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Wiring Specifications
What's below:
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Special Wiring Inspection note: Boerne
It
will be necessary for any meter loops installed within the corporate limits of
the City
of
Boerne
to meet the meter loop specifications as set by the City
of Boerne and
Bandera
Electric
Cooperative, Inc. - whichever
specific requirements are more stringent.
These
meter loops must first be inspected and approved by the City
of Boerne’s inspection
department. After
the City
of Boerne approves
your meter loop the Cooperative will inspect your installation, then if it meets
our requirements we will connect your electric service.
It
is suggested that the design of these proposed meter loops be submitted for
approval to both the City
of Boerne
and
the Cooperative, prior to the purchase and installation of any
materials.
NOTE:
· It
will be necessary for you to obtain any permits from the City
of Boerne
for meter loop installations.
· You
are responsible for contacting and scheduling meter loop inspections with the
City
of Boerne and/or
Bandera Electric Cooperative, Inc.
· If
the permanent meter loop is to be installed on a meter pole, the City
of Boerne will
not permit the meter loop to be connected until they have inspected and approved
the wiring in the facility. In such instances, Bandera Electric Cooperative,
Inc. will allow a construction loop to be attached to the meter pole for a
maximum of 365 days.
City of
Boerne, P.O .Box 1677, Boerne, Texas 78006, (830)249-9511
Bandera
Electric Cooperative, Inc., P.O. Box 667, Bandera, Texas 78003,
(830)796-3741 |
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New Line Extensions And Meter Loop
Specifications
A
separate application is required for each location where delivery of electric
energy is desired, whether or not for initiation or renewal of service or
otherwise. For each location where electric service is desired, Member’s
classification involves an evaluation of the type of installation, its use, as
well as the frequency and duration of energy consumption which may be
expected.
Please
read the material included in this handbook thoroughly, as adequate wiring is
one of the basic requirements for reliable electric service. The extent to which
the electricity that is delivered by the Cooperative can be used, is directly
related to the capacity of your wiring.
Beginning
at the point of contact (service entrance) wiring is your responsibility. The
Cooperative is not required to provide service to an installation until it has
been assured that the wiring is properly and safely installed.
The very
first task to be accomplished-before the first outlet is installed- is the job
of careful planning. The basic requirements of a well planned installation are
that it be SAFE, CONVENIENT, ADEQUATE, EASILY EXPANED AND EFFICIENT. The
requirements for safety can be met by compliance with the “National Electrical
Code.” The other requirements can only be met by careful planning.
The
National Electrical Code contains this statement in its introduction: “This code
contains basic minimum provisions considered necessary for safety. Compliance
therewith and proper maintenance will result in an installation essentially free
from hazard, but not necessarily efficient, convenient or adequate for good
service or future expansion of electrical use. This code is not intended as a
design specification nor an instruction manual for untrained
persons.”
A wiring
installation that is properly planned has each circuit and each outlet designed
for a specific purpose and locations for switch controls are selected for both
convenience and safety.
Service
Masts:
When
clearances below the service drop conductors as specified in the illustration of
service drop clearances cannot be obtained by standard attachment, then a
service mast must be used. This consists of extending the service riser up the
side of the building, through the eaves if necessary, and anchoring the service
drop on the mast.
The
service mast must withstand the strain imposed on it by the service drop.
Conduit for service masts shall be 2 inch minimum and be rigid galvanized steel
conduit. The service mast, or any other service riser shall not be used to
support any other equipment.
When
a service mast rises above a roof, it shall extend beyond the point a minimum
of 36 inches measured to the top of the conduit. When it extends higher than 42
inches above the roof, it shall be guyed or braced to safely withstand the
strain imposed by the service drop. Contact the cooperative for approval of
material and method of installation prior to installation.
If,
in the opinion of the Cooperative, the required mast length would be excessive
the Cooperative reserves the right to change the location of the meter to
another point on the structure or on a Cooperative owned
pole. |
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Service Drop Clearances
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Note:
Vertical clearance Above Roofs |
Feet |
| 1.
All points of roofs above which conductors pass (Applies to all service
drops). |
8 |
| Exception:
For
roofs having a pitch of 4 inches per foot or more. (Applies to any service drop
except 480Y/277 volt) |
3 |
|
Exception:
Conductors do not cross more than 4 feet of the overhanging portion of the roof
and are terminated at a through-the-roof
raceway or approved support.
(Applies to any service drop except 480Y/277 volt). |
1
˝ |
| Note:
Vertical Clearances From Final Grade or Other Accessible Surface |
Feet |
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| 2.
At the electric service entrance to buildings, or at the drip loop, only for
cabled service drops limited to 150 volts to ground. (Applies to 120/240 volt
single phase and 208Y/120 volt service drops ). |
10 |
|
At
the electric service entrance to buildings or at the drip loop, for service
drops, cabled or open, limited to 300 volts to ground. (Applies to 240/Delta/120
volt and 480Y/277 volt service drops). |
12 |
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| 3.
Over residential property and driveways, and commercial areas not subject to
truck traffic. (Applies to all service drops 600 volts or less). |
16 |
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| 4. Other land traversed by
vehicles, such as cultivated, grazing, forest and orchard. (Applies to all
service drops 600 volts or less). |
18 |
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| 5. Over public streets,
alleys, roads, highways, parking areas subject to truck traffic, and driveways
on other than residential property. (Applies to all service drops 600 volts or
less). |
22 |
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| 6. Minimum distance between
drip loop and weather head. |
1 |
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| NOTE: ALL
SERVICE DROP CLEARNANCES SHOWN ARE FOR TRIPLEX OR QUADRAPLEX SERVICE
DROPS. | |
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Single Phase Residential Meter
Loops Conductor Requirements (Minimums)
In
dwelling units, conductors, as listed below, shall be permitted to be utilized
as 120/ 240 volt, 3 wire, single phase service entrance conductors. The grounded
conductor shall be permitted to be not more than two AWG sizes smaller than the
ungrounded conductors provided the requirements of Sections 25-2, 220-22, and
230-42 of the current National Electrical Code are met.
Conductor Types and Sizes
TYPES
RH-RHH-RHW-THHW-THW-THWN-THHN-XHHW. CONDUCTORS
|
MAIN
DISCONNECT
PANEL
RATING |
COPPER
AWG |
ALUMINUM OR COPPER
CLAD ALUMINUM AWG |
|
100
Amp |
#4 |
#2 |
|
125
Amp |
#2 |
#1/0 |
|
150
Amp |
#1 |
#2/0 |
|
200
Amp |
#2/0 |
#4/0 |
|
225
Amp |
#3/0 |
#250 MCM |
|
250
Amp |
#4/0 |
#300 MCM |
|
300
Amp |
#250
MCM |
#350 MCM |
|
350
Amp |
#350
MCM |
#540 MCM |
|
400
Amp |
#400
MCM |
#600 MCM |
| Refer to current version of the
National Electrical Code to determine conduit size necessary for type of
conductor used. | |
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ALL METER
LOOPS:
1. A fused disconnect
panel is required to be installed outside with the meter base. the combined
rating of the fuses or breakers cannot exceed the rating of the main disconnect
panel, unless they are protected by a main fuse or breaker with a rating equal
to the main disconnect panel. (NO MORE THAN 6 BREAKERS OR DISCONNECTS WITHOUT A
MAIN BREAKER OR DISCONNECT.)
2. All panels and neutrals
must be grounded and a ground bonding screw or strap is required.
3. Any supports needed for
troughs, panels, etc. must be metal.
4. All outside 120 volt
(15 or 20 amp duplex) outlets must have ground fault interrupting
protection.
5. The amperage rating of
the conductor must meet or exceed the amperage rating of the main disconnect
panel on all meter loops except for those single phase residential meter loop
noted above.
6. The amperage rating of
the meter base must meet or exceed the amperage rating of the main disconnect
panel.
7. All wiring must meet
the minimum standard required by Bandera Electric Cooperative, Inc. and the
National Electrical Code (NEC). |
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METER LOOPS ON
SIDES OF HOUSES:
1. Masts extending above
roofs are to be minimum 2’ rigid conduit (see page 3 ).
2. 8’ ground rod 5/8’,
total 8’ length below ground.
3. Ground wire minimum #6
copper, must go to top of riser outside of the riser. (See option on page
8-#4.) |
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METER LOOPS ON
POLES:
1. Meter base installed 6’
above ground level.
2. 30 foot meter pole-17’
of conduit required.
3. Ground rod not required
when pole ground is installed by the Cooperative. |
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MOBILE HOMES,
MOTOR HOMES, TRAVEL TRAILERS AND METAL STRUCTURES:
1. Must have visual ground
securely attached to frame.
2. Ground minimum #6
copper, can be attached to the pole ground (preferred) or to an 8 foot ground
rod outside. |
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List of Material For Meter
Loop With Weather Proof
Outlet
NOTE: CONDUCTOR SIZE IN
THE METER LOOP MUST CONCEDE WITH THE RATED CAPACITY OF THE MAIN DISCONNECT
PANEL. Allow 2’ Minimum Clearance Between Meter Loop Assembly And Pole Ground
Wire.
NOTE: CHECK WITH COOPERATIVE
CONCERNING LENGTH OF CONDUIT
Approved service
head.
2. *Metal conduit 17 feet
long on standard 30 foot meter pole.
3. Conduit straps spaced
approximately 4 feet apart.
4. Conductor size
according to amperage of loop.
5. Approved nipple
equipped with metal or plastic bushing backed with a lock nut.
6. Weatherproof
hub.
7. 6 inch pieces of hander
strap bolted to boxes and nailed to pole. Strap must clear pole ground 2 inches
or more (2 or more straps per box).
8. Weather-proof multi-breaker
or fused switch box. Size according to amperage of loop.
9. 3” x 1/2” galv. Nipple
equipped with metal or plastic bushing backed with a lock nut.
10. (Optional) Weatherproof
service outlet MUST HAVE GROUND-FAULT PROTECTION.
11. Metal spacer (not wood)
behind weatherproof outlet.
12. Conduit required where
conductor is exposed to mechanical injury.
13. Approved meter base which
corresponds with amperage capacity of loop.
*Thin wall conduit acceptable
with rain tight fitting.
NOTE: Separate conduits for
line conductors and load conductors are not permitted. Boxes must be mounted
directly to the meter pole via item number 7. (Do not mount on
a board or use board as a spacer.)
Ground bonding
screws must be installed in switch boxes. Offset nipples may be used where necessary.
LOAD LARGER THAN 200 AMP REQUIRES A LOAD BREAKDOWN.
BANDERA ELECTRIC COOPERATE
WILL INSTALL THE GROUND WIRE ON THE METER POLE. THE
METER WILL BE FURNISHED BY THE COOPERATIVE. |
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List Of Material For Service Mast Installation
CONDUCTOR SIZE IN THE METER LOOP MUST
COINCIDE WITH THE RATED CAPACITY OF THE
MAIN DISCONNECT PANEL.
1. Approved service
head.
2. Conductor size
according to amperage size of meter loop.
3. Neutral wire (inside
conduit.)
4. Number 6 soft drawn
copper ground wire (outside of conduit). OPTIONAL GROUNDING FOR MAST
INSTALLATION: A minimum of #4 copper insulated wire may be used inside the
conduit for grounding. The wire must extend from at least 18” outside the
weather head, down through inside the conduit bypassing all connections, until
terminated at the driven 8’ x 5/8” ground rod.
5. Sheet metal or lead
pipe flashing.
6. 2 inch rigid metal
conduit (minimum)
(A) Couplings will not be
allowed bove the roof line.
(B) Mast ten feet or less
no coup lings allowed
7. Pipe straps (spaces
approximately 2 feet apart).
8. Approved nipple
equipped with metal or plastic bushing backed with a lock nut.
9. Weatherproof
hubs.
10. Multibreaker or fused
switch box.
11. Service entrance cable may
be used with sill plate or conduit may be used with service entrance
elbow.
12. Distribution panel (fused
or multibreaker).
13. 5/8” x 8’ copperweld ground
rod with approved clamp driven below ground level. If unable to drive 8 feet
deep, bend and bury remainder of rod.
14. Approved meter base which
corresponds with amperage capacity of loop.
15. Minimum height extends
through roof 3 feet.
NOTE: For larger loads install conduit, conductor, switch
gear, and meter base according to load requirements. Offset nipples may be used
where necessary.
Ground bonding
screws must be installed in all switch boxes. If weatherproof outlet is desired, refer to page 7 for
material required.
Note: LOAD LARGER THAN 200 AMPS REQUIRES A LOAD BREAKDOWN. THE
METER WILL BE FURNISHE THE COOPERATIVE. |
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List Of Material For Service
Entrance Installation
NOTE: CONDUCTOR SIZE IN THE METER LOOP MUST COINCIDE
WITH THE RATED CAPACITY OF THE MAIN DISCONNECT PANEL.
1. Approved service
head.
2. Conductor size
according to amperage of meter loop.
3. Neutral (INSTALLED
INSIDE CONDUIT)
4. Number 6 soft drawn
copper ground wire (outside of conduit).
5. Conduit size according
to meter loop size.
6. Conduit straps (spaced
approximately 2 feet apart)
7. Approved nipple
equipped with metal or plastic bushing backed with a lock nut.
8. Weatherproof
hub.
9. Multibreaker or fused
switch box.
10. Service entrance cable
may be used with sill plate or conduit may be used with service entrance
elbow.
11. Distribution panel
(fused or multibreaker).
12. 5/8” x 8’ copperweld
ground rod with approved clamp driven below ground level. If unable to drive 8
feet deep, bend and bury remainder of rod.
13. Approved meter base
which corresponds with amperage capacity of loop.
NOTE: For larger loads install
conduit, conductor, switch gear, and meter base according to load requirement.
Offset nipples may be used where necessary. Ground bonding
screws must be installed in all switch boxes. If weatherproof outlet is desired, refer to page 7 for
material required.
LOAD
LARGER THAN 200 AMPS REQUIRES A LOAD BREAKDOWN. THE METER WILL BE FURNISHED BY
THE COOPERATIVE |
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Construction Meter Loop
NOTE: LOOP IS APPROVED FOR 365 DAYS
MAXIMUM
1. Approved
weatherhead.
2. Metal conduit correct
size for conductor and correct length.
3. Conduit straps of
correct size.
4. Conductors of correct
size.
5. Weather proof
hubs.
6. Approved meter
base.
7. Approved nipple with
locknuts and metal or fiber bushing.
8.
Weather proof breaker panel, breaker and box to correspond to wire size
and amperage of loop.
9. Weather proof outlet box(es) must be secured to pole,
metal spacers must be used if needed. (All 120 volt, 15 and 20 amp receptacles
must be ground fault interrupter protected.)
10.
Approved 1/2” nipples with locknuts.
11. #6 cu. Wire from ground rod to top of pole.
12. 8 foot approved ground rod driven below ground
level.
13. Approved ground rod connector.
14. Pole must be substantial and braced sufficiently to
withstand strain of service wire within 50’ of Cooperative pole. | |
Last Modified: June 23, 2009
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