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Foreword
T
his illustrated Handbook for Electric Service service is needed while a residence is being
clearly defines everyones responsibilities constructed, see Temporary Service on page 1.
for installing new Basic, Large Basic and For information on a Basic Service, turn to
Temporary electric service, and the upgrade or page 5.
relocation of an existing service. This handbook
was developed to ensure reliable and adequate For information regarding the installation of
service to you, the member, and to improve permanent service for multifamily and
communication and coordination between nonresidential services such as commercial
members, contractors, architects, engineers, civic buildings, condominium complexes, apartment
planning groups and the Cooperative. These buildings, and mobile home parks, see Large
guidelines cover the most common situations. Basic Service on page 16.
There may be cases when additional and/or
different requirements are needed. Following To get answers to general billing or technical ques-
these guidelines will eliminate extra phone calls tions and company information, call the Cooperative
and visits to the job site, saving money for Member Call Center at 1-800-698-2007.
electricians, property owners, developers, and
the New Hampshire Electric Cooperative. Be sure to review the entire handbook to ensure
you have covered all areas of your service
Details on each type of new service are provided requirements.
in this handbook. For details, simply turn to the
Section that describes your situation. If temporary
Important Information
Wiring intended for connection to the dards and regulations of the National Electrical
Cooperative system must be in accordance with Code or with any state or municipal law, rule or
all applicable local ordinances, State guidelines ordinance now in force or hereafter enacted.
and/or Federal requirements such as the
National Electrical Code (NEC). It is also strong- Also note that services for fire pump equipment
ly recommended that you use a licensed electri- are not covered in this manual and must be coor-
cian whenever dealing with electricity for any dinated with NHEC engineering staff on a case
reason. No requirement in the handbook is by case basis.
intended to supersede or conflict with the stan-
i
C o n t e n t s I m p o r t a n t
P h o n e
Temporary Service 1 N u m b e r s:
Overhead Service 2
Underground Service 3
General Information
Basic Service 5 1-800-698-2007
Requesting Service 6
Overhead Service 8 New Service/Upgrade of Service Information
1-800-698-2007
Underground Service 12
Meter Requirements 14 Outage Center
200 Amp Service 15 1-800-343-6432
Meredith Office Ossipee Office Plymouth Office Raymond Office Sunapee Office
*District serving area depends on pole location. If you have further questions concerning your ser-
vice territory, please call the Cooperative at 1-800-698-2007.
iii
New Service Policies
Check Sheet
N
ew Hampshire Electric Cooperative, Inc.
What the member should establish before strives to render dependable electric
contacting the NHEC: delivery service in accordance with the
Tariff for Delivery Service, Transition/Default
o A foundation in place. Power Service and Services to Competitive
Suppliers. Application for delivery of electric
Information NHEC will require: service may be made by visiting or calling our
main business office at 1-800-698-2007.
o Application (page 27).
o Load data or service entrance size Whether or not a signed application for service
(page 28). is made by the member and accepted by NHEC,
o Commitment to either an overhead or the rendering of the service by NHEC and its use
underground service. by the member shall be deemed a contract
o Date service is needed. between the parties and subject to provisions of
o A location for the temporary service the Tariff.
(subject to NHEC approval).
o
NHEC reserves the right to reject any applica-
A location for the permanent service
tion for service made by, or for the benefit of a
(subject to NHEC approval).
o
former member who is indebted to NHEC for
Easement info (book and page # of
delivery of electric service previously furnished to
deed, tax lot #, bordering lot owner-
them. NHEC reserves the right to reject any
ship with applicable tax lot #s). application for service if the amount or nature of
the service, or the distance of the premises to be
Check these items before calling for a served from an existing suitable line, or the diffi-
construction date: culty of access thereto is such that the estimated
income from the service applied for is insufficient
o Have you provided the Cooperative to yield a reasonable return to NHEC, unless such
with all the necessary documentation application is accompanied by cash payment.
such as an easement and application?
o If you signed an easement, did you The applicant for service will provide, without
use black ink and have it notarized? expense or cost to NHEC, the necessary permits,
o Have you made all necessary prepay- consents, or easements for a satisfactory right of
ments? way for the erection, maintenance and operation
o Have you (or your electrician) set the of a line, including the right to cut and trim trees
service up as the applicable NHEC and bushes wherever necessary along private
property.
specification in this handbook shows?
o Is the service located as you and our
The installation of a new service is a joint effort
Field Representative discussed?
between the owner, the contractor, and NHEC.
Please understand that you will be billed if, This handbook is provided to you, the member, to
upon your request for a service connection, help you become aware of our policies and
an NHEC line-crew makes a visit to the job practices. This should ensure a timely and cost-
site and is unable to make a connection or effective installation.
finds the entrance does not meet NHEC specs.
iv
Temporary Service
Introduction in Figure 1 on page 6, the area is served
overhead, and the temporary service will typically
be overhead. If the area is served underground,
his Section provides information for installing items such as those shown in Figures 2, 3 and 4
T a new temporary service. on page 6 should be visible. In this case, the
temporary service will be underground.
Temporary service is defined as a means of
supplying electricity to a site for less than 12 If none of these items (Figures 1 through 3)
months. Usually a temporary service is installed shown on page 6 exist in the area, or for service
to provide power during the construction phase other than 120/240 volts, 100-400 amps, single
of a project, while provisions are being made for phase, or for answers to questions, call the
permanent power. Cooperative at 1-800-698-2007.
2
Service installation Meter location
The following items must be completed by the Locate the meter pedestal on the property
member before the Cooperative can energize no more than 5 feet from the transformer, stubup,
service: or handhole.
Contact a Cooperative representative
to request a temporary service. If a distance greater than 5 feet is necessary,
Obtain an electrical work permit from contact the Cooperative Representative for
the inspecting agency. approval prior to construction.
Install temporary service structure and
equipment to Cooperative Specifications. Temporary service installation
Obtain an electrical inspection. The following items must be completed prior to
energizing the service:
After these items are completed, call the Contact the Cooperative and request
Cooperatives Engineering Department to a temporary service.
announce that the installation has been inspected Obtain an electrical work permit from
and is ready for temporary service. the inspecting agency.
Locate underground service (call Dig Safe).
Spec. TS-1 on page 33, illustrates the Install the meter pedestal and meter
recommended temporary overhead service socket in the appropriate location.
installation. The specifications shown are the Provide the appropriately sized
minimum acceptable. conductor from the meter socket to the
Cooperatives connection point. Leave
Do not deviate from the installation standards 5 feet of extra wire at a stubup or
without approval from the Cooperative. handhole, and 10 feet out of conduit
at the transformer vault. Consult the
NEC for the appropriate wire sizes.
Obtain an electrical inspection where
Temporary Underground required by the local authority.
Cover wire leading to the connection
Service point, except where Cooperative
personnel will be splicing their wire to the
Temporary underground service is available members.
where the existing power facilities are installed Call the Cooperative to announce that
underground. If there is power in the area, but the installation has been inspected and is
the power lines are not visible, the power system ready for temporary service.
is likely to be installed underground.
Trenching requirements
The process and cost of obtaining temporary It is the members responsibility to provide
underground service varies, depending on the a buried cable from the meter base to the
location of existing power facilities. After a field Cooperatives transformer or handhole.
meeting with the Co-op Field Representative, The cable and conduit installed by the member
install the meter socket, service pedestal and should be sized per the NEC and have a
service wire (see Specs. UTS-1, page 41 and minimum cover of 36 inches.
UTS-2, page 42), obtain an inspection, and call
the Cooperative to connect service. If the connection point is a handhole or trans-
former, the member trenches to the nearest side
For help with questions about Cooperative and leaves the wires exposed. If any other con-
facilities at the job site, contact the Cooperatives ductors are discovered while digging, leave them
Engineering Department. covered. If further trenching is required,
Cooperative personnel will complete it.
The cost for temporary service depends on the
extent of special engineering required.
3
Remember to call Dig Safe at 1-888-344-7233 Specs. UTS-1 and UTS-2, on pages 41 and 42,
and request buried cable locations 72 hours illustrate the recommended temporary
before digging. Any trenching within 24 inches underground service. Note the dimensions
of existing underground facilities must be done shown. Deviations from this recommended
by hand. standard can result in a delay in receiving
service, or in service being denied. Contact the
Cooperative for answers to any questions.
3
thoroughly, including the service specifica- and is unable to make the connection.
tions. Reviewing this important information Please review the following checklist
before calling us for connection will avoid and ensure you have completed all
unnecessary delays and/or billing. An unsuc- applicable steps before calling us for
cessful visit to connect the service uses valu- your service connection:
able time and resources. Please understand
oI
documentation such as an easement and application?
oH
have it notarized?
oH
ave you made all necessary up-front payments?
oI
applicable NHEC specification in this handbook shows?
4
Basic Service
Introduction
his Section provides information regarding a
T new electric Basic Service for a single phase
service less than or equal to 400 amps, and a
three phase service less than 50kW. It also
includes helpful information from the National
Electrical Code (NEC). The Cooperative Setting up a new service
Specifications for Electric Service are included at To set up a new service, call the Cooperative at
the back of the handbook. 1-800-698-2007. A representative will request
general billing information, discuss fees, and the
This Section answers common questions, such as: address for the new service. (New addresses are
Where should the meter socket be obtained from the United States Postal Service).
installed? An on-site meeting with a Cooperative Field
How tall does the service mast have to Representative can be scheduled once this
be? information is obtained and the necessary fees
What are the size requirements for the are paid.
meter socket?
What does the member have to do to Please bear in mind that because the
get underground service? Cooperative has a limited workforce, and a
How does the member install a meter demanding workload, meeting with a Field
socket? Representative to design your service can take
How are existing underground utilities two weeks or longer and then scheduling the
located before digging starts? construction could add additional time. Please
contact NHEC for electrical service as soon as
Getting started your building plans are finalized and have been
Installing new electrical service to a home is a approved by the local authorities.
joint project between you (the member) and the
Cooperative. Please contact the phone company covering your
area for service at the same time you request
The Cooperative is responsible for installing the electrical service.
service lines to bring power to the building, and
for installing a meter in the meter socket. Overhead or underground
service
The member is responsible for: Two types of electrical service are available
Setting up the temporary service if one overhead and underground. Underground ser-
is required (See Temporary Service Section). vice is available to everyone. Overhead service
Choosing between overhead or under- is available if the Cooperatives system is over-
ground service. head, and if local ordinances allow it. It is the
Obtaining the meter socket and members responsibility to be aware of any
service entrance. applicable local codes and ordinances.
All electrical wiring in the building
including service entrance facilities. To determine if the electrical system already
Obtaining any required easements, installed in the area is overhead or underground,
permits and inspections. check the facilities along the road. If the power
Payment to the Cooperative for all fees. system is overhead, a series of poles similar to
Specifying the size and type of service. Figure 1, page 6 will be visible. If the power sys-
Submitting a Load Data sheet. tem is underground, there will be items like those
Locating the meter socket in a mutually in Figures 2 through 4, page 6.
agreed upon location with the Cooperative.
5
If the system is underground, the only option is
an underground service. Refer to the
Underground Service portion of this Section for
those specific requirements.
Requesting Service
Figure 1 Pole with Transformer
Before new service is installed, the member
needs to contact the Cooperative to request that
a service order be created. Service orders will
link the Cooperatives field personnel with the
information they need to install permanent
service.
7
The reasons for these requirements are: The state has established a color code system to
So meter readers can read the meter in a identify each utility so everyone can see what
safe, cost effective manner. has been located. The color codes are:
So the Cooperative can efficiently
maintain the meter. Color
Color Utility
Utility
So Cooperative employees can stay out
of the members backyard. Red
Red Electric
Electric
If there is a fire or other disaster, the Yellow
Yellow Gas/Oil
Gas/Oil
Cooperative can disconnect service. Orange Telephone/Cable TV
Orange Telephone/Cable TV
Removing and installing meters Blue
Blue Water
Water
Only personnel who are qualified and authorized Green
Green Sewer
Sewer
by the Cooperative are permitted to remove and White
White Area
Area toto be
be located
located
install meters. In special circumstances,
exceptions may be granted to qualified electrical Any digging within 24 inches of either side of
contractors by contacting the Cooperatives meter the location markings must be done by hand.
department, service center supervisor, or a
designated representative. Note: With some Grounding
types of meter sockets, removal of the All meter sockets, enclosures and conduit must
meter does not de-energize the be bonded and grounded in accordance with
members service. Articles 230 and 250 of the latest edition of the
NEC. When self-contained meter sockets are
Underground locates used, the neutral conductor must be connected to
Seventy-two (72) hours prior to any trenching or the neutral terminal in the socket.
excavation work, the member is required to call
for underground utility locates. Underground
utility locates are available by calling the
BasicOverhead
Basic Overhead Service
Service
Dig Safe Location Center. The Center has
established a system called the One-Call
system. One call to the Dig Safe Location Center General requirements
will notify the utilities, or a locating service, that The following checklist will assist in preparing for
locates are required. However in some areas, the installation of overhead service. After the
not all utilities belong to the One-Call system. In member has completed these items, the
those areas the member must contact the utilities Cooperative will install the service line and
individually. This service is free. meter.
8
Install the service entrance conductors, Service requirements
with 36 inches left exposed at the A service is defined by the National Electrical
weatherhead. See Figure 5 below. Code as conductors and equipment for deliver-
Verify that the service height requirements ing energy from the electricity supply system to
have been met. See Cooperative Service the wiring system of the premises served. The
Specifications (Specs) on pages 30-57. member is responsible for the installation of the
Have the town or state inspect the service service entrance up to and including the weather-
equipment. head. All of the service entrance specifications
Make sure service locaton is at finished are shown in the Service Specifications section of
grade and readily accessible. this book. The most common form of service
Call the Cooperatives Engineering Dept. entrance installation in the NHEC service area is
for arrangements to have service shown in specification SE-1, page 34. Also, see
hooked up. Figure 5 for typical installation.
9
Figure 6 Minimum vertical clearances from ground
Members with questions about the proper height installing some overhead service, and are
of a service entrance are advised to contact the installed by the member or the electrical contractor.
Cooperatives Engineering office for guidance.
The requirements for the installation of a service
Clearances from building mast are covered in the NEC, and Cooperative
openings and gas meters Spec. SE-4, page 37. Some common specs or
A minimum clearance of 3 feet is required requirements are described next.
between service lines and windows, doors,
porches, fire escapes, or similar openings. The NEC also requires that the service mast
maintain minimum clearances above the roof.
A minimum horizontal clearance of 3 feet is The clearance required depends upon the slope
required between electric service equipment and of the roof, and whether or not the service line is
natural gas metering equipment. See Figure 12 attached to the structure. Specification SE-4 in
on page 18. the rear of this booklet is one example of a
service mast installation with the service line
Service mast requirements attached to the mast. For other options and
A service mast consists of a steel conduit that details consult the NEC.
runs vertically from the top of the meter socket
through the roof. It contains service entrance Additional mast supports, typically a guy or a
conductors and typically supports one end of the brace, are required for any service line over 50
service line. Service masts are necessary when feet in length. Guys and braces are installed to
prevent the weight of the service line from pulling
the service mast away from the house. Further
information regarding guying and bracing
service masts is available in the NEC, or by
contacting the Cooperative.
Min.
Meter location must be mutually agreed When choosing a meter socket location be sure
upon with the Cooperative prior to to consider the types of terrain where the service
installation. line will be buried. The Cooperative is responsible
The top of the service mast must be in for repairing the service line if it ever fails. The
compliance with the latest versions of the installation is subject to being dug up at some
National Electrical Code. For typical height time in the future. Because of this, it is in the
requirements see Figure 7 on page 10. members best interest to be sure the service line
route can be easily reached and excavated.
Basic Underground Service The member must provide and install conduit. The
conduit must be at least three-inch gray, electrical
General requirements grade. Conduit in the trench should be at least
The following is a checklist for use as a guide Schedule 40, buried 36 inches deep. Any
when preparing for the installation of under- service conduit crossing under a road shall be
ground service. Once the member has complet- Schedule 80. Any conduit for riser material will
ed these items, the Cooperative will install the be Schedule 80 or galvanized steel. White
service line and meter. water pipe or sewer pipe is not acceptable. Gray
conduit signifies that electrical, or communica-
Locate the origination point of the service tions wires are inside. Consult the specifications
line by meeting with a Cooperative Field in the back of this handbook.
Representative. Also determine an accept-
able location for the meter socket. All member-installed continuous conduit runs must
Dig a trench from the meter socket to the not contain more than 180 degrees of installed
location where the service line will originate. factory sweeps. Conduit runs of more than 10 feet
See Page 38 in the back of this booklet. must have a pull rope installed in the conduit.
Provide conduit and pull ropes according Rope must be polypropylene, 1/4 inch in diameter.
to Cooperative specifications. See
Installation Requirements for Underground Trenching requirements
Conduit Systems on Page 38. The member must provide a trench from the meter
Install all member-owned service equipment. socket to the pole or device where the service
Have the Cooperative inspect the line will originate. The trench must be free of all
installation while the trench is still open rocks and construction debris. See the Installation
and have the town or state inspect as Requirements for Underground Conduit Systems
required. The Cooperative requires a on Page 38. The trench must be a minimum of 5
24-hour notification. feet from septic tanks and a minimum of 10 feet
Call the Cooperative to have service from a drain field.
connected when complete.
13
Meter Requirements Grounding requirements
All meter sockets, enclosures, and conduit must
be bonded and grounded in accordance with
General the NEC.
This Section provides requirements for the
metering equipment that the member must pro- Clearance requirements
vide. Follow these requirements to avoid a delay The member must provide and maintain the fol-
in hooking up your service. If there are addition- lowing clearances around all meter installations.
al questions about this information, please call
the Cooperatives Engineering Department. The center of the meter must be between
5 and 5 1/2 feet above finished grade.
Service rating options A working space of 36 inches wide by
As stated on page 7, metering equipment 36 inches deep is required around the
requirements for stand alone structures (not apart- meter. See Figure 11. This working space
ments, condominiums or strip malls) are based is to be kept clear of any obstructions
upon the following single-phase service ratings: including landscaping.
Metering equipment must remain
Voltage Ampere Rating Typical Use accessible.
120/240 100 Amps Small Home or Propane device or equipment must be
Business 36 inches/3 feet minimum away from
120/240 200 Amps Medium Home or metering equipment.
Business Must meet the National Electrical Code
120/240 400 Amps Large Home or clearance requirements.
Business
120/240 Over 400 Amps Very Large Home or
Business
General requirements
The member is responsible for providing and
installing all equipment other than:
The meter, and
The service conductors to the weatherhead
for an overhead service.
14
200 Amp Service New Service Checklist
Basic single-phase service
I
n order to serve you in the most efficient
The 120/240 volt, 200 ampere service is the way possible, we ask that you review the
most common service, and is typically installed information in this handbook thoroughly,
on homes and some small businesses with a including the service specifications.
living space of less than 2,500 square feet. Reviewing this important information before
However, it is the members responsibility to calling us for connection will avoid unneces-
determine the electrical requirements and to notify sary delays and/or billing. An unsuccessful
3
the Cooperative of the size service needed. visit to connect service uses valuable time
and resources. Please understand that you
Electrical generation will be billed if, upon your request, the
More and more people are considering an Cooperative makes a visit to the job site
electrical generator for emergency use in their and is unable to make the connection.
buildings. If a generator is being considered the Please review the following checklist and
NHEC Engineering Department must be made ensure you have completed all applicable
aware of this. Generators can be very helpful in steps before calling us for your service
an outage situation, but can also be lethal to the connection:
linemen that are trying to repair the line if that
generator is not properly installed. o Have you provided the Cooperative
with all necessary documentation
If a generator is to be part of your plans, a such as an easement and application?
o
Double Pole, Double Throw Switch needs to be
made part of the installation. In the specification If you signed an easement, did you
section of this handbook, beginning on page 30, use black ink and have it notarized?
you will find a diagram (DPS-1) meant to illus- o Have you made all necessary
trate a typical double pole, double throw switch up-front payments?
o
installation for use with an emergency generator.
Also included on page 29 is a Back-up Have you (or your electrician) set
Generator Request Form for you to fill out. If the service up as the applicable
you have further questions, call 1-800-698-2007. NHEC specification in this hand
book shows?
Realizing that most generators are not large o Is the service located as you and
enough to carry the load demanded by all of
our Field Representative discussed?
your buildings requirements, it is suggested that
only those circuits needed in an emergency be
If you have any questions concerning any
isolated in a separate fuse box or breaker panel.
of these items, please call the Cooperative
This would normally include your heating equip-
at 1-800-698-2007 or the Field
ment and one lighting circuit. As indicated by the
Representative for your area.
diagram, this fuse box or breaker panel could be
fed from either your main switch or from a generator.
15
Large Basic Service
Introduction Getting started
Service can be initiated for the project by calling
the Cooperative at 1-800-698-2007. The repre-
his Section applies to members requiring new
T Large Basic electric service installations,
greater than 400 amps single phase and greater
sentative will request the members name and
address, and may send an Application for
Service, and a Request for Easement.
than 50kW three phase. This Section provides Complete the appropriate forms, and include a
most of the information and requirements that will copy of each of the following items, if applica-
be needed, but it does not cover all possible ble, with the application and easement:
standards and specifications required by all Legal description of the property.
utilities, state, federal, and local codes. For Title insurance policy, recorded warranty
additional information, contact the Cooperative, deed, or real estate contract.
the local government agency, or state inspector. Landscaping plan.
Engineering, scheduling, and construction of the Water main plan.
work will vary depending upon the complexity of Sewer main and profile plans.
the job as well as the current workload. Road and storm drainage plan.
Road cross section plan.
General information Street light requirements.
This handbook contains material on new Large Electrical load.
Basic Service. The material in this Section
applies to: Several of the above plans may be included in
Very large homes. one drawing.
Commercial buildings.
Apartment complexes. After returning the application and plans, the
Multifamily wells. Cooperative Engineer assigned to the project will
Condominium complexes. begin working on it, based upon the requested
Mobile home parks. schedule.
Barns and outbuildings.
16
Locates
If trenching or excavating is required, under- Verify that the service mast height
ground locates are required 72 hours prior to requirements have been met.
digging. To obtain locates, the member calls Obtain an electrical inspection from
Dig Safe at 1-888-344-7233. Dig Safe will notify governmental agency if required.
each utility, or a locating service, who will locate
the underground facilities in the area. This Getting started
service is free. Before requesting overhead service to a Large
Basic service, the member should complete an
The color codes for locates are: Application for Service.
17
Be outside of an area subject to being
fenced.
Assure that the top of the service mast
Minimum meets NEC requirements.
Underground Service
Figure 12 Meter socket height and
gas meter clearance Member responsibilities
For Large Basic underground services, the mem-
Additional mast supports ber supplies the secondary connectors and ser-
Additional mast supports, typically a guy or a vice conductors to the Cooperatives transformer.
brace, are required for any service line over 50
feet in length. The following checklist identifies tasks the
member is responsible for when installing under-
Service Equipment ground service. After these items are completed,
Installation Requirements the Cooperative will install the meter and connect
the service.
The member is responsible for supplying and
Check any local ordinances or covenants
installing:
that will prevent obtaining underground
Meter socket and current transformer
service.
enclosure.
Supply site drawings to the Cooperative.
Service mast.
Supply load information to the
Service entrance conductor.
Cooperative.
Ground rods.
Provide an easement for any permanent
equipment installed on the property and
The Cooperative will install the service line and
owned by the Cooperative.
meter for overhead services. The underground
Call the Cooperative to determine where
service installation is the responsibility of the
the underground service will originate.
member.
Select an approved meter location with
Cooperative representative.
Manufactured buildings Install required service equipment.
If an overhead service is being installed to a
manufactured building, the Cooperatives service Connect and label conductors at the
equipment can be installed one of two ways: meter location.
Provide trench, conduit, riser,
1. On a Cooperative-owned meter pole, or CT enclosures, vaults and service
2. On the manufactured building, if both of conductors per NHEC or NESC
these conditions are met: specifications, whichever is more
a. The manufacturer installed the service stringent.
equipment at the time the structure Provide any additional excavation on
was built. private property.
b. The service requirement meets the Obtain an electrical inspection from a
meter socket requirements listed governmental agency, if required.
below. Call the Cooperatives Member Call
Center to order the service connection.
Meter sockets installed on manufactured
buildings must:
Getting started
Before installing an underground service to a
Be located on an outside wall of the
commercial structure, you should complete an
building and accessible for reading and
Application for Service and provide load
testing.
information. This form allows the Cooperative
Be between 5 and 5 1/2 feet above
Engineer to begin determining the required
finished grade.
engineering specifications and the costs to the
Be outside of a breezeway.
member, if any.
18
The point of delivery for underground service at 120/240 volt services over 400 amps require
secondary voltage is at the service lugs of the CT metering. Contact the Cooperative for more
transformer or pedestal. information.
Service equipment
The member is responsible for furnishing,
installing, and maintaining all required service
entrance equipment, including the service
conductors from the meter socket or current
transformer enclosure to the point of delivery
designated by the Cooperative. For services
where current transformers (CTs) are required, Figure 13 120/240V single-phase CT meter
the member must also run conduit from the CT
enclosure to the meter base. The Cooperative
supplies the CTs, meter wiring, and meter socket.
Conduit requirements
The member is responsible for:
Contacting the Cooperatives Engineering
Services Greater Than Department for entry location and
400 Amps procedure when entering existing vaults
with conduit.
120/240 volt services over 400 amps are Grouting around member-owned conduits
available, usually at additional charge. which enter the Cooperatives vaults.
This service requires a different meter base. Sealing service entry conduit to prevent
See Figure 13 on page 19. This service also water or other items from entering into the
requires additional equipment, such as a CT members service panel. Severe sealing
enclosure, conduit, CT mounting bracket, etc. problems may require a positive mechan-
Contact the Cooperative. ical seal at the building wall and at the
Cooperatives vault.
20 ft. - from facilities used to dispense or store Removing and installing meters
hazardous liquids or gases (for example, Only qualified personnel, authorized by the
service station gas pumps and tanks, Cooperative, are permitted to cut seals, and
propane bulk dispensing tanks, and remove or install meters. Under emergency
emergency generator fueling points). conditions, exceptions may be granted to qualified
electricians by contacting the Cooperatives
Working space Meter Department. When this occurs the party
A clear, unobstructed working area of 8 feet accepts all liability for damage or alteration to
minimum shall be maintained around all sides of equipment, injury to persons or property, and
padmount equipment. loss of revenue to the Cooperative from the time
the seal is removed until 72 hours after the
Protection for padmounted Cooperative has been notified that the equipment
equipment is ready to be resealed. The member or electrical
Guard posts are required around padmounted contractor must promptly notify the Cooperative
equipment that is in close proximity to vehicular when repairs or modifications have been com-
traffic. Guard posts locations will be determined pleted. Extreme caution must be used when
by the NHEC Representative. meters are removed or installed. Depending upon
the type of service or meter base, removal of the
It is the members responsibility to install and meter might not de-energize service.
maintain guard posts, where required.
Equipment
Landscaping and other obstacles Current transformer (CT) enclosures, switch gear,
Landscaping and other obstructions must not gutters that contain unmetered conductors, and
encroach on the clearances specified in Figure 15, metering equipment must have provisions for
page 21. sealing. Contact the Cooperative meter
department to obtain access for inspection.
20
The Cooperative will furnish, install, and maintain
the following equipment:
Revenue meters.
Current transformers.
CT meter wiring.
Meters must not be installed at any of the follow- General meter socket
ing locations: requirements
Above the first story level or below the Meter socket requirements include the following:
first basement level of a building. Any Meter sockets may be ring or ringless
exceptions to this rule must have the approval type. The meter ring must have a screw-
of the Cooperatives Meter Department before type locking ring. Snap rings are not
electrical installation begins. acceptable.
On poles not owned by the Cooperative. Meter sockets must not be jumpered to
On any line pole occupied solely by the provide power.
telephone company, except to serve tele- Meter sockets and enclosures must be UL
phone company equipment. (Underwriters Laboratory) and NHEC
In commercial occupancies they do not approved (see approved listing at
serve. www.nhec.coop).
Any place where safety may be compromised. Any meter socket containing energized
equipment must be covered and sealed
with a transparent cover plate when a
meter is not installed.
21
All unused openings of the meter socket Factory-built multiple meter
enclosure must be closed with plugs panel
(raintight, if outside) that are locked tightly Prior to shipment from the factory, the manufacturer
in place from inside the enclosures, must submit commercial multiple meter panel
before a meter is installed. drawings to the Cooperatives Meter Department
Meters must be installed only in sockets for approval.
which are level, plumb, and securely
fastened to the structure. Meters must be adequately protected from
Terminals must be marked with a mechanical damage, and the installation approved
conductor range for aluminum or copper by the Cooperatives Meter Department.
conductors. When aluminum conductors
are used, the socket must be approved Service conductors
and clearly marked by the manufacturer Metered circuits must not enter raceways or
for that use. enclosures containing unmetered circuits, except
All meter equipment exposed to weather for meter loops on poles, or in specific situations
must be raintight according to the approved by the Cooperatives Meter Department.
National Electrical Manufacturers
Association (NEMA) 3R minimum. Member load monitoring
The members load monitoring equipment must
Meter clearances be installed only on the load side of the meter.
The center of the meter socket is always the point No member equipment is allowed inside a meter
of reference. Meter socket height is a maximum or current transformer enclosure.
of 5 1/2 feet and a minimum of 5 feet, above
finished grade or floor. Grounding
All meter sockets, enclosures, and conduit must
When a meter socket enclosure is recessed in the be bonded and grounded in accordance with
building wall, a flush-type socket is required. Articles 230 and 250 of the latest edition of the
Building siding must not cover or overlap the NEC. When self-contained meter sockets are
meter base. used, the neutral conductor must be connected to
the neutral terminal in the socket.
Working space in front of metering equipment
(including current transformer enclosures) must be Current limiting fuses
at least 36 inches wide and 36 inches deep, Current limiting fuses to protect the members
measured from the front of the enclosure and electrical system from high-fault current must not
meters. Plants, shrubs, and trees must not be be installed in meter sockets, instrument trans-
planted in this space. Gas meters and related former enclosures, or the Cooperatives distribu-
piping must be at least 36 inches away from tion transformers. They may be installed in the
metering equipment, see Figure 12, page 18. members service panel, or in a separate enclo-
sure between the meter socket and the panel.
The center of all meter socket enclosures must be
a minimum of 10 inches from adjacent walls,
ceilings, or other similar obstructions. Single-Phase 120/208 Volt
Meter socket labeling Services
Meter sockets must be permanently labeled to
indicate the section or unit they serve, for exam- A five-terminal meter socket is required on all sin-
ple, the unit number. The members name is not gle-phase networked 120/208 volt service. The
acceptable. The labels must be engraved pheno- fifth terminal must be in the nine oclock position,
lic identifying plates, fade-resistant and at least connected to the socket neutral bus conductor.
one inch high. Felt-tip pens and label maker
tape are not considered permanent markings.
Service will not be established until marking is
complete and verified for accuracy.
22
Three-Phase Current Transformer
Self-Contained Metering Metering
Single-phase over 400 amp and
Three-phase service requires a seven-terminal
socket with a lever bypass. The neutral (grounded) Three-phase over 400 amp
conductor must be connected or tapped to the
third terminal from the left on the lower terminals. Members responsibility
Provisions for current transformers must be made
Meter socket/main disconnect when the current-carrying capacity of the service
combinations entrance conductors exceeds 400 amps single-
Meter socket and circuit breaker combinations phase or 400 amps three-phase, as determined
are required for 0-400 amps provided the meter by NEC.
socket is approved by the Cooperative.
The member is responsible to do the following:
Sequence of equipment
All self-contained service equipment must be 1. Provide and install a current transformer
metered ahead of the disconnect switch. Under (CT) enclosure where designated by the
special conditions, permission may be granted to Cooperative. The member must install the
modify this sequence in group installations of less CT enclosure on the supply side of the
than six individual occupancies, provided all main disconnect, unless otherwise
equipment ahead of the meter is sealed by the approved by the Cooperatives meter
Cooperative. department.
Service conductors must be arranged in the sock- All member-supplied CT mounting equipment
et to avoid interfering with the meter installation shall be listed and labeled, and shall be
or operation of the bypass. installed and used in accordance with any
instructions included in that listing or labeling.
The member is responsible for ensuring that the con-
nection of service entrance conductors in the meter 2. Install the metering circuit conduit.
socket are inspected and tightened before the service
is energized. If safety sockets are used, circuit-con- The Cooperative-required conduit between the
necting nuts will also be properly torqued. Meters meter socket and CT enclosure shall be provided
will not be installed unless these connections are and installed by the member. Conduit must be
tight, and are wired correctly for the class of service as short as possible and cannot exceed 50 feet
involved. Meters will not be installed if conductors in length, and shall be installed according to
place undue strain on the terminal facilities. Terminals Cooperative requirements. A pull-string of
must be rated for the size of conductor to be used. 1/4 inch polypropylene rope is required in any
Strands must not be removed to make conductors fit meter conduit over 10 feet.
under-sized terminals.
Single-phase: 1 inch minimum.
Three-phase: 1 1/4 inch minimum.
23
The Cooperatives responsibility Getting started
The Cooperative is responsible for providing and The Cooperative should be made aware of any
installing the following: planned changes to an existing service as soon
Current transformers. as possible.
Metering circuits (wiring).
Review your plans with your electrician to
determine what your needs are.
Consult the Overhead and Underground
Before Connection sections of this handbook to determine the
Before calling the Co-op for service connection, necessary requirements for your service.
please review this important information to Make sure you have obtained all
avoid unnecessary delays and/or billing: necessary permits for your project.
Call the Cooperative at 1-800-698-2007
Have you provided the Cooperative to arrange a field visit to determine the
with all necessary documentation such service requirements and what costs
as an easement and application? are involved.
If you signed an easement, did you use Provide the Cooperative with increased
black ink and have it notarized? load information. You may be required
Have you made all necessary up-front to fill out a Load Data Sheet.
payments? Install the new service equipment to
Have you (or your electrician) set the Cooperative specifications.
service up as the applicable NHEC Obtain an electrical inspection and
specification in this handbook shows? approval of the service equipment and
Is the service located as you and our structure. The call for this inspection is
Field Representative discussed? made by the member (or the electrical
contractor) to the electrical inspector for
If you have any questions concerning any of your area.
these items, please call the Cooperative at Call the Cooperative at 1-800-698-2007,
1-800-698-2007 or the Field Representative after the electrical inspection is complete,
for your area. and request that the old service
equipment be de-energized and that the
new service equipment be energized.
A service order will then be generated to
the District for this work and they will
Service Upgrade insert it into their construction schedule.
and Relocation
Introduction
An upgrade or relocation of service requires
changing the existing metering equipment. This
section provides information for upgrading and
relocating an existing service. There are two
types of upgrades: same location and reloca-
tion. Same location upgrades involve using the
same location to install new metering equipment.
Relocation upgrades involve moving the point of
attachment to a new location, which may incur
new costs.
24
Glossary of Terms
clearance. A set distance between two objects. meter equipment. Any equipment associated with
measuring electric energy.
common ground point. The conductor used to
connect the grounding electrode to the equip- meter jaw. A spring-loaded receptacle inside a
ment grounding conductor and/or to the meter socket which connects the terminals of
grounded conductor of the circuit at the service. a meter to the source or load conductors of the
service.
conduit. A listed or approved pipe with a smooth
interior surface to permit easy drawing-in of meter socket. The mounting device for socket
electrical conductors. A conduit may be metallic type meters, consisting of meter jaws,
or nonmetallic, depending on its usage, in connectors, an enclosure and, in permanent
accordance with codes and standards. installations, an integrated main circuit breaker is
required.
corrosion inhibitor. Electrical joint compound
used to retard oxidation of electrical connections. mobile home. A house trailer serving as a
permanent home.
direct burial. The installation of electrical
conductors in a trench, without the use of modular home. Also referred to as a
conduit. manufactured home. A home designed with
standardized units or dimensions and
drip loop. A loop formed in overhead secondary manufactured in a factory type facility.
conductors at the weatherhead, to prevent the
entrance of water into the service entrance municipal, state inspector. The qualified
conduit and equipment. representative of a city or the state, authorized
to inspect electrical service installations on
ground. Connected to or in contact with earth their behalf.
or connected to some extended conductive body
that serves instead of the earth. NEC. National Electrical Code. Safety provisions
for the installation of electrical equipment and
guy. A cable or brace used to relieve the strain conductors in buildings and other structures,
of overhead conductors on masts and poles. published by National Fire Protection
Association.
keybox. A permanently installed, locked box
with keys enclosed, mounted on the outside of a NEMA. National Electrical Manufacturers
building, for accessing the customers premises Association. A trade association which publishes
to read, install, service, or remove the utilitys standards for manufacturers of electrical equip-
meters and/or electrical equipment during ment, including enclosures and racks.
reasonable working hours.
NESC. National Electrical Safety Code. Safety
listed. Equipment or material accepted by a provisions for the installation, operation, and
nationally recognized testing laboratory, maintenance of electric supply and communica-
inspection agency, or other organization tion lines, published by Institute of Electrical and
concerned with product evaluation. Electronics Engineers.
manual circuit-closing block. A provision for neutral. The grounded conductor in a single-
paralleling the meter circuit, allowing the meter phase, three-wire or three-phase, four-wire
to be removed without interrupting service to system. The service conductor at zero potential
the customer. to ground.
25
point of attachment. On overhead services, the UL. Underwriters Laboratories. A recognized
point at which the utilitys service line is attached test laboratory which lists materials it has tested
to the customers structure. and accepted.
point of delivery. The point where the utilitys weatherhead. A simple underground-overhead
service line and the customers system are fitting which provides a cap or a roof for the
interconnected. vertical conduit to prevent rain from entering it.
Its use is restricted to connecting underground
seal. A locking device to secure a meter or secondary cables to overhead secondary lines
service entrance equipment to assure safety and or service wires.
security.
26
APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP & SERVICE
NEW HAMPSHIRE ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE, INC
579 TENNEY MOUNTAIN HIGHWAY PLYMOUTH, NEW HAMPSHIRE 03264
(800) 698-2007
Revised 2/04
Service OrderNUMBER:
SERVICE ORDER Number: Pole Number: Pole Number:r:
Meter Number: Meter Number:
Name: (Print):________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
First Name Middle Name Last Name
KIND OF SERVICE DESIRED: (Check applicable service) Will service be underground? Circle one: Yes No
SINGLE-PHASE SERVICE: MAIN PANEL SIZE = AMPS
THREE-PHASE SERVICE: MAIN PANEL SIZE = AMPS
THREE-PHASE SERVICE: (Commercial) REQUIRED VOLTAGE (Check one) 120/208 277/480
OUTDOOR LIGHTING:
Is there an electric water heater in use here? _____________________________________________________________________________________________
27
New Hampshire Electric Cooperative Inc.
Load Data Sur vey Sheet
SERVICE LOCATION:
CUSTOMER / CO. NAME:_____________________________________________________________________________________
SERVICE LOCATION: Street:________________________________ Town:____________________________________________
CONTACT PERSON: _______________________________________Telephone:_______________________________________
CONTRACTOR NAME: _______________________________________________________________________________________
CONTACT PERSON: ________________________________________ Telephone:_______________________________________
ELECTRICIAN: _______________________________________________________________________________________________
CONTACT PERSON:__________________________________________Telephone:_______________________________________
SERVICE DATA:
MAIN PANEL SIZE:_____________________________ MAIN BREAKER SIZE: _________________________________________
VOLTAGE: ______________________ Single-Phase: 120/240 _______ 3 PH 4 WIRE: 120/208 _______ 277/480_______
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
28
Back-up Generator Registration Form
If you own an emergency / stand-by electric generator to supply power during outages, it is critical for your
safety and the safety of New Hampshire Electric Co-op line crews that your equipment be properly installed
and that the Co-op is aware that you have a generator. Please fill out the following form so that we can
update our records to reflect your installation.
Name _______________________________________________________________________________________
Address_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
Generator Information
Transfer Switch? Yes ___ No ___ (If Yes) Type: Automatic ___ Manual ___ Model _____________
Installation by Licensed Electrician? Yes ___ No ___ Inspection by Licensed Electrician? Yes ___ No ___
NHEC Use
Reviewed By _________________________
Record Updated________________________
Follow-up _________________________
29
Cooperative
Service
Specifications
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
Installation Requirements for
Underground Conduit Systems
1 Contractors shall call the district office of trenches for primary cable, a continuous
the Cooperative a minimum of 24 hours No. 6 AWG copper grounding conductor
before trench is started to make shall be directly buried in the bottom of the
arrangements for on-site inspection. trench, prior to installation of any conduit,
2 Underground (buried) conduit shall be with adequate length at each end for
Schedule 40 PVC or other corrosion resist- connections by the Cooperative.
ant duct suitable for the intended environ- 9 When electric facilities are installed in the
ment as approved by the Cooperative. All same trench as communication facilities, a
90 degree bends shall be electrical No. 6 AWG copper bonding conductor,
grade, schedule 40 PVC or Rigid readily accessible at both ends shall be
galvanized steel sweeps with minimum installed at each vault, pad mounted
bending radius of 36 inches. equipment location between electric and
3 Minimum size for buried conduit shall be communication facilities.
3 inches for all conductor smaller than 10 A pulling rope, 1/4 inch diameter
500 MCM, and 4 inches for primary or polypropylene, shall be installed in each
conductor 500 MCM or larger. conduit.
4 Conduit minimum depth 36 inches. Any 11 The ends of the conduit shall be plugged
conduit crossing under a road shall be during construction to prevent the
Schedule 80. Conduits installed less entrance of foreign matter. The conduit
than 36 inches in depth require shall be terminated as follows:
Cooperative engineering approval and a Conduit shall terminate not
shall be encased in concrete to more than 3 inches inside a vault.
Cooperative specs. Depths specified are Whenever possible the conduit
to finished grade. should run straight into the vault
5 Trenches to be in as straight and direct a without sweeps or bends. Where
line as possible. Routes through unstable the conduit enters the vault, it
soil such as mud, shifting soils, or other shall be grouted to prevent
hazards should be avoided. water, soil and rock intrusion.
6 Longitudinal runs of conduit should not be b At meter locations, the conduit
located directly over or under other under- shall terminate as per appropriate
ground facilities such as gas, water sewer meter installation specs. If the
lines and septic systems. Whenever meter socket is at a lower grade
possible the horizontal distance between than the pad mounted equipment
these facilities should be a minimum of 6 location or part of the under-
feet to permit access and maintenance of ground conduit system, provisions
either facility without damage to the shall be made as necessary so
other. Under special circumstances, that the conduit will not fill with
controlled horizontal separation of down water and run into the meter socket.
to 12 inches will be allowed providing 12 All ends, joints and internal finish of the
all parties are in agreement as to the conduit shall be free of sharp edges or
method. burrs which could damage the cable.
7 Underground conduit systems shall not be 13 All buried joints shall be glued with
installed within 5 feet of any building cement as recommended by the conduit
foundation, swimming pool, etc., except manufacturer.
for where service conduit merges to 14 Any change in direction between lengths
intercept the service equipment. of straight rigid conduit greater than 5
8 Caution Ribbon shall be installed above degrees shall be made in electrical sweeps,
the conduit, a foot below finished grade. In or with a very gradual sweeping change of
38
Installation Requirements for
Underground Conduit Systems
direction. Any single run of conduit will
contain no more than two 90 degree
sweeps. If the secondary runs of conduit
are less than 150 feet in length then
schedule 40, PVC sweeps are acceptable.
For runs of conductor sized 500MCM and
larger that exceed 150 feet in length, all
sweeps shall be steel. For runs of
conductor smaller than 500MCM size
and that exceed 200 feet in length, all
90 sweeps shall be steel.
15 The consumer shall be responsible for
having the conduit/vault system ready,
prior to NHEC personnel installing the
cable. Any changes, repairs or other
work required to the underground conduit/
vault system in order for NHEC personnel
to pull the cable into the conduit shall be
the responsibility of the consumer.
16 A drainage system must be installed in
all vaults and structures. In areas of high
water table, vaults and conduit may need
to be elevated to promote effective
drainage.
17 If a reduction in the service conduit is
required, it will occur at the top of the
slip joint/expansion fitting utilizing a
reducing bushing. The slip joint/expan-
sions fitting will remain the same size as
the conduit installed in the trench with the
transition occurring above ground. (Refer
to IU Service Reduction drawing on
page 53.)
18 Member shall be responsible to enclose
and cover any open holes and secure any
hazardous conditions until such time
NHEC completes their work.
39
Conduit and Trench Inspection Notice
Once certification has been completed, an service will be installed until the inspection sticker
NHEC approval sitcker will be placed at the is in place.
appropriate location on the meter socket to notify
all parties that the underground electrical system Please be prepared to give all information
can be installed. regarding your project to our Member Solutions
representative, including your Service Order
Failure to comply with this rquirement will result #_________________.
in the system being re-exposed so that the proper
installation can be performed. No electrical Contact number: 1-800-698-2007
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
U7-5B
CL
6" REINFORCING MESH (#6)
PROVIDE 2
CARRY SLOTS
(SEE DETAIL)
CL 5'-0"
4'-4"
45 CHAMFER
6"
SIDE END
NOTE:
1.) CONCRETE SHALL HAVE A COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH OF 5000
P.S.I. AFTER 28 DAYS WHEN TESTED IN ACCORDANCE WITH
ASTM C 39-72 (LATEST EDITION)
2.) APPROXIMATE WEIGHT: 1515 LBS.
CONSTRUCTION STANDARDS
VAULT COVER
FOR
U7-5B
U5-5 & U5-4 ISSUE DATE: 01/06
52
53
54
IU Primary Trench
6" TO 12"
24" min.
WARNING TAPE
36" min.
6"
TELEPHONE CABLE TV
CONDUIT (TYP.)
6"
NOTE:
1. TRENCH WIDTH AS REQUIRED TO MAINTAIN 6" MINIMUM SPACING BETWEEN ALL CONDUITS AND
TRENCH SIDEWALLS.
2. TRENCH TO BE INSPECTED BY A REPRESENTATIVE OF NHEC PRIOR TO BACKFILLING.
CONSTRUCTION STANDARDS
TRENCH FOR JOINT ELECTRIC IU Primary Trench
AND COMMUNICATION FACILITIES
ISSUE DATE: 06/05
55
IU Concrete Trench
6" TO 12"
WARNING TAPE
24"
6" CONCRETE
PRIMARY
4"
(ELECTRIC)
4"
SCHEDULE 40
4" CONDUIT (TYP.)
NOTE:
1. TRENCH WIDTH AS REQUIRED TO MAINTAIN 6" MINIMUM SPACING BETWEEN ALL CONDUITS
AND 4" TO TRENCH SIDEWALLS.
2. CONCRETE TO BE 5000 PSI
3. TRENCH TO BE INSPECTED BY A REPRESENTATIVE OF NHEC PRIOR TO BACKFILLING.
CONSTRUCTION STANDARDS
CONCRETE CAPPED TRENCH IU Concrete Trench
FOR ELECTRICAL FACILITIES
ISSUE DATE: 06/05
56
U7-6B.1
2'-0"
6'-0"
4"
4"
4"
2'-6"
SIDE END
CARRY SLOT DETAIL
NOTE:
1.) CONCRETE SHALL HAVE A COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH OF 5000 P.S.I. AFTER 28 DAYS WHEN TESTED IN
ACCORDANCE WITH ASTM C 39-72 (LATEST EDITION).
CONSTRUCTION STANDARDS
57
Notes
58
Notes
59