Is there a preferred conductor to terminate first when doing a typical single family residential service?

[SomeRandomPerson]

At the point of attachment where we meet up with the utilities, I’ve seen some guys chomp off either ungrounded current carrying conductors first, then the grounded current carrying conductor. I’ve also seen them go for the grounded first, the ungrounded next. I was taught basically, (Black conductor, first to break, last to make)
(Grounding conductor, first to make, last to break), shouldn’t that apply to doing overheads?


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[LarryFine]

Hadn't thought about it until you asked, but since you did, I'd equate it with a car battery. When the negative terminal is connected, everything around the battery (and tools) is "hot" relative to the wrench.

This presumes the meter is pulled.

 

[acrwc10]

I would cut ungrounded conductors first. If the neutral conductor was cut and for some unknown reason the system is still connected ( or gets reconnected) having no neutral could be a problem.

 

[SomeRandomPerson]

Hadn't thought about it until you asked, but since you did, I'd equate it with a car battery. When the negative terminal is connected, everything around the battery (and tools) is "hot" relative to the wrench.

This presumes the meter is pulled.

Yes. Meter pulled, main off
Good analogy. Thanks.


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[SomeRandomPerson]

I would cut ungrounded conductors first. If the neutral conductor was cut and for some unknown reason the system is still connected ( or gets reconnected) having no neutral could be a problem.

I also see guys cutting it with and without gloves. I’m going with gloves


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[LarryFine]

When the negative terminal is connected, everything around the battery (and tools) is "hot" relative to the wrench.

I should have said " . . . relative to the wrench when it's on the + terminal.

 

[James L]

I was taught, always do, and always teach...

Connect ground first, then neutral, then hots

Disconnect hots first, then neutral, then ground

If the meter is pulled, it's not supposed to make any difference at all. But it's a good idea to be a creature of habit. It lessens the possibility of mistakes.

Not related to a service connection...
I had a buddy help out on a commercial job, and disconnected the neutral first in a j-box with a boat in it. I freaked out instantly, and he had no idea why it a bad idea to have 3 hots connected without a neutral

 

[qcroanoke]

I was taught, always do, and always teach...

Connect ground first, then neutral, then hots

Disconnect hots first, then neutral, then ground

Ditto

 

[Little Bill]

Hadn't thought about it until you asked, but since you did, I'd equate it with a car battery. When the negative terminal is connected, everything around the battery (and tools) is "hot" relative to the wrench.

This presumes the meter is pulled.

I should have said " . . . relative to the wrench when it's on the + terminal.

I had to have a new battery late one night and I just wheeled into an Auto Zone. Since it was late and I was tired, I let them install the battery. I was watching the young guy (boy) install the new battery. He was going to put the negative cable on first and had a ratchet handle about a mile long. I stopped him and explained what could happen when he went to put on the positive cable if the negative was already installed and he hit anything metal with the wrench. I figured he would just blow me off and continue on. But instead, it blew his mind! He said that no one had ever explained that to him before!

 

[rainwater01]

I was taught, always do, and always teach...

Connect ground first, then neutral, then hots

Disconnect hots first, then neutral, then ground

If the meter is pulled, it's not supposed to make any difference at all. But it's a good idea to be a creature of habit. It lessens the possibility of mistakes.

Not related to a service connection...
I had a buddy help out on a commercial job, and disconnected the neutral first in a j-box with a boat in it. I freaked out instantly, and he had no idea why it a bad idea to have 3 hots connected without a neutral

I agree but if I’m wiring a light switch hot I’m usually putting the ground on last because the chassis of the switch is way too close to the screw terminals when you’re wrapping your wire around the screws.


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[James L]

I agree but if I’m wiring a light switch hot I’m usually putting the ground on last because the chassis of the switch is way too close to the screw terminals when you’re wrapping your wire around the screws.


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Yeah that really sucks about the switches.
Never really thought to put the ground on last.

It's just so natural to connect the ground first.
Maybe I need a new habit

 

[SomeRandomPerson]

I was taught, always do, and always teach...

Connect ground first, then neutral, then hots

Disconnect hots first, then neutral, then ground

If the meter is pulled, it's not supposed to make any difference at all. But it's a good idea to be a creature of habit. It lessens the possibility of mistakes.

Not related to a service connection...
I had a buddy help out on a commercial job, and disconnected the neutral first in a j-box with a boat in it. I freaked out instantly, and he had no idea why it a bad idea to have 3 hots connected without a neutral

Oof.


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[SomeRandomPerson]

I had to have a new battery late one night and I just wheeled into an Auto Zone. Since it was late and I was tired, I let them install the battery. I was watching the young guy (boy) install the new battery. He was going to put the negative cable on first and had a ratchet handle about a mile long. I stopped him and explained what could happen when he went to put on the positive cable if the negative was already installed and he hit anything metal with the wrench. I figured he would just blow me off and continue on. But instead, it blew his mind! He said that no one had ever explained that to him before!

Honestly you could have saved his life


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[SomeRandomPerson]

I agree but if I’m wiring a light switch hot I’m usually putting the ground on last because the chassis of the switch is way too close to the screw terminals when you’re wrapping your wire around the screws.


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That’s very wise


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[rainwater01]

Yeah that really sucks about the switches.
Never really thought to put the ground on last.

It's just so natural to connect the ground first.
Maybe I need a new habit

Ha. 99 percent of the time I’m ground first too. It’s usually much faster and safer to work with the power off anyway. I’d say you’re doing just fine.


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[qcroanoke]

I agree but if I’m wiring a light switch hot I’m usually putting the ground on last because the chassis of the switch is way too close to the screw terminals when you’re wrapping your wire around the screws.


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I do that also but if I'm wiring a switch hot if I touch the frame of the switch with the hot I'm gonna get blasted anyway.....

 

[rainwater01]

I do that also but if I'm wiring a switch hot if I touch the frame of the switch with the hot I'm gonna get blasted anyway.....

Have you really? I can hold a 120 volt hot wire and not get shocked. Depends on if your wearing shoes or standing in water though of course. I’d be more hesitant on a concrete floor too.


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[rambojoe]

First make, last break. Which one do you think should be first?

 

[Strathead]

I was taught not to work on houses.

 

[qcroanoke]

Have you really? I can hold a 120 volt hot wire and not get shocked. Depends on if your wearing shoes or standing in water though of course. I’d be more hesitant on a concrete floor too.


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I should have added if I'm grounded.