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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 |
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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
˝ |
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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. |
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