Quick question on trouible calls with main connections

Merry Christmas
Status
Not open for further replies.
KnobnTube

KnobnTube

Member
Thought I would post this question as getting connected with inspectors around here is difficult.
I am doing mostly remodel, additions and trouble calls in residential in georgia(1 1/2yrs).
Had a call the other day which essentially involved cleaning up a couple stabs on the buss of a 150a panelboard. Had to move a circuit to another location since cleaning still left burrs and pitts on 1 stab and didnt like the way the breaker fit.
Anyway, I was thinking along those lines:
What if the problem had been on the main lugs -line side of the breaker and cleaning etc. needed to be performed from loose connections or other items.
What is the standard today.
1.Pull the meter and do the repairs, then contact the power company later to notify them of the broken seal?
2. Call the power company to remove the meter before repairing?
3. Involve the local inspections dept? (that could take a while)
Just staying ahead of the game in case it pops up in the future.
Thanks,
 
read 110.12 C

my take on it is: replace damaged electrical gear unless the manufacturer has a specific recommended practice that allows you to repair or replace the item using the manufacturers parts and instructions

(jmsho)
 
I don't think I've ever cleaned a stab. I've condemned a space by moving the breaker to a new space and putting a filler plate in the bad space. Square D used to make the bus fingers replaceable, of which I have replaced many. The new design does not have replaceable bus fingers, unfortunately.
 
While i have pulled many meters it could cause troubles.Best to talk to local poco first and i would keep record of that call.Most will let you as long as you call first.Keep in mind them new digital ones will tell on you.
 
some GA POCOs get very upset when you break the seal...as in criminal action upset so I would not break a seal without discussing 1st.

as Marc stated, other than factory part replacement, the only safe (liability) step is panel replacement. Not many, if any, inspectors will
allow anything else.

you can "jack-leg" it (cut seal, clean stabs, etc) and "takes your chances"
or join the big dogs and explain to the customer why replacement is the safe way, contact POCO & inspection.
 
augie47 said:
some GA POCOs get very upset when you break the seal...as in criminal action upset so I would not break a seal without discussing 1st..
Click to expand...
I would encourage you to not buy into the rumors until you've read the actual text of the laws yourself.
 
Most POCOs in my area are pretty good about electricians cutting the seal. They understand that there's emergency service calls that need to be resolved ASAP, and some cannot wait for a line crew to show up with a pair of dikes.

I have all my POCOs emergency phone numbers in my cell phone, so when I get into a situation that needs their attention, but I can (or desperately need to) start by pulling the meter, I go ahead without much fear of retribution. When they do arrive, I simply show that what I was up against. They pretty much nod and agree it was the best thing to do.

If they don't want to wait around for me to finish, they just hand me a new seal and ask that I button it up when I'm done. No big deal.
 
All the POCO's I've worked with in GA aren't going to give you any trouble unless they think you're trying to steal electricity or tampering with their equipment w/o good reason. The employees that show up at the scene are working guys too, and they understand what you're going through. POCO desk jockey's are a different story though. ;)
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Top