Replacing panels in dark basements

Status
Not open for further replies.
#6 Alligator clip
#7 Just an ordinary current tap
#8 Big Klein that I specially ground to fit the slot in the older 100 amp Milbank lug screws more accurately
#9 Ripley Utility Tools 4x4 stripper
#10 Home-made cable bender for on 3/8" drive socket extension.
 
Eklind is one of those brands you'll probably not see in your local hardware store, but they're all over in industrial facilities. Sort of like "Williams" for socket sets.
 
I "sacrificed" a set of Allen keys....they fit nicely in a socket...hella leverage and no issues when torquing comes into the equation ;)
 
bjp_ne_elec said:
That Dewalt DC022 is sweet! That's defiinitely my next "toy".
Click to expand...


I have a couple of these. You get about 1 1/2 hours of light time with two 18volt xrp batteries. A slight bit less with the 14.4's. Picked them up at Depot a while back for $99 a piece. Cost is $98 or so. (I have a friend that tells me cost when I ask) They are clearing them out now...for $99. The tag said they were originally $149. The only drawback is that they can't use the lithium ion batteries because of the built in charger. The other flourescent 18 volt light is great also, especially in crawl spaces and attics.

c2500
 
mdshunk said:
Put me down in the alligator clip user category. Matter of fact, the linemen get a little provoked if I don't have them out and ready for them when they're there to cut the drop so they can install them for me.
Click to expand...

the utility boys cut the power for you? Do you temp power back into the house until they come back to set up their permanant power again?
 
I use one similar to this
headlampcar_big_1215.jpg


Always where I need the light and no shadows.
 
alfiesauce said:
the utility boys cut the power for you? Do you temp power back into the house until they come back to set up their permanant power again?
Click to expand...


Last service upgrade I did.. the POCO guy told me that I should just to the disconnect, reconnect as well as moving the drop to the new mast, get it inspected, and when It passes to call them out then they come and install their crimps on the drop and seal the meter.

I was always told [prior to that] that POCO didnt want EC's to mess with their wires. :confused:

~Matt
 
SEO said:
I've made up a cord with alligator clips with an in line fuse and a receptacle on the end. Clip to line side of meter.
Click to expand...

with a fuse??? you could sell those to the floor sander guys
 
TOOL_5150 said:
Last service upgrade I did.. the POCO guy told me that I should just to the disconnect, reconnect as well as moving the drop to the new mast, get it inspected, and when It passes to call them out then they come and install their crimps on the drop and seal the meter.

I was always told [prior to that] that POCO didnt want EC's to mess with their wires. :confused:

~Matt
Click to expand...

It's been a super rare occasion that poco has come out to disconnect a service in my experiences. I've always disconnected it and then reattached and somehow temped the connection so that the house has power restored to it within a 'reasonable' amount of time ei-that day and not tomorrow.
On farms I've even climbed up the dreaded transformer pole once or twice- but I do avoid that as much as possible.
 
alfiesauce said:
the utility boys cut the power for you? Do you temp power back into the house until they come back to set up their permanant power again?
Click to expand...
Depends on the particular PoCo. Most-yes, some-no.
 
TOOL_5150 said:
Isnt clipping to the lineside meter socket "technically" theft of service?

~Matt
Click to expand...
Yes, and if they want the 4 cents worth of electricity I'll use while doing the service change, I'll gladly give it to them tenfold. Before cell phones became real popular, I would just clip onto whatever with the butt set and make phonecalls to the office to save a dime too.
 
mdshunk said:
Yes, and if they want the 4 cents worth of electricity I'll use while doing the service change, I'll gladly give it to them tenfold. Before cell phones became real popular, I would just clip onto whatever with the butt set and make phonecalls to the office to save a dime too.
Click to expand...


YEP! And thats the truth!
 
I made a power board for service changes a while back. It has a 10-foot 12/4 rubber cord with four heavy-duty clips, like #6 in Marc's pic. I put red boots on the red and black wires, and black boots on the neutral and green wires.

This feeds a small 2-space breaker enclosure which contains two 20a GFCI breakers, and then a pair of receptacles in a 4" square box with a double-duplex (aka 'quad') raised cover, all mounted on a 1x6 board with a hanging hole in it.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Top