Outdoor electrical components 101

• Posted on December 10, 2017
• by mikew
• in Fix It & Use It
• No Comments.

Have you ever noticed those components outside your garage wall? Ever hit that metal rod sticking out of the ground with your weed wacker? Ever wondered what that big braided wire is for? Here is a quick 101 crash course on those exterior components for those of you interested.

First, let me introduce you to the electrical service feed. The power company buys the electricity from a supplier and sends it through a substation and down your street as an overhead (see picture to right) or underground feed. Newer construction is usually underground and not visible for the home inspection. Overhead feeds can be effected by trees and branches and adverse weather conditions.

Second, the power company keeps track of how much electricity with a meter – something similar to a pump at the gas station. A round glass cover on a rectangular metal box is where this is found. New ones have a digital display, the older style had a disk spinning as you consume power. The more you used the faster it would turn. We usually have clues about the house’s power capacity from the type of box this glass cover is installed on. The picture on the left is a typical 200-amp electrical service.

Third, usually your main electrical panel is located on the inside wall from the service meter. In case of an overload or short, a ground wire is installed in the panel and run to a long metal rod driven eight feet into the ground. This is usually found below or near the electrical meter. That metal braided wire with the end of the rod sticking out the of the ground is the grounding rod and wire. These need to be securely attached together.  Cable and telephone companies may connect their wiring to this safety system too. This wire is not energized and is safe to touch – it is a safety system in case of emergencies.

These are all components that are inspected for signs of wear or damage. Home owners are responsible for the cost of maintaining all items from the point they leave the power pole and connect to your house. All modifications or repairs on these exterior electrical components require a permit and inspection to ensure they are done safely and properly. If you have questions feel free to call the power company or touch base with me.