Hi during one of my inspection i found the service drop cable wire taped as seen in the picture. The home owner noted that it been like this for over 10 years with not problems. He noted that a master electrician did the work back then is this acceptable?
Typically the service drop is the POCO’s responsibility.
And, what they do is up to them.
It’s been like that for 10 years you say?
P.S. Don’t overlook the shingles.
What is wrong with it? Be specific.
According to the NEC tape is acceptable although as Larry stated the drop connection is typically outside of the purview of the NEC and up to the utility to decide. My local POCO often uses tape even on new installations. This is what they did recently on my own service. After a few days the tape was coming off so I ended up fixing it myself.
110.14(B) Splices.
Conductors shall be spliced or joined with splicing devices identified for the use or by brazing, welding, or soldering with a fusible metal or alloy. Soldered splices shall first be spliced or joined so as to be mechanically and electrically secure without solder and then be soldered. All splices and joints and the free ends of conductors shall be covered with an insulation equivalent to that of the conductors or with an identified insulating device. Wire connectors or splicing means installed on conductors for direct burial shall be listed for such use.
Was this your first ever inspection?
If it wasn’t taped then that would be an issue. Nothing wrong with the tape being there.
Morning, Joseph. Hope to find you well.
There are more experienced home inspectors with great wealth of knowledge of electrical systems than myself but I will chime in.
From what I can see, there does not appear to be a cable splice connector impression of a wedge or split clamp, split bolt, and compression connector used to securely attach the PoCo cables to the service drop cables under the tape.
You have any images from other angles?


