TOPIC: Sometimes A Separation Does Not Work

Jay is correct above about the slip joint.
All too many times it is seen up here due to the frost action and settling in the spring.

Here is another example of one that has not broken yet. Similar 4/0 entrace feeder.



You might also note Jay that the 4/0 alluminum cable most likely does not enter the back of the main distribution panel and therefore I believe it needs to have a fused disconnect on the outside.
That is what happened in my picture. Was not legal then and not legal now.
Just caught my eye.  [/color]

What state is the house in ?

New Hampshire, Why?

New Hampshire, Why?

Ive never seen that type of problem in Calif. 

Marcel - sometimes around here the meters are on the back of townhouses and for some reason they aren't able to go into the back of the box, as you showed above.  In that instance they put another little one-breaker box beside the meter.  All it has in it is a main shut off.  There is another "main" in the panel box inside. 

I don't like the idea of having a box like that outside because I feel like anyone can get into it and turn off my juice.  That can be dangerous if someone has bad intentions.  Home invasions are a big deal around here and a bad guy can cut it off and burst into the house within seconds.  I would keep a big lock on the box, even if the electric company wanted access and would get upset seeing a lock. 

Seems you guys need to move here were you don't have to worry about locking you external electrical panels! LOL