Terminations of Grounding & Bonding Equipment

[Paul W. Abernathy]

Yep, from what I gather it is March 08 that the 2005 NEC will be adopted in VA.

If you are refering to the Service Drop and the Service Latteral that would be correct. Those areas are technically outside the scope of the NEC as it pertains to exclusive control of the utility company.

As for the service equipment itself, not sure what they are talking about as that is clearly under the view of the NEC and the local AHJ.

The problem I see is many don't understand what is under the exclusive control of the utility and what is not.....if it is a typical service drop( up to the attachment point) or latteral ( to the meter enclosure ) where the POCO does the installation only then it is technically outside the scope.....however, if the contractor RAN those conductors to a transformer pad lets say...or if any part of the overhead or latteral is NOT under the exclusive control of the POCO then the NEC most certainly applies.

Other than that I am not sure what they could be speaking of.....

[jtedesco1]

I was told that Virginia leaves a big gap in code enforcement especially on service changes, upgrades, and repairs.

Reference: USBC: Section 103.5 (3). Material or equipment, or both may be replaced in the same location with material or equipment of a similar kind or capacity.

[Paul W. Abernathy]

Yeah...I dont know about those things too much Joe....Virginia is a bit BACKWOODS on alot of things.......lol

Good news is....hardly anyone refers to the USBC.....they simply replace with new...

BUT.....atleast we have licensing...lol...for all thats worth...lol

[Paul W. Abernathy]

Now...me personally...I am STRONGLY thinking of moving to Florida next year....I so want to live near St. Augustine....

[jtedesco1]

This was the specific issue, when replacing this equipment the working space (from the face of the meter) with less than 3 feet would not be an issue according to the utility.

[Paul W. Abernathy]

Joe,

I think that becomes an issue of " What are you gonna do "....I have heard many AHJ's say based on the location of which the POCO is not required to re-locate that many AHJ's err on the thought that atleast upgrading it makes it safer...even if clearance is not obtained.

The majority of meter's are pulled by the POCO in VA, not everywhere but in most cases the electrician would never pull it so the clearance issue becomes a REAL issue for the POCO....and yes ofcourse for the electrician who someday has to work in that area....

Lord knows I probably would not FIT in that space...my belly would RUB the meter so bad it would not even be funny.

I think on the AHJ's side it is an issue, this equipment is indeed subject to the AHJ's inspection in it's very nature but here is where the problem comes in and I hear it all the time...

The POCO has no intentions of relocating the service or it is too costly due to possibly underground feeds....or simply location so who fits the bill....sad event that COST ends up beating out SAFETY......but I am sure you see it all the time and i am sure that is the POCO's stance on it....

[jtedesco1]

Very true! Here's another picture where tape was used for securing this meter can to this sign pole!

I wonder if its sunlight resistant?

[Paul W. Abernathy]

lolol.....Joe I have to give you PROPS fella...you sure know how to find the good ones my friend.


Now maybe I am missing something but is that picture real or staged...I dont see any conductors going into it...are they in the pole itself?

[jtedesco1]

I don't remember? I took this picture a few years ago while in Elmira, NY for a seminar. I guess the wires were run either overhead, or underground, this was not a prop it was for real. If I ever get back there I will look again, this was near a Pizza Parlor near the airport.

[Paul W. Abernathy]

lol.....when you do get back up that way do not be surprised if the pizza parlor is no longer there....due to a fire from the pole down the street....amazing what is out there today.