How do I cover the electrical service entrance cable attached to the side of my house? What do I use? The original covering has worn out in spots, exposing wires beneath. Also is this something a dummy can do?

Covering the cable will only cover a potential serious problem.

If the sheathing of service entrance cable is damaged, replacement of the entire cable is the only proper action allowed. Replacing the cable will involve contacting the utility company to cut the service to the building to de-energize the cable for removal.

They will return to reconnect service once the new cable is installed and inspected by the local electrical inspector. Some utilities actually do the inspection for the local official.

This answer is far more complicated, expensive, and inconvenient than I imagined. However, I greatly appreciate your expert free consultation. The thing is, I know I wouldn't go through this involvement with the power company during the summer, when there are frequent power outages. I'd have to wait my turn to have my power resume, resulting in spoiled food, and other losses. So, is there something I can cover the cable with until cooler weather in the Fall, when I'd follow your advice? Maybe electrical tape will do the trick?

A good wrapping with a good quality electrical tape will certainly be better than exposed wires... but note:

If just the outside cover is worn through, and the individual wires still have covering on them, then the electrical tape will certainly be a good "band aid" for now.

But if your individual wires are exposed, you are flirting with disaster to just cover them with electrical tape.

I think it is certainly worth calling the utility to find out how and when this can be done may help you decide if waiting is necessary, or you may discover that they will schedule the disconnect and reconnect the same day. Replacing the cable will only take an hour or so.

The longer you wait, the more damage is being done, rain water is being allowed to migrate into the meter socket and possibly down into the panel. Once this happens, both will need to be replaced.

Thou I do not recommend any temporary repair, should you decide to attempt to apply tape onto the cable, I suggest that you wear insulated gloves rated for at least 250 volts. Coming in contact with the wires can potentially cause you injury or death. Be sure to have someone nearby in the event there is an accident.

If the damage noticed by a utility company meter reader, he has the authority to call out the line truck immediately and have your service cut from the grid as a safety measure, and then call the local inspector to issue a summons to repair before power is restored.

The statement rick made "flirting with disaster" is very true. If you consider the replacement inconveinent, then how about having fire apparatus or ambulances parked in your yard?