Suggestions on replacing this service equip?

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Re: Suggestions on replacing this service equip?

If it has not been mentioned yet that triplex is alot heavier than you might think. Or so I hear.
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In my area, So. Texas( I know it's different everywhere) the POCOs service drops for residential are aluminum, this allows for a single serviceman to handle it and it doesn't put such a bind on the knobs, of course it's still wise to use a block to get a good tight drop. Curious are there any areas that use copper triplex for residential drops? :)
 
Re: Suggestions on replacing this service equip?

Originally posted by redfish:
Curious are there any areas that use copper triplex for residential drops? :)
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I seriously doubt it. Aerial and URD Triplex goes by the "code names", such as Periwinkle,voluta,conch, raven, sweetbriar, etc. These are all aluminium cables. I've never heard of any copper secondary distribution cables. It might exist, but it would be the rare exception.

While I have seen copper SE cable, that's rarely used in my area, and I've never used any myself.

[ September 05, 2005, 12:22 AM: Message edited by: mdshunk ]
 
Re: Suggestions on replacing this service equip?

You may want to get an answer from the local POCO on this before You do this Yourself.
The POCO here would go nuts if someone transfered their service, or even thought about laying it down, or across the road.
Reason # 1 is that the type of construction , & spacing on the poles, is different in many locations.
Old style construction sometimes has the open wire secondary above the transformers, & a long primary riser 2400 or 7200 running up from the xfmr, past the open wire secondary, to a cutout at the top of the pole.
By lowering the service, You could allow the triplex neutral to contact this primary riser...
then Your wiring days are over.
Coordinating with the POCO, to arrange a service drop, is the best / safest way to go.
I know that is not easy in some locations, but I was a Lead Line Tech, for 10 Years, & Guys, the POCO looks at Us doing this the same way We look at DIYs wiring things an EC should do.
Working with the POCO is just part of the business, & getting on their bad side won't help You in the long run. If You work long enough, You will need them for favors, advice etc.
 
Re: Suggestions on replacing this service equip?

Thanks again for everyone's input.
In NJ you need a reference # supplied by the POCO to be on the local permit for service work. So, yes I will be in contact with them. On jobs where I can't handle the overhead lines, I schedule them to do it. $225 for the POCO to disconnect/reconnect. They are always a pleasure to work with. But I have seen 2 2-man crews and a supervisor chat for close to an hour about how busy they are and understaffed. :eek:
 
Re: Suggestions on replacing this service equip?

What am I missing?
It looks like a 2" mast. Why replace it? Cut the service wires going into the weatherhead, make safe the triplex ends, pull the wire out of the riser, replace the meter pan (socket), install new wires (3-2/0 for 200Amp service) finish off from the meter socket to the new panel, ground and bond, etc. Then connect the triplex to the new service wires.
 
Re: Suggestions on replacing this service equip?

Originally posted by megawatt:
I know that is not easy in some locations, but I was a Lead Line Tech, for 10 Years, & Guys, the POCO looks at Us doing this the same way We look at DIYs wiring things an EC should do.
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That may be true in certain areas. I work in an area that is at the nexus of 3 regular power companies, one municipal power company, and 2 co-ops. At least two of them require the electrician to transfer the drop if you want your power back the same day, two of them encourage it by charging obnoxious retap fees, and the other two don't permit it but they will cut and retap the same day.

For guys who do several service changes each week, this is not that big of a deal. If you do one or two every few years, you probably not only don't own the PPE, but you might be unsure of the procedure and shouldn't do it.

[Secondary above the primary??? Show me pictures. Never seen such a thing on a residential distribution system.]
 
Re: Suggestions on replacing this service equip?

Hi Tshea,

Yes could do that. A coupling at the top of the meter pan to the existing mast would allow the new meter pan to be attached to the in place mast. Not sure if that would place the meter to low. The meter has to be between 5'6 + 6'. I guess the mast could be moved up/down with old meter pan off?
 
Re: Suggestions on replacing this service equip?

mdshunk
I don't have a clue how to send a photo, but We call it "Old Style" construction. Found in older neighborhoods built as follows..from top of pole down.
Primary on crossarm, system neutral just below.
Then 2 conductors of open wire secondary.
The transformer is hung,using a crossarm hanger, over another 8' crossarm.
The cutout, with the transformer fuse, is mounted on the end of the arm that holds the transformer.
The riser, from the cutout to the primary, is sometimes 7 - 8 ft. running to the top arm, and connecting to the primary.
A house service is dead ended in the system neutral spool insulator, about 3' ABOVE the transformer, & primary riser. Which is often bare copper.
Taking the service loose, moving it left or right, could cause the bare service neutral to come in contact with this riser.
I don't remember the year, it was before My time, but We had an EC killed doing this. Seems like He walked down the roof to tie it off and......walked the triplex neutral into the 2400 volt riser.
If I get close to one of these poles, I'll try to remember to get the Wife's digital, & get a picture. I'm sure several other Members have seen this though.
 
Re: Suggestions on replacing this service equip?

Originally posted by megawatt:

I don't have a clue how to send a photo, but We call it "Old Style" construction.
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Thanks for that description, megawatt. I like to learn about odd stuff like that.
 
Re: Suggestions on replacing this service equip?

You don't want to mess with the primary. Not sure of the voltage in my area, but we had a storm that took down a large tree limb.
Tree limb took down the primary, primary fell onto customer's triplex. Here is some insight into the result:
:eek:
 
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