Who shifts electric/cable service in this case?
South_Shore_Homeowner
| Posted in Energy, Heating & Insulation on
We’re gradually replacing all of our exterior pine trim with Azek (for long-term upkeep and to repel woodpeckers who are putting holes in several corner boards). Unfortunately, one of the boards the birds like best is the trim piece that our electric and phone/cable lines are attached to before they enter the house.
I’m trying to learn who’s the “authority” for removing the service from that trim board, so I can replace it with Azek, then move the service back when I’m done– is it the utilities (in which it looks like TWO utilities will have to come out and move only THEIR service), or a licensed electrician? I’m guessing this is going to be far more expensive and complicated than it seems it should be–
Thanks!
Replies
Probably different in different locations. When my service from the street pole got ripped out by a falling tree limb during a storm the local utility company (Duke) came out and secured it temporarily so that it was safe. However they informed me that it was my responsibility to hire a certified electrician to put it back properly. I was also amazed that they do all this while the line is hot. Certified electricians earn their money.
Can't you pull the nails holding the cable/phone clamps or screws holding the conduit straps so that you can get the board out? (There's a bit of give.) Then slide another in it's place, behind the utilities (conduit) and refasten. I'm not sure why you have to disconnect anything. I wouldn't be calling anyone.
If you have an overhead service, you should be able to support the service conduit with extra temporary brackets fastened to the old siding. Remove the bracket where your Azek will be and once the Azek is in place, refasten. Work down the conduit adding temporary brackets, as necessary, as you go.
The electrical box with the meter is mounted either on the existing siding or on the sheathing. If it's on the sheathing, just remove your siding and re-side up to the box (frame it in J-channel). If the box is on the siding, use an oscillating multi-tool to cut around the box and then install the Azek, with J-channel, to the siding/box and caulk the J-channel to the old siding.
The electrical conduit enters the house through a hole in one board. Cut out that board with an oscillating multi-tool. I'd simply make that spot the place where I would join two Azek boards together so that I don't have to disconnect the electrical service. (Make a half circle hole in each adjoining board.)
FWIW, make sure you've worked out the details of your Tyvek house wrap system.
In my area, Vermont, the power and phone companies both said they would come to remove the lines while I replaced the trim and reconnect them when I’m done. The pole is across the road from my house, so I assume they would disconnect at that end too. Call them and ask.