Another unqualified, electrician question. Shutting off power to the main panel. If you call the power co. they will, a) cut the wires at the pole, b) pull the meter and power is off?
I am guessing b) is the right answer. I wouldn’t think they need to cut power to the meter pan to pull the meter. How does one organize events so that the power is off for only a short time? Seems if you call the power co. to turn off (3 hour window), have the inspector check your work (one day) and call to reconnect your electric (3 hour window at best) you have 2-3 day of no power.
Replies
You turn off all the big electrical users in the house (heat, air conditioning, water heater, kitchen appliances) and your electronics (computer, tv) and they pull the meter out of the meter socket.
If you schedule the work a few days or a week out you should be able to arrange for it all in one day. Schedule a day with the inspector when he will be available in the afternoon. Then schedule with the power company to come out first thing in the morning of that day and return late in the afternoon of the same day. If you schedule the job far enough out (probably a week is enough), they should both be happy to accommodate you. Even if it's within a few hours, unless your job is a long one, you'll be fine. Make sure you yourself are ready with everything at hand.
Of course, your work has to pass code. If it doesn't, that will wreck your plans.
Edited 2/26/2005 2:28 pm ET by WAYNEL5
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