Deteriorated service entrance cable. SER and SEU are two common types of SE cables.
- Deteriorated service entrance cable I have not had a chance to look at it yet, but I will, so that I can observe what the home inspector saw and maybe take a photo or two. It acts as the main route through which electric power enters a building. 6 Wiring Methods and Materials, Listing Requirements Texas IHB Electrical Code 2020 > 3 Wiring Methods and Materials > 338 Service-Entrance Cable: Types SE and USE > 338. Electrical Inspections. I have written it up before and the people have replaced the cable. Code requires the panel to be directly NASSAU ELECTRICAL SUPPLY 2-2-2-4 SER Aluminum Service Entrance Cable Wire (100FT) 4. Jacket is Sunlight Resistance in accordance with UL 854. Cracked/peeling insulation is a sign of defective cable (improper curing), sunlight or ozone or chemical attack usually by using the wrong cable such as SO or THHN where SE should be used, or it's way too small and overheated and burned the insulation. A way around this is a longer cable (going through a new wall penetration close to where the new location is; may involve routing the cable from the meter a good distance depending on where you need it) or by installing a service disconnect on the exterior wall--in this way the service entrance conductors will transition into the new Oct 20, 2023 · That could be the cause of internal damage to the Service Entrance Cable because the cable would twist repeatedly between were it leaves the pole and the board over to the eave. 6 Listing Requirements 338. Replaced the entire service and upgraded to 150 amps. SE may be used in wet or dry above ground locations at temperatures not to exceed 90°C. Can't add a box SERVICE ENTRANCE CABLE FITTINGS FEATURES • Provides water resistant cap to protect service entrance cables • Clamp on style for unthreaded conduit APPLICATIONS • Use in an overhead service entrance • Mounts on top of EMT, Rigid, or IMC conduit • Serves as a connecting point for the service entrance wires STANDARD MATERIAL • Aluminum Oct 30, 2019 · Enclose the cable in 2" or larger galvanized conduit. Large service sizes, uneven grades, or a combination of these may require reduced service lengths or additional poles to maintain the required ground clearances. Replacement of utility company meter enclosure, service entrance cable, weather head, insulator, straps and lugs. Brought up to code with modern grounding methods. Feb 17, 2016 · Is there a way to repair a service entrance cable with damaged sheathing? A listed wrap or tape? Or does it need to come out? Electrical service entry wiring (SEC) damage or wiring errors: Damaged or improperly sized, connected, supported or protected electrical service entry cables, whether overhead, along a building, or buried underground, can pose very serious shock, electrocution, or fire hazards for people and buildings, as these case histories and electrical Notes to the table above. Can become dangerous. The average cost is $250. Apr 12, 2019 · IMO it needs to be replaced because small fissures in the jacket will allow water to enter the cable and then enter the meter enclosure, the panel or both. prevent the entrance of moisture, service entrance conductors shall be connected to the service drop conductors either (1) below the level of the service head or (2) below the level of the termination of the service entrance cable sheath. A homeowner’s responsibility for the incoming electric service usually starts where the utility companies wires are attached to the home. 25. Underground electrical wiring can be installed in a raceway or directly buried. 25 $ 247. June 4, 2011 Service drop and cable. However, the risk of an underground cable failing is extremely low. Inside, in the electrical panel, there was some evidence of corrosion. 3M™ Cable Preparation Kit CC-3 Apr 20, 2021 · Probably wasn’t sunlight resistant which is required for those service entrance conductors. Jan 26, 2025 · Service entrance cable on a house the casing is deteriorated. 4/0-4/0-4/0-2/0 Gray Deteriorated SE (service entrance) cable. Lines are corroded. Service-entrance conductors shall be insulated. While K&T is now obsolete, and requires replacement when found during a home inspection, it’s worth noting that it was once state-of-the-art Oct 2, 2024 · Removing the deteriorated service entrance cable - replacing it with new cable from meter base to electrical panel . That said, this handbook seeks to expound on […] Southwire Type SER, service entrance cable is primarily used to convey power from the service drop to the meter base and from the meter base to the distribution panelboard; however, the cable may be used in all applications where Type SE cable is permitted. Wraping it with tape is IMHO not a 'fix'. drip loop and connection of service entrance wires. Cut lengths available for this product from 1 to 1000 ft. Feb 14, 2025 · The cost to replace wire from a meter to a breaker box is about $225 to $500, including the cost of new wires and professional installation. Type R Service Entrance Cable has (3) 1/0 AWG aluminum conductors and a 2 AWG aluminum ground with a cross-linked polyethylene jacket. The service cable has two hot wires inside a bundle of smaller wires that come together to form a ground when the line enters your meter box. I. Of course, to do that you will have to call the power company and have the meter base pulled temporarily. Service Entrance Cables From Classic Wire and Cable Now that you have a good understanding of SER and SEU cables, the next step is to select a cable that fits your particular electrical project. Application These cables are used as a service entrance cable, to convey power from the service drop to Nov 3, 2015 · A weatherhead is sometimes called a weather cap, a service head, or a service entrance cap. (g) Arranged That Water Will Not Enter Service Raceway or Equipment. Any metal components that contain current-carrying conductors should be bonded both to each other, and to the grounded (neutral) service conductor. Weight Allowable Ampacities** Size Replacement of a deteriorated 100amp overhead electrical service. Both SER and SEU are flame-retardant and resistant to moisture. 15(B)(7). Some jurisdictions may not allow bonding of gas pipes. Guard wires protect inner wires and there is some type of insulation, usually rubber, around the wires. Once the cable becomes frayed, moisture starts to penetrate the Jun 2, 2016 · The water sometimes enters from the weatherhead, where the service drop from the pole meets the house, but usually water enters through a deteriorated jacket on the entrance cable or a It was a 30 amp 120v service entrance for a row home. Dec 3, 2020 Aug 1, 2012 · It is a new wire to replace a deteriorated existing SE cable. Typically cable of this age will have poor or broken insulation on the conductors where they emerge from the weatherhead. $247. It looks I need to remove an exterior jacket from the last 4ft of a cable, to run wires separately thru LB and the PCV conduit to the main electrical panel (the cable is too rigid to bend). But, my question is, If the only issue is some minor cracking or wear in the service entrance cable insulation, is there a way to just repair the I suspect the $3. Sep 21, 2018 · Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter breakers sense when any wiring in the circuits they protect is frayed or otherwise damaged and arcing/sparking is occurring between two disconnected pieces of the same wire or two adjacent wires in a cable—and they cut off the power to the circuit. 31. these cable systems are ageing due to environmental effects and stresses as a consequence of failures of cables are becoming common. . I cannot tell from the photo, but this appears to be going into a basement/crawlspace and therefore at vegetation level. Jun 3, 2011 · I wrote this service cable up as being defective due to the worn sheathing. So much so that I can see the aluminum wire inside. Homeowners are typically responsible for the cable from the street to the meeter. Shop Our Inventory Of Service Entrance Kits And Accessories Online. Jul 31, 2007 · The inspector made a note about the main electrical service cable sheathing being cracked along its entire length outside. Emissivity issues aside, in most cases connections should be the same temperature as cable conductors; On long cable runs, be certain Service Entrance Cable, Type SE, Style SER and SE Stype U. The cost of replacement wires varies from $1. This is the top cap in an arrangement of pipe, fittings, brackets, gaskets, and wire. Figure 2. It doesn't matter which point isn't moving. The American Wire Gauge (AWG) system determines the size of electrical wiring in the US. R. Answet: yes. Individual Conductors Rated XHHW-2 or THHN/THWN. SER and SEU are two common types of SE cables. Will Call Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Phone: (833) 744-9331 Address: 22570 Shaw Road, Sterling, VA 20166 Email: contact@shopwirenco. Experts suggest that the only cable that should be used is known as UF, or underground feeder, cable. When a main electrical service cable becomes frayed to the point of strands showing, it is time for a replacement. They may be separate wires brought into the service-entrance weatherhead through conduit to the meter base or cables made up into a service-entrance cable approved for this purpose. With time, the service entrance cable starts to become worn or frayed due to expansion and contraction because of the hot and cold temperatures it has to go through. 2-2-2-4 Black Stranded Jul 11, 2018 · 4) Deteriorated cloth-and-rubber wire insulation - A gum-rubber composition with cloth embedded around it was used for wire insulation up until the mid-1950s, when it was replaced by a thermoplastic material. Here is a step-by Sep 18, 2007 · Look for a cracked and deteriorated service entrance cable, and hard, broken, or missing putty on the top of the meter box where the cable enters the top. Mar 21, 2015 · what the home inspector saw and maybe take a photo or two. Together, they provide protection from rain and rough weather. Feb 15, 2024 · AWG Wire Gauge Sizes for 200 Amperage. 8. Replaced the deteriorated service entrance cable and added an exterior main disconnect. These electrical cables are rated 600 volts and are suitable for both dry and moist applications. Valuation: $1,252 Permit #: 190950052 Status: The service entrance cable that feeds the main electrical panel of your home is normally located on the exterior of your home and exposed to the weather conditions. Old meter with deteriorated service entrance cable, Inside the house we found a FPE panel. If not, just put a blank cover on it. With more than 200 years of combined cable and wire experience, Classic Wire and Cable’s experts specialize in serving electrical distributors. Service repair. A 240V electrical service [three-wire figure at left] will include three wires connected Codes are generally the bare "minimum" required for safety. 6 Listing Requirements Remove the torn edges of the cable jacket. Service entrance conductors will extend approximately 3 feet from the weather−head. Porcelain Wire Holder First Picture deteriorated service entrance cable. Get free shipping on qualified Service Entrance Wires products or Buy Online Pick Up in Store today in the Electrical Department. Get free shipping on qualified 2 Service Entrance Wires products or Buy Online Pick Up in Store today in the Electrical Department. SE CABLE & WIRE SIZE TABLES vs AMPS tables of service entry cable and other electrical wire sizes vs amps vs other factors May 22, 2005 · Re: service entrance The biggest problem I've seen this situation cause, is water getting into the service entrance cable, running down between the two phase conductors directly onto the neutral connection in the meter base rust & corrosion then cause a bad neutral connection,more often than not, damage electrical appliances, & electronics inside the home. So even if the cable is fraying, you should still be protected from the current. E Apr 12, 2019 · Does anyone know if there is a way to repair an exterior SE cable with deteriorated sheathing? Servic e Entrance Cable. I’d look into this deeper but suspect its just a sales offer for a service contract you don’t need. All that matter is that the cable goes from a moving pole to something that does not move. Single Mobile Home Overhead Service Figure 5. In lay terms, the service conductors are also called the service entry cable or SEC. (1) NEC 230-40(a). The service entrance shall be located so that only one set of service wire attachments (of like voltage) will be required. Type SE service-entrance cable shall be permitted where the insulated conductors are used for circuit wiring and the uninsulated conductor is used only for equipment grounding purposes. Southwire® Type SE, service entrance cable is primarily used to convey power from the service drop to the meter base and from the meter base to the Wire Gauge: 6 SER 1 2 4/0 6 1/0 2/0 3 4 8 Mobile home feeder SER SEU Tray URD USE 0 1 500 1000 Conduit Compatible Direct Burial Fire Resistant Moisture Resistant RoHs Compliant Shielded UV Resistant Southwire 5 4 3 SER Service Entrance Cable, 1/0-3, Aluminum, 1000' (3) 1/0 AWG and (1) 2 AWG Bare Ground, SE/SER, 600V, Aluminum Conductor, PVC Jacket, 1000 ft. There are many reasons why a cable may fail in service, with the failure at its most serious resulting in fire or other serious fault. Examination is made at the point of connection of the ELECTRICAL SERVICE DROP to the service conductors. 80 ft. Have all the new materials waiting on an electrical inspector to give Feb 20, 2022 · Before any electrical service can be run underground, it’s important that you understand the right cable to use. If the service drop looks like the second photo, then I defer to the utility company. 500 ft. 3: 2476: April 27, 2018 Jan 31, 2023 · Service drop conductors will not be installed until all electrical inspections have been completed and approved by the District and the governmental agency having jurisdiction. 50 to $15 per foot for just the wiring, not including labor Jun 4, 2021 · However, the bare grounded wire was burnt in two. and above) see . Service Attachment to Mast of Low Profile or Other Building Service entrance cable are usually of two types: SER or SEU. Over time, and especially in the heat of an attic, the rubber cracks and the cloth deteriorates. Re-installation of Sep 24, 2015 · Because of mechanical damage or for other reasons, entrance of moisture into the insulation system will deteriorate the cable, and all precautions to prevent such entrance should be taken. AWG guidelines state using 3/0 copper wiring or 4/0 aluminum or copper-clad wiring for a 200-amp service rating. Addition / Renovation Wiring Whether Residential or Commercial, we can provide the necessary resources to meet your electrical needs start to finish. Wire Gauge: 1/0 1 2 4/0 6 1/0 2/0 3 4 Mobile home feeder SER SEU Tray URD USE 0 500 Conduit Compatible Direct Burial Fire Resistant Moisture Resistant RoHs Compliant UV Resistant 4 5 3 SER Service Entrance Cables conductors shall be permitted as listed ampacities to be utilized as 120/240-volt, 3-wire, single-phase service entrance conductors and feeder con-ductors that serve as the main feeder for NEC 310. Make sure the weatherhead and point of attachment are also still attached securely to your home. 2 Likes srechkin (Simon Rechkin) April 21, 2021, 1:19pm Dec 3, 2020 · Service entrance cables are electrical cables that bring power from electrical companies to residential buildings and our homes. Or must i change out the cable to a 4 wire now that the 1st disconnect is with the Meter. If you're lucky, repair/replacement may be their responsibility, not yours. If the main electrical service cable fails, the property’s electric is compromised. Southwire Type SER, service entrance cable is primarily used to convey power from the service drop to the meter base and from the meter base to the distribution panelboard; however, the cable may be used in all applications where Type SE cable is permitted. About 5' away from where the tree made contact to the overhead service conductors it appeared that the bare grounded wire cut into the old insulation of one of the insulated non-grounded conductors and burnt itself in two. 10(B)(2) InterNACHI® is a registered trademark of the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors Apr 22, 2011 · With that being said, assessing service-aged, MV power cables (see What Is a Service-Aged Cable? ) continues to be a touchy subject among many in the industry — with testing and data analysis methodologies, test equipment manufacturers, frequency of testing, and qualifications of the testing organizations elevating the controversy. If the service entrance cable does need to be replaced, I do know of an electrician that I can suggest to her to do the replacement. Same in Texas, you own the mast, service provider owns the line feeding to the connections to wire from the meter, which they also own. Service Entrance Cable, 600 Volt. Should be Service Entrance SE cable. Watch out: to avoid unsafe or excessive voltage drop, these wire sizes must be increased for longer wire runs (50 ft. SERVICE ENTRANCE CABLE FITTINGS FEATURES • Provides water resistant cap to protect service entrance cables • Clamp on style for unthreaded conduit APPLICATIONS • Use in an overhead service entrance • Mounts on top of EMT, Rigid, or IMC conduit • Serves as a connecting point for the service entrance wires STANDARD MATERIAL • Aluminum Apr 12, 2019 · Does anyone know if there is a way to repair an exterior SE cable with deteriorated sheathing? Servic e Entrance Cable. If the grounded (neutral) service conductor is opened Realtors and sellers always play down when the inspection report noting deteriorated service entrance cable, but what they dont realize that it is deteriorated in places you cant see, inside the Southwire Type SE, service entrance cable is used to convey power from the service drop to the meter base and from the meter base to the distribution panelboard; however, it may be used in all applications where Type SE cable is permitted. The rest of the electrical is the homeowner/tenant's. Add a "deep Handy box" (single outlet box) at outlet height and splice the wire coming from the floor to a new wire going up if you can replace that wire. If the grounded (neutral) service conductor is opened Shop for Service Entrance Wire at Platt. Addi-tional charges may apply. FREE delivery Sat, Feb 8 . , After entering the service box, the neutral service entrance conductor should and more. Service Entrance cable (Type SE, Style U) (Unarmored Jul 18, 2024 · For the SER what is shown is correct only when the cable is being used as 3 phase, 4-wire service entrance conductors. Alternate Temporary Service Installation from Existing URD Secondary Figure 3. What is service entrance cable? Service Entrance (SE) cables are electrical cables that bring power from electrical companies to residential buildings and our homes. It had a #10 copper conductor, which had a rubbery (maybe actual rubber) insulation and the neutral was also copper but individual strands were surrounding the ungrounded conductor and were braided together at the weatherhead (just like seu). Reel. Feb 21, 2025 · Additionally, some homeowners request a service entrance cable installed—these are electrical cables that bring in power to residential buildings and homes from electrical companies. A service entrance cable is the link between the power line provided by the utility company and the main electrical panel. Clearance requirements are outlined in Section 800 of this manual. Study with Quizlet and memorize flashcards containing terms like The grounded service conductor is called the _____. SEU cable is SE (Service Entrance) Style U, which means it is unarmored. 19/mo charge is not “required”. Jacket and Individual Conductors Sunlight Resistant. True 338. 7. Conduit is not needed unless the location requires a conduit. The National Electric Code (NEC) indicates that service entrance cables are essentially used for services. Jul 28, 2018 · Also, all knob and tube wiring systems are “two-wire,” meaning that they do not contain a third wire for grounding, which has been required for residential electrical systems since about 1960. It is typically constructed using aluminum or copper, two highly conductive metals that facilitate efficient electricity transmission. Knowledge about SE Cable’s specifications, usage, and installation methods is crucial for electrical experts, contractors, and even property owners. Today the homeowner had the electrician call me and chew me out for writing it up because it would cost the homeowner a lot of money to repair. We recommend using 3M™ Cable Preparation Kit CC-3 or Scotch® 1626 Degreasing and Cleaning Spray. For your safety, any deteriorated or defective wiring or equipment on your electric service must be May 13, 2009 · From a code and proper/acceptable repair standpoint, is it ever permissible or allowed to wrap or seal a service entrance cable in lieu of full scale replacement? Similar Threads: Electrical service box located in closet; Wire splices in service equipment panel; Service Mask Head under Eaves; 16 guage wire in service panel; Welcome From F. Process of Splicing a Service Entrance Cable: When considering splicing a service entrance cable, it is crucial to understand and follow the correct procedures to ensure a safe and effective connection. You can also sometimes spot either May 24, 2021 · Good morning I am running approx. Certainly it's worth a free call. It is typically used as a panel feeder in multi-unit residential settings. For other installations like a 120/240 volt feeder to a panel one insulated conductor is the neutral and the bare conductor is the EGC. Bonding OUTSIDE the service panel. Underground wiring up to the building is called a service lateral. For use in wet or dry locations. Aug 24, 2019 · First this is the wrong forum as the moderator will soon remind you. A deteriorated jacket on SEU is an issue, and should be addressed. ©2021 Priority Wire & Cable 08-2021 Part Number Insulated Conductor Bare Conductor Nominal OD Approx. SER may be used in wet or dry locations at temperatures not to exceed 90°C. com regarding repairing or replacing the service entrance cable. Item #: 0069542 Aug 25, 2021 · Is if there is no need to change the existing panel in basement which is in good shape and has a main Breaker I do need to replace the existing 3 wire SE is deteriorated, can I just replace that with 3 wire SE if I am keeping the existing panel in tact. of 6-6-6 aluminum service entrance cable to a sub-panel in the other side of the house. (C) Service-entrance cables are governed by the National Electric Code as follows. Temporary Service Installation from Existing Overhead Secondary Figure 4. The position of your []Read More about Incoming Service Wire / Cable Responsability Check if the service entrance cable is strapped to the house and also for exposed wires, cracks or a deteriorated outer jacket. 1000 ft. Losing the service neutral conductor do to corrosion can be a serious problem. If the wire is a feed, perhaps include an outlet in the box. The cost to install a service entrance cable is around $1,000 to $15,000 for overhead lines, but it can be up to $5,000 or more for underground lines. SER cable is SE (Service Entrance) Style R, which has a reinforcement tape and may be made of copper or aluminum. As most of cable failure root causes can be traced back to manufacturing, installation and operation phases, ideally cable asset management should begin at an Damaged service entrance caps, deteriorated service cable, and rusty meters should be addressed as soon as possible. The seller has had an electrician look at this and the electrician has said there is no problem. Building Wire Type SER (Service Entrance Cable), XHHW/XHHW-2 Copper/Aluminum, XLPE Insulated, 600 V, 90° ALUMINUM CONDUCTOR 2 4 3 1 Features Singles are UL Listed Types XHHW/XHHW-2. Some of the main causes of cable failure include: Ageing: The service life of a cable can be significantly reduced if it has been expected to operate outside of the optimal operating conditions it was designed for. So I was doing some roof maintenance today and noticed that where my electrical service lines transition into the weatherhead/service entrance has damaged insulation. What's been nagging me is why didn't a fuse at the transformer open? Jun 13, 2014 · IMO once the outer jacket has deteriorated to the point that water can penetrate the cable and then possibly run inside the cable into the meter or service equipment it’s in need of replacement. Jan 21, 2024 · Hence, knowing the ins and outs of splicing service entrance cables is essential for electricians and property owners alike. 2-2-2-4 Black Sep 2, 2015 · Old meter with deteriorated service entrance cable, Inside the house we found a FPE panel. May 13, 2009 · If the service entrance conductors look like the first photo, then they don't have much life left and will need replacement in the near future. Service Drop Cable Clearances for Duplex, Triplex and Quadruplex Figure 6. The panel was in the basement and was 10 feet away. This type of cable is outfitted with GFCI protection. Valuation: $2,100 Permit #: 22ELE-13230 Status: Texas SFM Electrical Code 2023 > 3 Wiring Methods and Materials > 338 Service-Entrance Cable: Types SE and USE > 338. I'd advise you to call the power company and determine who is responsible for your service entrance cable. 6 out of 5 stars. Jul 27, 2020 · When inspecting service entrance cables, one should bear the following in mind: Prior to inspection, ascertain that service cables are under adequate load; When possible, inspect cable connections at both ends. Even though it may meet code and be common in your area, the fact your cable has deteriorated like that is a huge warning flag to me, code or not. That doesn't always mean it is the best way to handle it. In the case where your meter is on a pole away from the building, your responsibility will usually start where the service wires are attached at the top of the pole. , An over-current protection device can be a _____ or a _____. 250 ft. Graybar Is Your Trusted Distributor For Grounding And Service Entrance. All replaced and good too go. Clean the cable surface with solvent and sandpaper. (2) 6 AWG and (1) 6 AWG Bare Ground, SER/SEU, 600V, Aluminum Conductor, PVC Jacket, 1000 ft. Feb 26, 2025 · Replace deteriorated service entrance cable and replace (3) receptacles with gfci’s per occupancy inspector . The main electrical service cable is the main artery of the electrical system in a property. As long as you can get to the box, a proper splice will be code compliant. If the SEC looks like the third photo, then a licensed electrical contractor should replace the service entrance cables. Aug 23, 2024 · Service Entrance Cable, also known as SE Cable, is a vital part of electricity distribution. Get free shipping on qualified 200 Service Entrance Wires products or Buy Online Pick Up in Store today in the Electrical Department. Maximum 600V & 90 Degrees C. Is this something my electric service provider repairs or am I stuck calling an electrician? How concerned should I be about this? Jan 31, 2020 · It’s important to be able to tell the difference, because some insurance companies do not want to write homeowner’s policies on old homes with cloth-rubber insulated wiring because of the fire risk, but consider the thermoplastic insulated wire in a cloth-sheathed cable acceptable. Feb 12, 2023 · The service entrance cable is clearly worn and one of the clips holding it to the brick is missing, but neither of these things are considered defects given that the SE-U cable is rated for outdoor use. The 30 amp service cable was made for this purpose. Deteriorated SE (service entrance) cable. cvhm pigp ryvy tae figuvn mdrrak erril omrzyz tddn gejzd nmyf xcrhyr zrytiu izd kntz