Electrical tape at service point

[six73]

I saw a new overhead service point installation at a single family home yesterday that had the connectors just wrapped in electrical tape. This really rubs me the wrong way and I prefer to see the solid coupling covers, but as far as I can tell this is (or could be) technically OK per 2020 NEC. Can someone check my reasoning here? The attached picture is one I found onine while researching this, I circled what I'm referring to as a coupling cover.

- The NEC applies to service points (and I don't see any reference at all about the specifics of service point connections in the utility builder guide).
- The physical connection at the service point is simply a splice, covered under 110.14(B): "...All splices and joints and the free ends of conductors shall be covered with an insulation equivalent to that of the conductors or with an identified insulating device."
- Based on another thread I saw on this forum it sounds like electrical tape could qualify as "insulation equivalent", but how much tape would it take to meet that? I know decent tape is listed for up to 600V, but I'd be wary of just a wrap or two actually providing sufficient insulation (never mind the fact that electrical tape exposed to the elements is going to deteriorate pretty quickly).

Just for my own edification, what is the common name of the crimp-on connectors used for service point connections, and is there another name used for the coupling covers?

 

[don_resqcapt19]

In my opinion the connection is on the line side of the service point and not covered by the rules in the NEC.

 

[infinity]

I agree with Don so it's up to the POCO to decide if tape is sufficient.

Looks like the POCO is using something like this, insulated and crimp right over it.

https://www.gordonelectricsupply.com/p/Blkbrn-Ics78-1-1-0Awg-Sleeve/6005353?gad_source=1

 

[six73]

I think you're right, I should have gone back and refreshed my memory on scope. 90.2(B)(5) says (not covered): "Installations under the exclusive control of an electric utility where such installations
a. Consist of service drops or service laterals, and associated metering, or
..."

The NEC doesn't mention splices in the definition of service drop, but the utility builder guide is explicit:
"Service Drop: The overhead service conductors from the last pole or other aerial support including the splices, if any, connecting to the service entrance conductors at the building or other structure."

I'm a little surprised they don't mention the insulating requirements anywhere, but I guess if a local electrician isn't making the connection they don't bother with specifying.

 

[infinity]

I'm a little surprised they don't mention the insulating requirements anywhere, but I guess if a local electrician isn't making the connection they don't bother with specifying.

I agree. When we do service upgrades we make our own temporary connections and then the POCO comes in later, removes them and makes their own permanent connections.

 

[Buck Parrish]

Six73 Is it possible you're one of the inspectors whom have not worked in the field as an electrician? Don't get offended, I'm just making conversation, because we use tape all the time.
But their is tape then their is Scotch 88 which is sunlight resistant.
I've seen others and I have used good quality electrical tape for 40 years. I have never seen it come off. I too have done what I thought was a temporary one. Sometimes the power company says that they won't change it because mine is fine.
I tell alot of folks that look at it I say, I'll guarante that connection for 30 years, LOL But I truly belive in good tape.
Put the thick stuff on first see here .
But you're right if it's only wrapped twice that goes against NEC110.12

 

[Fred B]

Pretty much around here POCO only using this over the H crimp of the service overhead to service drop. Not in the least water tight, tape might actually give a tight seal around the conductor.

 

[petersonra]

I would not have an issue with taping them.

 

[hbiss]

I would not have an issue with taping them.

I never had an issue with taping them. It's not like they are going to contact anything if the tape gets a hole on it. I was up on my house doing painting and had to stick my head between the service drip loops. I saw that the 30+ year old tape job was getting a little brittle so I taped them up some more.

-Hal

 

[ptonsparky]

I’ve seen many drops that are insulated by spacing only. Tape was a step or two up unless it was three bare cu coming from the meter pole. If so bend it back so it’s out of the way or tap directly to the span. Al above the Cu.

 

[Eddie702]

Tape was always used around here with Burndys with the spacer for copper to aluminum although there are other connectors used now that are less expensive. I used "Scotchfill" insulating putty with electrical tape on top of that.

 

[six73]

Fred B's picture was exactly the cover I was talking about, that's what I see at most new installs. After reading this thread I'll lose less sleep now over tape if it is obviously heavily applied, but to somebody's point about "it's not going to touch anything if the tape gets a hole in it", I worry about the poor shlub who's not paying attention and swinging around an aluminum ladder. I still feel like the splice I saw the other day that started this discussion was a little light, but I guess since it's the POCO's responsibility I have to assume whoever did it met their minimum standard.