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How can I disguise my electric box in my yard?
Another way to hide utility boxes in your front yard, especially those huge electrical transformer boxes, is to add a corner fence and plant bushes and flowers around the fence.
Can you plant around electrical boxes?
These are called padmounted transformers and are a key part of the electrical system that delivers power to your home. They are only found in areas where electric service is buried underground. Planting shrubs or tress too close to these boxes creates a hazard for WH linemen. Never dig beside the transformer.
What can you plant around a power box?
Plant taller shrubs at the back of the planting area to conceal the electrical box, ensuring that plants don’t extend into the access area at full maturity. Avoid prickly shrubs such as holly and firethorn that could scratch utility workers when they access the box.
How do you hide unsightly utility boxes?
Here are some simple ideas for how you can disguise these unsightly outdoor eyesores quickly and easily. 1.) Go for a Garbage Can Shed. 2.) Conceal an AC Unit. 3.) Contain Clutter. 4.) Corral the Garden Hose. 5.) Mask Meters. 6.) Cover Up Unsightly Cement. 7.) Organize Garden Tools. 8.) Strategically Place Garden Decor.
What should I plant in front of a utility box?
Plants to Plant in Front of a Utility Box Shrubs. You can plant shrubs in groups and prune them to form a hedge or you can choose a single, larger shrub in free form to conceal the utility box. Dwarf Conifers. Climbing Vines. Ornamental Grasses.
What is the electrical box outside called?
This piece of equipment is known as the electrical panel, breaker box, fuse box, or service panel.
What are those green boxes on the street?
Just like power poles, these domes, also known as a green electrical box or pillar, help provide electricity by connecting homes to the grid. You’ll usually find them on front verges or in parks where there is underground power. Not all front verges will have a dome, as one power box can serve multiple properties.
How do you landscape around a transformer?
Use gravel, wood chips, grass or low ground cover around the transformer. Flowers are okay but may get trampled if we have to work on it. To maintain reliable service, we open the transformer and inspect it at least once a year.
How do you hide the outside of a transformer box?
By placing decorative elements in front of or beside the transformer, you can block it from view and help distract from its appearance. Consider placing a large boulder or other decorative rock in front of the transformer box. Add other smaller boulders and gravel to create a rock garden around the transformer.
Can you put a fence around an electrical box?
You can place fences near a padmount transformer as long as you meet minimum clearances. Remember to avoid blocking the front side. If a fence runs along that side, a gate that swings away from the transformer front must be installed, as shown above.
Can I paint my utility box?
You can paint the inner side of the box door, but do not paint anything else inside the box. Getting paint on fuses, housings or circuit breaker switches can be dangerous.
What should you not touch in a breaker box?
Tilt the cover away from the panel using both hands and set it aside. Be careful not to touch anything inside the panel. Because you shut off the main breaker, the individual branch circuit breakers and their wiring will not have power, but the power company cables and their terminals remain live—do not touch them.
Can you use plastic electrical boxes outside?
Plastic junction boxes cannot be used with metal conduit, which is required in various installations, such as outdoors or when wiring runs are exposed (not concealed inside wall or ceiling cavities).
Can an electrical panel be outside?
The main electric panel can be found in the basement, garage, and laundry room or outside your home. If power lines are placed above the ground in your area, the best way to locate an exterior electrical box is to look for the main service head on the roof of your home.
How close can you plant to a utility box?
It should be at least 3 feet tall to block the box. A: I can think of a few dwarf evergreens that would fit the bill, but the problem is you’re not supposed to plant anything close to those boxes in case the utility companies need to get into them.
Are pad mounted transformers safe?
These transformers are not protected in the way overhead lines and substations are. Though they may appear safe to use as workbenches and climbing obstacles, electrical equipment can still pose a risk to anyone who may come in contact with it. Members should always use caution and keep a safe distance.
What color gray are electrical boxes?
usa standard panel color is a light gray for enclosures, junction boxes, and power distribution panels, and nost indoor enclosures for transformers is also same color. I have seen where some customers want osha blue color for electrical enclosures.
Can you paint green electrical boxes?
No. Any kind of painting directly onto the surface of a transformer box is not allowed and would be considered vandalism. Also, as a regulated electric transformer, SMUD must follow strict federal, state and local guidelines related to its transformer boxes and other facilities.
Can I paint the green electrical box in my yard?
Do you have a metal, box-shaped transformer near your yard? While it may be tempting to paint it to match your home or to enhance it with artistic flair, do not decorate, paint or landscape near the box, called a padmount transformer or pad-mounted transformer.
