by QueenBee (Posted Sat, 22 Jun 2013 21:44:15 GMT)
I have a very healthy respect for 240v. The new run would come in the top of the main panel. There's 1/2-3/4" of bare wire showing from the main coming in as it enters the main breaker. I worry mostly about fishing a long bare ground wire over to the ground bus bar over and around the live main wires. The rest of the panel seems relatively tame even without turning off the breaker. It would be a very bad day if I touched one of the mains or worse shorted them out, maybe my last. Would be nice if I could figure out a way to shut it off outside. There's nothing but a thin metal ring with a plastic end keeping the meter box closed. The power company said electricians know how to shut it off. Not sure I believe the person on the phone.
Yeah, fishing into a live panel takes a bit of care. I'd suggest two things that would it safer/easier. First would be instead of using NM-B with a bare ground you could use some conduit and green THHN. A better alternative is probably to turn of the main breaker and then cut the utility tag and remove your electrical meter. I didn't ask permission here but after we were done replacing the main service panel I just called them and asked them to come relock the meter and they came out, opened the meter base, tested the voltages and locked it back up without asking any questions.
Anyway, give it some thought as I suspect your fear will keep you safe and I would think residential wiring should be well within the skills of an EE![:)]( "Smile")
Just need to make sure that your local jurisdiction allows DIY electrical work.
dm33 wrote:
QueenBee wrote:
Ah man, if you are an EE this is not scary! With the main breaker turned off there is very little exposed live bits and they are generally all located at the top of the panel. Most people wouldn't even turn off the main breaker for a job like this!
I have a very healthy respect for 240v. The new run would come in the top of the main panel. There's 1/2-3/4" of bare wire showing from the main coming in as it enters the main breaker. I worry mostly about fishing a long bare ground wire over to the ground bus bar over and around the live main wires. The rest of the panel seems relatively tame even without turning off the breaker. It would be a very bad day if I touched one of the mains or worse shorted them out, maybe my last. Would be nice if I could figure out a way to shut it off outside. There's nothing but a thin metal ring with a plastic end keeping the meter box closed. The power company said electricians know how to shut it off. Not sure I believe the person on the phone.
Yeah, fishing into a live panel takes a bit of care. I'd suggest two things that would it safer/easier. First would be instead of using NM-B with a bare ground you could use some conduit and green THHN. A better alternative is probably to turn of the main breaker and then cut the utility tag and remove your electrical meter. I didn't ask permission here but after we were done replacing the main service panel I just called them and asked them to come relock the meter and they came out, opened the meter base, tested the voltages and locked it back up without asking any questions.
Anyway, give it some thought as I suspect your fear will keep you safe and I would think residential wiring should be well within the skills of an EE
Just need to make sure that your local jurisdiction allows DIY electrical work.