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View Full Version : 100 amp service entry wire replaced, any panel or meter base codes


csfolds
Oct 9, 2011, 04:50 PM
If replacing the service wire that has exposed wires, is there a requirement to do any upgrades regarding panel or meter base?

stanfortyman
Oct 9, 2011, 05:12 PM
No, not on a national level. Maybe on a local level, but I doubt it.
As long as the other equipment is in good shape.

csfolds
Oct 9, 2011, 05:33 PM
Inspector has been on site will I be required to get a permit? No power at the house until fixed. Also something about copper wire spliced to alum?

donf
Oct 9, 2011, 05:50 PM
Yes, you need a permit. Usually you obtain a permit prior to starting any work. This way, the Local Authority Having Jurisdiction can approve the plans that you submit with your permit application.

Because of the chemical contents of Aluminium vs Copper and the effect that air has in causing corrosion, these two dissimilar metals cannot be joined together without proper connection processes.

What Aluminium wiring are you trying to connect to Copper?

If you have Aluminium wiring within the residence you will have to either have a very costly procedure (Coplaum) done to fuse the Aluminum conductor within the Copper conductor.

The alternative is to purchase an Antioxidant Compound and apply it to each connection where Aluminium is being connected directly to a Copper conductor. You can also use Ideal's Aluminium to Copper wire nuts which have the Antioxidant inside of the wire nut.

At the device boxes, all receptacles, switches must be listed for use with Aluminium conductor or bare the name CO/ALR with is listed for use with either Copper or Aluminium.

If you fail to do this, you will fail every inspection. Also, you will be creating a very serious fire risk.

What happens, is the over time the Aluminium and Copper react to each other causing loose connections. Loose connections cause heat and arching. Heat and Arching cause fires.

donf
Oct 9, 2011, 06:01 PM
Here in Virginia, the Power Company requires that you obtain a permit prior to doing the work.

They also require notice so that they can kill the service feed to the property prior to any work being done.

The PoCo here will not return to energise the residence unless they receive a proof of inspection.

Also, in this area, the PoCo requires that all older meter bases be replaced with a meter base capable of 200 Amps. These meter bases are supplied by the PoCo, but you are required to have the installation done.

Homeowners here are allowed to do the work on their residences only. Rental property and commercial property have to be done by a licensed electrician, this included all multi family residences.

stanfortyman
Oct 9, 2011, 06:05 PM
Inspector has been on site will I be required to get a permit? No power at the house until fixed. Also something about copper wire spliced to alum?Maybe you can elaborate?

What "inspector"?
What site?
A permit for what?
Why is there no power?
"Something" about CU to AL splice? OK, what something?

I guess Don's crystal ball is working better than mine tonight. :D

csfolds
Oct 9, 2011, 06:06 PM
The splice was existing. Not traced it out yet. I am sure that it is not done correct. Will I be able to obtain the permit as homeowner or does this call for a lic

stanfortyman
Oct 9, 2011, 06:07 PM
No need to start a new thread. Just reply in the same thread you already started.

csfolds
Oct 9, 2011, 06:27 PM
New on here sorry

stanfortyman
Oct 9, 2011, 06:32 PM
Np.

donf
Oct 9, 2011, 06:40 PM
Whether the homeowner can obtain the permit can only be answered by the Authority Having Jurisdiction.

Fr_Chuck
Oct 9, 2011, 06:56 PM
I have merged the various threads, I hope it all makes sense now