I have a workshop behind my house that has a 100 amp service running to it. The power comes from the pole on the street to the house then from the house to the workshop. The shop has it’s own meter and a sub panel located next to the meter with it’s own power disconnect switch. After doing a bit of electrical work in the shop I decided to take a close look at the overhead service wires that run to the workshop . Upon inspection I noticed that there are some small cracks in the insulation. I cannot see the copper wires and there is no missing insulation but there are spots where there are little splits and I can see a bit of white oxidation on the outside of the cable. Makes me think a bit of water is able to make it in.
The wires are probably at least 40 years old and look like your standard service wire. Copper covered with a black plastic insulation. Two hots and a ground. All insulated. The wires run to the shop separately and are not warped or twisted together as they travel between the shop and house. They each have their own mounting point along the fascia and remain about 3 inches apart as they travel between the house and shop. The distance overall is roughly 25 feet.
I’m considering using either 3M 2228 Scotch Moisture Sealing Electrical Tape or Scotch Cable Jacket Repair Tape 2234 to put all three wires together (after their mounting points) and wrap the entire 25 foot run. This would hopefully keep the moisture out and overall extend the life of the insulation.
I understand in a perfect world I would replace the drop. Really can’t afford it now and doubt it is necessary given the circumstances. I do know the power needs to be off for me to be touching these service wires! As mentioned above there is a sub panel with disconnect switch after the meter that makes the overhead wires dead.
Would this be acceptable? Any issues with this? Is there a better product for me to use? Thank you for any help or advice.
The wires are probably at least 40 years old and look like your standard service wire. Copper covered with a black plastic insulation. Two hots and a ground. All insulated. The wires run to the shop separately and are not warped or twisted together as they travel between the shop and house. They each have their own mounting point along the fascia and remain about 3 inches apart as they travel between the house and shop. The distance overall is roughly 25 feet.
I’m considering using either 3M 2228 Scotch Moisture Sealing Electrical Tape or Scotch Cable Jacket Repair Tape 2234 to put all three wires together (after their mounting points) and wrap the entire 25 foot run. This would hopefully keep the moisture out and overall extend the life of the insulation.
I understand in a perfect world I would replace the drop. Really can’t afford it now and doubt it is necessary given the circumstances. I do know the power needs to be off for me to be touching these service wires! As mentioned above there is a sub panel with disconnect switch after the meter that makes the overhead wires dead.
Would this be acceptable? Any issues with this? Is there a better product for me to use? Thank you for any help or advice.
