Commercial Service Requirements
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Section B - Temporary Services
Temporary Services
Where poles with transformers are adjacent to or near your project, you
should request temporary overhead service (see Figure B-1). If the
electrical facilities in your area are underground, you will need to install a
temporary underground meter pedestal to obtain temporary power. If there is
power in your area but the power lines are not visible, it is likely to be
underground. Refer to SECTION C for more information on underground service.
The process and cost of obtaining your temporary overhead service can vary
depending upon the location of our existing facilities. The least complicated
and cheapest way a service can be installed is if a transformer is located on a
pole on or along your property.
If you are in an overhead area, but will have a permanent underground meter
base and you want to install the conduit and trench now, refer to SECTION C.
In this case your temporary underground meter base must be installed within two
feet of the service hand-hole.
If you are in an underground area, you must have an underground temporary
service (see Figures B-3 and B-4).
Other installations are more complicated. All installations are reviewed by
Central Lincoln. Please speak with one of our engineering technicians if you
have any questions.
There is a processing fee to connect a temporary service. If any
engineering is required, additional costs may be incurred.
Overhead Meter Location
Your temporary meter post should be located on your property. Install the
meter post as close as 6’ (preferred) to the Central Lincoln pole, but no
more than 100’ from the pole that will serve you. The reason for this limitation
is ensuring that your temporary service pole can withstand the weight of the
conductor. If a distance greater than 100’ is required, please contact your
local service office and ask an engineering technician for approval prior to
construction. A taller, stouter post with additional bracing could be required.
In addition to the distance limitation mentioned above, please consider the
following:
The path that the service will take should not cross property belonging to
other individuals.
If the service line will pass through trees or brush, a path must be
cleared and maintained to allow our service personnel to access the line. A
minimum clearance of 36" must be maintained between the service wire and all
trees or limbs at all times. Maintaining this clear path is your
responsibility.
The service line path should avoid areas where vehicular traffic will
occur, unless your temporary post height is increased to provide adequate
clearance. See SECTION E for service line clearance requirements.
Meters should face the road or driveway to facilitate drive-by readings.
If you have any questions, please contact us.
Overhead Clearance Requirements
The National Electrical Code (NEC) and the National Electrical Safety Code (NESC)
have established minimum clearance requirements to maintain safe height distance
for electrical conductors over various terrain.
The NEC and NESC require the lowest point of a service conductor to be at
least 12 feet 6 inches above the ground. The bottom of the drip loop must be a
minimum of 10 feet 6 inches above the ground (see Figure B-2). NOTE:
Clearance over any driveway must be at least 18 feet, and 22 feet over
roadways..
It is not your responsibility to provide and install the conductor, but you
are required to provide a point of attachment at your service post that will
allow Central Lincoln to meet the clearance requirements.
If you need further detail, please consult the current issue of the NEC or
contact the local electrical inspection agency (see SECTION A).
Overhead Service Installation
The following items must be completed before we can energize your service:
Contact a Central Lincoln representative and request a temporary service.
The engineer will call for an appointment at the site.
Obtain an electrical work permit from the electric inspection agency (see
SECTION A).
Install a meter post and meter base.
Obtain an electrical inspection ("green tag").
After these items are completed, call our service office. Inform our
representative that your installation has been inspected and passed, and state
that you’re ready for temporary service.
Figure B-2 is a drawing of the standard temporary overhead service
installation recommended by Central Lincoln. The specifications given are the
minimum acceptable.
Items owned & installed by the customer (Figure B-2)
1. A 6" x 6" x 16’ minimum, continuous, single structure, pressure
treated, firmly set and drilled with an 11/16" hole 6" below top of pole in
line with service drop.
2. Meter base with ground wire from the meter base to service neutral
and an electrical permit ("green tag") attached.
3. Ground wire (per NEC) with ground wire connected to the meter base
or switchbox lug and grounded to ground rod with approved cast clamp.
4. Ground rod (per NEC) 8’ long.
5. Service entrance conductors (18" out of weatherhead for connection
drops).
6. Switch Box with polarized receptacle for 240 V., 1 phase motors with
grounding terminal. It must be a receptacle with grounding terminal that is
connected to an approved grounding electrode (service conductor is not
approved grounding).
Items owned & installed by Central Lincoln
(Figure B-2)
7. Meter.
8. Service Line.
9. Insulated clevis. (Minimum attachment height of 12’ 6" may
increase to meet clearance requirements above roads, driveways, etc. Consult
your Central Lincoln engineer.)
Underground Meter Base Location
The following items are required to properly locate your meter pedestal:
Set the meter pedestal on your property.
Install the meter pedestal at the Central Lincoln approved meter location.
You will need confirmation from a Central Lincoln engineering technician.
Face meter base to vehicular traffic.
Underground Service Installation
The following items must be completed prior to energizing your service:
Contact a Central Lincoln representative and request a temporary service.
An engineer will call you to arrange an appointment at the site.
Obtain an electrical work permit from the inspection agency (see SECTION
A).
Obtain underground locates (1-800-332-2344).
Install a meter post and meter base in the appropriate location.
Provide the appropriately sized conductor from your meter base to Central
Lincoln’s connection point. Please leave 5 feet of extra wire at a hand-hole
or locator pin, and 10 feet at a transformer pad. Consult the NEC for the
appropriate wire sizes.
Obtain a "green tag".
Cover your wire except where our personnel will be installing and
connecting your wire to ours.
After these items are completed, call our service office and inform a
representative that your installation has been inspected.
Underground Meter Base Requirements
It is your responsibility to provide a buried cable from your meter base to
our transformer or hand-hole.
The requirements to connect to an overhead converted to underground meter
pedestal are shown in Figure B-3. The cable you install should be sized per the
NEC and should have a minimum cover of 24".
If our connection point is a hand-hole or transformer, trench to our
nearest service location and leave your wires exposed. If you discover any
other conductors while digging your trench, please leave them covered.
Remember, do not install conduit or elbows inside the transformer or
transformer substructure without Central Lincoln direct supervision and
assistance.
REMINDER: You are required to call the "One Call" system (1-800-332-2344)
and request buried utility locations at least 2 business days before digging.
Any trenching within 24" of existing underground facilities must be done by
hand.
Figure B-4 illustrates an underground temporary meter pedestal installation.
Please note the dimensions shown. Deviations from these recommended standards
could result in a delay in receiving your service and/or your service being
denied. Please contact us if you have any questions.
Items owned & installed by the customer
(Figs. B-3, B-4)
1. A 6" x 6", continuous, single structure, firmly set.
2. Meter base with ground wire from the meter base to service neutral
and an electrical permit ("green tag").
3. Ground wire (per NEC) with ground wire connected to the meter base
or switchbox lug and grounded to ground rod with approved cast clamp.
4. Ground rod (per NEC) 8’ long.
5. Service wire - enough to reach the base of the Central Lincoln
ground structure, plus 5’ of wire to make connections.
6. Switch Box with polarized receptacle for 240 V., 1-phase motors,
with grounding terminal. It must be a receptacle with grounding terminal
that is connected to an approved grounding electrode (service conductor is
not approved grounding).
Items owned & installed by Central Lincoln
(Figs. B-3, B-4))
7. Meter
8. Service Line
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