How well do you know the Code? Think you can spot violations the original installer either ignored or couldn't identify? Here's your chance to moonlight as an electrical inspector and second-guess someone else's work from the safety of your living room or office. It's your turn to identify the violation.
Hint: Let’s NOT do the limbo.
Find the Answer
I spotted this dangling service on my drive home from work one night. The service drop wires and the SE cable for this two-family dwelling’s 120/240V service were hanging just a few feet off of the ground, dangerously positioned where you could do the “live wire limbo.”
The point of attachment for this overhead service is required to provide the minimum clearances required by Sec. 230.24. The lowest permitted point for the drip loops of this service entrance cable or any overhead service conductors is 10 ft above grade, as required by Sec. 230.24(B)(1). As per Sec. 230.24(B)(2), that 10-ft height would get increased to 12 ft if these overhead wires were located over a driveway.
As required by Sec. 230.27, the means of attachment for overhead service conductors shall be fittings identified for use with service conductors. As per Sec. 230.51(A), the SE cable is required to be secured within 12 in. of the weatherhead and also within 12 in. of the meter socket, with other supports spaced no further than 30 in. apart. This cable had on one clip holding it up — and that one clip was ready to pop off due to all the weight and strain being place upon it.
