SE Cable running along side of home

[Fred B]

IMO if a car jumps the curb and hits the house, there are bigger things to worry about, and besides even if it's car vs sched 80 PVC, the car will still win. Is like to see what happens if a car kisses that meter......

I've seen that, sparks all over the place and burn marks all down the side of tractor trailer that backed into meter on the side of a warehouse. Was working on building next to it when it happened. Got to fix that one too.

 

[jaggedben]

I agree that a curb and separation makes a difference. The photo from Another C10 might not be subject to physical damage (although the cable is not supported compliantly). However that was not the OP.

FWIW I come from an area where SE cable isn't used for services pretty much at all. One major AHJ has local codes that prohibit it. Some others would probably just be surprised to realize they don't. The utilities probably wouldn't connect to it though.

 

[Buck Parrish]

I, too, am in a state where exposed SE is common; many of you see it as alien.

In my opinion, the proximity to the driveway makes this a likely-to-be-damaged location.

Also, I believe Sched. 80 PVC or RGS would be called for here.

Yeah , a lot of places in NC would require schedule 80. Got to watch out for gas powered hedge trimmers

 

[electrofelon]

I agree that a curb and separation makes a difference. The photo from Another C10 might not be subject to physical damage (although the cable is not supported compliantly). However that was not the OP.

FWIW I come from an area where SE cable isn't used for services pretty much at all. One major AHJ has local codes that prohibit it. Some others would probably just be surprised to realize they don't. The utilities probably wouldn't connect to it though.

Yeah some places don't allow SE and/or it's just not used much. Often times people from these areas will find the thought of it's use quite cringe worthy. I think a lot of it comes down to what one is used to. Personally, SE is actually my preference for most houses (for my east coast work, it's not allowed in WA). It's the lowest profile, least conspicuous wiring method. Done neat and straight with uniform strapping I think it looks good. I hate PVC above ground, it's big, think it looks like plastic Garbage. EMT or RMC are usually not in the budget and are of course the same size as PVC. Kinda looks like a steampunk art project on the side of the house too.

Edit: A friend and I jokingly call all wiring methods a type of ramen (derived from romex). SE cable is " service ramen"

 

[LarryFine]

Edit: A friend and I jokingly call all wiring methods a type of ramen (derived from romex). SE cable is " service ramen"

And we often refer to the neutral as the noodle.

 

[Another C10]

that meter......

Again just noticed, in California, a Meter Spotters probably would shoot down the location, not having the 3ft of standing clearance below meter.

 

[retirede]

And we often refer to the neutral as the noodle.

That would make the white conductor in a romex cable a “ramen noodle”!

 

[sameguy]

I think the house would stop a car from any great damage or the house gets taken out, strap it up go back to bed.