Explanation for melted cable wire?

[ddubbs103]

I have been looking through old threads and have not found the answer that really explains my question. Here is the question, I heard of cable wires being melted from lost grounded conductors, but dont understand how the return would go through the cable, unless the cable ground is connected to the grounded conductor at the pole some how? Could anyone help me try to understand this situation? Thanks for any info.

 

[peter d]

If the CATV demarc is bonded to the premises wiring system properly (as required by the NEC), then the shield on the coax drop will act as the return path to the source when the main source neutral is broken or compromised.

It is the same principle of a metal water piping system acting as the return path for a broken or compromised neutral.

 

[ddubbs103]

It is the same principle of a metal water piping system acting as the return path for a broken or compromised neutral.


dumb question, so if you touch a water pipe that is grounded in this scenario you would get hit ?

 

[LarryFine]

I heard of cable wires being melted from lost grounded conductors, but dont understand how the return would go through the cable, unless the cable ground is connected to the grounded conductor at the pole some how?

It is.

 

[don_resqcapt19]

dumb question, so if you touch a water pipe that is grounded in this scenario you would get hit ?

Only if there is enough voltage drop on the water pipe to elevate the voltage.

 

[wireguru]

Only if there is enough voltage drop on the water pipe to elevate the voltage.

or when a plumber takes out a pressure reg or something and opens the circuit.

I keep forgetting I should put a section of plastic in my copper water main.....or find a way to detect current flow through my water pipe and bill the utility $500/day for use of my transmission line

 

[acrwc10]

or when a plumber takes out a pressure reg or something and opens the circuit.

I keep forgetting I should put a section of plastic in my copper water main.....or find a way to detect current flow through my water pipe and bill the utility $500/day for use of my transmission line

Put an Emon CT meter on it.

 

[don_resqcapt19]

or when a plumber takes out a pressure reg or something and opens the circuit.

If you open the pipe and it is just a parallel path for the grounded conductor then the only voltage you have between the two pipe sections is the voltage drop on the grounded conductor. If you open the pipe and the grounded conductor is open or has a high resistance connection, you may get a fatal shock. In both cases a amp meter will show current on the water pipe.