Build house around a service?

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ray456

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For some time in my area Western Massachusetts putting in the permeant service before the house is build has been the norm. A sheet of plywood shot to the foundation with the meter screwed on to it. The permeant panel in the basement with a plastic trash bag over it to keep out the weather. I have seen some very bad abuses to this practice, meters hanging at a 45 degree angle and unsupported. I only do a couple houses a year at the most so I tend to be very hands on with the process making sure the equipment is supported and the panel protected.

Having said all that I just had an inspector shoot down this practice. He had asked a weather proof enclosure made of wood with a lockable door be installed around the panel and we did do this as he asked. However he was concerned that during the construction something could fall on the meter.

I am not one to argue with an inspector over a judgment call like this but it seams like the least of the reasons I would reject such an installation. I understand these concerns but see the same issues for a temp service on a construction site. Lets not even get into what siding contractors do you services.

I just wonder were you all stand on this issue?
 
Re: Build house around a service?

It seems awfully early to install a service before the house is even built or the siding is up.

I have seen the same thing in my area too (Connecticut) and all I could think was that the electrician is awfully bad at coordination. :roll:

Are these services being livened up to provide power to the site? I understand the need for temp power but that is ridiculous.
 
Re: Build house around a service?

The permeant panel in the basement with a plastic trash bag over it
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It is a temporary service.

How is this the permanent service?
 
Re: Build house around a service?

Sure, and I suppose the new owner gets a ratty panel and breakers that have been exposed to moisture in his brand new house. Sounds to me like the GC doesn't want to pay for a temp service.

I would say that the panel is not listed for use in that environment unless it is rain tight. That should be a violation right there. Keeping it in service against manufacturer recommendations after it has been exposed to water is another.

-Hal
 
Re: Build house around a service?

This practice is done in my area (upper midwest) also. I think the main reason this is done to save the GC money by not having to pay for a temp. service and hook-ups fees from the PC.
 
Re: Build house around a service?

This kind of thing usually happens when a cheap GC is running the whole deal. Saving money through any means possible. Goofiness not excluded.
 
Re: Build house around a service?

They permitted this in Naples FL about 8 years ago.Hopefully they stoped.There is far too much danger involved here.The biggest worry is how long it will take till its under roof.Might be a week or maybe years.Its just over being cheap.
 
Re: Build house around a service?

While yes if not done correctly it could be dangerous but this has been done in this area for about 18 years. Our utility started requiring a large deposit and a hook up charge that was way out of line and the contractors got together with the inspectors to see how they could get power turn on to a un built house. and this was the response. But a few rules apply before the AHJ's sign off on it:

It must be mounted in the same fashion that the NEC would require it to be if the building was built. It must be protected from all types of weather, rain, snow, ice, wind. We put a temporary block of treated wood in the space above it, on both sides and even below it and seal it with 100% silicone we use a treated door over it that hinges from the top with rubber seals. with places at the bottom that just allow the cords to run through. The J-Block for the meter is sealed to the structure also as is the meter to the J-Block. The wall that it is mounted on has to become part of the finish building wall and has to be sturdy enough to be hit by a board without moving. Now not all follow this guide line here and many get by. But in most areas its up to the AHJ.
 
Re: Build house around a service?

500 bucks! Were they leaving the area with the house???

Utilities give away free power around here sometimes. The structure is going to be there forever, and they're the only source! Are they really in danger of losing out on the power used by a temp during construction? That's wild...
 
Re: Build house around a service?

No George they are not turtles. LOL :D

When a temp was set the GC would have to open an account with the utility to have it hooked up. and they treated these temp's as a separate structure from the house. back in the early 80's many started subdivisions and went belly up with that most would pick up and leave town before the bills started rolling in. and since the temp was not tied to the house there was no recourse for the utility to place a lean on the property. So the utility got strict with temp's. The amount was what I was told by some GC's so don't take it to the bank that it is correct, but it must be close for them to want to not use temp's.
 
Re: Build house around a service?

The first one I set up I called the power co. and said "ok you guys can come turn it on now" and they asked for the information to set up the account, and that's when it occured to me, somebody has to pay for it. :D :D
 
Re: Build house around a service?

Generally, ('round here) the meter that is in the temp is pulled out of the temp and plugged into the service of the house. Make the homeowner pay for it! :)

We ran a 16-plex on free (unmetered) power for a week or better during construction. I guess our local POCO's are more trusting.

The utility doesn't have any material at risk, right? The power consumed is their only loss in the event that everybody jumps ship? (Provided the EC installs the permanent service laterals, provides the temp, etc.) Why do they need $1500 security to be at ease with the arrangement? That's wild......

they treated these temp's as a separate structure from the house.
Click to expand...
Maybe that's the problem.
 
Re: Build house around a service?

Regarding the original question, I wouldn't do it, I wouldn't work for a gc that is that sketchy, and in my opinion it is a pretty moronic thing to do.
 
Re: Build house around a service?

Did you people make this sh$t up? I can not believe that anyone (GC, EC, or anyone) would do something so silly. I have seen silly stuff in my life but Im laughing my tailend off as im writing this. Don't waste the time even working for this goof ball.

Im picturing in my heads the framers setting the exterior wall and wondering why the wall is 4 inches off from where the meter base sits. I can see 6 off them all gathered up leaning on their shovels staring at the wall. :confused:
 
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