of a fun day.

Fulthrotl

11-06-2008, 11:46 AM

I know what I use to do when I first became an electrician in the 80's and I know what I do now.

How do you provide lighting in dark basments when you are changing a main panel in a dark basement with no or very little natural light after power is removed to start work??

This should be interesting.

well, there is always power at the weatherhead.....:smile:

i usually just walk next door and ask if i can borrow a cup of electricity,
mainly so i can say hi and make another contact.... ya never know. i
always leave a card and say don't hesitate to call if i can be of any help.

inverter on the van and dual batteries usually takes care of any issues
if the neighbor isn't home. when it comes to flashlights, my personal
choice is shurefire's U2 ultra.
http://www.surefire.com/maxexp/main/co_disp/displ/pgname/lightU2/strfnbr/6

but if i was looking for a killer flashlight, i'd wait a bit... shurefire is coming
out with an improved version of the ultra, with 400 lumens instead of the
U2's 100 lumen output. the shurefire stuff is awfully pricey, but the stuff
is actually made 3 miles from my house, instead of in china, for what that's
worth. they also make really nice machine gun silencers, if you need one
of those for the work truck as well....

randy

zog

11-06-2008, 11:54 AM

I have a small inverter in my trunk, use it for small lights or powering my test equipment. I love watching the looks on peoples face when I pull a 80kV hipot out of the trunk of my mustang, plug it in the inverter, and start testing. The stang has more testing capabilities in that trunk (VLF, TAN Delta, 10A ductor, 10kV megger, ground FOP, 250A current source (For GFI's) and Corona scanning)than most shops do and my plates say "BRKRMAN"

kid_stevens

11-06-2008, 12:01 PM

I have a 4 D cell Maglite with LEDs not as bright as the old bulb or as long reaching but for dark work it lasts for months.

tonyou812

11-06-2008, 07:42 PM

I always drop a cord from the service and just use two drop lights. And if im working alone ill run a cord to their refrigerator. Periodically ill feel the cord for any signs of heat. I am in the process of making one with a breaker in line. And it was this site that prompted me to do that.
300 bucks for a flashlight borders on neurodict in my book. I dont care how bright it is. Ive got tons of other stuff I would rather have than a fancy flashlight.I do just fine with your basic led and mag light for my tool pouch, and my milwaukee cordless light for most other situations.