32 years as an industrial maintenance mechanic and commercial /institutional / Industrial HVACR service tech . One thing I have learned is there is nothing like doing it live to keep you in your toes . Had a 1000 amp 480 /3ø ground 2 of 3 due to improperly mounted metallic blank taking of panel cover . No shock or burn( cover was still on ) but it took 20 minutes for me to get my wits back ( was like a flash bang ) shut down one entire side of a plant . To this day 27 years later I still sweat doing panel work live .
As a 2 year industrial controls tech, my mind was just blown the entire time you were removing those live leads. I was sweating for you. Good job being careful there. Mad props to you.
as a former fire-fighter and someone that has done a fair amount of diy electrical work inside, love the external disconnect to keep the panel truly dead while working.
DIYer here, and I love the code change. I add/remove circuits occasionally and would be much happier with a service disconnect to guarantee everything in my panel is not live while 'm working in the panel.
@@kittsdiy Main disconnects were always located inside "at the nearest point of entrance" for many decades. The new requirement says they have to be on the exterior.
yep i guess so in usa .. your meter is also outside ( and rusty crrusty after 30 years ) here we don't have those ugly ( oldschool ) boxes at outside house walls on the outside luckaly / power is underground entering the garage / technical room floor mostly ( duckts in to the concreet slab/fondation ).. to outside disconnect is also impossible to do here @@ronpecinajr
@@kittsdiyThis is caveman electrics compared to most of the EU. It's functional, but at least in my eyes it looks like what would have failed here even 60-70 years ago. The US is focused on the industrial look and it pretty much hasn't changed since forever for reasons I don't understand.
I only do minor electrical DIY projects. I won’t do major projects but I do want to learn how professionals do projects such as this. Your videos are very instructional. You’re an excellent teacher. Thank you. I appreciate the effort you put into providing us great videos.
First of all nice job Ron appreciate your videos, i’m also a veteran with 38 years in from climbing poles to high voltage to controls. Been there done it .I have to say all these people stating their licensed or not does not matter when you do this you’re playing Russian roulette, everyone makes mistakes, and if you short that out, you’re gonna have a day to remember hopefully not but ,when it showers sparks and burns your face and put you in the hospital with nerve damage. There is no breaker to shut down , direct transformer, be careful my electricians wear gloves think twice.😊
Ron really needs to buy a good pair of Hi-Voltage Workgloves rated at least up to 1,000 Amps and a set of Insulated Tools rated up to 1,000 Amps !! There is NO way that I would ever work on Service Equipment LIVE , HOT without them and I have been a State Licensed Journeyman Elecytrician / Sub Contractor for more than 56 yrs !
I second this. The man has every toy and doesn't miss any detail but no insulated tools or gloves for hot work! Let's keep the videos going until your well-deserved retirement, sir.
Retired FF, loved it when we pulled up to a working fire and there was main disconnect. Did not have to worry about waiting for the emergency team from the power company to get there and cut it off at the main on the pole or ground transformer. Only time we would risk going in was if there was entrapment, otherwise; you never went in until the utilities were confirmed off. 👍
Enjoy your stuff. You do good work. Was stationed at Lakehurst in 1971 for six months in the USN. Went through Toms River a few times on the way to the beach. Before that old panel was originally installed. Keep up the good work!
Great video, thanks. I’m not an electrician, but a DYI service man. I have had to work on live wires and thanks to God, I’m still here. Once was a new garage, under ground service to an existing panel. The other was a new brick added and pipe had to be rebent to accommodate the new brick.
Here in Pennsylvania its like the wild west... no licensing requirements other than the inner cities of Pittsburgh, Harrisburg, and Philadelphia. Our utility company lets us disconnect and reconnect overhead services, not underground. I really wish we had licensing requirements because it would get rid of a lot of hacks. Like the video's Ron, nice work!
Lazy foot dragging politicians in Harrisburg have been working on a state electrical license since my dad took his test for a Philly license back in 1964. Our local great IAEI sent inspectors & electricians up to Harrisburg maybe 8 years ago to attempt to finally get state license. One of our lying Philly politicians said he was looking into it. I worked full time as a sparky but did tons of moon lightning. One great commercial customer wanted me to upgrade his 100 amo service. At that time I had an electrical license for Philly and two small townships but his town refuses to honor another location license. They wanted me to make a visit to apply to take the four hour test then a second visit to puck up the license. Not even worth all that time for a weeks worth of work.
I did my largest moonlighting job back in the 1980's in a township that anybody could pull a permit . Being the job was over $5,000 had to get an electrical engineer to stamp the 11 pages of drawings. My inspector & township inspector was at the meeting. Local inspector kept bad mouthing my prints but everything was in order. Finally the electrical engineer spoke up and stated that the prints were very good and nothing wrong on them. Had the owner put the permit in his name. Ended up installing over a mile of 3/4 to 3.5" conduit in the building along with over 20 60 to 400 amp buss duct switches and over a dozen panels ( 120/208 & 480/277 volts ). @@electricianron_New_Jersey
Oh my god Ron ... without any isolated tools and protecting gloves do you work on this life box??? Respect. I work only with gloves on with european subpanels (3-phase 400V) that have power connected. In Europe the panels build by using plastic and that's is not a real problem but your "encloser" seems to be metal 😅
Good to see the install of an exterior service disconnect. I'm planning a DIY PV setup, and plan to add the exterior service disconnect (even though code here doesn't require it, still being on the 2008 code).
Hey Ron, As an apprentice in NJ for 3 years, I strongly encourage qualified electricians to perform a shutdown with an underground service. I know its a pain in the ass scheduling with the power company, inspector, and cut-in cards, but there are so many risks involved doing this hot. Anyway thats my 2 sense!
@@electricianron_New_Jersey diy'er so bear with me, I've never seen it before and I'm sure my house does not have it, is it in the NEC? it seems like a good idea
Licensed Electrical Contractor (Louisiana) as for the exterior disconnect from a safety point it’s a great idea, but as for the homeowner it’s just another additional cost to an already budget strapped customer. Love your channel buddy…3rd Generation Electrician/HVAC Contractor here.
GREAT VIDEO IM A ELECTRICIAN HERE IN NYC. I DO MOSTLY COMMERCIAL RESIDENCIAL BUILDINGS. I LOVE THAT KLEIN INSULATION REMOVER WILL INVEST IN ONE. I HAVE NOT DONE SERVICE IN YEARS. I HAVE 15 YEARS IN NOW MOSTLY I DO LOW VOLTAGE PULLING IN THE APARTMENTS I FIND MORE RELAXING NOW. I LOVE THE IDEAL OF THE CODE CHANGE WITH A SERVICE DISCONNECT YES THE FIRE DEPARTMENT LOVES THAT. THANKS ONCE AGAIN FOR A GREAT VIDEO N YOU DEFINITELY TAKE PRIDE IN UR WORK. KEEP THE VIDEOS COMING I LOVE WATCHING FELLOW SPARKIES.
DIYer here in Utah. In 1998 as the owner, I got a permit to upgrade my 4 fuses service panel to a 125amp panel. The city required an external disconnect and I put on a Siemens meter/4 space combo panel with that. Then I installed the new panel 10 ft away from the old entry with a 10 ft mast. City utility came out and disconnected power, then I installed the service feeder between new outside panel and inside subpanel. Once I did that the inspector came out and approved it all and called the city utility to come back and hook the overhead lines to the new mast conductors. Now I am looking at doing another permit to upgrade to a 200 amp panel with 8 spaces outside ($2700 impact/upgrade fee) should be very easy. I can re-use the 125amp as is, as it used to do a EVSE port,. dryer outlet. etc. Currently I run a 100 amp breaker/circuit through the existing 125 amp to another subpanel where I have my solar Grid input placed. With the 200amp I will move that solar 100amp to another breaker in the 200amp panel, and spread the load around. I like the external disconnect requirement
The service disconnect on the outside of the house it is a good idea specially for the fire department when they come in on an emergency situations. I totally agree with that, and by the way I’m not license electrician but I did took an electrical course, and I have to say that your videos are very helpful you have no idea how I appreciate your videos thank you very much and please keep posting these videos thank you and take care my friend
As a building inspector in Oregon , I love to see meter mains installed. The feeders can run [almost] anywhere without the worry of nearest point of enter. Fire fighters love it! Having said all that, Oregon hasn't adopted meter main or emergency disconnects from the NEC.
Damn Ron, I was holding my breath way too long on this one! 😂 Beautiful work as always 🏆🏆 I always wondered about kids having fun running around at night hitting disconnects for fun, or individuals doing it before breaking in 🤷♂️
@@electricianron_New_Jerseythe only thing is a padlock keeps a honest person honest, thieves carry 3 ft keys and prybars for prying open the door handle lock, with ease!
@@earlestes8649It keeps casual pranksters out too. The meter usually has a small padlock too. Some places even have the panels outdoors, again, with a padlock. Seems like a nonissue.
@@tempesttube I’ve gotten called by landlords about no power at an apartment or even two or more, and kids had been playing around and flipping them off on the back of the building. So I understand about that being a problem. But if someone wants to steal or do something nefarious a padlock won’t even slow them down. lol
i was thinking the same ... if that disconnect is easy accesable ... easy to play with for kids or criminals or praksters .. every advantage has some disadvantegres :)
I had a 200A panel upgrade 2 years ago. I was shocked when the electrician installer told me about the required service disconnect on the OUTSIDE OF THE HOUSE. Any neighborhood kid could come right up and turn off your power/lights/pumps/security/internet, and most people would have no idea what happened. The installer said it was mostly about fire department or first responders, but then he said without a disconnect they would just smash-off the meter with an axe, so it was never really a problem. I have since become much more aware of NEC codes (and of course found your channel!). The most recent new NEC codes are very expensive to property owners, and profitable to installers.
While I can see the advantages of a service disconnect before your main inside panel I too have grave concerns about an easily accessible one outside. It would only be a good idea to me if there was someway to prevent easy tampering. I cannot say for sure how that could be done but maybe have a special key or better yet a pin pad that has to be registered with the Power Company. I do not like the idea that anyone could easily shut off all the power.
It's just not an issue. Many service disconnects have been outside for many years and this idea that mischievous kids will turn off your power has never manifested. I'm sure it has happened, but it isn't the scourge internet commenters make it out to be.
@@edisont.picard4112 These days with Social Media it only takes minutes for new ideas or bad practices to go viral. Someone just needs to come up with a Tiktok Power Off challenge and it might never be the same...
Thank you for making these videos. I do a lot of my own electrical work at home, and seeing professional electricians do the work gives me a lot of confidence. If I could ask for one thing, it would be to please wear safety glasses when doing things like cutting with that multitool!
Nice work! No one knows the nervousness working that line hot. Outside disconnect is a must in my opinion. It can save lives . I was previously licensed in Texas and I miss the work. The skills learned lasts a lifetime and taking time to make up that service panel is a definite nod to our trade.
Aside from DIY, the exterior disconnect has been nice for our seasonal cabin. When winter comes, it can be switched off and there is no concern about a live feeder inside the building and having critters, leaks, or similar.
Looks great! Gotta love these projects here in az we don’t used main panels inside often usually it’s an all in one service or meter sock and main panel outside. Gotta love the money too lol love the videos!
I am a DIY electrician and am a graduate electrical engineer. I have done anywhere from seven major electrical house rewires to four total electrical replacement houses, all with permits. I like the requirement for remote disconnects, except that pranksters can shut the house down. I did one house because the panel was 25 feet from the meter, and since there was no access within six feet inside the hose, mounted it externally. A second house had the disconnect in the garage. I hear what you are saying about concentric KOs and Klein tools.
It's never been the scourge the internet commenters wring their hands about. Lots of outside disconnects out there. Very few pranksters turning power off.
I think the exterior disconnect is a good idea just what you talked about the fire department being to cut the power without having into the house. I'm sure there are other reasons and the increased cost people won't like but it seems worth it.
I'm an Electrical Engineer and volunteer FF/EMT. The service disconnect on the exterior is a good change. No waiting for interior crews. One guy can jump straight off the truck and kill the power to the structure within a minute or less., rendering numerous hazards safe. It was overdue.
If you haven't seen it, Topaz part 1686 is a 22" long piece of 2" running thread pvc conduit. It works out to about $4.50 an inch, which is expensive, but you can cut it to any length nipple you need. It saves you the grounding bushing and you won't have to cut any TA's to fit things together.
I enjoyed all of it. I am a DIY'er. I worked part time with my dad he was a true handyman and knew a lot about electricity and taught me. But I am not comfortable inside a panel.
I have a 2 family duplex style house. 2 separate panels. The first one is directly inside the basement. Has a main in that panel. The other side has a 100 amp main breaker outside below the dual meter pan. Makes it very easy to shut power off to do anything on that side. The external main disconnect is a great new code requirement
@@electricianron_New_Jersey The entire Service and both panels were installed in 1978. The drop and meter panel was replaced 10 years ago. A truck severed the service cable and I had a newer drop and meter pan installed. Grounding electrodes were also installed along with water heater jumpers. Was permitted and inspected, all good.
Quick tip from a firefighter- Always “glove up”, use face shield/safety glasses AND step to the side… PRIOR to pulling a non-ct meter. Of course, kill all loads prior to pulling the meter as well. Arc Flash = No Fun. Years ago, we used to pull meters on residential structure fires. It was a tactic started by a member who was an electrical contractor. After watching video training showing meters literally shattering/exploding when being removed “hot”. We wait for JCLL or PSEG now. Great video and channel! Thanks from a North Jersey sub.
Did you use a bonding screw to bond neutral to ground at the svc disconnect? Or u jumped from ground bar to neutral terminal? I cant tell from the video
I am a DIYer and Volunteer Fireman Medic, love the exterior Discos for Power! It hard to wet up a structure with live wires falling to ground!!! OORAH Semper Fi and Can Do 1*SRT/TAC
Nice job! When ever I work in old and new meter panes that are hot I like to put rubber over the exposed metal parts. One time the lug came off and hit the metal ring!!
metal spark shower (and what used to be a ring). best bet is turn off loads and unhook at overhead entrance( or underground, if the socket ern looks the least bit corroded/rusted. that is why the ring retainer type SUCKS, the other you can cut tag and pull cover to inspect before trying to pull the meter. DO look closely for corrosion, rust, cracks in insulators and be prepared for any meter pulling to go south. best bet is always treat everything as live and get used to working on it that way, even if new construction no power to building. then be an idiot like me and go do all the finish work live and zap yourself once or more weekly(residential) never had the other contractors complain about power being off though. I admit that too many times was super dumb luck, standing in water knee deep water wiring live and in chest deep (DO NOT EVER). clearly when I was younger I had brass balls the size of the world.
at 34:05, I love the idea of the outside service disconnect. I had a fire on my drop line from the pole which crossed through my house, over the garage, and then through a drywalled wall, to get to the outside meter base, before entering the service meter. There was no stopping that fire until the actual wires were cut because there was no fuse or disconnect protection for the service drop. At the "EMERGENCY MOMENT", I tried pulling my meter in the ensuing panic, but that was no good due to the problem being "UP STREAM" of the meter. I had my service moved to underground for the main purpose of getting the ground level, reachable, outside service disconnect. (That service installation was a debacle in its-own right - A story for another day). Un-protected main drop line failure is a major cause of house fires.
Im upgrading my svc to 400A and relocating the overhead svc conductors to underground. All permits are approved thru Edison and the AHJ here in CA. I originally wanted to use a ranch panel to feed my 200A sub panel, but CA adopted the 2020 NEC about 6 months before I pulled the permit, so Im having to use separate svc disconnects to feed two 200A sub panels. Similar to what you did in this video, but i will have one more svc disco plus a 200A subpanel on the meter board. One of my 200A discos is feeding the overhead span to the house. So my meter will be fed nderground from utility, then overhead to house. Too many rock formations in btwn, hence the overhead feed to house
Great work as usual. But my only question is what type of bit holder do you use when tightening up the wires in the panel? I know theyre supposed to be torqued specifically. Ive always been told just to not overdo it but not leave em loose(for obvious reasons) whats your method/take on that, ron?
Electrical Marking Tape. They have the tape with the numbers but I always wanted Vinyl tape that had Neutral, Ground, etc. printed on the tape. Just make it look nicer and mark the wires. Over the years working on different appliances, I found it easy to mark the wires. When I started we didn't even have cell phones or a phone with a camera so you would have to write everything down.
at 30:50, why not install a plastic bushing to protect the conductors from chaffing throughout the years from vibration or thermal cycling? ... as well as an air sealing product. There seems to be a plastic protector on the inside portion of the nipple.
Wow, that’s crazy, I understand every area utility is different. South Florida. We have Florida Power & Light and they have been very responsive, along with most of electrical inspectors, I guess I’m just lucky & spoiled. Most of our inspectors were contractors at one time and have a lot of empathy for you, normally coordinating scheduled shutdown , inspection and reconnect so the customer is never out more than the one day you do the change over, it’s incumbent on the contractor performed the work properly so there’s no issues with inspection and reconnect. Not saying I’ve never run across the crazy electrical inspector, but generally a call to the chief electrical inspector will clear that up, and the customer will get back on that same day, sometimes you’re there late into the night waiting for you utility crew, but that’s a rarity.
I really like the outside service disconnect - I'm not an electrician but I can see the advantages that it provides - I'm usually not for added code requirements but this one (IMO) makes sense and is a good idea. The added cost might be one of the few "downsides"
DIY'er here. I like the service disconnect, but I would rather not have it on the outside where some random person can shut off electricity to my house. I would rather have it inside where I can shut off power for my own safety. Great video.
Awesome video Ron! I guess I kinda like the exterior disco but I think I’d prefer a handhole under each meter for emergency disconnects and also to prevent you from pulling metal conduit or meter enclosures over live utility lines.
Good video. Good work. I have a 100 amp disconnect inside my garage on the other side of the wall of the meter. The main panel is in the basement with no disconnect. I would imagine that going to 200 amp service would be a lot of work here in New York state. Also the meter is on the side of the house under the car port.
please explain the same wire that was used for 100amp service is big enough for 200 amp service thank you i use to live inj middle town taxes are ti high
Great video. There are only 2 things I would do differently. 1st, I would wear the proper PPE following NFPA 70E procedures. 2nd, I would reconnect live wires last after everything else was completed.
is it required to torque to a certain amount the main s lugs? I'm just curious for when I may have to have some meter enclosure and panel work done for a standby generator.
I Like the Idea of Exterior Disconnects it maybe a more cumbersome ordeal for installs but in emergency's comes in handy especially if there is a fire the fire department can shut power to the house
Interesting how different states handled this code change. My state ( Connecticut ) amended the 2020 code so that only new construction requires an external disconnect. Now saying that looking at peoples houses around here it seems many electricians have been installing meter main combos.
Suggestion: when working hot, use insulated tools. For the meter socket I like Wiha insulated T-handle Allen set keep that set for hot only. and an insulated Lyman's pliers. I made up a tool box for hot work and only hot work to maintain insulation integrity. Some Jobs I'll make a cardboard barrier inside the metal enclosure as a backup Just in case. Nice job
@@electricianron_New_JerseyI’m 67 and have been doing electrical since about 13 started with an old electrictrician and don’t believe I even now would try this, I’ve done many overhead lines. Just cut them off and reconnect them live no problems.
Homeowner here. I would have expected the underground line wouldn't make much of a difference in difficulty but obviously I'm wrong. If anything I would have thought it would be easier since it happens at ground level and not on a ladder. Hopefully I won't have to replace my meter enclosure any times soon since my service is underground.
Great video Ron. Where are your insulated screw drivers? Is the panel inside the house the sub panel to the main disconnect since I dont see nuetral and ground tied in together on the outside ? What is the name of stuff you screwed at the bottom of main disconnect cabinet at 29:34
When I change an underground meter socket live I always disconnect the neutral first and reconnect it last. That way if I accidentally touch a hot conductor to the meter can it’s not grounded and doesn’t arc in my face.
I actually had forgotten about Bill O'Reilly (was on "the other side of the aisle" until recently, if you know what I mean), but thanks for the reminder! I need to start listening to him.
With all the services you do and all the wire you buy. Buy some white insulated wire. You won’t have to keep phasing the wire. I do a lot of 500 and 750 KCMIL wire installs. And everything I order the supply house carries the colors we need. Helps a lot on parallel installs to keep from phases crossing.
i would never do it like he did . w/o gloves w/o insulated tools and metal box ( easy to make a short to ground ) .. i'm not sure what regulations are in USA .. but here this would be a big NO NO .. acording the VCA ethics here .. ( don't now if electrical work applies OSHA safetey in USA ? ) And yes i surely did connect already life terminals ..in some cases there is no option to turn power off . But i can be done in a much safer way than shown in the video .
Only way to end a perfect day is with a new upload from Ron
Thanks brother! I appreciate the support!
32 years as an industrial maintenance mechanic and commercial /institutional / Industrial HVACR service tech . One thing I have learned is there is nothing like doing it live to keep you in your toes . Had a 1000 amp 480 /3ø ground 2 of 3 due to improperly mounted metallic blank taking of panel cover . No shock or burn( cover was still on ) but it took 20 minutes for me to get my wits back ( was like a flash bang ) shut down one entire side of a plant . To this day 27 years later I still sweat doing panel work live .
As a 2 year industrial controls tech, my mind was just blown the entire time you were removing those live leads. I was sweating for you. Good job being careful there. Mad props to you.
It's easy. Just one rule. Stay alive and NOT LIVE!
In our world we are either a conductor or an insulator.
as a former fire-fighter and someone that has done a fair amount of diy electrical work inside, love the external disconnect to keep the panel truly dead while working.
The outside disconnect requirement for fireman safety. That a side benefit.
I've watched so many of your videos over the years it gave me the confidence to wire my whole house!
DIYer here, and I love the code change. I add/remove circuits occasionally and would be much happier with a service disconnect to guarantee everything in my panel is not live while 'm working in the panel.
excaly ..here in europe ( belgium ) in my late 70's house i already have his .. can't imagine it was here like in USA .
@@kittsdiy Main disconnects were always located inside "at the nearest point of entrance" for many decades. The new requirement says they have to be on the exterior.
yep i guess so in usa .. your meter is also outside ( and rusty crrusty after 30 years ) here we don't have those ugly ( oldschool ) boxes at outside house walls on the outside luckaly / power is underground entering the garage / technical room floor mostly ( duckts in to the concreet slab/fondation ).. to outside disconnect is also impossible to do here @@ronpecinajr
@@ronpecinajr I've never seen one at any house I've seen, except for a rare few.
@@kittsdiyThis is caveman electrics compared to most of the EU. It's functional, but at least in my eyes it looks like what would have failed here even 60-70 years ago. The US is focused on the industrial look and it pretty much hasn't changed since forever for reasons I don't understand.
I only do minor electrical DIY projects. I won’t do major projects but I do want to learn how professionals do projects such as this. Your videos are very instructional. You’re an excellent teacher. Thank you. I appreciate the effort you put into providing us great videos.
@@johnrosas2606 And I appreciate you for watching them. Cheers!
First of all nice job Ron appreciate your videos, i’m also a veteran with 38 years in from climbing poles to high voltage to controls. Been there done it .I have to say all these people stating their licensed or not does not matter when you do this you’re playing Russian roulette, everyone makes mistakes, and if you short that out, you’re gonna have a day to remember hopefully not but ,when it showers sparks and burns your face and put you in the hospital with nerve damage. There is no breaker to shut down , direct transformer, be careful my electricians wear gloves think twice.😊
I like your style, care at every connection. An extremely competent Sparky. From a retired industrial electrician Down Under.
Thank you.
Ron really needs to buy a good pair of Hi-Voltage Workgloves rated at least up to 1,000 Amps and a set of Insulated Tools rated up to 1,000 Amps !! There is NO way that I would ever work on Service Equipment LIVE , HOT without them and I have been a State Licensed Journeyman Elecytrician / Sub Contractor for more than 56 yrs !
I second this. The man has every toy and doesn't miss any detail but no insulated tools or gloves for hot work! Let's keep the videos going until your well-deserved retirement, sir.
should of called the city to disconnect the servive Line. Shit crazy dangerous.
I believe you mean 1000 VOLTS not amps.
@@leejr2008 in NJ the power companies don't do that. You would be lucky if they come to shut down a commercial job and not have to wait 6 months.
1000 amps ?
Retired FF, loved it when we pulled up to a working fire and there was main disconnect. Did not have to worry about waiting for the emergency team from the power company to get there and cut it off at the main on the pole or ground transformer. Only time we would risk going in was if there was entrapment, otherwise; you never went in until the utilities were confirmed off. 👍
It's important and will hopefully contribute to saving lives too.
When I was a younger electrician, I might have done it live ,nowadays. I won't do it live. Stay safe out there.
Enjoy your stuff. You do good work. Was stationed at Lakehurst in 1971 for six months in the USN. Went through Toms River a few times on the way to the beach. Before that old panel was originally installed. Keep up the good work!
Thanks for your kind words. I used to drill in Lakehurst with the Navy Seabees. Glad you enjoyed the video.
Great video, thanks. I’m not an electrician, but a DYI service man. I have had to work on live wires and thanks to God, I’m still here. Once was a new garage, under ground service to an existing panel. The other was a new brick added and pipe had to be rebent to accommodate the new brick.
Here in Pennsylvania its like the wild west... no licensing requirements other than the inner cities of Pittsburgh, Harrisburg, and Philadelphia. Our utility company lets us disconnect and reconnect overhead services, not underground. I really wish we had licensing requirements because it would get rid of a lot of hacks. Like the video's Ron, nice work!
Thank you and yes, I agree with you about being licensed getting rid of hacks. Well, most of them anyway.
Lazy foot dragging politicians in Harrisburg have been working on a state electrical license since my dad took his test for a Philly license back in 1964. Our local great IAEI sent inspectors & electricians up to Harrisburg maybe 8 years ago to attempt to finally get state license. One of our lying Philly politicians said he was looking into it. I worked full time as a sparky but did tons of moon lightning. One great commercial customer wanted me to upgrade his 100 amo service. At that time I had an electrical license for Philly and two small townships but his town refuses to honor another location license. They wanted me to make a visit to apply to take the four hour test then a second visit to puck up the license. Not even worth all that time for a weeks worth of work.
@@garbo8962 I did a few services for a friend in northeast Pa many years ago. Twsp wanted a permit and an inspection. No issues.
Tobyhanna Pa.
I did my largest moonlighting job back in the 1980's in a township that anybody could pull a permit . Being the job was over $5,000 had to get an electrical engineer to stamp the 11 pages of drawings. My inspector & township inspector was at the meeting. Local inspector kept bad mouthing my prints but everything was in order. Finally the electrical engineer spoke up and stated that the prints were very good and nothing wrong on them. Had the owner put the permit in his name. Ended up installing over a mile of 3/4 to 3.5" conduit in the building along with over 20 60 to 400 amp buss duct switches and over a dozen panels ( 120/208 & 480/277 volts ). @@electricianron_New_Jersey
Oh my god Ron ... without any isolated tools and protecting gloves do you work on this life box??? Respect. I work only with gloves on with european subpanels (3-phase 400V) that have power connected. In Europe the panels build by using plastic and that's is not a real problem but your "encloser" seems to be metal 😅
Good to see the install of an exterior service disconnect. I'm planning a DIY PV setup, and plan to add the exterior service disconnect (even though code here doesn't require it, still being on the 2008 code).
Hey Ron,
As an apprentice in NJ for 3 years, I strongly encourage qualified electricians to perform a shutdown with an underground service.
I know its a pain in the ass scheduling with the power company, inspector, and cut-in cards, but there are so many risks involved doing this hot.
Anyway thats my 2 sense!
Can you please explain the bonding between the hot water the cold water pipes at 41:46, is it required?
@@pgmpxk Of course it’s required.
@@electricianron_New_Jersey diy'er so bear with me, I've never seen it before and I'm sure my house does not have it, is it in the NEC? it seems like a good idea
General Contractor- I do appreciate the code change on the exterior service disconnect, it adds additional safety nets for all.
Licensed Electrical Contractor (Louisiana) as for the exterior disconnect from a safety point it’s a great idea, but as for the homeowner it’s just another additional cost to an already budget strapped customer. Love your channel buddy…3rd Generation Electrician/HVAC Contractor here.
GREAT VIDEO IM A ELECTRICIAN HERE IN NYC. I DO MOSTLY COMMERCIAL RESIDENCIAL BUILDINGS. I LOVE THAT KLEIN INSULATION REMOVER WILL INVEST IN ONE. I HAVE NOT DONE SERVICE IN YEARS. I HAVE 15 YEARS IN NOW MOSTLY I DO LOW VOLTAGE PULLING IN THE APARTMENTS I FIND MORE RELAXING NOW. I LOVE THE IDEAL OF THE CODE CHANGE WITH A SERVICE DISCONNECT YES THE FIRE DEPARTMENT LOVES THAT. THANKS ONCE AGAIN FOR A GREAT VIDEO N YOU DEFINITELY TAKE PRIDE IN UR WORK. KEEP THE VIDEOS COMING I LOVE WATCHING FELLOW SPARKIES.
DIYer here in Utah. In 1998 as the owner, I got a permit to upgrade my 4 fuses service panel to a 125amp panel. The city required an external disconnect and I put on a Siemens meter/4 space combo panel with that. Then I installed the new panel 10 ft away from the old entry with a 10 ft mast. City utility came out and disconnected power, then I installed the service feeder between new outside panel and inside subpanel. Once I did that the inspector came out and approved it all and called the city utility to come back and hook the overhead lines to the new mast conductors.
Now I am looking at doing another permit to upgrade to a 200 amp panel with 8 spaces outside ($2700 impact/upgrade fee) should be very easy. I can re-use the 125amp as is, as it used to do a EVSE port,. dryer outlet. etc. Currently I run a 100 amp breaker/circuit through the existing 125 amp to another subpanel where I have my solar Grid input placed. With the 200amp I will move that solar 100amp to another breaker in the 200amp panel, and spread the load around.
I like the external disconnect requirement
The service disconnect on the outside of the house it is a good idea specially for the fire department when they come in on an emergency situations. I totally agree with that, and by the way I’m not license electrician but I did took an electrical course, and I have to say that your videos are very helpful you have no idea how I appreciate your videos thank you very much and please keep posting these videos thank you and take care my friend
Whew-wee Ron, at 19:00 you had my full attention there putting those hot leads back onto the meter panel...Oh snap...Big Brass ones there bro...😆🤨😎
As a building inspector in Oregon , I love to see meter mains installed. The feeders can run [almost] anywhere without the worry of nearest point of enter. Fire fighters love it! Having said all that, Oregon hasn't adopted meter main or emergency disconnects from the NEC.
I would recommend (2) Husky portable work tables. One for the outside portion and 1 for the inside. Very convenient and saves the knees. Thank you.
Damn Ron, I was holding my breath way too long on this one! 😂
Beautiful work as always 🏆🏆
I always wondered about kids having fun running around at night hitting disconnects for fun, or individuals doing it before breaking in 🤷♂️
The NEC addresses this and a lock can be installed on the disconnect to keep the kiddies away. The firemen can easily cut a pad lock.
@@electricianron_New_Jerseythe only thing is a padlock keeps a honest person honest, thieves carry 3 ft keys and prybars for prying open the door handle lock, with ease!
@@earlestes8649It keeps casual pranksters out too. The meter usually has a small padlock too. Some places even have the panels outdoors, again, with a padlock. Seems like a nonissue.
@@tempesttube I’ve gotten called by landlords about no power at an apartment or even two or more, and kids had been playing around and flipping them off on the back of the building. So I understand about that being a problem. But if someone wants to steal or do something nefarious a padlock won’t even slow them down. lol
i was thinking the same ... if that disconnect is easy accesable ... easy to play with for kids or criminals or praksters .. every advantage has some disadvantegres :)
I had a 200A panel upgrade 2 years ago. I was shocked when the electrician installer told me about the required service disconnect on the OUTSIDE OF THE HOUSE. Any neighborhood kid could come right up and turn off your power/lights/pumps/security/internet, and most people would have no idea what happened. The installer said it was mostly about fire department or first responders, but then he said without a disconnect they would just smash-off the meter with an axe, so it was never really a problem.
I have since become much more aware of NEC codes (and of course found your channel!). The most recent new NEC codes are very expensive to property owners, and profitable to installers.
This is my biggest issue with exterior disconnects. Plus can be used by bad actors, I.e. Home invasion.
While I can see the advantages of a service disconnect before your main inside panel I too have grave concerns about an easily accessible one outside. It would only be a good idea to me if there was someway to prevent easy tampering. I cannot say for sure how that could be done but maybe have a special key or better yet a pin pad that has to be registered with the Power Company. I do not like the idea that anyone could easily shut off all the power.
It's just not an issue. Many service disconnects have been outside for many years and this idea that mischievous kids will turn off your power has never manifested. I'm sure it has happened, but it isn't the scourge internet commenters make it out to be.
@@edisont.picard4112 These days with Social Media it only takes minutes for new ideas or bad practices to go viral. Someone just needs to come up with a Tiktok Power Off challenge and it might never be the same...
@@edisont.picard4112 "has never manifested" -- that you know of !!!!
Thank you for making these videos. I do a lot of my own electrical work at home, and seeing professional electricians do the work gives me a lot of confidence. If I could ask for one thing, it would be to please wear safety glasses when doing things like cutting with that multitool!
Very welcome!
Ron, you are the man!! Thanks for all of your in depth content…I am an electrical apprentice and love watching your channel😎👍
@@chrisallen7512 awesome Chris!
Like the exterior Disco. Those connectors are awesome, they now have them for MC cable.
Nice work! No one knows the nervousness working that line hot. Outside disconnect is a must in my opinion. It can save lives . I was previously licensed in Texas and I miss the work. The skills learned lasts a lifetime and taking time to make up that service panel is a definite nod to our trade.
Absolutely!
Aside from DIY, the exterior disconnect has been nice for our seasonal cabin. When winter comes, it can be switched off and there is no concern about a live feeder inside the building and having critters, leaks, or similar.
Looks great! Gotta love these projects here in az we don’t used main panels inside often usually it’s an all in one service or meter sock and main panel outside. Gotta love the money too lol love the videos!
Licensed electricians and apprentices/ journeyman have a skill that is necessary in American life and we should all be paid accordingly.
I am a DIY electrician and am a graduate electrical engineer. I have done anywhere from seven major electrical house rewires to four total electrical replacement houses, all with permits. I like the requirement for remote disconnects, except that pranksters can shut the house down. I did one house because the panel was 25 feet from the meter, and since there was no access within six feet inside the hose, mounted it externally. A second house had the disconnect in the garage.
I hear what you are saying about concentric KOs and Klein tools.
It's never been the scourge the internet commenters wring their hands about. Lots of outside disconnects out there. Very few pranksters turning power off.
You are one of the few people I would completely trust in my home...and I don't even know you.
My utility put the feeder upgrade on myself for a 100A to 200A panel upgrade. Had to dig a new trench for 3" conduit and pull new under ground wire.
I think the exterior disconnect is a good idea just what you talked about the fire department being to cut the power without having into the house. I'm sure there are other reasons and the increased cost people won't like but it seems worth it.
Bud you got some balls to do that hot and no insulated tools. Props to you
I knew that was an O'Reilly reference, from the Inside Edition days - great clip. Levin and Bongino are good too brother.
I'm an Electrical Engineer and volunteer FF/EMT. The service disconnect on the exterior is a good change. No waiting for interior crews. One guy can jump straight off the truck and kill the power to the structure within a minute or less., rendering numerous hazards safe. It was overdue.
Just pull the meter!
If you haven't seen it, Topaz part 1686 is a 22" long piece of 2" running thread pvc conduit. It works out to about $4.50 an inch, which is expensive, but you can cut it to any length nipple you need. It saves you the grounding bushing and you won't have to cut any TA's to fit things together.
I enjoyed all of it. I am a DIY'er. I worked part time with my dad he was a true handyman and knew a lot about electricity and taught me. But I am not comfortable inside a panel.
I have a 2 family duplex style house. 2 separate panels. The first one is directly inside the basement. Has a main in that panel. The other side has a 100 amp main breaker outside below the dual meter pan. Makes it very easy to shut power off to do anything on that side. The external main disconnect is a great new code requirement
Both of the service disconnects are supposed to be grouped together in this scenario.
@@electricianron_New_Jersey The entire Service and both panels were installed in 1978. The drop and meter panel was replaced 10 years ago. A truck severed the service cable and I had a newer drop and meter pan installed. Grounding electrodes were also installed along with water heater jumpers. Was permitted and inspected, all good.
Quick tip from a firefighter-
Always “glove up”, use face shield/safety glasses AND step to the side…
PRIOR to pulling a non-ct meter. Of course, kill all loads prior to pulling the meter as well.
Arc Flash = No Fun.
Years ago, we used to pull meters on residential structure fires.
It was a tactic started by a member who was an electrical contractor.
After watching video training showing meters literally shattering/exploding when being removed “hot”.
We wait for JCLL or PSEG now.
Great video and channel!
Thanks from a North Jersey sub.
Getting the knockouts punched out is the hardest part sometimes 😂 awesome vid!!
Did you use a bonding screw to bond neutral to ground at the svc disconnect? Or u jumped from ground bar to neutral terminal? I cant tell from the video
MBJ is located at the service disconnect.
Why did you use 2.5" nipple btwn svc disco and the MLO? 2" nipple is adequate for those 2/0 CU conductors, yea?
According to Chapter 9 table 8 what is the size of 2/0 insulated THHN/ THWN?
@@electricianron_New_Jersey hmm...
.137sq in ?
Thank goodness you didn’t have to deal with old brittle bx cables … Nice job as always Ron 👍
@@petesilvestri this job was in Toms River where there are a lot less old homes than in north and central Jersey.
I am a DIYer and Volunteer Fireman Medic, love the exterior Discos for Power! It hard to wet up a structure with live wires falling to ground!!! OORAH Semper Fi and Can Do 1*SRT/TAC
Rob thank you very much for the information
Greeting from Milsolsol electric
@@miltonsolsol8160 Ron, but that’s ok. 👌
@ sorry Ron
Thanks again for
I just found your channel and am enjoying the content. I'm a low voltage and security technician. Great content.
Thanks for the compliment. I sincerely appreciate them.
Very interesting video. I have to admit, I was pretty nervous when you were handling those hot wires in the meter box. Nice job not getting zapped.
Nice job! When ever I work in old and new meter panes that are hot I like to put rubber over the exposed metal parts. One time the lug came off and hit the metal ring!!
metal spark shower (and what used to be a ring). best bet is turn off loads and unhook at overhead entrance( or underground, if the socket ern looks the least bit corroded/rusted.
that is why the ring retainer type SUCKS, the other you can cut tag and pull cover to inspect before trying to pull the meter. DO look closely for corrosion, rust, cracks in insulators and be prepared for any meter pulling to go south.
best bet is always treat everything as live and get used to working on it that way, even if new construction no power to building.
then be an idiot like me and go do all the finish work live and zap yourself once or more weekly(residential) never had the other contractors complain about power being off though.
I admit that too many times was super dumb luck, standing in water knee deep water wiring live and in chest deep (DO NOT EVER). clearly when I was younger I had brass balls the size of the world.
at 34:05, I love the idea of the outside service disconnect. I had a fire on my drop line from the pole which crossed through my house, over the garage, and then through a drywalled wall, to get to the outside meter base, before entering the service meter. There was no stopping that fire until the actual wires were cut because there was no fuse or disconnect protection for the service drop. At the "EMERGENCY MOMENT", I tried pulling my meter in the ensuing panic, but that was no good due to the problem being "UP STREAM" of the meter. I had my service moved to underground for the main purpose of getting the ground level, reachable, outside service disconnect. (That service installation was a debacle in its-own right - A story for another day). Un-protected main drop line failure is a major cause of house fires.
Im upgrading my svc to 400A and relocating the overhead svc conductors to underground. All permits are approved thru Edison and the AHJ here in CA. I originally wanted to use a ranch panel to feed my 200A sub panel, but CA adopted the 2020 NEC about 6 months before I pulled the permit, so Im having to use separate svc disconnects to feed two 200A sub panels. Similar to what you did in this video, but i will have one more svc disco plus a 200A subpanel on the meter board.
One of my 200A discos is feeding the overhead span to the house. So my meter will be fed nderground from utility, then overhead to house. Too many rock formations in btwn, hence the overhead feed to house
Ok
Nice job Ron. Thanks for sharing. I hope you get to 20K shortly.
Thanks for all your sharing, you are the best teacher, i really love your video. you share all the code, do a good job.
Pay it forward man!
Great work as usual. But my only question is what type of bit holder do you use when tightening up the wires in the panel? I know theyre supposed to be torqued specifically. Ive always been told just to not overdo it but not leave em loose(for obvious reasons) whats your method/take on that, ron?
Tighten them as much as you can.
Electrical Marking Tape.
They have the tape with the numbers but I always wanted Vinyl tape that had Neutral, Ground, etc. printed on the tape.
Just make it look nicer and mark the wires. Over the years working on different appliances, I found it easy to mark the wires.
When I started we didn't even have cell phones or a phone with a camera so you would have to write everything down.
Impeccable work! Learn something on all your videos
Thank you!
at 30:50, why not install a plastic bushing to protect the conductors from chaffing throughout the years from vibration or thermal cycling? ... as well as an air sealing product. There seems to be a plastic protector on the inside portion of the nipple.
Plastic bushings are required for conductors larger than #4 AWG. The duct seal seals the nipple.
Wow, that’s crazy, I understand every area utility is different. South Florida. We have Florida Power & Light and they have been very responsive, along with most of electrical inspectors, I guess I’m just lucky & spoiled. Most of our inspectors were contractors at one time and have a lot of empathy for you, normally coordinating scheduled shutdown , inspection and reconnect so the customer is never out more than the one day you do the change over, it’s incumbent on the contractor performed the work properly so there’s no issues with inspection and reconnect.
Not saying I’ve never run across the crazy electrical inspector, but generally a call to the chief electrical inspector will clear that up, and the customer will get back on that same day, sometimes you’re there late into the night waiting for you utility crew, but that’s a rarity.
I really like the outside service disconnect - I'm not an electrician but I can see the advantages that it provides - I'm usually not for added code requirements but this one (IMO) makes sense and is a good idea. The added cost might be one of the few "downsides"
DIY'er here. I like the service disconnect, but I would rather not have it on the outside where some random person can shut off electricity to my house. I would rather have it inside where I can shut off power for my own safety.
Great video.
You have a disconnect for your A/C on the outside of the house. Has anyone ever shutoff your A/C in the middle of thew summer?
Awesome video Ron! I guess I kinda like the exterior disco but I think I’d prefer a handhole under each meter for emergency disconnects and also to prevent you from pulling metal conduit or meter enclosures over live utility lines.
Good video. Good work. I have a 100 amp disconnect inside my garage on the other side of the wall of the meter. The main panel is in the basement with no disconnect. I would imagine that going to 200 amp service would be a lot of work here in New York state. Also the meter is on the side of the house under the car port.
you do nice work! good job and great explanations!
please explain the same wire that was used for 100amp service is big enough for 200 amp service thank you i use to live inj middle town taxes are ti high
@@jamesrooney7689 Call JCPL and ask them. I don’t do utility wiring.
Have done this a few times , however when it comes to the metal locknut I try to take one wire at a time through it.
Good work, thanks for sharing!!!
Great vid Ron! Im definitely going to steal that duct seal idea for holding things temporarily…
Nice install always nice to see what is required in other states
Great video. There are only 2 things I would do differently. 1st, I would wear the proper PPE following NFPA 70E procedures. 2nd, I would reconnect live wires last after everything else was completed.
is it required to torque to a certain amount the main s lugs? I'm just curious for when I may have to have some meter enclosure and panel work done for a standby generator.
26:07 Don't they still meter boxes that have a separate section for a disconnect, to avoid having 2 separate boxes?
I Like the Idea of Exterior Disconnects it maybe a more cumbersome ordeal for installs but in emergency's comes in handy especially if there is a fire the fire department can shut power to the house
Very relaxing and entertaining video right before I hit the sack. Txs Ron!!!
Nice, neat and clean, excellent job Ron.
Thanks for the tips. im also doing a service in Brick, and watching this video helps 👍🏾
Thanks Ron. Great video and content. Best regards from Chicago
Congratulations on your well-deserved subscriber count brother former IBEW.
Sub panel can install upside down? I am just learning. Thanks
@@funmoney757 Sure, it’s main lugs.
@electricianron_New_Jersey Thanks
Interesting how different states handled this code change. My state ( Connecticut ) amended the 2020 code so that only new construction requires an external disconnect. Now saying that looking at peoples houses around here it seems many electricians have been installing meter main combos.
Suggestion: when working hot, use insulated tools. For the meter socket I like Wiha insulated T-handle Allen set keep that set for hot only. and an insulated Lyman's pliers. I made up a tool box for hot work and only hot work to maintain insulation integrity. Some Jobs I'll make a cardboard barrier inside the metal enclosure as a backup Just in case. Nice job
Beautiful job. Live change out of underground is a different animal then overhead. I much prefer the overhead.
You aren't kidding!
@@electricianron_New_JerseyI’m 67 and have been doing electrical since about 13 started with an old electrictrician and don’t believe I even now would try this, I’ve done many overhead lines. Just cut them off and reconnect them live no problems.
Homeowner here. I would have expected the underground line wouldn't make much of a difference in difficulty but obviously I'm wrong. If anything I would have thought it would be easier since it happens at ground level and not on a ladder. Hopefully I won't have to replace my meter enclosure any times soon since my service is underground.
Ron, We have had that disconnect required here for over 30 years. Electrician from PR
Do all service disconnects require a bonding bushing?
@@spree1948 Only if the conduit/ nipple is steel. PVC and SE cable than no.
You're doing a great job. Thanks
Great video Ron. Where are your insulated screw drivers? Is the panel inside the house the sub panel to the main disconnect since I dont see nuetral and ground tied in together on the outside ? What is the name of stuff you screwed at the bottom of main disconnect cabinet at 29:34
When I change an underground meter socket live I always disconnect the neutral first and reconnect it last. That way if I accidentally touch a hot conductor to the meter can it’s not grounded and doesn’t arc in my face.
Theoretically this makes sense but practically this couldn’t be done here.
I actually had forgotten about Bill O'Reilly (was on "the other side of the aisle" until recently, if you know what I mean), but thanks for the reminder! I need to start listening to him.
With all the services you do and all the wire you buy. Buy some white insulated wire. You won’t have to keep phasing the wire.
I do a lot of 500 and 750 KCMIL wire installs. And everything I order the supply house carries the colors we need. Helps a lot on parallel installs to keep from phases crossing.
If you connected the ground to the water pipe, why did you add/sink two external grounds as well? (other than its required by code)
@@bills8874 Because NEC 250.53(D)(2) requires it. Ground rods supplement the metal water pipe. ⚡️⚡️⚡️
Great job! Very clean that is amazing
What if the water main is on the other side of the house, 35’ away from the panel?
@@kustomkulture4308 Then route it to there.
@ daum, i’d be easier to route through Disneyland than this crap house, looks like I’m sellin
it scared me very much when i did it live as well, tooked my time
i would never do it like he did . w/o gloves w/o insulated tools and metal box ( easy to make a short to ground ) .. i'm not sure what regulations are in USA .. but here this would be a big NO NO .. acording the VCA ethics here .. ( don't now if electrical work applies OSHA safetey in USA ? )
And yes i surely did connect already life terminals ..in some cases there is no option to turn power off .
But i can be done in a much safer way than shown in the video .
Master Electrician Massachusetts 44 years, do they make you upgrade all the breaker to combo AFCI/GFCI?
Nice clean work!
Nope. Like for like on all service upgrades. 44 years wow. I’ll bet you know a lot.
@@electricianron_New_Jersey Ron, I know a lot and I have forgotten a lot, but I am smart enough to ask question and learn from my peer electricians!
Ron where else can you ground your panel other than your water main?
@@GreatTipsbygreatexpectation ground rods, concrete encased electrode connected to the rebar in the footing, ground ring.
?
@@electricianron_New_Jersey thank you