[homeinspector]

I have a client who has a triplex service drop rubbing on some tree branches. They have removed some brick facing on the exterior of the house exposing conductors running from the main service panel in the basement on the outside of the structure and into a slab addition at the rear of the house. They are having a problem with the additions' service (ie. Lights dimming or going out). They are also experiencing problems with the range, dryer and dishwasher that get power from a subpanel located on the stairwell. The subpanel is old construction and the wiring to it runs through the original house construction. My thought is that the service drop is causing the problem when wind and rain occur. The problem occurred once before but an electrician couldn't find a problem. I think power is being lost intermittently on one leg of the service. The 240V appliances (range and dryer) won't operate on 120V (old construction and unaffected by outside weather). The intermittent leg probably supplies the addition and runs on the outside (exposed). The local power company installed an insulating shield on one side of the service drop a couple of years ago and the problem subsided for a time. I am scheduled to visit soon and am open to opinions regarding this issue.

Thanks,
Barry

[tkrussell]

Sounds like this service drop is taking a beating. This flickering problem can be caused by a loose or corrioded connection, anywhere from the transformer, overhead connections, meter, main breaker, and a panel.

If the drop was stretched at all, or pinched, there can even be, thou not too common, a break in the actual wire, anywheres.