Splicing service wire.

[showtime96]

I'll make this quick. I am just finishing up my new barn and need electrical ran. I have a pole between my house and barn with the meter and security light. The elc. Co. Wants to put a new meter at the road and then I'd have to run to my house and barn. I was originally going to do a 400 amp meter with 200 to house and 200 to barn but since they want to move it to the road I decided I would be fine with 100 in the barn. So im thinking put meter by road run 85 ft to house and then tap off house box with a 100 amp breaker then to barn. Now my question is can I use the old line that comes in from the old pole between the barn and house and splice on an extra 40ft to reach the barn instead of running a whole new line from the house. Its aluminum and I'm guessing 2/0 or 4/0.

 

[Chuckster in NJ]

YES! You can splice it with Brundy INSULINK connectors BUT you will be sorry in a few years because aluminum wire splices often fail even when you use the proper connectors.

 

[csp]

You can splice, but I would do it inside an electrical handhole box for future service which is inevitable. It's better to run new wire.

 

[Bert_]

Aluminum is spliced all the time without an issue. Use compression connectors and heat shrink with the glue inside.

I've done many over the years and never had one fail at the splice.

 

[LS6 Tommy]

Do you have the option of saying "No" to the electric co? The more they're responisble for, the better, IMHO.

Tommy

 

[Lessons]

Polaris connectors are another very common splice, but even uninsulated mechanical lugs or split bolts are even cheaper, and then wrapped with splicing tape and then electrical tape. As mentioned though, project from corrosion.

 

[TractorJeff]

Nobody brought up the question of is this a 3 wire service cable going to be used as to connect a sub panel? In which case I believe it needs to be a 4 wire cable?

 

[NUTTSGT]

PoCo wants the meter at the road so they will be liable for less. You are responsible for after the meter, them before.

Id be telling them where I want my meter.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

I'll make this quick. I am just finishing up my new barn and need electrical ran. I have a pole between my house and barn with the meter and security light. The elc. Co. Wants to put a new meter at the road and then I'd have to run to my house and barn. I was originally going to do a 400 amp meter with 200 to house and 200 to barn but since they want to move it to the road I decided I would be fine with 100 in the barn. So im thinking put meter by road run 85 ft to house and then tap off house box with a 100 amp breaker then to barn. Now my question is can I use the old line that comes in from the old pole between the barn and house and splice on an extra 40ft to reach the barn instead of running a whole new line from the house. Its aluminum and I'm guessing 2/0 or 4/0.

Definitely NOT if its 3-wire which it most likely is.

If you feed off the house you need a 4-wire feeder...

YES! You can splice it with Brundy INSULINK connectors BUT you will be sorry in a few years because aluminum wire splices often fail even when you use the proper connectors.

not so quick. the answer would be no if its 3-wire...

Nobody brought up the question of is this a 3 wire service cable going to be used as to connect a sub panel? In which case I believe it needs to be a 4 wire cable?

you beat me to it. amazing how numerous people skipped over that. yes it would need to be 4-wire

i doubt the original line is