ely335
11-25-2008, 07:29 AM
Folded over conductor & metering base wiring:: Code violation??
A local cable TV company is currently installing some (utility) pole mounted turn key hardware, included in the hardware is an electrical meter housing which monitors’ a limited load (say 30 amps max). A closer look reveals that the minimum lug for the meter housing calls out #8, and they used #10, and folded over the conductor to fit the lug.
I have been designing and testing (Medium and High voltage) compression connectors for over 10 years, but never used this approach. Mainly due to some Rules of Thumb past down over the years. For example, never remove strands to make the conductor fit the connector. Nor do you add strands to provide a tighter fit. Select and use the correct connector.
Please keep I mind that this is a mechanical connection and not a compression connection; would the same rules apply to a mechanical connector? Your thoughts?
On the other hand, they are also feeding the meter base from the bottom, routing the wires around to the top, terminating on the lugs. On the load side, they are connecting to the bottom lugs and routing the wires around the housing and out the top. Technically, it is correct, but leaves a great deal to wonder why. Mainly due to a different vendor hanging the same type of pole mounted hardware, but it connected using the correct minimum size wire and comes in at the top and out from the bottom.
Any installation errors or code violations here??
A local cable TV company is currently installing some (utility) pole mounted turn key hardware, included in the hardware is an electrical meter housing which monitors’ a limited load (say 30 amps max). A closer look reveals that the minimum lug for the meter housing calls out #8, and they used #10, and folded over the conductor to fit the lug.
I have been designing and testing (Medium and High voltage) compression connectors for over 10 years, but never used this approach. Mainly due to some Rules of Thumb past down over the years. For example, never remove strands to make the conductor fit the connector. Nor do you add strands to provide a tighter fit. Select and use the correct connector.
Please keep I mind that this is a mechanical connection and not a compression connection; would the same rules apply to a mechanical connector? Your thoughts?
On the other hand, they are also feeding the meter base from the bottom, routing the wires around to the top, terminating on the lugs. On the load side, they are connecting to the bottom lugs and routing the wires around the housing and out the top. Technically, it is correct, but leaves a great deal to wonder why. Mainly due to a different vendor hanging the same type of pole mounted hardware, but it connected using the correct minimum size wire and comes in at the top and out from the bottom.
Any installation errors or code violations here??