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marken
Citizen
Username: Marken
Post Number: 108
Registered: 4-2003
| | Posted on Friday, February 6, 2004 - 4:21 pm: |     |
I know the answer, but I still have a problem, probably b/c of the rain ...
Is it normal to have water dripping into my electrical panel (in the basement)?
I'm getting a few drops that are definitely coming directly into the panel along the bunch of wires that lead to the meter outside.
The water drips into the panel, onto the wires, then out the bottom.
I checked for holes or puddles outside, but couldn't see anything obvious. I suppose it could be coming through the meter .... so I'm calling PSE&G now (been on hold for 8 minutes now)
Anyone else have similar problems?
This probably isn't too serious, since where I grew up, the panels were outside.
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jgberkeley
Supporter
Username: Jgberkeley
Post Number: 3455
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Friday, February 6, 2004 - 6:55 pm: | |
This is not normal and is serious. Outside boxes are weather sealed and water does not drip thru them.
Inside boxes are not water proof as you have found out. Water should be be running the wires and should not be dripping thru the box.
I would bet the only wire that goes from the box to the outside is the main feeder from the meter to the subpanel.
I would bet that a good caulking around the wire on the outside of your home where it enters the wall would stop this.
Else, call an electrican and get the problem fixed: Else plan on the power blowing sometime soon.
Never be afraid to try something new. Remember, amateurs built the ark; professionals built the Titanic. |
TomR
Citizen
Username: Tomr
Post Number: 96
Registered: 6-2001
| | Posted on Saturday, February 7, 2004 - 12:18 am: | |
Same thing happened here about two years ago. In my case it was the juncture where the line enters the meter box where the sealant or caulking had cracked.
As a temporary fix, try some plumber's putty around your leak point if you can find it; or if uncertain, use the plumber's putty at the point where the service line enters the meter box as well as at the point where the cable enters the house as jg suggested.
As an aside, when I encountered this problem, PSE&G told me over the telephone that I was not allowed to open the meter box to confirm what I thought was my leak point or to inspect for any possible damage. When the PSE&G service man arrived, he tiol me that the box is my property and my problem to repair or replace if necessary.
Who's box is it?
As a final thought on the subject, be aggressive when you speak with PSE&G. I first reported the problem on a Saturday morning. By late Sunday afternoon, and five calls later, I tried to be as clear as possible about the hazard they were creating by forbidding me from opening the box but not sending someone to address the problem. The service man arrived about ninety minutes later.
Let us know how it works out.
TomR. |
themp
Citizen
Username: Themp
Post Number: 481
Registered: 12-2001
| | Posted on Monday, February 9, 2004 - 3:42 pm: | |
Personally, I'd call the electrical company. Don't get fried! |
jgberkeley
Supporter
Username: Jgberkeley
Post Number: 3459
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Monday, February 9, 2004 - 3:51 pm: | |
You could call them, however, the seal where the power line enters your house, is your responsibility.
Grab a caulking gun and fix it, or call an electrican, or call a handyman.
Never be afraid to try something new. Remember, amateurs built the ark; professionals built the Titanic. |
themp
Citizen
Username: Themp
Post Number: 483
Registered: 12-2001
| | Posted on Monday, February 9, 2004 - 4:01 pm: | |
Isn't that unfused, full current? The kind that really kills people? Make sure it's dry.
I'm scared of electricity. |
marken
Citizen
Username: Marken
Post Number: 110
Registered: 4-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 10, 2004 - 3:04 pm: | |
Update:
The glass cover to the meter was ajar (no jokes, OK?) ... which I noticed before I called PSE&G. They came that same night about 90 minutes later pushed it (slammed it really) back on, and put a locking collar around it.
It hasn't rained since, so I can't tell if that was the water source. But now (thanks to the above posts) I know where else to look for holes and what to do if I find any. Thanks all.
BTW -- according to the PSE&G guy, the METER itself (and the glass) is PSE&G's responsibility, everything else, including the box onto which the meter is installed, is homeowners' responsibility. |
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