Received a letter from PSE&G?: This is what to do

What should you do if you get a letter in the mail from PSE&G about a critical electrical issue?

It can be hard to know what to do or really what it means. While it can be alarming, it’s essential to understand the content of the letter and know the steps you need to take to address the situation effectively.

First and foremost, read the letter carefully. Letters concerning major electrical issues often include crucial information about the nature of the problem, potential risks, and required actions.

You should then get in contact with an electrician to get the problem fixed. However, when you do, please remember that the electrical company did not send the letter and that they have no control over the assessment.

What Constitutes a Critical Electrical Issue?

A “critical” electrical issue refers to wear and tear or damage within the electrical system that poses an immediate risk to the home’s safety, health, or structural integrity. It often requires prompt attention and professional intervention to prevent further hazards.

Here’s a rundown of the most common critical electrical issues that PSE&G might send you a letter about:

1 – Frayed Service Entrance

The service entrance is where the utility company’s electrical power enters your home. It includes the wires, meter, and other components that connect your home to the external power grid. A frayed service entrance is dangerous for several reasons:

Risk of Electrocution: Exposed or damaged wires can lead to severe electrical shocks if touched or even if someone comes too close. The protective insulation may be worn away, exposing live wires.

Fire Hazard: Frayed wires can cause sparks, which may ignite nearby materials and lead to a fire. This is particularly dangerous as these wires are often outside and may go unnoticed until significant damage occurs.

Power Interruptions: Damaged service entrances can lead to inconsistent electrical supply, flickering lights and power outages. This can be especially disruptive and may damage appliances and electronics in your home.

If you identify a frayed service entrance in your home, taking immediate action to mitigate potential risks is crucial. Everyone in the household must know the hazard and avoid the damaged area. Avoid touching or attempting to repair the frayed wires yourself, as this could result in severe electrocution or further damage.

It’s also wise to turn off the main power supply to prevent any immediate fire risks or power surges. Once you have taken these initial precautions, the most important step is to hire a licensed electrician to inspect and repair the issue.

2 – Rusted Meter Pan

While a rusted meter pan might seem like an innocuous detail that can easily fly under the radar of a busy property owner, it’s a critical electrical issue that demands attention. The meter pan houses the electric meter, which measures the electricity consumption in the home. A well-maintained meter pan ensures the electric meter functions correctly and safely. However, rust will compromise the integrity of this component, leading to several safety and efficiency concerns.

For example, rust compromises the meter pan’s structural integrity, making it prone to breakage or deformation. This deterioration could result in poor electrical connections and potentially expose live wires.

Also, a rusted metal can disrupt the current flow, causing electrical arcing. Arcing produces high heat and sparks, which could ignite surrounding materials, posing a severe fire hazard.

A rusted meter pan often indicates the presence of moisture, which can lead to further corrosion and potentially short-circuit the electrical components housed within.

Handling a rusted meter pan requires immediate and careful action. First, avoid touching the meter pan or attempting DIY fixes, as interference with electrical components could injure you. Document the condition of the meter pan and call a licensed electrician to assess the situation.

The electrician will likely need to replace the rusted meter pan and inspect for additional damage. Regular maintenance and periodic inspections will prevent rust from becoming a critical issue

3 – Missing Duct Sealant on the Top of the Meter Pan

This is another overlooked issue that will cause critical electrical problems. The meter pan’s top must be adequately sealed to protect the wires and terminals from water, debris, and other contaminants.

A missing duct sealant leaves these components exposed, which could result in corrosion, short-circuiting, or even electrocution if touched.

The solution to this problem is straightforward: reseal the meter pan using a professional-grade duct sealant. This silicone-based sealant creates an environmental barrier that protects against moisture and dust while also providing insulation for the wires. Resealing your meter pan not only keeps your home safe but also ensures reliable electricity and prevents problems that can lead to costly repairs in the future.

If you’re unsure how to seal your meter pan properly, it’s best to call a licensed electrician. They have the expertise and tools to inspect, repair, and maintain any critical electrical issues in your home. It’s a rather straightforward task, but there’s no shame in seeking professional help, especially when it involves tinkering with electricity.

4 – Missing Weather Head

A weather head is a rounded cap atop the electrical service entrance designed to prevent water from running down the utility lines and into the meter or electrical panel. Missing or damaged weather heads may result from severe weather conditions like high snowstorms, high winds, and heavy rain, which may dislodge or wear down the cap. Likewise, improper installation or aging materials will contribute to the deterioration or loss of the weather head.

Failing to address a missing weather head can lead to several hazards:

• Water Ingress: Without the weather head, rainwater enters the electrical conduits, accumulating water near the meter or electrical panel. This increases the risk of short circuits and electrical arcing.
• Corrosion: Continuous exposure to moisture causes corrosion of electrical components, potentially leading to damage and increased repair costs.
• Electrical Fires: Water entering the electrical system causes sparks that may ignite surrounding materials.
• Electrocution: Water in electrical components heightens the risk of electrocution for anyone who comes into contact with the affected area.

If you notice that the weather head is missing or damaged, you should never attempt to inspect or repair it on your own. Electricity and water are dangerous, and mishandling can result in severe injury.

If it’s safe to do so, turn off the main power supply to prevent any immediate risks, like shocks or fire. Take photographs of the missing or damaged weather head for reference. This can be useful when explaining the problem to a professional or for insurance purposes.

Immediately get in touch with a qualified electrician to assess and resolve the issue. The electrician will either replace the damaged weather head or install a new one to secure the service entrance properly. Once the repair is complete, schedule regular inspections to ensure the weather head and other electrical components are always in good condition.

5 – Missing Service Entrance Straps

Service entrance straps secure the electrical conduit connecting the utility pole to your home’s electrical meter. These straps stabilize the conduit and prevent it from sagging or pulling on the electrical connections. Missing service entrance straps may arise from several factors, including natural wear and tear, severe weather conditions, or improper installation.

Without the support of these straps, the electrical conduit may become unstable, leading to sagging or bending. This instability ultimately strains the electrical connections, resulting in wear and possible disconnection over time.

An unsecured conduit increases the likelihood of electrical wires becoming exposed, which can be extremely hazardous. Exposed wires risk short circuits, electrical arcing, and even electrocution.

Did you know that the absence of straps makes the conduit more susceptible to damage from strong winds, storms, or heavy snow? This can further deteriorate the electrical system’s integrity, leading to water ingress and corrosion.

This critical electrical issue requires a licensed electrician’s presence because it involves working with live electricity. Don’t even consider attempting to inspect or repair any missing service entrance straps on your own. Instead, call a professional to assess and resolve the issue.

The electrician will securely secure the conduit using metal straps, tightening them against the structure’s surface. They may also inspect other electrical components for damage or wear, ensuring your home is safe from hazards caused by missing service entrance straps.

6 – Missing Insulation On Service Drop Bugs

A lot of homeowners are clueless about service drop bugs, much less their potential hazards. These “bugs” are insulators protecting service entrance wires from the utility pole to your home.

Missing insulation on service drop bugs is a common problem and can have serious consequences, including electrical fires and electrocution. Insulation prevents the electrical wires from coming into contact with each other or any external objects, including trees or buildings. When exposed wires come in contact with each other or foreign objects, it increases the risk of sparks and fire.

Moreover, missing insulation on service drop bugs exposes these components to environmental elements such as rainwater, snow, and debris, leading to corrosion. As a result, the wires become weak and may snap or cause electrical arcing.

If you notice any missing insulation on your service drop bugs, remember that fixing it is not your job. Call a licensed electrician to handle the problem immediately. The electrician will replace any damaged insulators and ensure all connections are secure. Schedule regular maintenance checks with a qualified electrician to prevent missing insulation on service drop bugs.

Final Thoughts on Receiving a Letter From PSE&G

Ignoring or delaying a response to such a letter from PSE&G can have consequences so you should call Gladiator Electric so they can assess the issue for you and determine what needs to be fixed.  Electrical issues can pose risks like fires, electrocution, and prolonged power outages so it’s best if you act quickly. By calling Gladiator Electric you help mitigate electrical risks and ensures your home remains safe and your service reliable.