What Would YOU do?

[fireryan]

Actually some have the correct hot stick and cut the overhead at the pole. Or just pull the cutout on the line side of the pole transformer.

That could be. But our poco would never let that happen.

 

[busman]

I think that's part of the reason I leaned towards the drop. The fault isn't up there. I'd be reluctant to open the can at all. At 240V, it's not likely to continue to arc after being cut (but probably destroy the cutters).

Mark

 

[busman]

If there is any fire and/or the Main breaker does not open, call the fire department, call the fire department....did I mention to call the fire department.

It becomes their responsibility. While doing so, try to evacuate the house/building without putting yourself or anyone at too much risk.

If only property involved - I agree 100%. Part of the reason I started this thread was to get us thinking BEFORE this happens. When it does, I imagine a lot of adrenaline and very little time. Better to have thought this through before needing to make the decision. The guy this happened to is my best friend and he had to make the decision with about 5 seconds to think about it.

Mark

 

[TOOL_5150]

Both are dangerous, if I had to make a choice I would rather cut the drop from the safety of a bucket truck.

Meters are not designed to open a load and if you have a serous fault on the load side of the meter it may have several hundred amps passing through it. When you pull it you could cause an arc that would result in a flash over.

thats what I was thinking as well. However, I would also consider cutting the seal, taking off the meter ring, and hitting the meter out of its socket with a 2x4 standing to the side of it. [I have a 12' 2x4 in my side yard, which is why I thought of that]
It would still depend on the situation, I'd probably just call 911.

~Matt

 

[Rockyd]

Sometimes in an emergency it is important to remember the first part of rescue is "Don't become a victim" , people and animal rescue first, then decide how to deal with the problem.. All things material are cheap against the cost of life. If that meter blows, or "if mistakes were made", and someone dies, no amount of money will buy a new life. Choose wisely.

 

[JohnJ0906]

Depending on the severity I would call the FD, let them deal with it.

They have great phone numbers for fast action from the POCO and can deal with any progression of the problem.

I agree. I'd get the building cleared and call 911.

On the other hand if you try to pull a meter or cut a drop that is under fault conditions you may be successful or it could blow up in your face. My safety rates higher to me then someones property.

I agree again.

 

[don_resqcapt19]

That could be. But our poco would never let that happen.

The power company might not like it but there is not much they can do about it. The Fire Department has a lot of legal authority at the scene of a fire or other emergency to take the actions they deem necessary to mitigate the emergency.

 

[nhfire77]

Even if you have a Hot Stick and its been properly maintained and you are a master electrician and you are a firefighter, you don't pull that cut out or sever that service drop!!!!!!!!

If this was a Life Safety Issue e.g., trapped occupant in a vehicle fine go ahead.

(personally and professionally I find that the wrong thing to do).

But, it the POCO's job to do so. Its just property. There is a slight small chance that someone (firefighter) could get hurt disconnecting the power and there are no lives at risk you don't do it!!!!

Disclaimer: I am not one of those wussy guys that say oooh too much fire don't go in!!! (Don, you must know what I mean.) I just think there is a balanced approach in this individual situation.

 

[K8MHZ]

Doing anything other than throwing a switch to stop a fire is outside the scope and responsibility of an inside electrician.

Unless you have been trained to pull meters under active fault conditions, which wasn't in MY apprenticeship training, you should never do it.

The longer you wait to call 911, the more damage there will be.

Now, if you are a linesman or a firefighter that has both the equipment and training to pull the meter, that is a different story.

Since we are more likely to be in a position to witness such a problem than most, wouldn't it be wise to seek some training and spend 150 bucks for a meter puller...just in case??

 

[mxslick]

I cannot believe this...

I cannot believe this...

thats what I was thinking as well. However, I would also consider cutting the seal, taking off the meter ring, and hitting the meter out of its socket with a 2x4 standing to the side of it. [I have a 12' 2x4 in my side yard, which is why I thought of that]
It would still depend on the situation, I'd probably just call 911.

~Matt

Then you must enjoy the idea of ending up in the burn ward or worse.

That would be the worst possible option! Odds are very high you would NOT succeed in knocking the meter cleanly out of the socket, you would only damage it and create a source of a violent arc that you WILL NOT be able to stop!

I have personally had two meters explode on me during removal (and not under fault conditions..both were during service changes and were carrying NO load at all.) I was extremely lucky as I was not wearing proper PPE for an arc flash and I escaped with only a singed hand on one of them.

THIS is what your suggestion would most likely result in.

 

[don_resqcapt19]

Even if you have a Hot Stick and its been properly maintained and you are a master electrician and you are a firefighter, you don't pull that cut out or sever that service drop!!!!!!!!

If this was a Life Safety Issue e.g., trapped occupant in a vehicle fine go ahead.

(personally and professionally I find that the wrong thing to do).

But, it the POCO's job to do so. Its just property. There is a slight small chance that someone (firefighter) could get hurt disconnecting the power and there are no lives at risk you don't do it!!!!

Disclaimer: I am not one of those wussy guys that say oooh too much fire don't go in!!! (Don, you must know what I mean.) I just think there is a balanced approach in this individual situation.

But of course there is never a chance a firefighter will get hurt fighting the fire.....In this area it is not uncommon to have a power company response time of well over an hour, even when dispatch makes it very clear that it is a real emergency. I don't think any of our local FDs have the training or equipment to cut the drop or pull the cutout, but if I had the proper tool, I would not really hesitate to cut the service drop at the pole or pull a cutout so the fire can be safely fought. I don't see making the cut or pulling the cutout as being any where near as dangerous as going into the building to make the primary search or fight the fire. (assuming proper training and equipment)

I did make a cut of overhead lines at a fire/hazmat incident for the utility as they had no one qualified to wear SCBA. We used the their bucket truck and hot stick cutter.

 

[PCN]

Makes you wonder why we don't just install an exterior disconnecting means.
Even just a non-fused switch for this exact purpose.

 

[480sparky]

Makes you wonder why we don't just install an exterior disconnecting means.
Even just a non-fused switch for this exact purpose.

Shush! Don't say that too loud..... someone might hear you!:wink:

 

[JohnJ0906]

Makes you wonder why we don't just install an exterior disconnecting means.
Even just a non-fused switch for this exact purpose.

And you could still end up with the same problem - the short on the line side of the disconnect. Of course, the problem would be outside instead of inside.

The following happened to a good friend of mine. He was called for dimming lights and strange smell. When he gets there, the panel is starting to melt-down. He throws the main breaker, but the short continues. What do you do?