Service Connector Issues and Concerns

In the second installment focusing on electric service issues home inspectors encounter, we examine service connectors—the connection point between a utility's service drop wire and a homeowner's service entrance conductor. Any issues found with service connectors should be examined and repaired by the local utility company.

1. Deteriorating Tape on Older Installations

The most frequently observed issue involves older installations. Earlier service connectors utilized exposed metal crimp connectors that were covered with tape to prevent contact. Depending upon the type of tape used, it would either unwrap or deteriorate over time.

The older fabric-based tape would deteriorate when exposed to sunlight, while newer plastic tapes sometimes lose adhesion and slowly unwrap, creating potential safety hazards. Exposed connectors present a shock concern to roofers or other people working around them. Also, if the connector contacts a gutter, other wires, or metal pipe, it can energize them, creating an unseen shock hazard.

2. Exposed Conductors

During connector installation, insulation must be stripped from both the service drop wire and service entrance conductors. In some cases, excessive insulation was removed, leaving conductors exposed after installation. While these exposed conductors were often taped to prevent contact, the protective tape can deteriorate over time, exposing live conductors. In other instances, conductors were left completely exposed without any protective covering and, like exposed connectors, present a shock hazard.

3. Polaris Connector Issues

Polaris wire connectors have occasionally been found with blistered plastic covers, which may indicate overheating due to insufficient tightening or thermal damage to the threading in the connection. This condition suggests a loose connection that requires immediate attention from the utility company.

4. Temporary Connections

When the utility company has not yet performed the final connection but the homeowner requires service, contractors or electricians may install temporary connectors. These temporary connections typically consist of large blue wire nuts. Upon discovery, the utility company should be notified immediately to inspect and complete the permanent service connection.

While these temporary connections may function for years, the plastic connectors eventually deteriorate. Failure of a deteriorated temporary connector poses a serious electrical hazard requiring immediate utility company repair.

5. Damaged Connectors

Aluminum split bolts—a solid metal bolt with a slot in the middle for wires, and a nut that tightens to keep them in place—can oxidize and weaken over time. Old split bolt connections have been observed to fail catastrophically, leaving conductors disconnected mid-air. When found, utility companies will often install compression sleeves—a connector that crimps to the ends of both wires—which provide more reliable connections.

6. Signs of Overheating

Dark stains, blistered insulation, disfigured metal, or other visible signs of overheating on conductors at the service connectors may indicate serious problems. Whenever these conditions are observed, the system should be immediately examined by both a qualified electrician and the local utility company for proper repair.

Conclusion

Service connector issues represent a serious electrical problem home inspectors may encounter, as they lack overcurrent protection—typically called a breaker or fuse—and present a shock or fire hazard. The variety of problems from deteriorating tape and exposed conductors to overheating connections and temporary installations underscores the importance of thorough visual inspection of service entry points.

Since all service connector repairs fall under utility company jurisdiction, any safety concerns should be immediately reported to the local utility company for repair. Regular inspection of these critical connection points ensures continued safe electrical service delivery to the home.

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Glossary

Overcurrent Protection:

Devices such as fuses or circuit breakers that protect the electrical system from overcurrent or overload of the rated system. Overloads, often called faults or short circuits, can damage the system and cause fires or system failure.

Service Connectors:

The connectors between a service drop and service entrance conductors.

Also known as service delivery point connectors, service entrance connectors

Service Drop:

The overhead conductor connecting a pole and a terminal on a house. It typically contains three individual wires twisted around each other. There are two insulated "hot" or "phase" conductors and one bare (uninsulated) neutral wire. The two insulated wires carry the 120V (or 240V when connected together) alternating current. The neutral wire provides a return path for current and also offers structural support for the cable; it's grounded at the transformer and electric meter.

Also known as a service wire

Service Entrance Conductors:

The wires between the service connectors and meter, typically passing through the weatherhead and service mast.

Service Point:

The point where the utility company service drop conductors connect with the customer's service entrance conductors.

Also known as service delivery point, service connection point

Weatherhead:

A curved piece of metal at the top of the service mast that prevents water entry and protects service wires as they enter a house.

Also known as service head, weather cap, or service entrance cap