FPE in Likely Place

[Jim Katen]

These things are all over the French Quarter in New Orleans.

They seem to be electrical disconnects for the building, but they're mostly low, within a few feet of the ground. An unusual place for a disconnect box in a town that's predisposed to flooding. Most of them are painted shut and look like they haven't been opened in decades.

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[Marc]

French Quarter is on the banks of the Mississippi. It's high ground. Didn't flood during the Katrina deluge in 05'.

Marc

[Jim Katen]

French Quarter is on the banks of the Mississippi. It's high ground. Didn't flood during the Katrina deluge in 05'.

You're right, of course. The locals tell me that it's about 6' above the flood level.

Still seems odd to me. Do you have any idea why they're placed so low? It's just an awkward height.

[Marc]

No idea.

Marc

[kurt]

People were much shorter back then.

[AHI in AR]

Well, if you're crawling along drunk it's the perfect height...

[Jim Katen]

More pics of these things - the non-FPE versions.

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Also, nobody seems to care that I'm messing with their electrical boxes. One guy asked what I was doing. I told him that I was checking the service box. He said, "oh," and walked away.

[Nolan Kienitz]

And what the heck are you doing in New Orleans? I'm sure having a hurricane or two was/is on the agenda. [:-slaphap

[Jim Katen]

And what the heck are you doing in New Orleans? I'm sure having a hurricane or two was/is on the agenda. [:-slaphap

Supposedly vacationing. Wife has a conference to attend, so I'm tagging along to inspect the restaurants.

[John Kogel]

I get a kick out of the 'NoArk' label. 'Ya mean Noah never built that boat?' []

I think they are down low so street musicians can tap them for their amplifiers. []