Power Pole Disconnect

twodogsfab

I have a farm with the utilities power coming in overhead to a pole and a meter. After the meter, the power, consisting of two hots and a neutral, goes into a distribution box located on the power pole, where it splits and feeds two main panels in the house (two separate s.e. cables from the distribution box) . The distribution box also feeds three separate outbuildings (all buildings are around 100' from the pole in all directions). All s.e. cables consist of two hots and a neutral (no ground) and all buildings are bonded to ground rods and the panels have the neutral and grounds connected together. I would like to have someway of shutting off the power to the whole farm at the pole, for safety's sake. Is there a way to do this?

480sparky

Yep. Call an electrician.

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Magnettica

Hope for a blackout?

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woodchuck2

You should be able to install a dis-connect between the meter socket and the distribution box. The dis-connect will need to be grounded also. Like said above call someone who will have knowledge of your local codes and can better assist you with this installation.

Static Design

Pull the meter.

twodogsfab

Thanks Woodchuck2. Even if a job is above my paygrade, I still like to know what to expect or what's involved. Knowledge is power.....

ampman

wiring is no hobby call an electrician

twodogsfab

Neither is construction, auto repair, or roofing but if you inform yourself on any subject versus taking it on as a 'hobby', it can be done safely. I would hope that all that have replied to my post so strongly, that you all hire out everything at your houses, short of making toast.... lest you be considered hypocrites.

ticktock

The tendency for "sudden death" in the situation you described makes one with the knowledge less likely to provide it. Consider it a complement when no one wants to see you get killed.

Magnettica

Especially for something like main disconnects. Just the way you described what you were doing through me for a loop. We have our own little 'lectrician language you know.

I've been meaning to post this article from this months EC&M Magazine. This is the perfect place for it too.

http://ecmweb.com/grounding/plumber_...nnection_0301/

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naptown CR

take the advice from the pros. you will probably not be able to install one disconnect unless you provide a distrbution panel at the meter location. then all your other panels will become sub panels and all that lovely type se cable will have to be replaced with Ser cable. Call an electrician you are in over your head

ampman

what you are talking about doing is not something that should be done by a H.O./handyman its not like hanging a fan or changing a rec.you will be miles ahead by calling an electrician.

mdshunk

Yes, but it rightfully should be done by an electrician. The RONK pole top switch is what's used on 90% of farms for that purpose. It is installed on the pole top of the CD pole, but is operable from the base of the pole.

480sparky

Right. I can get killed real easy if I can't replace the starter in my car and it won't start. A dripping roof is absolutely deadly, soo.

OTOH, I can work on my own brakes, and then go out and kill myself in an accident when I fail to fix my brakes properly. I can also kill myself falling off a roof.

There are three kinds of electricians in the world: Good, lucky and dead.

__________________
Site : the area or exact plot of ground on which anything is, has been, or is to be located.
Sight : The power or faculty of seeing; perception of objects by use of the eyes; vision.
Cite : To mention in support, proof, or confirmation; refer to as an example.

Magnettica

There are three kinds of electricians in the world: Good, lucky and dead.

Can I use that quote on the back door of my van?

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480sparky

For a small fee, of course!

__________________
Site : the area or exact plot of ground on which anything is, has been, or is to be located.
Sight : The power or faculty of seeing; perception of objects by use of the eyes; vision.
Cite : To mention in support, proof, or confirmation; refer to as an example.

mdshunk

A roofer friend of mine has "You are following a professional" on the back doors of his trailers. The side doors of his trucks proclaims "Owned by a proud American". You get the picture.

Magnettica

I can definitely see doing something like that on my van. I definitely want "smoke detectors save lives" on there some place. I'm actually trying to come up with a logo for my company right now, that's what Zeus in my avatar is all about. I had an old bootleg copy of photoshop on my old computer but it won't run on this new one and the last thing I need to do is spend $700 on Photoshop right now. I am broke.

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480sparky

So am I. Hence, the 'small' fee.

__________________
Site : the area or exact plot of ground on which anything is, has been, or is to be located.
Sight : The power or faculty of seeing; perception of objects by use of the eyes; vision.
Cite : To mention in support, proof, or confirmation; refer to as an example.

Magnettica

Lol

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