What should be done if service conductors are exposed to harsh environmental conditions?

When service conductors are exposed to harsh environmental conditions, it is essential to protect them adequately to ensure their longevity and functionality. Installing them with weather-resistant materials is crucial because these materials are specifically designed to withstand elements such as moisture, temperature fluctuations, UV radiation, and other environmental stressors.

Using weather-resistant materials minimizes the risk of damage, corrosion, or failure, which can lead to safety hazards such as electrical shorts or outages. The National Electrical Code emphasizes the importance of safeguarding electrical installations, especially in challenging environments, to maintain safety and reliability.

Leaving the conductors as they are would not provide necessary protection, potentially leading to premature failure. Abandoning the conductors is not a practical or advisable solution, as it fails to address the exposed condition. Relocating them indoors may not always be feasible or necessary, depending on the situation and the infrastructure in place. Thus, the most effective and code-compliant solution is to install the conductors with weather-resistant materials.