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MikeinBurien · 07-11-2008, 01:42 AM

Hi All,

I'm about to switch an old breaker panel and meter box to 200A service. Currently, the supply line from the pole reaches over top of our carport on its way to the mast head and actually just touches the peak of the carport. The distance from the peak of the carport to the mast head is about 8-10 feet.

Naturally this won't pass inspection and I need to get the supply line 3' above the carport. I believe I have two options:

Install a mast that is tall enough to assure the supply line is three feet above the carport. I'm not thrilled with this option because I will probably have to put in something like a 6' mast with guy wires and that's not going to look pretty.
Install an intermediate supply line support on top of the carport that will support the wire 3' above the carport peak. While this still doesn't sound that attractive, at least I won't have a periscope for a mast and can keep it around 3' as well.

Here's the question:

What elegant way is there to support the line at the peak of the carport roof? The inspector said it doesn't have to be nearly as sturdy as the main mast and only the neutral needs to be supported. Are there any nice looking tripod supports with maybe a 1 1/2" conduit and insulator I can use? The guys at Home Depot and Lowes don't have anything and suggested I build something. I'd really like it look as professional as possible.

I'm hoping you can see the pictures here - http://www.diychatroom.com/members/mikeinburien-1418/albums/supply-line-carport/

Your ideas appreciated.

MikeinBurien

BillyD · 07-11-2008, 07:29 AM

How about a tripod mount for a TV antenna if they are still available. http://www.summitsource.com/product_...oducts_id=6726

wirenut1110 · 07-11-2008, 07:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MikeinBurien

I'd really like it look as professional as possible.MikeinBurien

I'd consider cutting a trench in your concrete and running underground to the pole.
I'm having this "issue" now with an upgrade. POCO wouldn't even consider the drop to go over the carport regardless of the height. They charged $72 to run underground. Had the concrete cut in neat sections to be re-installed since it was just a walkway. Sleeved pvc under the concrete so if there were problems later the concrete wouldn't have to be cut again. Just a suggestion, not sure how in depth you want to go.

**thekctermite** · 07-11-2008, 09:00 AM

Agreed, undergrounding the service drop is a very good option in many cases. I'd certainly give it a look...You provide the trench (use a trencher and call the dig safe hotline in your area) and the power company will provide the wire and hook you up, probably to your existing meter can. It shouldn't cost too much.

BillyD · 07-11-2008, 09:16 AM

If you look at his pictures underground is not a very good option. He has a lot of concrete it looks like to me.

joed · 07-11-2008, 09:44 AM

Or you could put the mast on the carport and pipe it over to the meter pan on the house.

MikeinBurien · 07-12-2008, 04:17 AM

Hi Guys - I would agree that it would be a HUGE project to put the supply underground at this point. From the pole to the house is about 30-40' - all under concrete. I definitely looked at the possibility, but it would make an ugly driveway even uglier.

The concrete is pretty ugly, and in several years I'm going to take it out, but for now I need to just get the 200A service up and running.

According to my inspector, I just need to get the supply line 3' above the carport and I should be good to go. The idea of using a tripod antenna mount might be a good choice, but it seems like it might be a bit flimsy, but will check into them anyway. If it could hold at least a 1" rigid conduit it might do the trick.

The inspector mentioned that if I went to an electrical supply house and told them what I was doing they would have some sort of roof mounted thing made specifically for this.

I'll look into the antenna mount. Any add'l ideas?

MikeinBurien

wirenut1110 · 07-12-2008, 07:13 AM

My only other suggestion is to set another pole on the far left of the second pic and go straight in to the meter basically going around the carport. I've had that done for $250.

jrclen · 07-12-2008, 09:05 AM

Personally I would add 3 feet to the service mast. I would use galvanized rigid conduit for the mast.

BillyD · 07-12-2008, 09:18 AM

I would have to agree with jrclen on that. If you add 3' and have to put a couple of cable guy wires it would look better and be cheaper (maybe) than a tripod.

BillyD · 07-12-2008, 09:21 AM

Sorry my brain was at rest. The problem and cost will be gettinjg the service wires extended which will involve the power company, permit, electrician etc. Was a good idea if you could do it your self.

jrclen · 07-12-2008, 10:07 PM

OP stated he was upgrading the service anyway. So a new mast and new SE conductors are required no matter what. Same with the electrician to do the work.

gregzoll · 07-12-2008, 10:53 PM

Looks about like the drop for my neighbor's.

joed · 07-13-2008, 10:20 AM

A whole new service is being installed. I still say put the mast on the carport and pipe over to the meter.
A TV antenna tripod is for a TV antenna. It is not certified for electrical wires. I doubt it would pass inpection.

Do it right or call a PRO who will.

nap · 07-13-2008, 12:26 PM

before you get all set on this; what is the slope of the roof on the garage.

for those with code books, check 230.24(A) and then exception #2.

nevermind. I just looked at the pics and the slope is adequate for a 3 foot clearance.

I think I would be a bit more creative and move the attachment over to the carport and run conduit over to the meter. That solves all of the problems discussed.