Service Drop Question

[tonype]

Is there a limit as to the SEC length at a newer cut-in? Photo shows alot a slack in the SEC conductors, but also note the splice in the service drop.

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a352/TonyPE/P1130020.jpg

 

[jumper]

Nothing I can find in 230.54 states limit on length.

The splice I can see is on the POCO side.

 

[Dennis Alwon]

That is a POCO responsbility. I believe this was a service that was temped and the POCO never came back to make the final hookup.

Around here we use the split bolts as shown in the picture then the POCO comes after inspection and puts there compression splices on the connection.

 

[macmikeman]

The trend now for several states is to regulate the power company providers into using the NESC as the rule book for such issues. It is like a junior NEC, and some of the rules in it are fairly restrictive about such things as minimum heights of service drop conductors and free loops at service heads. The cost is out of this world for a copy however, so I resort to the one copy at the state library for reference.

 

[infinity]

We always leave a little extra. The POCO lineman will shorten them as needed when making the final connection. The POCO around here requires a minimum of 3' on a 200 amp service.

There may be a problem with that other cable (telephone or TV) being less than 2' from the service drop. That's another POCO requirement.

 

[jbelectric777]

Most POCO's want at least 36"

 

[hurk27]

Other then it looks like the installer used the J-bolts for a cable drop as the attachment point (we are required to use an insulator knob by the POCO), and it may or may not be a foot below the weather head, other then that I see nothing wrong with the install, I like the idea of the PVC on an install like this just because if a tree ever takes the riser down it can be put back up with minimal damage and at a lower cost to the home owner, most of the time it snaps off at the male adapter right above the meter, so you just glue on another and re strap it back up, and your done. the wire dont even short out since the PVC male adaptor keeps them from shorting against the meter can, so many times the power even stays on.