Antenna standoffs for service riser

[Izzy]

First time posting here. I'm struggling with updating the service on a duplex built in 1950. My question is, Would it be possible to use antenna standoffs, as shown in the photo attached, to extend a 1 1/2 service riser away from a wall in order to keep the service drop from potentially rubbing against the wall? I couldn't find any standoffs made specifically for a wall attachment for conduit, although I was able to find a fair share of standoffs for utility poles. Seems to me that these standoffs would do the trick on a wall better than anything else I saw that was made for utility poles, anyway. It's the pyramid type support legs that will make it sturdy on a wall, I think. What do you guys think? Can this pass muster?

 

[hbiss]

Well, those won't handle 1-1/2" anything and I doubt they would be compliant. Beyond that I'm having a hard time visualizing how and why you want to use them. Does the drop run parallel with the wall to the point of attachment so that you are afraid it will rub against the wall? Is it possible to have the POCO do a midspan or otherwise move the drop on their end so that it approaches at an angle? What about moving the point of attachment over to the front corner of the building?

-Hal

 

[Izzy]

Well, those won't handle 1-1/2" anything and I doubt they would be compliant. Beyond that I'm having a hard time visualizing how and why you want to use them. Does the drop run parallel with the wall to the point of attachment so that you are afraid it will rub against the wall? Is it possible to have the POCO do a midspan or otherwise move the drop on their end so that it approaches at an angle? What about moving the point of attachment over to the front corner of the building?

-Hal

The drop is running nearly parellel to the wall. Seems too close even if it doesn't quite touch. I thought about the potential of the POCO making some adjustments. I thought maybe they could do a standoff for the drop at the pole. What do you mean by a midspan? Moving the point of attachment over to the corner of the building would resolve it, but I'm already at the max for bends.

 

[hbiss]

What do you mean by a midspan?

POCO runs a strand between your pole and the next. They then attach the drop to a point out along the strand instead of to the pole.

I'm thinking too that they can put a sleeve on the drop where it is next to the house, like they would do if a drop runs through a tree and rubs against it. But that's IMO ugly and a band-aid instead of doing it right.

BUT all this being said, none of this should be your problem. It's up to the POCO how they want to run their drop, it belongs to them. If you have concerns get them out to look at it.

-Hal

 

[Izzy]

POCO runs a strand between your pole and the next. They then attach the drop to a point out along the strand instead of to the pole.

No midspan possible. The pole is on the property, in the backyard. True, it is their service drop; should be their problem.

 

[Smart $]

.... True, it is their service drop; should be their problem.

How is the drop attached currently? How much clearance between house and drop? Will sway during extreme wind conditions permit the drop conductors to touch the house?

I've seen a few drops where the PoCo attached close to the corner then again at the riser.

 

[Izzy]

I've seen a few drops where the PoCo attached close to the corner then again at the riser.

That might work.

The photo shows what I'm struggling with. I tied a string to both sides of the pole about 5 ft up and the string touches the corner of the house on either side. The pole leans, which means it will be a little better from where the drop originates, but I still think it will be a problem.

 

[Smart $]

I don't see where you are at max bends currently... or did you mean after continuing to new attachment point?

I'd put an LB where the current conduit ends and run conduit all the way to the corner of the house. You should be able to get there with 3 90's in that part of the run (i.e. between pull points).

 

[Izzy]

I'd put an LB where the current conduit ends and run conduit all the way to the corner of the house. You should be able to get there with 3 90's in that part of the run (i.e. between pull points).

What about clearance at the termination of the conduit at the corner? It would be about 8 ft from the porch floor.

 

[Izzy]

What about clearance at the termination of the conduit at the corner? It would be about 8 ft from the porch floor.

Since I'd be using an LB, I suppose I could just turn up with another 90 at that corner like in this photo.

 

[Smart $]

What about clearance at the termination of the conduit at the corner? It would be about 8 ft from the porch floor.

If you mean at the new point of attachment at the corner of the house, take it up to about 12' above the deck. The service drop drip loop supposed to be not less than 10' above platforms.

If you happen to mean the existing conduit, the LB gets connected to it. Not sure what size conductors those are, so don't know if you can splice in the LB, or an upsized LB. If not you may have to pull new conductors.

Unsure about your local amendments, but under the NEC as is, you could run SE cable all the way from the new point of attachment to the service equipment.

 

[Smart $]

Since I'd be using an LB, I suppose I could just turn up with another 90 at that corner like in this photo.

On reply page when you posted this...

 

[Izzy]

If you happen to mean the existing conduit, the LB gets connected to it. Not sure what size conductors those are, so don't know if you can splice in the LB, or an upsized LB. If not you may have to pull new conductors.

Unsure about your local amendments, but under the NEC as is, you could run SE cable all the way from the new point of attachment to the service equipment.

Existing conductors too small; I will have to pull new. Didn't know I could use SE cable. That's interesting. I'll have to give it some thought.