Tampering with POCO equipment

[JohnJ0906]

just wondering some things here.1 dont they lock those there?if they do how did you get a key?

FWIW, every time I have seen a POCO worker work on an existing transformer, all they do is reach for the bolt cutters. When they are done, they install a new lock.

 

[zdog]

FWIW, every time I have seen a POCO worker work on an existing transformer, all they do is reach for the bolt cutters. When they are done, they install a new lock.

FWIW like i said different pocos different rules and prosses.here they use a key theirs are not your normal cheap locks.ive never seen a lineman cut a lock.
about 3 weeks ago i had a commercial service hooked up.the guy from the poco was installing the meters we were bsing and i asked him about the numbers on the seal.he said when they get the seals they are assigned to who gets them like #xxxxx thru zzzzz and he has to wright down where each one was used.

 

[mdshunk]

ive never seen a lineman cut a lock.

What John's talking about it the type of transformer lock they use in my area too. It's a one-time lock, much like a meter seal tag. There's no way to "unlock" it. It just gets cut off. This type of seal is also used to seal shipping containers and truck trailers. They normally only put a keyed padlock on transformers in areas where there has been a history of tampering, or a sensitive facility. Below are two typical styles of padmount seal:

 

[mdshunk]

about 3 weeks ago i had a commercial service hooked up.the guy from the poco was installing the meters we were bsing and i asked him about the numbers on the seal.he said when they get the seals they are assigned to who gets them like #xxxxx thru zzzzz and he has to wright down where each one was used.

That sounds really strange. I work were 5 poco's overlap, and the linemen hand out seal tags like candy. Also, the "trouble trucks" are on the road 24/7, driven by a different guy every shift, so that would be impossible to track.

 

[zdog]

What John's talking about it the type of transformer lock they use in my area too. It's a one-time lock, much like a meter seal tag. There's no way to "unlock" it. It just gets cut off. This type of seal is also used to seal shipping containers and truck trailers. They normally only put a keyed padlock on transformers in areas where there has been a history of tampering, or a sensitive facility. Below are two typical styles of padmount seal:

ok my bad.here thy use heavy duty pad locks.next time im at that job i will get a pic

 

[zdog]

That sounds really strange. I work were 5 poco's overlap, and the linemen hand out seal tags like candy. Also, the "trouble trucks" are on the road 24/7, driven by a different guy every shift, so that would be impossible to track.

i didnt know they did that till he told me,but all seals do have different numbers on them. could have just been jokeing

 

[480sparky]

ok my bad.here thy use heavy duty pad locks.next time im at that job i will get a pic

Are they just in the process of replacing all the old locks? POCOs here do that on occasion because the old padlocks get rusty and there's enough keys out there to cause concern.

 

[JohnJ0906]

What John's talking about it the type of transformer lock they use in my area too. It's a one-time lock, much like a meter seal tag. There's no way to "unlock" it. It just gets cut off. This type of seal is also used to seal shipping containers and truck trailers. They normally only put a keyed padlock on transformers in areas where there has been a history of tampering, or a sensitive facility. Below are two typical styles of padmount seal:

No, actually, it is a real, brass looking pad lock, that takes a key. However, I usually watch them just cut them, and replace.
God only knows how many thousands of padmount xfmrs BGE (POCO) has, this is probably the easiest way for them.

 

[chris kennedy]

Chris was it FPL?

Florida Plunder and Loot, or Florida Power and Light. You decide.

[SIZE=-1]

(5) Whoever is found in a civil action to have violated the provisions hereof shall be liable to the utility involved in an amount equal to 3 times the amount of services unlawfully obtained or $1,000, whichever is greater.

I guess I see why this guy wanted me to take this chance.
[/SIZE]

 

[ptonsparky]

Some of the comments about POCOs really make me appreciate the ones in this area. We, family, had a pole top transformer replaced at 2AM by POCO. Party was just getting going good. Customer told of lightning struck transformer & pole being replaced while it was still raining and dark. Call centers are for the general public, nights, and weekends. Phone calls are usually returned by on call tech in a timely manner depending on the urgency of the call.

Rural area, by DC standards, and public owned utility are a plus.

 

[brantmacga]

Call centers are for the general public, nights, and weekends. Phone calls are usually returned by on call tech in a timely manner depending on the urgency of the call.

Rural area, by DC standards, and public owned utility are a plus.

I just went to each poco's office and introducted myself and told them i wanted the number that went directly to the local office. they'll give it to an electrician, just not a customer.


GA power is great to work with in my area, but REA's are even better. Except for one; Grady Co. EMC. And city-owned utilities can be aggrivating.

 

[mivey]

...And city-owned utilities can be aggrivating.

Can be. Depends on the city. As you might expect, the smaller ones are usually less bureaucratic. Of course, the further you get past the "Macon-Dixon" line...

 

[chris kennedy]

I don't know whats happening here. The 29th I'm having my 3rd POCO shut down at the same address in the past year and a half. I'm now dealing with my 3rd rep for this area.

In the 90's I would have the same rep for years.