Locate buried electric line?

[ultrarunner]

My gfi were probably from HD. Have them in all required locations, baths, kitchen, garage, shed, basement.

It was the outside ones that failed... and they were all in proper Bell Boxes.

 

[/pine]

Most are always used. Kitchen, basement garage, baths, shed. Most of these have load 24/7. The ones that dont get used much are outside.

Just curious...how often are they tested?...

 

[Diggin It]

Back in the old days (early 50s) using fingers was common. Guy I helped for awhile one winter had it down; one finger= 120V, 2 fingers same hand = 240V, 2 fingers same hand standing/kneeling on rubber pad= 480V. He could tell the voltage working down from 480 if it was unknown. He had calluses on his fingers 1/4" thick from twisting wires and pulling wire/cable. He warned "do not use both hands as it will go through your heart". I did not try it either, I already knew what it did to me. He was a crusty old guy in many ways. Learned a lot in the 4 months I worked with him, including bending 1" conduit by hand.

Ron

Reminds me of the radio guy 'Nitro' in 'Down Periscope':

 

[coobie]

Take 2 welding rods or similar wires. bend them 3 inch from one end hold one in each hand like a water witcher search for the wires

Now thats funny.Being a retired electric lineman I can tell you no way in h-ll this will work.

 

[mbohuntr]

Now thats funny.Being a retired electric lineman I can tell you no way in h-ll this will work.

Have you ever watched, then tried witching a well? I believed before I tried it, then the fella handed it to me, and put his hand on my shoulder... it yanked the branch down like someone was pulling it.

 

[coobie]

Have you ever watched, then tried witching a well? I believed before I tried it, then the fella handed it to me, and put his hand on my shoulder... it yanked the branch down like someone was pulling it.

Every done electric line work,overhead distribution,transmission,fault locating or underground ? I did for 39 years, and can tell you I NEVER seen any one locate a underground fault using witching sticks.You need the proper fault locating equipment to locate a electric fault.

 

[LouNY]

Witching dowsing whatever you call does work for some people,
I've seen people find electrical lines, plastic pipe and water,
I can't do it, one of my brothers can.

 

[coobie]

Witching dowsing whatever you call does work for some people,
I've seen people find electrical lines, plastic pipe and water,
I can't do it, one of my brothers can.

They may find electric lines and such BUT I have NEVER seen anyone find a electric line "FAULT " by witching.

 

[ChiefBodie]

It was the outside ones that failed... and they were all in proper Bell Boxes.

Outdoor Bell Boxes are not 100% reliable against weather. And the standards about them (mostly covers) have changed over the years.

 

[Diggin It]

Outdoor Bell Boxes are not 100% reliable against weather. And the standards about them (mostly covers) have changed over the years.

When I use one where it will be exposed to the weather directly, I add a piece of weatherproof sealing tape over the top and side seams between the box and cover. 'In Use' covers are still the weak point though and do not fully prevent moisture such as wind driven rain or snow, dew, frost, etc.

I had read some previous information that GFCIs expire over time and should be replaced the same as smoke detectors and surge suppressors. I've searched since this thread appeared and can't find any definitive statement either way now.