Need some input on electrical issue

[ptgdigger]

I do some work for a small town government, one of the older traffic signals in town is having a momentary line power interruption problem, because it's older it doesn't self reset and will go to flash in all directions creating a snafu until someone gets over there to reset it. It is a very basic 60amp service using 3 - #6 copper conductors from the weatherhead thru the meter base ,thru the disconnect and into the control panel to 2 panel mount breakers and a neutral bar. Above the weatherhead the copper is bugged to the aluminum service drop and the drop is bugged again to the mains at the pole for a total of 6 bugs. The controller and all the lamps are 120v only, there are no 240v devices in this box.

For obvious reasons I suspect one or more bugs on the drop after 35 years of incompatible metals, rain and swaying in the breeze has developed a momentary connection problem, but before I send a service request to the power company I would like to try and narrow down the issue as much as possible, which brings me here to tap the knowledge , so my question is , can anyone give me some ideas of a simple device that I could attach to the output side of the meter base with some stout alligator clips and leave in place in the enclosure until it faults? Narrowing it down to the meter base or beyond would be very helpful.

My first thoughts were 2 cheap digital alarm clocks, one for each leg of 120v, once you set the time if it faults one or the other will be flashing, or if both it would indicate a neutral problem, hopefully someone will have a more elegant solution.


Thanks,
Ray

 

[gengine]

Wow that's creative! Sorry I can't help ya without being there to help you, but I had to stop in and compliment ya!

 

[ptgdigger]

Thanks, I work alone alot , so lotsa time to think this crazy stuff up :confused2:

 

[gengine]

I understand that. I've built two houses and a barn all by myself. You get to learn all sorts of creative ways to get things done. The only thing I can think of is to check all your bugs and anywhere the copper and aluminum meet to make sure things are good and tight. I wish you luck, and above all, be safe!

 

[LD1]

My first thoughts were 2 cheap digital alarm clocks, one for each leg of 120v, once you set the time if it faults one or the other will be flashing, or if both it would indicate a neutral problem, hopefully someone will have a more elegant solution.


Thanks,
Ray

I think thats a helluva good Idea:thumbsup: How often does it trip?? And dont forget....Take the battery out/dont put any in them alarm clocks:confused2:

 

[Misfire]

Why not just call the power company and tell them you have intermittent service on that drop? Mention the fact that it is causing a hazardous situation. That usually gets their attention.

 

[caver]

They make a Trip Trap
or make your own with a 110V relay. Wire it with a set of "seal-in" contacts and momentarily jumper those out to set the trap.
That digital clock suggestion is about as simple as it gets. :thumbsup:

 

[zzvyb6]

why not just run everything off of one leg? If it still goes on the blink (so to speak), that's the problem. If traffic control stays online, then its the other leg.

 

[JPCjr]

The power company should have a device called a "superbeast" or "megabeast". It connects to the meter socket and loads each leg independently. It will quickly indicate if there is a bad connection upstream of the meter socket.

 

[yelbike]

Wow. I like the clock radio idea. You can spend alot of money on a fluke or greenlee digital logging multimeter that will log any momentary power outages. How often does it happen? does happen in the wind? Power company shouldnt charge you anything for this job. Probably time for new crimps or split bolts, dont forget to use penetrox or similar product.