Thread: Torn in Sheatrhing on Service Cable

Is there any acceptable repair that can be made when the sheathing on a service entrance cable is torn? I had heard an electrician in my area say it is against BOCA code to wrap the damaged sections with tape and that full replacement of the cable is the only option.

This picture isn't the best but you get the idea.

Wow, I really messed up the title of this thread. It should read Torn Sheathing on Service Cable

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Probably lots of materials that would adequately protect the cable, but none of them legal. Replacement is the only legal option. I have never understood how manufacturing got approval for surface mounted, un-fused cable. S.E. cable is almost identical in construction to typical "NM" / romex cable; just bigger. Yet NM cable cannot be surface mounted anywhere it is subject to physical damage and it is far more safely overload protected than incoming utility wires.

IMO the only legitimate solution is to replace the SE cable.

Originally Posted by Nick Ostrowski

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Wow, I really messed up the title of this thread. It should read Torn Sheathing on Service Cable..

Nick - No worries. Posting while intoxicated isn't against the rules.

From the small amount shown in that photo, more than just some cable needs replacement.

Originally Posted by Brad Richter

From the small amount shown in that photo, more than just some cable needs replacement.

I agree with Brad. That installation looks wrong-o.

I believe the vinyl siding was installed around the existing meter box and service cable install which likely explains it's appearance.

Originally Posted by Nick Ostrowski

I believe the vinyl siding was installed around the existing meter box and service cable install which likely explains it's appearance.

Interesting. Around here, the service entrance conductors are in a conduit inside the walls until they exit through the service mast on the roof. Underground cables are in a conduit the whole way.