Inlet Electrical Service Inspection Checklist
When performing an inlet electrical service inspection, first of all count the number of wires coming into the house. If there are only two wires, then the electrical service for the house is
inadequate. A two-wire service provides just 110 volts instead of 110/220 volts. There should be three wires coming into the house from the electrical service entry, providing 110/220 volts, but in some cases there might be four wires. A four-wire service provides 110/220 volts as well, however it is unusual for a residential structure. Still, you may find it in very large homes, as it is a three-phase service that provides additional capacity. It is usually found on a structure with heavy electrical demands such as a commercial or industrial building.
The inlet service might vary slightly and in some areas it might be 120/240 instead of 110/220 volts, but the difference is of no concern to the homeowner.
The wires loop down before entering the weather-head – this is called a drip loop. This drip loop causes water that travels along the wires during a rain to drip down off the wire, thus preventing from entering the weather-head and flowing into the service entrance cable.
Before going into the house to check the electrical and mechanical systems, look to see whether any tree branches overhang or hit the inlet service wires. If so, they should be pruned, otherwise the wire’s outer insulation will eventually be worn away, exposing the electrically hot conductors. If that section of conductors is within reach (as from an upper-level porch) or if it contacts a metal gutter, it could pose serious safety risks.
During the inlet electrical service inspection, check to see if they are securely fastened to the house and whether there are any frayed sections of the outer insulation. In many cases, the inlet service wire, from the attachment to the house to the electrical meter, is the responsibility of the homeowner, not the utility company. Service-entry wires that are badly frayed can eventually result in a hazardous condition, so they should be replaced immediately.
Whether they are overhead or underground, the inlet service wires terminate at the electrical meter, which can be mounted in the exterior or the interior of the structure. The wires then run from the meter to a panel box, also referred to as a service switch. Basically, the panel box is a distribution center, and all the branch circuits throughout the house terminate in this box.
At least once a year, it is advisable that you hire professional inlet electrical contractors to do any work related to the electrical inlet service. For an interior home improvement, you may check the surfaces for moisture, water leakage signs on the ceiling, and other issues that may affect the electrical system, but when it comes to more serious damage it is always best to leave it to a professional. The service fee will be a much more attractive alternative to pricier electric systems, so avoid damage by having a routine inlet electrical service inspection conducted by professional inlet electrical contractors.