Between a rock and… Service Conductors – Wenatchee Home Inspection
Service conductors, or in this case overhead service drop which is from the pole to the splice where they become the service entrance conductors. Need to be installed in a manner that is safe. These conductors from the pole are using a rock to protect the conductors from contact the roofing material. And in this case that material is a metal roof. No a good situation.
Over time the service conductors will have their insulation wear from small movements and potentially cause damage to the conductors themselves. In addition there are are rules for clearances over roofs.
Here are the normal clearance rules we apply.
230.24 Clearances –
Overhead service conductors shall not be readily accessible and shall comply with 230.24(A) through (E) for services not over 1000 volts, nominal.
(A) Above Roofs.
Conductors shall have a vertical clearance of not less than 2.5 m (8 ft) above the roof surface. The vertical clearance above the roof level shall be maintained for a distance of not less than 900 mm (3 ft) in all directions from the edge of the roof.
But for residential we have an exception that we apply for a roof 4/12 and greater-
230.24 (A)
Exception No. 2: Where the voltage between conductors does not exceed 300 and the roof has a slope of 100 mm in 300 mm (4 in. in 12 in.) or greater, a reduction in clearance to 900 mm (3 ft) shall be permitted.
This is a situation that could become extremely dangerous over time. If the conductor insulation wears and then for some reason the rock dislodges we could now have conductors in contact with a metal roof that would potentially become energized. This could could lead shock, injury, death and potentially fire.
Someone needs to call in a electrician and contact the Power Utility to get this corrected.. and soon.
Luckily most rocks are composed of silicates which mean they are more likely to be insulators, but let us not bet on that.
Quote of the Day
“I never guess. It is a shocking habit destructive to the logical faculty.”
Arthur Conan Doyle
If you find any errors or have additional information that would expand on any code, building standards or manufacturer requirements please let me know.
NCW Home Inspections, LLC is a Licensed Washington State Home Inspection service located in Wenatchee Washington serving Chelan County, Douglas County, Kittitas County, Okanogan County and Grant County Washington and the cities of Wenatchee, Leavenworth, Cashmere, Oroville, Cle Elum, East Wenatchee, Quincy and many more…
Your Wenatchee and Chelan Professional Real Estate, Home and Structural Pest Inspection Service
Coordinator & Instructor- Fundamentals of Home Inspection- Bellingham Technical College
Former WA Home Inspector Advisory Licensing Board
www.ncwhomeinspections.com 509-670-9572
You can follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and on my website Blog.
If you find any errors or have additional information that would expand on any code, building standards or manufacturer requirements please let me know.
NCW Home Inspections, LLC is a Licensed Washington State Home Inspection service located in Wenatchee Washington serving Chelan County, Douglas County, Kittitas County, Okanogan County and Grant County Washington and the cities of Wenatchee, Leavenworth, Cashmere, Oroville, Cle Elum, East Wenatchee, Quincy and many more…
Your Wenatchee and Chelan Professional Real Estate, Home and Structural Pest Inspection Service
Coordinator & Instructor- Fundamentals of Home Inspection- Bellingham Technical College
Former WA Home Inspector Advisory Licensing Board
www.ncwhomeinspections.com 509-670-9572
You can follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and on my website Blog.
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