Changing a service hot

[boboelectric]

We don't scab hookups out of respect to the linemen's union,which they always want to pare.

 

[Fulthrotl]

I used to lay them on the ground and wire nut a GFCI recep for working power.

The last time I did it, the messenger wire came into contact with the fuse link of the pole mounted transformer.

I won't be doing that again.


POCO generally ties them off but this lineman just let it drop.

i usually take 4 or 5 half hitches with a piece of mule tape, and tie off to a roof penetration. pull out the undersize pipe, and replace with 2". re land the
drop onto the mast, and megger everything before hooking up.

i don't even like to move an old drop around much.... 40 year old triplex
can be brittle, and if it grounds on the messenger cable, it'll fuse it, drop
to the ground, and relay the pole fuses..... then you have ten houses dead,
and an outage.

being the center of attention is ok sometimes. this isn't one of those times.


randy

 

[Power Tech]

We do the work hot and deal with the permits, paperwork, inspections later on when it's convenient.

Cal-OSHA does not keep workers safe, the workers' brains keep them safe. I haven't lost a worker to death in several days so I gues we're doin' OK so far this week.

We use the set-screw type butt splices.

Are you in CA? Whenever the POCO pulls a meter for me, I need a green sticker which requires a permit. PG&E will fine you and turn you in to the CSLB. Meter and power tampering.

 

[Power Tech]

Here in CA I deal with multiple POCO's. I always talk to the service planner before work. Some have "meter spotters" who spots the meter prior to work. Sometimes the meter has to be relocated to the other side of the house. Edison, DWP, Pasadena Power all direct me to connect and install meters (I always call and ask). PG&E will fine you. You cannot pull a meter or even cut the lines. I do wish they would all get there story straight and standardize the process but I am afraid they would all turn into PG&E THE WORST POCO IN THE COUNTRY!

 

[spdtrx]

[ PG&E will fine you. You cannot pull a meter or even cut the lines. I do wish they would all get there story straight and standardize the process but I am afraid they would all turn into PG&E THE WORST POCO IN THE COUNTRY![/QUOTE]

You got that right.PG&E THE WORST POCO IN THE COUNTRY:grin:

 

[Power Tech]

Power has gone off 60+ times this year. No BS. I'm so negative. It's been on more than off.

 

[76nemo]

Here in my neck of upstate NY, you have to call the POCO planner for a scheduled meter pull and line cut, I'll give a 2-3 days notice. I meg the drop, not required, and leave the results for the line guys. If inspector can't make it in my time of convenience, I just sign a very basic 10 day waiver, and POCO comes in and replaces the meter. Here we are only responsible to the service head, no way in heck are we allowed to tie into line. Used to be years ago we were only responsible to load side of the meter, then it went to drop side.

 

[lucky1974]

i don't even like to move an old drop around much.... 40 year old triplex
can be brittle, and if it grounds on the messenger cable, it'll fuse it, drop
to the ground, and relay the pole fuses..... then you have ten houses dead,
and an outage.

being the center of attention is ok sometimes. this isn't one of those times.


randy

I don't normally mind dropping the line, building my riser and re-attaching. I did one the other day that had severely deteriorated insulation. I had to tape up a few spot's that were broken all the way through the insulation before i dropped it down. I was very nervous to say the least. Had all my ppe on just in case. I hope i never find out what it looks like when the triplex shorts to the messenger neutral.

 

[sberger3]

I do them hot in Pennsylvania, the power company then comes by and replaces my splices with their own.
Sheldon