Replies

1. 
   IMERC | Oct 25, 2003 11:29am | #1

   FIRST THING YOU DO IS TURN THE POWER OFF TO THAT WIRE / CABLE.

   Look for both ends of the cable. There should be breaker or fuse boxes at both ends. Turn the breakers off. If one end has only a meter. Call a pro. The meter will have to be pulled. You may be able to do this yourself but it can be risky business for some one not familar with the proceedure. I don't recomend that you do this your self. If you know that you can do this safely (pull meter) ask for the how to...

   Do you currently have wet weather???

   It would have helped to know what size (wire gauge) the cable is...

   That wire you cut is more than likely the main feed to the house or at least a sub panel. More likely the main panel because you said you lost power to the house.

   At the time it was common to run an SE (service entrance) cable as deemed neccessary. The cable will have to be replaced. It being aluminium was common and still is. a pro will know how to do the job right and safely.

   Aren't double insulated tools nice. Glad you weren't killed or badly hurt.

   Keep in mind you have the potential for a fire hazard with the cable remaining electrified. Please don't play with any thing or experiment unless you are absolutely possitive you KNOW what you are doing.

    

   Who ever invented work didn't know how to fish....

1. 
   SAHarding1 | Oct 25, 2003 11:44am | #2

   Thanks very much for the reply. The power is off and we have someone coming by in the morning.

   What do you think of this: one person I spoke with (she has background in electrical work) suggested cutting the cable ends clean (at the place I accidently cut them) then simply connecting them with a wire nut inside a junction box. Would this work?

   Bear in mind that I'm just searching for information. The work will be done by an electrician. But I figure since I screwed up, at least I can try and learn something here.

   Much appreciated

1. 
   IMERC | Oct 25, 2003 12:23pm | #3

   What size is the wire?

   A split bolt splice could be done as a temp repair but as far as I know as permenant application it is frowned on or not allowed. Not allowed here. You would never get a soild permenant mechanical connection using wire nuts. Remember that you are working with alu wire.

   The expansion and contraction of the wire under load can be substancial. This leads to the wires working against their mecanical fasteners, becoming loose and the looseness causes a generating of heat as the electricity passes thu the connector. More wire expansion and contraction as the wire heats up and then cools. Now you have EVEN more heat build up as the wires become looser. As this cycle becomes more progressive the potential for an electrical fire becomes exponential. Mechanicals in an alu wire are best avoided if you can help it.

   Douptfull you can pick up that much slack anyways...

   Be safe. Cange the cable. Cheap insurance.  

   Who ever invented work didn't know how to fish....

1. 
   SAHarding1 | Oct 25, 2003 05:42pm | #4

   Thanks again for your reply. When the electrician arrives I'll discuss everything with him, but it sounds like a complete replacement is in order. Have to bite the bullet. But as you mentioned earlier, it could have been much worse. Live and learn.

   I really appreciate it.

1. 
   IMERC | Oct 25, 2003 08:54pm | #5

   Let me know how it went... 

   Who ever invented work didn't know how to fish....

2. 
   SAHarding1 | Oct 26, 2003 06:11am | #6

   Everything went well. The electrician said it was 12 gauge stranded aluminum. It ran to the stove, but it was also improperly connected to Romex at various points. He guessed that the house was once all aluminum, but that someone had re-wired with copper, and just did an incomplete job. So he ran new copper- 2.5 hours, $300 even. He also said it was probably a blessing in disguise that I hit that cable, as he felt the connections were moderately unsafe.

   Thanks again

3. 
   4Lorn2 | Oct 26, 2003 06:58am | #7

   $300 for 2.5 hrs? Where do you live? I might have to move there and open an electrical shop.

   I guess $300 is cheap as an alternative to a fire so no regrets.

4. 
   SAHarding1 | Oct 26, 2003 08:25am | #8

   This is out in Lafayette, CA. I got the special weekend emergency rate: $55 every half hour, plus $25 for the service call. This happened Friday night, and I called every single number in the book, including several "24 hour service" places. No one would come out, and not many were willing/able to come out Saturday morning either. I actually got many higher quotes than this also.

   Maybe I should start studying the NEC and heading my career in another direction!

5. 
   4Lorn2 | Oct 26, 2003 11:11pm | #9

   Had to look up Lafayette CA. , Google. Explained a lot. California has always been high and southern (OK it is central California but point still applies.) cali even more so. Considering this and that it was a Saturday service call I must say you did all right.

   $300 is a lot of money but a little less so considering your cost of living. Reasonable considering the day, time and the peace of mind gained.

   Edited to add line in parentheses.

   Edited 10/26/2003 9:37:34 PM ET by 4Lorn1