Mike Dolt Enterprises
Mike Dolt Enterprises
User: sii, Location: Nebraska
Asked on: Wednesday, April 20, 2011 at 5:35 pm EDT
Answered on: Tuesday, May 14, 2024 at 4:27 am EDT
Question: Large metal building, mostly storage with a welding shop in one end. 208/120 3 phase 400A, fed by three transformers mounted on a "shelf" between two poles. This installation is, assuminhg it's original, 50-60 years olds.We had a windstorm here last week and the wires which are not triplex but individual conductors each tied to it's own insulator, got tangled and blew the HV fuses. These wires have been bare for the fifteen years I've worked here. I've tried several times to get the POCO to replace them to no avail. Their solution to this outage was to splice the two conductors that were obviously damaged and to put a wooden pole-type ground wire cover across all four lines, ATTACHED TO THE LINES WITH ELECTRICAL TAPE.I called the engineer, assumng this was a temporary fix and was told that the lineman's report stated that no further action was required. What can I do to make them address this issue further?
Steps to Address the Issue Further
1.
Contact the Power Company Again
Express your concerns about the safety and reliability of the current installation. Request a reassessment by a qualified engineer or technician. Explain that the electrical tape attachment of the ground wire cover is a temporary fix that does not meet industry standards.2.
Document the Problem
Take clear photos or videos of the damaged wires, splices, and electrical tape attachment. Note the date and time of the outage. Gather any other relevant documentation, such as work orders or inspection reports.3.
Contact Local Authorities
If the power company is unresponsive, consider contacting your local building inspector or fire marshal. Explain the safety concerns and request their assistance in investigating the issue.4.
File a Formal Complaint
If necessary, file a formal complaint with the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) or other regulatory agency. State your concerns clearly and provide evidence to support your claims. Request a formal investigation and resolution.5.
Contact Electrical Contractors
Reach out to licensed electrical contractors and request their assessment of the situation. Obtain quotes for a professional repair or replacement of the damaged wires and equipment. Present this information to the power company or regulatory agency to support your request for further action.6.
Seek Legal Advice
If all other options fail, consider seeking legal advice. An attorney can help you navigate the legal process and advocate for your interests.
Additional Tips
Be Persistent
Do not give up until the issue is resolved to your satisfaction.
Be Polite and Professional
Always maintain a respectful and cooperative attitude, even when expressing concerns.
Document All Communication
Keep a record of all phone calls, emails, and meetings related to this matter.
Consider Hiring an Expert: If necessary, hire an electrical engineer or other qualified expert to provide an independent assessment of the situation. Flag for review