Talked with Helene at SCL.
206 XXX 6050.
The conversation with Helene revealed this for 1403 Dexter...
1. Their records show both the normal one phase (240v box and inside meter) AND a three phase service to 1403 Dexter.
2. The SCL records show 2000 KWH / year average rate on the two phase and no activity on the three phase, which is GOOD.
3. Here’s what they say about the screwball voltages.
There is a 480 transformer and service right across the street, and the 120 three phase service for the winery comes off that mongo transformer. They deliver the WYE to the sealed box above the switch bank. Helene's guess is that the wiring inside the sealed box is not correct. She said that if the incoming three phase service is not properly terminated at the customer location the voltages seen on voltmeters can vary widely and don’t really tell you much other than that the stuff isn’t connected properly.
Here’s the take…
• From SCL’s point of view this is the customer’s property and the customer’s responsibility… It’s OK leaving the pole.
• The small seals on the upper box are just to discourage meter tampering or electricity theft. The electrician can pop them.
• A good electrician who knows three phase should be able to go into that box, figure out what is what, and deliver proper three phase Y to the 3 phase panel. (And that’s clearly not happening now.)
• All this work is covered under the existing permits. (Small victory.)
The said that under their operating rules they can’t recommend electricians. That might be a reason to call your inside contacts at City Light to see if we can find a guy who is available and who knows one three phase wire from another.
There was NO suggestion or leverage point to work the, “Can’t you send somebody out to check it” angle. I think they need an electrician who knows what’s going on to pop the cover on the upper box and find Three Phase Wye.
