Fallen tree ripped service entrance off building

jw · 2011-09-30T06:44:59+00:00

We just had hurricane force winds and a tree fell over and it rippeddown the overhead wires to my barn. This is after my electric meterso I am responsible, the electric company only repairs BEFORE themeter. The insulator broke and the top half of the 1 1/2" serviceentrance pipe was ripped off the barn and bent way over. We spentmost of the night cutting up the tree and freed the wire. Not able toget parts, I hooked the cable up to the metal bracket that remains ofthe insulator using a piece of chain hooked to the end loop piece onthe triplex that normally goes around the insulator. With a friend,we tried to bend that steel conduit straight, but it's near impossibleby hand. We got it a little straighter, but not very good.Is there any way to straighten that conduit? I'd rather not have toreplace it. I should mention that the power did not go out and nowires were broke or separated. It just destroyed the insulator andbent that entrance pipe. I'd like to just replace the insulator andbend that pipe straight again. The insulator is easy to replace, butgetting that pipe back straight seems to be a big problem. No, I donot have a pipe bender for 1 1/2". Just for 1/2" and 3/4".Thanks

Sep 30, 2011 24 Replies

Rate this thread:

gfretwell 14 years ago

I bet that triplex will be fine. It is a special alloy that you can tow a truck with.

Vote

DD_BobK 14 years ago

formatting link

depending on the triplex size..... 1000 lbs to 4000 lbs "rated strength" (whatever that is)

Vote

John Grabowski 14 years ago

*I was thinking in terms of saving labor. I thought it would be easier to just cut off the old pipe and run 100 amp SE cable up instead of pulling out the wire from the pipe, connecting another pipe, and then pulling the wire back in again. If the SE cable got pulled away like the pipe did, it would be easier to push it back against the building.

Vote

gfretwell 14 years ago

That is OK if you have one of those PoCo crimping tools to make the splice but Polaris connectors would add another $100 to your project. RNC has all of the ease of SE/SER, it is a lot cheaper and he can use his existing wire.

Vote

John Grabowski 14 years ago

*The OP stated in an earlier post that he will be undoing the connections at the weatherhead to remove the existing pipe. Since he can kill the power himself, he does not need to buy expensive insulated connectors or an insulated crimper. You are correct that sliding a length of PVC down over the existing wires would be the cheapest way to go and a lot easier than working with rigid metal pipe. If the same accident happens again the PVC may break though. I suggest some extra straps just in case.

Vote

Join the Discussion

Have something to add? Share your thoughts — no account required.

Didn't find your answer?

Ask the community — no account required