best way to cut power to a structure

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Permalink Reply by Dottie Garrett on May 4, 2009 at 6:01pm

Are you talking high rise or single story?

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Permalink Reply by Capt. Mick on May 4, 2009 at 6:04pm

Pull the meter

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Permalink Reply by PFC Harmon on May 4, 2009 at 6:13pm

Pull the meter, but we always wait for the power company.

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Permalink Reply by BIG'UN on May 4, 2009 at 6:20pm

pull the meter

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Permalink Reply by Abe Winter on May 4, 2009 at 6:20pm

I am talking about single thru three story residential.......I also thought pulling the meatier would be the best option although I have been told that it may not cut the power inside the structure (I don't understand how it couldn't though)

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Permalink Reply by Matt Crawford on May 4, 2009 at 8:34pm

pull the meter. it will cut the power to the structure.

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Permalink Reply by kenny goines on May 4, 2009 at 8:47pm

NO ONE can pull the meter safely except the power company, yes I said it . Wait for the professional, they dont put out our fires, we should not touch thier meters or wires!

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Permalink Reply by rfdjumper on May 4, 2009 at 8:55pm

I guess you've never been shocked in a building fighting a fire. If you have the proper safety gear, which is tested as per the manufacturer, at required intervals, and you've been properly trained, I say pull the meter.

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Permalink Reply by kenny goines on May 4, 2009 at 9:03pm

Actualy it is illegal in my state to touch any of thier aquipment. I dont know your department, but I would almost bet that the equipment is not tested to thier specs as often as it should be. Also on many structures, pulling the meter will not kill the power to the whole building, do some research youmay be surprised. There is absolutely no way a firefighter can maintain enough training to stay safe. I am sorry if you dont agree, but this is my opinion. If it works for you, do it, but please try to stay safe. Last thing we need are more needless LODD's.

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Permalink Reply by rfdjumper on May 4, 2009 at 9:14pm

Actually the equipment, especially the gloves are tested to the power companies specs because they were given to us by them, and a member works for them and ensures that all equipment is tested and or replaced as per specs. You are correct that pulling a meter will not kill the power to every building but to a Northeast tract house with overhead wires, odds are the power will go out unless they have a backup generator. I respect your opinion, and with all aspects of firefighting, if a member is not trained or doesn't feel comfortable I say don't do it. Getting shocked in a building still sucks.
Stay Low, Stay Safe.

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Permalink Reply by Brian "Moose" Jones on May 5, 2009 at 6:50am

You should wait for the power company to cut the wire at the pole...its the ONLY way to guarantee that the power is completely off.
Ever hear of the phenomena called "False Neutral"? When a neutral wire is in contact with another wire it allows for the continued circuit to happen even when the meter is pulled? It happens all the time, especially with weekend warriors. When they nail or screw something to a wall stud and the wires are there the nail could go through the insulation and make a "False Neutral" situation happen. The nail continues the circuit and the power continues to circulate even though the meter is pulled.
Or someone could have Jerry rigged the meter to fool the power company and get charged for half the electricity they are actually using by placing copper pipe or anything that completes the circuit into the meter box.

Its dangerous to play cowboy with something you are not trained in...How would you feel if you arrived on scene of a fire and the Lineman from the local electric company is venting the roof prior to any charged hose line in place? Or taking out windows on a windy day spreading the fire through the house? What would you tell him? Let the Professionals Handle it? Just a thought...

Use caution and common sense, approach all fires with safety in mind and let the trained people pull the meter. SOme departments have adapted over the years and grew tired of waiting for the power company to arrive and have started to pull the meter as a means of necessity...is it right? No, but thats their prerogative and does not make it SOP for everyone else. Hell, we can wait up to 45 minutes to an HOUR for our local power company to arrive so we adapted...but we dont pull the meter, not even our members who are electricians in their career jobs go near them without the proper tools.

Stay Safe everyone.

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Permalink Reply by Jeff Wright on May 4, 2009 at 9:15pm

We always try to shut the main breaker off in the electric panel. Our electric company wouldn't like us not to remove the meter. They will come out and give a class, but they do advise not to pull the meter. I agree with some of the other post " Leave pulling the meter to the electric man". I for one would not like 240 volts making it way thought my body and going to ground.. OUCH !!!

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