I've done electrical panel and service entrance before the days of TH-cam. This is a great video and I'm watching it over because I'm now going to replace my 100 amp panel to a 150 amp. These videos are great for the DIY guys who can follow directions and do it safely. Hats off to the Starving Electrician for supporting veterans. I'm from Michigan and next time I'm in Vegas I'll spot for beers & tacos!
I am a 75 year old man who still enjoys doing things for myself. My kids say "Pop's, you watch to much TH-cam." Well I am so glad I do. I just watched a couple of your videos. My friend, you are fun to watch and very well educated and correct in what you are doing and showing people. I am in the process of putting a new meter loop and installing a new panel to my small attached garage apartment. I may have some questions later on but man I am so glad I found you. Keep up the great work.
I'm a veteran to, and I know what you mean about the whinners. I get them on my channel to. I'm a musician, but I love to do all my work around my house myself. I'm 74 and I started doing work with my daddy at 10 years old, and I have wired many houses and complexes but I enjoyed watching your video, thanks and God bless you my friend.
Good video. I did it today. I had enough confidence after watching you do it. I have decent experience wiring but the hots always scared me. But if one concentrates, thinks and understands the hardware - it goes very smoothly.
I’m just starting off as an electrician with 900 hours of trade school experience and I hope I’m lucky enough to get an awesome journey man or master such as yourself when I become an apprentice
I hear there's a lot of electricians with a know it all type of attitude like you mentioned. that's why i liked your channel apart from how easy it is to follow you on how you explain everything you seems down to earth and chill lol
Love these videos. He's a no nonesense type of guy. Knows how to do the trade and he doesnt care about what anyone thinks of him. He knows his trade/skill and if other electricians dont like it, oh well, but i will be following more videos.
Man I'm so glad I found your channel. I called every electrician in my area but none have called back. I need to upgrade from a 60 amp fuse box to breaker panel, and you have given me the power to give it a shot. Good luck to you with all you do
Bro this man represents real electricians . Not saying the dudes that come out from school don't know anything but we call them "the know it alls " cause they don't know the tricks of the trade just what the book said ... he's straight forward . Good job 👍
When I upgraded my moms 60 amp to a 100 amp service took me over a hour to get the 100 amp service thru the stone wall. Took at least 5 minutes to remove old service cable. Here they laid the 60 amp cable on stone wall as they built the house. when I shined my flashlight thru from outside could not see the light . They had two bends on the old cable traveling thru the 12" thick wall. Even using my 11/8" diameter hammer drill bit took a long time.
Congratulations on retirement! I never paid attention to where you were from. I know you're going to miss Mexican village tacos. Thanks for you're service to the vets brother. Good luck from the Clem. Skip Mc
Very informative. I’m under contract on my first house and the service wire looks to need replacing. I don’t know shit for shit when it comes to electrical work, but this video gave me the base knowledge I was looking for to understand what exactly is involved in the process so that I don’t get hosed on the price to replace by a professional.
I'm a beginner Electrician wanna be. I attend Class at a Local college here in Miami,fl. I find your talent very interesting. I'm watching and learning. thanks bro.
Next time I’m in Vegas i got to buy you some tacos man you don’t understand how much your helping me through my trade 🤞🏽 gotta get ya info and stop leaving comments 😂
Dude love your vids keep them coming . I’d like to see more of how to work on a meter live. Let’s say you have to change the meter base and you can’t turn off the power
I think that since we did NOT hear a giant arc when he pulled the meter, that he OPENED the MAIN breaker before he pulled the meter. The voltage doesn't go away by opening the breaker, because it's downstream of the meter, but you do not want to pull apart high-amp electrical connections under load. If you want a small example of what I am talking about, unplug your shop vacuum while it is running & watch the plug as its prongs break contact with the metal inside the outlet.
Awesome! Thank you! be careful!...look for my virtual electrician coming soon, answer questions, help bidding, let you know prices and what to expect when hiring an electrician and just someone who will shoot you straight.
I don't know where you got the idea that you can put 4 Romex cables in that 3/4-"1" connector. I know so because the AHJ told me so. Gotta love those inspectors. Gotta say I love your videos and how you break it down for people. Though I'll still need those code references that say I can do everything you've done (at least until the AHJ learns that not everything is in the book. I'm actually surprised he's still alive since it doesn't say to breathe every few seconds). Good luck with your new adventures.
Got the “idea” from over 30 years of experience and never getting shot down. 4- Romex in that size connector is permitted. Any less and the connector pops out of the knock out.
Fuckin right! I subscribed🤙 A honest man uses honest words. I work with live wires alot and I do fine with my rubber gloves under leather. It's probably a good idea to buy some class 0 gloves though. Thanks for the video boss.
The power company will greet you with a big belly laugh and handshake when/if they see the tap on the line side of the meter for temporary power. Been there, but they forgot to laugh and shake my hand.
I DID THIS REPAIR EXACTLY HOW YOU SHOWED US AND GOT A LITTLE SHOCK. YOU ARE LIABLE FOR MY INJURY. CAN YOU PLEASE SEND ME A CHECK? I WILL USE THE MONEY TO BUY TACOS. AFTER ALL, I LIKE TACOS.
I’m installing a temporary power pole for my house build. I ran #2 copper from breaker box to meter base, do I need to put no lox on the copper? I will use aluminum from meter base to weather head for power company.
This was exactly what I've been looking for. I've got 2 questions: 1. With it being the new digital meeter, can the service provider/power company not tell when and if the meeter is pulled? 2. What did you do about the missing "Edison" tab? Thanks in advance I really enjoy your videos.
yes they can tell but I have only once had the power company come out because they thought I was having a problem. in a really rich area of course. the tab I saved and simply hung it back on the meter can. no biggie. you own everything up to the connections at the top of your service.look for my virtual electrician coming soon, answer questions, help bidding, let you know prices and what to expect when hiring an electrician and just someone who will shoot you straight.
@@StarvingElectrician ,The reason I asked is that I'm needing to change out the service wire in my house (built in the early 60's). Bc it still has the original, what looks to be no more than 6 gauge, clothed wrapped wire. And there's no "main" breaker on my end. It's just comes straight out of the meter box, to the inside panel. I've got the know how to do it I was just (like you just mentioned) trying to avoid dealing with having to spend a shit ton of money on something Im capable of doing. Thanks once again and keep the videos coming.
As a vet myself appreciate what your doing. Got a Michigan question for ya.. Asked the inspector here but he didn't know what I meant by 'gooseneck' so not real sure I got a good answer outta him. I'm consolidating 2 100A-20 slot panels on my own house into 1 200A-40 slot. Drop & meter already set for 200A. My planning question to the inspector was regarding service attachment point. Currently eyebolt to side of house with gooseneck. Drip loop maybe not quite 10' over pedestrian only area on side of house. I'm wondering if goose neck with drip loop is ok so long as lowest point of loop is higher than 10' or if it's absolutely required to put in a riser through the eve with a service head? Appreciate any insight.. Looking at the MI code it seemed like POA with gooseneck was still ok but can't tell for sure. Enjoy Vegas!
its measured from the drip loop to the ground. they want a gooseneck if you aren't using the service wire cap. honestly i didn't think they were allowing a gooseneck. id rather use the service cap. looks better and less chance of water going down the cable. I hope this helps! thanks brother
Thanks for the video. Installing service cable while hot is definitely not for the novice, but you did a good job explaining the process. Will you stop posting electrical videos?
Army Mobility Officer lol now wait, are you asking me to stop or are you asking me if I will stop making videos? I was like this guy seems to like the videos but now he’s asking me to stop? Huh? Then I thought about it and thought maybe he’s asking if I will stop when I retire? Well the answer is no to both. I won’t stop making them and In fact I’m focusing on training full time so retirement means more time for me to focus on training Vets and raising money to do so. These videos help me spread the word. I hope I answered your question either way you meant it! Lol
@@StarvingElectrician Sometimes comments do not reflect intentions. Let me try again. " I like the electrical videos and I hope you keep posting them."
Lol I’m glad I asked instead of assuming the worst. Thanks for watching and now I have time on my hands maybe I can spew a few more. What do you think about me talking about code since I can’t work?
@@StarvingElectrician I am not licensed and I understand that it seems "code" depends on what the inspector says it is, that being said, I enjoy hearing what code is. I and my Dad have a lot of rental houses and I am the electrician. I had a tree fall on the service line of a house last year. I had to replaced the weather head and conduit, installed a new breaker box and ground wire. Our City inspector was amazed at how good the work was performed. I am re-wiring a breaker box on a vacant house. I will have to pull a permit before I can get power back on. break break break What kind of gloves were you wearing? Thanks
Hey brother, just came across your video, super helpful. I have to upgrade my service entrance line as well as panel box to 200amp service and and just wondering what gauge service entrance wire I should use if upgrading from 100 to 200amp service. Not sure where to find this info
@@jakal104 Residential allows a derating to 83% of the calculated ampacity. 2/0 Copper is the proper size copper for residential services, but I would be using 4/0 Aluminum, not copper.
Love your video's i have learned so much I just wish I found them a bit earlier. I am building a tiny house, i have a 100 amp service set up at this moment. I would like to know if there is anyway to take use a 100 amp service and wiring to plug into a 50 amp RV plug, will work or if it is a bad idea and I should down size my amps?
You can do it! so long as you do not exceed the load of the 100 amp main service.Thanks for watching. look for my virtual electrician coming soon, answer questions, help with your project, let you know prices and what to expect when hiring an electrician and just someone who will shoot you straight.
I know this is an old video, but it gave me a bit of piece of mind. I do have a question, that I am hoping you can answer. Is it possible to convert (change) a meter base such as the on shown in this video to a double lug meter base? Wanting to run power directly from meter base to a detached garage panel. Any advice you can give will be greatly appreciated. Thank you for helping us DIYers......
thanks so much for the kind words. the only thing you can tap from a meter can is another meter can for like a second dwelling. if you wanted a seperate meter you could do that and feed a dissconnect to feed the garage subpanel.
@@StarvingElectrician Thank you. I've seen dual lug meter bases that run one service line to home and a seperate service line to detached garage from the one dual lug meter base. I guess i'm just confused.
This video was badass. Quick question and kinda dumb and I apologize...new journeyman here and I’m in Vegas actually. I try not to do any hot work, but if there’s no choice are leather gloves a good option for protection against shock? Like if I were to touch a live terminal on accident will leather gloves stop shock? Basically the reason why am asking is because if I’m in a restaurant and have to change out a breaker or something I’m not going to shut the whole place down and I’m going to be in that panel while it’s on, so would leather gloves be an option for some protection?
not a dumb question at all. yes I work with leather gloves all the time but to be safe while working in a hot panel you could wear rubber gloves underneath for that little something extra. if leather is wet it becomes conductive. just be careful so you go home intact!!!! take care brother
Awesome video! One question, does the electric company know you pulled the meter and will they come out to inspect? I’ve heard smart meters send a signal when disconnected. Again this was a great video and thanks so much.
Yes they do. That was a smart meter but they bill acordingly but I don't know if they send out people. never had with me. im a contractor but this is my house so I can make repairs its upgrades they look for a permit. legally i shouldn't tap into the power. but hey ill ask for forgiveness later i guess, lol
How do you come out the back of the meter socket and go straight through a brick wall? The comet connector isn't waterproof. I need to make sure it's waterproof and doesn't let water into the interior. It's a top fed meter socket. The breaker panel is 10 feet away. Thanks.
both feed are coming into the bottom not the back. you may have to sleeve it. make that hole bigger in the brick or put the connector inside the meter can backwards where the screws to fasten it are in the inside. this way you dont have all that bulk behind the can. maybe that will work.
@@StarvingElectrician Thanks...I'm leaning towards just doing a PVC sleeve long enough to get through the brick, then spray foam it to make it watertight...I've gone through the code book a dozen times and can't find any info on it.
no i dont. its dangerous to do it that way. i have only did a few like that and only when I had to. pulling the meter first is always the best way to go.
I have tapped a meter twice but the code now reads that you can only tap a meter to another meter. if you need a second panel you either use a second meter if your utility company allows or tap from you panel for a sub panel. which if you have a 100 amp panel you can actually have a 100 amp sub panel. so long as the load doesnt exceed the main breaker amperage. hope this helps.
Yep better to arm people with knowledge because it helps people figure out "yeah I shouldn't do this" or help someone do it right because they are going to attempt it anyways. I would definitely get yeah tacos, can always trust someone who likes tacos.
I have a few questions. I have 200amp breaker box and meter box. I have wire just like you put in for 600 volts. And i got wire that lowes employee told me to get and its has red, white, solid black and a bare wire so has 4 wires is that right? Its supposed to lead from breaker box to meter box that wire is. Please help
most service wire is rated for 600 volts but what you need to know is the size correct for 200 AMPS. going to the meter you only need three conductors. you dont ground the meter its self. you ground the panel. whatever is feeding the meter feeds the panel and its always 3 wires. they dont want you to ground the meter its self because if theres a problem its like having the live power from the lines going into the ground. now services and panels differ from state to state but wiring the panel from the meter can is always the same. two hots and a neutral and then you ground and bond the panel its self. hope i explained this so you understand...sorry for the delay but getting my act together with the move has been a task. if you have any real time questions www.live electrician.com ....thanks
yea unless you plan on paying the electric bill your self. usually you either do two service drops that connect to the overhead powerlines or a small troffer or junction box that spans both meters and feed the box and split off for the two meters. hope this helps.
couldnt have said it better myself thanks!!...lol.....I need to apologize again because of how long its taking me to get back to all of the questions and you and everyone else will get this same part of the response lol. I have created a blog for questions and answers so more can people learn and also a live electrician portion for more advanced questions. I now offer phone consultations as well as zoom video for the advanced questions and so I can take a look and advise. www.liveelectrician.com or starvingelectrician.com I would appreciate further questions there. Thanks for watching!!
Electric company says I need to upgrade my entrance cable and meter box to 200 amp from 100 amp. Question is will that include replacing the cable going into the top of the box from the street or just the cable going into my house from the bottom? Thanks in advance.
if you are upgrading your panel to 200 amps you will need to replace all the cable going to the panel and meter. if they just want a 200 amp meter can and you are staying at 100 amp panel you can feed the panel with the 200 amp meter can. All the new ones are rated for 200 amps in case you want to upgrade. this is what I know from michigan code.
I don't have volume on laptop, wandering what size cable you used for 100amp service in your video. Getting ready to replace my old General Switch 100amp panel, breakers and entrance cable from meter to panel. I have had a lo of issues with flickering lights, fish smell coming from panel for months now, and thought I just need to replace all of it. The fish smell was caused by dryer, I replaced dryer plug, outlet, 48ft of 10-3 cable uninterrupted and breaker all grounded( everything worked and no more smell or heat coming from panel for three weeks and then it started again 12/9 (I shut breaker off now), During this time and still right now lights in lower b-room, kitchen, dining, living and just one light upstairs flicker on and off through the day very seldom though) Also I am in ohio, and have a schlumberger centron watt hour meter, will this raise a red flag with power company when I pluck it. My brother in law is going to help, he is good with home repairs/ used to remodel old homes, but he like others do not want to be constrained by authority, inspectors, electric companys and all of that and neither do I. I myself rely completely on youtube videos like yours to make repairs to my home, built in 1905, my current panel is a general switch and I believe it is 40 plus years old. Any advice on removing anti tamper tag and replacing it so as to stay under the radar of inspections/fines. Not trying to steal electricity, just trying to save $$ by doing the work myself, unemployed since march! I thank you for any advice you can give, Rodney
man I have been out of work since march too.. not sure how to get around the tag aside from replacing the meter its self. not advising it but I dont know any other way. good luck.
Hi Lenny, I'm going to upgrade my service to 200 amps. I live in New Jersey. I found an electrician that does side jobs. I am going to buy all the parts and I told him I will help in the install. I just got his estimate....straight labor he is charging me 20 hours of work.....$2.000 total and he said he was going to give me a discount because he lives down the road from me. What do you think?
well im not sure how the power works there. if its coming in from the pole I would do them in about 5-6 hrs. labor and material about $1800. 20 hrs? how long does he plan to have your power down. just doesnt sound like he knows what hes doing. I have never heard of a 20 hr service upgrade. $2000 is fair material and labor but some states get more money. just dont know how it works there. 200 amp complete service material costs $3-4 hundred. im all for making money but 2k and taking that long has me scared. get it done in a day and $2250. and he does all the work while you drink a beer and have tacos!! hope this helps.
@@StarvingElectrician Here is the project pictures. As I said I'm buying all the parts inside and out. You can see the 100 amp box now has the wrong main breaker put in by a friend 10 years ago but still ok. There are 5 old cloth 2 wire. He said i would have to use AFCI breakers for them. Can I use GFCI or Dual Function for them? When I asked this Electrician why so much he said he had to do load calculations??? Thanks Lenny. Waiting for your next class. www.dropbox.com/s/58jrhymmqqlbx6w/Screenshot_20210131-153923_Gallery.jpg?dl=0 www.dropbox.com/s/b9tfwlqoi5wgyq3/Screenshot_20210131-123130_Gallery.jpg?dl=0 www.dropbox.com/s/ehytvumip6ut9jl/Screenshot_20210131-123301_Gallery.jpg?dl=0
@@MedinaCliff load calculations??? For what? You are upgrading by 100 amps, I would say you are way over. A load calculation for a house is usually based on square foot. Load calculation for a house should take about 15 mins. I’d tell him to go piss up a rope!
lol danger is my middle name!! so long as you don't touch a hot wire while grounded you are good. but, its always best to have rubber gloves under the leather ones. remember this isn't high voltage. each leg is 110 volts.
The cry baby TH-cam police are people worried that your videos will give enough information and education to your viewers to safely and effectively DIY their electrical needs and not hire a professional. They might also be concerned that less than careful folk will electrocute themselves. I watch these videos so that I know what the ‘professional’ should be doing when I hire them to do the job. Not all ‘professionals’ are Professional.
hey great videos! what are your thoughts on DTEs interruptible service for the AC? Does it actually save money? I was planning on upgrading my panel from 100 to 200 and was going to install new meter boxes while I was it but was debating whether to keep the interruptible meter.
its supposed to save money but how much I don't know. I never noticed my service being interrupted. so if its not a big hassle then why not. its all the big thing now!!!...lol
its for the A.C. its an inturruptable service. its so the utility company can shut off your A.C. during peak hours to save energy. you get a discount for it. not much though.
im still licensed i detroit and am trying to build my veterans training center in vegas. not going well.. looks like not many people care about veterans i'm finding. what kind of project to you have?
Starving electrician! Love your videos very informative and funny you get a sub from me good sir. Have a few questions, I have a house that has two 60 amp wadsworth panels that appear to both be connected to the meter. I'm wanting to upgrade to a new 200 amp panel. The service from the pole comes underground to the house to the meter base. My questions are, how do I know the cable from the pole to my meter is rated for 200 amp service? Also does the ground coming from the two grounding rods get grounded and bonded to the meter base as well as the new panel inside the house? Also from the meter base to the new 200 amp panel is aluminum seu 4/0 sufficient for this new load? Again really enjoy your videos and please keep making them!
ok so underground wire is usually rated for 200 amp. I have never seen it any other way. you may want to talk to your utility company and at least ask what its rated for. worst case is you schedule them to upgrade it. I bet its already rated for 200 amp though. Next, you do not ground the meter. if there is a short to ground then it energized the ground without a breaker. the ground rods go to the panel. bonding wire goes to the panel as well. 4/0 is good for 200 amp. I hope this helps.
Thank you for getting back so soon! I've called the utility company unfortunately I got two different answers. So could I potentially check the physical diameter of the cable to verify for myself? I've watched so many videos now on grounding and bonding and I'm just trying to understand fully. So I simply run my copper wire from my grounding rods to the panel and land them on the ground bar where then the bonding screw in the panel bonds the ground and neutral as well as bonds it to the meter base? Also the water main coming into the house is nearby does it need bonded to the panel as well? I feel like there's mixed answers for this topic on the Google webs. Would be awesome to see you make a video explaining the grounding and bonding. Thanks again for your help!
now as far as saying no code about service entrance cable but a lot of states have their own residential rules and they amend as they see fit which isn't illegal as the beginning of the code book states intemperate through the authority having jurisdiction. that means the inspector can change the rules at his discretion. I am now in vegas and do not see any service cable and everything is underground. no I have tp figure out how they do things around here. great question......I need to apologize again because of how long its taking me to get back to all of the questions and you and everyone else will get this same part of the response lol. I have created a blog for questions and answers so more can people learn and also a live electrician portion for more advanced questions. I now offer phone consultations as well as zoom video for the advanced questions and so I can take a look and advise. www.liveelectrician.com or starvingelectrician.com I would appreciate further questions there. Thanks for watching!!
I've done electrical panel and service entrance before the days of TH-cam. This is a great video and I'm watching it over because I'm now going to replace my 100 amp panel to a 150 amp. These videos are great for the DIY guys who can follow directions and do it safely. Hats off to the Starving Electrician for supporting veterans. I'm from Michigan and next time I'm in Vegas I'll spot for beers & tacos!
lets do it!!! thank you
I am a 75 year old man who still enjoys doing things for myself. My kids say "Pop's, you watch to much TH-cam." Well I am so glad I do. I just watched a couple of your videos. My friend, you are fun to watch and very well educated and correct in what you are doing and showing people. I am in the process of putting a new meter loop and installing a new panel to my small attached garage apartment. I may have some questions later on but man I am so glad I found you. Keep up the great work.
That is awesome! thank you so much! life is crazy for me right now bbut I hope to put up a few more videos soon.
Yes! We Are Having Fun! Thanks for All your Videos!
I'm a veteran to, and I know what you mean about the whinners. I get them on my channel to. I'm a musician, but I love to do all my work around my house myself. I'm 74 and I started doing work with my daddy at 10 years old, and I have wired many houses and complexes but I enjoyed watching your video, thanks and God bless you my friend.
Good video. I did it today. I had enough confidence after watching you do it. I have decent experience wiring but the hots always scared me. But if one concentrates, thinks and understands the hardware - it goes very smoothly.
yep just take it slow and be confident
Love this guy's personality.
I’m just starting off as an electrician with 900 hours of trade school experience and I hope I’m lucky enough to get an awesome journey man or master such as yourself when I become an apprentice
thank you so much. keep it up and good luck!!!
Danny Camacho was being sarcastic lol
I hear there's a lot of electricians with a know it all type of attitude like you mentioned. that's why i liked your channel apart from how easy it is to follow you on how you explain everything you seems down to earth and chill lol
Emmanuel Mata thank you and you got that right. Electricians are the biggest know it alls. I just do it to feed my family I don’t live it.
Same here...everybody today is a master carpenter.
As an electrician I will tell you electricians are the biggest haters of other peoples work it’s a shame.
Love these videos. He's a no nonesense type of guy. Knows how to do the trade and he doesnt care about what anyone thinks of him. He knows his trade/skill and if other electricians dont like it, oh well, but i will be following more videos.
thank you so much. i appriciate your words!
Man I'm so glad I found your channel. I called every electrician in my area but none have called back. I need to upgrade from a 60 amp fuse box to breaker panel, and you have given me the power to give it a shot. Good luck to you with all you do
awesome. be safe and thank you. always take your time and double check your work
I really hope you replaced both wires. Just replacing the load side of the meters wire is not good enough. You need 100 amp wire on the line side also
I need to move my panel just a few inches which requires new wire from meter to panel. This info is much appreciated. You are the man.
Well glad I could help!!! Good luck
Bro this man represents real electricians . Not saying the dudes that come out from school don't know anything but we call them "the know it alls " cause they don't know the tricks of the trade just what the book said ... he's straight forward . Good job 👍
thank you brother!!!
I wish you did this video sooner. Im glad just from what you taught me I did it right and my family is safe.
Well that’s exactly what I wanted to accomplish. Thank you
The myth & the legend fresh in the flesh!, great job
thank you my man
@@StarvingElectrician love your vids, your energy, the knowledge, and most definitely the language! Keep it up💪💪
When I upgraded my moms 60 amp to a 100 amp service took me over a hour to get the 100 amp service thru the stone wall. Took at least 5 minutes to remove old service cable. Here they laid the 60 amp cable on stone wall as they built the house. when I shined my flashlight thru from outside could not see the light . They had two bends on the old cable traveling thru the 12" thick wall. Even using my 11/8" diameter hammer drill bit took a long time.
Us Detroiters will miss your sense of humor Detroit style and so will the rest of your viewers. Great job helping vets and happy retirement. Peace
thank you so much. I am home sick and will visit often!! take care
thank you
Congratulations on retirement! I never paid attention to where you were from. I know you're going to miss Mexican village tacos. Thanks for you're service to the vets brother. Good luck from the Clem. Skip Mc
thanks so much and I hope I can get a ton of vets trained. i'm very excited for this new chapter.
That electrician ain't gonna NEVER STARVE! ... good work!
macmen007 lord knows I don’t look like I’m starving. Lol
@@StarvingElectrician I was thinking your skills are gonna keep you from starving... funny tho! ... Keep doing the good work.
Well done! No crying here... this is very helpful, and funny!
thank you!!! what was that baby shampoo with no more tears? lol
Very informative. I’m under contract on my first house and the service wire looks to need replacing. I don’t know shit for shit when it comes to electrical work, but this video gave me the base knowledge I was looking for to understand what exactly is involved in the process so that I don’t get hosed on the price to replace by a professional.
Thats the idea. this is info to help you to be more informed as well. right on!!
Just got hip to your channel, really appreciate all the info and the simplicity of your explanations. Thank you brother
thank you so much. I never thought I could teach.
Excellent detailing brother
thank you. just trying to show off i guess...lol
Great video, man! I can tell you’re a hell of a good guy. Keep it up.
thanks so much thats the kind of comment that keeps me doing this.
I'm a beginner Electrician wanna be. I attend Class at a Local college here in Miami,fl. I find your talent very interesting. I'm watching and learning. thanks bro.
that really makes me happy. im so glad to hear that. keep on keeping on bro!
Thanks for taking the time, for made this video
thank you for watching. i hope you learned something.
My man. Helpful and entertaining.
Glad you enjoyed it!
You seem like good people. Cheers from Montana.
Next time I’m in Vegas i got to buy you some tacos man you don’t understand how much your helping me through my trade 🤞🏽 gotta get ya info and stop leaving comments 😂
right on Im glad I can help. always down for beers and tacos!!!...lol
US DIYs got you bro!
Just being practical now! 😃😷
GR8 VID!
Awesome! Thank you! im just trying to keep people safe! glad I can help
Dude love your vids keep them coming . I’d like to see more of how to work on a meter live. Let’s say you have to change the meter base and you can’t turn off the power
well in Michigan I clip the feeders myself but with underground you have to have the utility company shut off the power.
I think that since we did NOT hear a giant arc when he pulled the meter, that he OPENED the MAIN breaker before he pulled the meter. The voltage doesn't go away by opening the breaker, because it's downstream of the meter, but you do not want to pull apart high-amp electrical connections under load. If you want a small example of what I am talking about, unplug your shop vacuum while it is running & watch the plug as its prongs break contact with the metal inside the outlet.
I just want to say I enjoy your videos very helpful an interesting to watch
I use a drill to twist my neutral lol... awesome video
saves on the hands!!!...lol thanks for watching
Much respect man, that was great!!!
thank you!!!! damn I am so sloppy at these I hope to get better and more regular.
Great video...I'm doing this as a home owner right now and I sure appreciate all the videos you do.
Awesome! Thank you! be careful!...look for my virtual electrician coming soon, answer questions, help bidding, let you know prices and what to expect when hiring an electrician and just someone who will shoot you straight.
Love the videos thank you very easy to understand. Awesome you help veteran’s not enough people do and that’s why we have our daily freedom nice job 👍
ya but its amazing how many people just dont care. but thank you for the knid words..
Awesome video great job and good luck to you
thank you
Great video...no BS intelligent words...basic simple words...
thank you so much. in a world flooded with bullshit I try to cut through it.
Great video man. Thank you.
5:20 THANK YOU! AMEN!!!! Those people are desperate to tell people that they know code LOL
lol you aint lying!!!!
@@StarvingElectrician So quick to tell you that that’s not how you do it, but I rarely hear them tell me a better solution
Love your videos! Thanks for the help.
Happy to help!
Very informative Unc! Can't wait for the spa!
Coming soon!
You go brother!! Too many you tube police out there lol.
lol and electricians are the worst!
So, where are the best tacos in Vegas? Thank you Sir, love your videos. You're made for this.
thanks bro. so far Chavelos on sunset but im looking everywhere.
Great video!
Thank you very helpful...
im glad thanks
some like it hot hot hot 😂. good info thanks.
lol for sure. thanks
Thats awsome!!! Way to pay it forward, love it.
Thanks so much!!
thats great thanks for shareing i realy want to see a service panel upgrade to 200 amp I think what you just showed me is the part I wanted to see
Glad I could help. theres no difference in installation aside from conductor sizes.
Love the video! Thanks!
awesome i am glad you liked it.
Keep up the great videos
I will thank you!
I don't know where you got the idea that you can put 4 Romex cables in that 3/4-"1" connector. I know so because the AHJ told me so. Gotta love those inspectors.
Gotta say I love your videos and how you break it down for people. Though I'll still need those code references that say I can do everything you've done (at least until the AHJ learns that not everything is in the book. I'm actually surprised he's still alive since it doesn't say to breathe every few seconds). Good luck with your new adventures.
Got the “idea” from over 30 years of experience and never getting shot down. 4- Romex in that size connector is permitted. Any less and the connector pops out of the knock out.
Glad I just found your channel bro! I’m now a subscriber!
Awesome! Thank you! I need to post more i'm just lazy. i get a ton of positive feed back and love it so thank you.
Great video and info 👍🏾 thanks a lot
thanks for watching!
Fuckin right! I subscribed🤙 A honest man uses honest words.
I work with live wires alot and I do fine with my rubber gloves under leather. It's probably a good idea to buy some class 0 gloves though. Thanks for the video boss.
so true safety first. thanks for watching!!!
Dude im fuckin stoked! When this shit is over your close enough now we can have tacos and beer
lol we have to have tacos and beer!!!
if i go to vegas i will visit the spa awsome bro
for sure!! I will keep updating and would love to meet people who appriciate what I do. thank you
Love your videos brother
Thank you
You’re invited to the carne asada!
lol ok now I want tacos!!!
The power company will greet you with a big belly laugh and handshake when/if they see the tap on the line side of the meter for temporary power. Been there, but they forgot to laugh and shake my hand.
i'm a licensed and insured electrical contractor. never had a problem.
@@StarvingElectrician I never had an official problem, just a little flak from the power company dude when he came out. Forgot to remove the wire.
I DID THIS REPAIR EXACTLY HOW YOU SHOWED US AND GOT A LITTLE SHOCK. YOU ARE LIABLE FOR MY INJURY. CAN YOU PLEASE SEND ME A CHECK? I WILL USE THE MONEY TO BUY TACOS. AFTER ALL, I LIKE TACOS.
well if you buy me some I will send right away!!! lol
SEYMOUR SCAGNETTI ya know what that’s a good idea. I have a meter can laying around here somewhere. This way I can show more in detail. Thanks
Thanks
COOP
...
I’m installing a temporary power pole for my house build. I ran #2 copper from breaker box to meter base, do I need to put no lox on the copper? I will use aluminum from meter base to weather head for power company.
I would always
This man is the real deal, remember TH-cam a lot of the time is staged.
Do you have a video on connecting the service wire to the overhead utility line ?
I have one but not not sure if I film while connecting it.
This was exactly what I've been looking for. I've got 2 questions:
1. With it being the new digital meeter, can the service provider/power company not tell when and if the meeter is pulled?
2. What did you do about the missing "Edison" tab?
Thanks in advance I really enjoy your videos.
yes they can tell but I have only once had the power company come out because they thought I was having a problem. in a really rich area of course. the tab I saved and simply hung it back on the meter can. no biggie. you own everything up to the connections at the top of your service.look for my virtual electrician coming soon, answer questions, help bidding, let you know prices and what to expect when hiring an electrician and just someone who will shoot you straight.
@@StarvingElectrician ,The reason I asked is that I'm needing to change out the service wire in my house (built in the early 60's). Bc it still has the original, what looks to be no more than 6 gauge, clothed wrapped wire. And there's no "main" breaker on my end. It's just comes straight out of the meter box, to the inside panel. I've got the know how to do it I was just (like you just mentioned) trying to avoid dealing with having to spend a shit ton of money on something Im capable of doing. Thanks once again and keep the videos coming.
Just found your videos... great content.. congrats on retirement
thank you and thanks for watching!
As a vet myself appreciate what your doing. Got a Michigan question for ya.. Asked the inspector here but he didn't know what I meant by 'gooseneck' so not real sure I got a good answer outta him. I'm consolidating 2 100A-20 slot panels on my own house into 1 200A-40 slot. Drop & meter already set for 200A. My planning question to the inspector was regarding service attachment point. Currently eyebolt to side of house with gooseneck. Drip loop maybe not quite 10' over pedestrian only area on side of house. I'm wondering if goose neck with drip loop is ok so long as lowest point of loop is higher than 10' or if it's absolutely required to put in a riser through the eve with a service head? Appreciate any insight.. Looking at the MI code it seemed like POA with gooseneck was still ok but can't tell for sure. Enjoy Vegas!
its measured from the drip loop to the ground. they want a gooseneck if you aren't using the service wire cap. honestly i didn't think they were allowing a gooseneck. id rather use the service cap. looks better and less chance of water going down the cable. I hope this helps! thanks brother
Nice
Thanks for the video. Installing service cable while hot is definitely not for the novice, but you did a good job explaining the process. Will you stop posting electrical videos?
Army Mobility Officer you don’t like them you don’t have to watch them. Fair?
Army Mobility Officer lol now wait, are you asking me to stop or are you asking me if I will stop making videos? I was like this guy seems to like the videos but now he’s asking me to stop? Huh? Then I thought about it and thought maybe he’s asking if I will stop when I retire? Well the answer is no to both. I won’t stop making them and In fact I’m focusing on training full time so retirement means more time for me to focus on training Vets and raising money to do so. These videos help me spread the word. I hope I answered your question either way you meant it! Lol
@@StarvingElectrician Sometimes comments do not reflect intentions. Let me try again. " I like the electrical videos and I hope you keep posting them."
Lol I’m glad I asked instead of assuming the worst. Thanks for watching and now I have time on my hands maybe I can spew a few more. What do you think about me talking about code since I can’t work?
@@StarvingElectrician I am not licensed and I understand that it seems "code" depends on what the inspector says it is, that being said, I enjoy hearing what code is. I and my Dad have a lot of rental houses and I am the electrician. I had a tree fall on the service line of a house last year. I had to replaced the weather head and conduit, installed a new breaker box and ground wire. Our City inspector was amazed at how good the work was performed. I am re-wiring a breaker box on a vacant house. I will have to pull a permit before I can get power back on. break break break What kind of gloves were you wearing? Thanks
youre a good dude
thank you brother that means a lot to me.
Hi thanks for all the help! Would you suggest putting noalox On the grounding clamps and grounding rod for the panel on the exterior of the building?
no its only for aluminum without current theres no need for it. you could but it would be redundant.
Awesome ty. I did some digging after I asked you, and that’s what I came up with as well. Thanks again.
Hey brother, just came across your video, super helpful.
I have to upgrade my service entrance line as well as panel box to 200amp service and and just wondering what gauge service entrance wire I should use if upgrading from 100 to 200amp service. Not sure where to find this info
thinking 2/0 copper. dont quote me. maybe google it to be sure. thanks
2/0 copper is good for 175A service panel. Step up a size for 200A service.
@@jakal104 Residential allows a derating to 83% of the calculated ampacity. 2/0 Copper is the proper size copper for residential services, but I would be using 4/0 Aluminum, not copper.
Love your video's i have learned so much I just wish I found them a bit earlier. I am building a tiny house, i have a 100 amp service set up at this moment. I would like to know if there is anyway to take use a 100 amp service and wiring to plug into a 50 amp RV plug, will work or if it is a bad idea and I should down size my amps?
You can do it! so long as you do not exceed the load of the 100 amp main service.Thanks for watching. look for my virtual electrician coming soon, answer questions, help with your project, let you know prices and what to expect when hiring an electrician and just someone who will shoot you straight.
I know this is an old video, but it gave me a bit of piece of mind. I do have a question, that I am hoping you can answer. Is it possible to convert (change) a meter base such as the on shown in this video to a double lug meter base? Wanting to run power directly from meter base to a detached garage panel. Any advice you can give will be greatly appreciated. Thank you for helping us DIYers......
thanks so much for the kind words. the only thing you can tap from a meter can is another meter can for like a second dwelling. if you wanted a seperate meter you could do that and feed a dissconnect to feed the garage subpanel.
@@StarvingElectrician Thank you. I've seen dual lug meter bases that run one service line to home and a seperate service line to detached garage from the one dual lug meter base. I guess i'm just confused.
Run the subpanel off a breaker in the main panel. Make sure you isolate the grounds in the sub.
This video was badass. Quick question and kinda dumb and I apologize...new journeyman here and I’m in Vegas actually. I try not to do any hot work, but if there’s no choice are leather gloves a good option for protection against shock? Like if I were to touch a live terminal on accident will leather gloves stop shock? Basically the reason why am asking is because if I’m in a restaurant and have to change out a breaker or something I’m not going to shut the whole place down and I’m going to be in that panel while it’s on, so would leather gloves be an option for some protection?
not a dumb question at all. yes I work with leather gloves all the time but to be safe while working in a hot panel you could wear rubber gloves underneath for that little something extra. if leather is wet it becomes conductive. just be careful so you go home intact!!!! take care brother
Awesome video! One question, does the electric company know you pulled the meter and will they come out to inspect? I’ve heard smart meters send a signal when disconnected. Again this was a great video and thanks so much.
Yes they do. That was a smart meter but they bill acordingly but I don't know if they send out people. never had with me. im a contractor but this is my house so I can make repairs its upgrades they look for a permit. legally i shouldn't tap into the power. but hey ill ask for forgiveness later i guess, lol
If this is an old house that has a ground through the cold water pipe, what do you recommend if one is modified to add a rod outside the house?
How do you come out the back of the meter socket and go straight through a brick wall? The comet connector isn't waterproof. I need to make sure it's waterproof and doesn't let water into the interior. It's a top fed meter socket. The breaker panel is 10 feet away.
Thanks.
both feed are coming into the bottom not the back. you may have to sleeve it. make that hole bigger in the brick or put the connector inside the meter can backwards where the screws to fasten it are in the inside. this way you dont have all that bulk behind the can. maybe that will work.
@@StarvingElectrician Thanks...I'm leaning towards just doing a PVC sleeve long enough to get through the brick, then spray foam it to make it watertight...I've gone through the code book a dozen times and can't find any info on it.
Can you do apartments electrical videos
I wish I could but im not out in the field much anymore. so Its hard to do any construction videos.
Can you put in a 200 amp meter socket if I only have 100 amp service????
yep the meter doesnt know the difference. its a matter of the service entrance size if its rated for 200 amps. but thats a yes
Do you have any videos on replacing a panel when it is still hot? I looked through your videos and could not find one. Thanks
no i dont. its dangerous to do it that way. i have only did a few like that and only when I had to. pulling the meter first is always the best way to go.
@@StarvingElectrician I have a friend that claims he can do it. It just sounds too dangerous to me. Thanks for responding.
@@armymobilityofficer9099 ok cool good luck
do you remember what size wire you installed
#2 aluminum
Ever tapped a 2nd service entry wire from meter to run separate 100 amp to garage?????
I have tapped a meter twice but the code now reads that you can only tap a meter to another meter. if you need a second panel you either use a second meter if your utility company allows or tap from you panel for a sub panel. which if you have a 100 amp panel you can actually have a 100 amp sub panel. so long as the load doesnt exceed the main breaker amperage. hope this helps.
Thank a lot
Yep better to arm people with knowledge because it helps people figure out "yeah I shouldn't do this" or help someone do it right because they are going to attempt it anyways. I would definitely get yeah tacos, can always trust someone who likes tacos.
lol so true so true!! and man im trying to cut down on tacos and beer during the week but the cravings are killing me!!!
Is it acceptable to get rid of a 20amp tandem breaker and replace with 2 normal single pole 20amp breakers?
for sure
I have a few questions. I have 200amp breaker box and meter box. I have wire just like you put in for 600 volts. And i got wire that lowes employee told me to get and its has red, white, solid black and a bare wire so has 4 wires is that right? Its supposed to lead from breaker box to meter box that wire is. Please help
most service wire is rated for 600 volts but what you need to know is the size correct for 200 AMPS. going to the meter you only need three conductors. you dont ground the meter its self. you ground the panel. whatever is feeding the meter feeds the panel and its always 3 wires. they dont want you to ground the meter its self because if theres a problem its like having the live power from the lines going into the ground. now services and panels differ from state to state but wiring the panel from the meter can is always the same. two hots and a neutral and then you ground and bond the panel its self. hope i explained this so you understand...sorry for the delay but getting my act together with the move has been a task. if you have any real time questions www.live electrician.com ....thanks
Do I have to use a 2 gang meter for a 2 family home
yea unless you plan on paying the electric bill your self. usually you either do two service drops that connect to the overhead powerlines or a small troffer or junction box that spans both meters and feed the box and split off for the two meters. hope this helps.
Dope 🤟🏾
couldnt have said it better myself thanks!!...lol.....I need to apologize again because of how long its taking me to get back to all of the questions and you and everyone else will get this same part of the response lol. I have created a blog for questions and answers so more can people learn and also a live electrician portion for more advanced questions. I now offer phone consultations as well as zoom video for the advanced questions and so I can take a look and advise. www.liveelectrician.com or starvingelectrician.com I would appreciate further questions there. Thanks for watching!!
You got a link for ground and bond?
i have a video doing a complete service. just not a link just focusing on ground and bond.
Electric company says I need to upgrade my entrance cable and meter box to 200 amp from 100 amp. Question is will that include replacing the cable going into the top of the box from the street or just the cable going into my house from the bottom? Thanks in advance.
if you are upgrading your panel to 200 amps you will need to replace all the cable going to the panel and meter. if they just want a 200 amp meter can and you are staying at 100 amp panel you can feed the panel with the 200 amp meter can. All the new ones are rated for 200 amps in case you want to upgrade. this is what I know from michigan code.
What kind of oxy-guard did you use for the aluminum cable connections?
its called no lox. they sell it at home depot. common stuff.
@@StarvingElectrician Thanks!
That was quick! 😃👍😷
I don't have volume on laptop, wandering what size cable you used for
100amp service in your video. Getting ready to replace my old General Switch 100amp
panel, breakers and entrance cable from meter to panel.
I have had a lo of issues with flickering lights, fish smell coming from
panel for months now, and thought I just need to replace all of it.
The fish smell was caused by dryer, I replaced dryer plug, outlet, 48ft of
10-3 cable uninterrupted and breaker all grounded( everything worked and
no more smell or heat coming from panel for three weeks and then it
started again 12/9 (I shut breaker off now), During this time and still
right now lights in lower b-room, kitchen, dining, living and just one
light upstairs flicker on and off through the day very seldom though)
Also I am in ohio, and have a schlumberger centron watt hour meter, will
this raise a red flag with power company when I pluck it. My brother in law is going to
help, he is good with home repairs/ used to remodel old homes, but he like
others do not want to be constrained by authority, inspectors, electric companys and all
of that and neither do I. I myself rely completely on youtube videos
like yours to make repairs to my home, built in 1905, my current panel
is a general switch and I believe it is 40 plus years old.
Any advice on removing anti tamper tag and replacing it so as to stay under
the radar of inspections/fines. Not trying to steal electricity, just
trying to save $$ by doing the work myself, unemployed since march!
I thank you for any advice you can give, Rodney
man I have been out of work since march too.. not sure how to get around the tag aside from replacing the meter its self. not advising it but I dont know any other way. good luck.
Luv ur Fkn attitude!
G H lol yea I’m in total fuck it mode! Thanks to you.
Hi Lenny,
I'm going to upgrade my service to 200 amps. I live in New Jersey. I found an electrician that does side jobs.
I am going to buy all the parts and I told him I will help in the install.
I just got his estimate....straight labor he is charging me 20 hours of work.....$2.000 total and he said he was going to give me a discount because he lives down the road from me.
What do you think?
well im not sure how the power works there. if its coming in from the pole I would do them in about 5-6 hrs. labor and material about $1800. 20 hrs? how long does he plan to have your power down. just doesnt sound like he knows what hes doing. I have never heard of a 20 hr service upgrade. $2000 is fair material and labor but some states get more money. just dont know how it works there. 200 amp complete service material costs $3-4 hundred. im all for making money but 2k and taking that long has me scared. get it done in a day and $2250. and he does all the work while you drink a beer and have tacos!! hope this helps.
@@michaeleverest3487 what the fuck are you talking about?
@@StarvingElectrician
Here is the project pictures.
As I said I'm buying all the parts inside and out. You can see the 100 amp box now has the wrong main breaker put in by a friend 10 years ago but still ok.
There are 5 old cloth 2 wire. He said i would have to use AFCI breakers for them. Can I use GFCI or Dual Function for them?
When I asked this Electrician why so much he said he had to do load calculations???
Thanks Lenny. Waiting for your next class.
www.dropbox.com/s/58jrhymmqqlbx6w/Screenshot_20210131-153923_Gallery.jpg?dl=0
www.dropbox.com/s/b9tfwlqoi5wgyq3/Screenshot_20210131-123130_Gallery.jpg?dl=0
www.dropbox.com/s/ehytvumip6ut9jl/Screenshot_20210131-123301_Gallery.jpg?dl=0
@@michaeleverest3487 thought you were talking about me! Lol shouldn’t take more than 8 hrs tops!
@@MedinaCliff load calculations??? For what? You are upgrading by 100 amps, I would say you are way over. A load calculation for a house is usually based on square foot. Load calculation for a house should take about 15 mins. I’d tell him to go piss up a rope!
Those insulated gloves?
lol danger is my middle name!! so long as you don't touch a hot wire while grounded you are good. but, its always best to have rubber gloves under the leather ones. remember this isn't high voltage. each leg is 110 volts.
The cry baby TH-cam police are people worried that your videos will give enough information and education to your viewers to safely and effectively DIY their electrical needs and not hire a professional. They might also be concerned that less than careful folk will electrocute themselves. I watch these videos so that I know what the ‘professional’ should be doing when I hire them to do the job. Not all ‘professionals’ are Professional.
Carol Nagata well said. You nailed it
hey great videos! what are your thoughts on DTEs interruptible service for the AC? Does it actually save money? I was planning on upgrading my panel from 100 to 200 and was going to install new meter boxes while I was it but was debating whether to keep the interruptible meter.
its supposed to save money but how much I don't know. I never noticed my service being interrupted. so if its not a big hassle then why not. its all the big thing now!!!...lol
What is that meter on the side for?
its for the A.C. its an inturruptable service. its so the utility company can shut off your A.C. during peak hours to save energy. you get a discount for it. not much though.
Hello congratulations to you have you relocated already or are you still here in Detroit? I could really use a conversation to help me with a project
im still licensed i detroit and am trying to build my veterans training center in vegas. not going well.. looks like not many people care about veterans i'm finding. what kind of project to you have?
Starving electrician! Love your videos very informative and funny you get a sub from me good sir. Have a few questions, I have a house that has two 60 amp wadsworth panels that appear to both be connected to the meter. I'm wanting to upgrade to a new 200 amp panel. The service from the pole comes underground to the house to the meter base. My questions are, how do I know the cable from the pole to my meter is rated for 200 amp service? Also does the ground coming from the two grounding rods get grounded and bonded to the meter base as well as the new panel inside the house? Also from the meter base to the new 200 amp panel is aluminum seu 4/0 sufficient for this new load? Again really enjoy your videos and please keep making them!
ok so underground wire is usually rated for 200 amp. I have never seen it any other way. you may want to talk to your utility company and at least ask what its rated for. worst case is you schedule them to upgrade it. I bet its already rated for 200 amp though. Next, you do not ground the meter. if there is a short to ground then it energized the ground without a breaker. the ground rods go to the panel. bonding wire goes to the panel as well. 4/0 is good for 200 amp. I hope this helps.
Thank you for getting back so soon! I've called the utility company unfortunately I got two different answers. So could I potentially check the physical diameter of the cable to verify for myself? I've watched so many videos now on grounding and bonding and I'm just trying to understand fully. So I simply run my copper wire from my grounding rods to the panel and land them on the ground bar where then the bonding screw in the panel bonds the ground and neutral as well as bonds it to the meter base? Also the water main coming into the house is nearby does it need bonded to the panel as well? I feel like there's mixed answers for this topic on the Google webs. Would be awesome to see you make a video explaining the grounding and bonding. Thanks again for your help!
So there is no code that says the wire from meter to panel has to be in conduit? In MN here.
now as far as saying no code about service entrance cable but a lot of states have their own residential rules and they amend as they see fit which isn't illegal as the beginning of the code book states intemperate through the authority having jurisdiction. that means the inspector can change the rules at his discretion. I am now in vegas and do not see any service cable and everything is underground. no I have tp figure out how they do things around here. great question......I need to apologize again because of how long its taking me to get back to all of the questions and you and everyone else will get this same part of the response lol. I have created a blog for questions and answers so more can people learn and also a live electrician portion for more advanced questions. I now offer phone consultations as well as zoom video for the advanced questions and so I can take a look and advise. www.liveelectrician.com or starvingelectrician.com I would appreciate further questions there. Thanks for watching!!