m. Meter/entrance cable/MAST loose/frayed/drip leg:
It is common for entrance cables, masts, and meter boxes to become loosely mounted to houses. It is very common, during remodeling work, for these cables to be disconnected and then poorly reconnected. This often happens when new siding or roofing is installed. Occasionally, the support mast for the weatherhead will become loose or damaged and require repair or replacement. Since this repair or replacement may require the utility company to de-energize the incoming service at the utility pole, the utility company and an electrician must coordinate the repair.
Frayed cable outer jackets can allow deterioration of the insulation and conductors within them.
The drip loops on entrance cables are located where the house wire and the street wires are joined at the weather head. These connections should not be on the bottom of the loops where water has a better chance of getting to the wires.
What to: How to:
Simple clamp devices will secure most entrance cable wires. Electric utility meter bases should be secured by screws, which run through the back of the box. WARNING: This should be done only by a licensed electrician since there is a strong possibility of electrocution when the meter is pulled for access to the screws.
Frayed wiring can often be repaired with tape or painted to prevent the sunlight from deteriorating the insulation of the interior conductors. Badly frayed wiring should be replaced.
Notify the electric utility company of drip legs that collect water.
Reference: E1, E2, E5, E9 |
