[Sirrotica]

Had a freak one that we would lose one hot leg intermitently, turned out that when they buried the lines from the pole, across the front yard, that a rock had pierced the insulation, and over time the water in the ground caused corrosion, that led to high resistance, and deterioration of the conductors. That cost me an $800 stove from blowing the circuit board. The circuit board was $600, so I just bought another stove, rather than spend 75% of the cost of a new stove.

I never thought that a rock could cause that much damage to the insulation of direct burial cable, but it took 2-3 years from when it was initially buried, for it to affect that leg.

The power company replaced the underground wiring, N/C, but wouldn't cover the stove damages..........

[jhein]

Originally Posted by necdb3

I can't believe someone did a splice like that inside a panel box. Way too much room for error. I assume you removed tape or jacketing before this picture was taken?

Yes, I should have mentioned that. It was wrapped heavily, but very neatly, in electrical tape which is why the electrician couldn't tell what type of splice it was until the power company came out and disconnected the utility power.

[jhein]

Son of a flippin biscuit. It did it again! Damn. I thought i had it.

So now i'm down to the meter itself (seems unlikely), or the top side of the transfer switch where the utility power comes in.

Phew. This sucks.

[Elarson]

Is there evidence of the anti-corrosion goop inside the splice or is it dry. No goop on aluminum wires equals bad news.

Edit: needs goop on all the aluminum connections, like the terminals on the transfer switch and in the meter socket.

Eric

[Trulyvintage]

Several overlapping issues.

The image of the unwrapped
compression connection
looks to be the neutral conductor.

The feed looks to be (3) insulated
wires and one bare stranded
“ shield “ wire that has been
twisted and utilized as an
equipment ground for a
sub panel feed in a sheathed
cable.

This sheathed cable is a
wiring method intended
to be used above ground
in spaces not subject to
physical damage and
ran in the building framework
like romex wire.

It is not intended to be
installed in a raceway
or underground as
a direct burial cable.


Jim

[jhein]

Originally Posted by Trulyvintage

Several overlapping issues.

The image of the unwrapped
compression connection
looks to be the neutral conductor.

The feed looks to be (3) insulated
wires and one bare stranded
“ shield “ wire that has been
twisted and utilized as an
equipment ground for a
sub panel feed in a sheathed
cable.

This sheathed cable is a
wiring method intended
to be used above ground
in spaces not subject to
physical damage and
ran in the building framework
like romex wire.

It is not intended to be
installed in a raceway
or underground as
a direct burial cable.


Jim

Yes, the sheathed cables run from the meter to the transfer switch. All in the wall.

[Trulyvintage]

Aluminum wiring is not
as efficient in conducting
electricity as copper but
it is adequate,

Care & attention have to be paid
to how terminations are made.
Aluminum heats and cools over
a wider range - antioxidant is
used to help maintain a good
connection at terminating points.

To date - based on what you have
posted - it appears you have found
several examples of poor wiring
practices.

If installed properly - wiring is good
for the life of the structure.

But if you nick insulation on a wire
or drive a staple or fastener too deep
to secure a cable - problems can develop
over time.

Aluminum sheathed & jacketed cable
is not as flexible as copper - the wire
bending radius needs to be greater
and if you terminate it incorrectly
small insulation cuts will expand
and crack over time.

Jim