My article as published in Scripps Treasure Coast Newspapers in Florida reaching more than 250,000 people, printed Sunday, February 24, 2008. Look every Sunday for my column in the Home Section.
With Power Comes Responsibility
We all take electricity for granted. We grew up always having it, we use it every minute of every day, and yet, it remains out of sight. Our lives of luxury and instant communication rely entirely upon it. As a home owner, it will be helpful to remember that YOU do have responsibilities to ensure your continuous supply of electricity remains unimpeded.
Your electrical utility company makes electricity available via the network of power distribution lines we all see overhead when we drive around town. That network eventually reaches and connects to your individual home through wires (service entrance conductors) that run either underground and up to a meter on the side of your house, called a "lateral connection", or it connects to your home by overhead service entrance conductors that are supported by and run down a mast located above your roof near one side of your house, called a "service drop".
For homeowners with a lateral connection, your key responsibility is to know approximately where your service conductors run underground. You should avoid digging or planting foliage near those areas. If you are compelled by nice spring weather to dig or plant in your yard, ALWAYS call your utility company first to have the underground wires located. There is no charge for the service. They will come to your home and mark the locations on your lawn with bright paint, usually within 48 hours of your call. With a lateral service, be sure to inspect your electrical meter every six months to look for conduit or connections around the box that have shifted or moved, especially in newer homes. When the trenches in which the conductors lay were dug, the soil that was back filled may not have been properly compacted. This leads to latent settlement of soil. Even a small amount of settling or sinking can cause the electrical conduit to be pulled down and out of proper position.
For homeowners with a service drop, your responsibility is to know that YOU own and are responsible for the mast and all electrical components in and below it. The location where the utility company's overhead service conductors connect to your home's service drop is called the Service Point. It is usually suspended over your roof, in the air, and one foot in front of the masthead. To help avoid service interruptions, it is a smart idea NOT to plant foliage or trees in your yard below the service conductors. If you notice trees or shrubs growing high or near the overhead service conductors, they need to be trimmed or transplanted. However, please think about safety first. If the growth is above your head, or in any way close to the service conductors, you need professional help. One slip with a ladder or extension tool could be your last. Please consult with your utility company if you have any doubts or concerns. They may even provide some trimming free of charge since it helps protect their conductors and keeps you a happy customer.
Also, if you own an emergency generator that delivers power directly to your home, it is a good idea to run and test it every month, as well as have the electrical connections, breakers, and conductors inspected by an electrician every year before the storm season begins.
Regardless of the manner by which your power is delivered, be sure to keep foliage away from the side of your house around your electric meter and service conductors to facilitate inspections, meter readings, or repairs. Minding your electrical service responsibilities and performing regular visual inspections of your electrical service components will catch and prevent exposure of hazardous wires and fittings, and keep your children and loved ones safe all year.
Greg Bertaux is a licensed professional engineer and home inspector. His company, ISLE Management Corp., provides property inspection services along the entire Treasure Coast. For more information, visit http://www.imhomeinspector.com/ or call (772) 569-2141.
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