On this inspection I noticed that the siding is placed over the service mast. Holes are punched throught the siding to make openings for the electric lines and other items.
I am not completely sure how to write this up as I have never seen something like this done before.
I told the client that it should be redone properly or at least some form of a sealant to close up the holes to avoid rain from entering behind the siding and causing further damage.
I have so far in my report I have basically stated:
siding in installed incorrectly and should be corrected.
Service lines are too close to an operable window.
Unable to inspect condition of electric meter, service mast, or any connections associated with the two.
The electric service attachment may not be within 3 feet but I can see where you might have thought the phone line attachment was as it is closer.
The conductors appear to be more accessible from the upper window which often is not counted.
In other words it does not appear to be a big concern.
Now the meter should have 2 inches clearance at the sides so that might be more of an issue though I would mention the fact mast attachment brackets are not viewable and the siding has a wavy appearance due to the non standard siding work .
I doubt siding is meant to curve in that manner and I would think it will have a tendency to separate or crack over time.
The bottom sill looked normal as I walked around.
This inspection is a 2 part one for a move in certified. I will either go back and check on this more, or cover it during the next visit after the client has his contractors on site.
When vinyl siding is done, they do what is called “Float the Meter”
The siding is done and reinstalled after the siding is done.
The Utility Company does that I believe at no cost.
Power is not disrupted, but a couple of minutes.
Look at the relationship of the face of the meter box and the window.
They are not in the same plane.
Looks like it was done by the homeowner and a couple of his buddies in between cans of Bud. They probable didn’t know utility co. would remove meter and replace after siding was put up.
In either case Larry, I would think the Utility Company has to authorize the Electrician to break the seal and the Utility Co. has to come put a new one once the work is complete. No?
Up here, it is elligal for an electrician to pull the meter. They usually just have the meter man do it.
It is the only way to do the siding correctly.
The only thing that the POCO is responsible for, around here, is to remove and replace the meter into the socket when the break and re-attach the seal.
Our electricians install the meter base (can) and the rest of the service entrance.