Residential Service Manual - Flathead Electric Cooperative
Contents
1. WELCOME TO FLATHEAD ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE INC This handbook contains information that will help you to answer questions like Where should install the meter base What do have to do for an underground service Where will the service route be How do install my meter base How tall does my service mast have to be How do I get the existing underground utilities What are the size requirements for the meter located before dig base The answers to these and many other questions are here If you have any additional questions please call our office A directory of numbers can be found on page 19 Information regarding the installation of permanent service for multifamily and nonresidential services such as commercial buildings condominium complexes apartment buildings and mobile home parks can be found in FECS Non Resident Electric Service Requirements Handbook Getting Started Installing new electrical service to a home is a joint project between you and FEC FEC is responsible for installing the service lines to bring power to the residence and for installing a meter in the meter base You are responsible for Determining if you want overhead or under Maintaining your equipment ground service Keeping the meter base visible and accessible Installing a temporary permanent meter base Providing and maintaining a clear path for the Wiring from the meter base or pedestal to your overhead s2. 8 i CL a E J Ir P E i a E s z 5 j D L i d 3j h Pap ee ie LONT VD wl y A m LN D A F e E P y i m k B il 0 Sg 5 eer Te s A p a TUR E ag PPTTRFFFN S dg s nn Pt a HIT Fea HI AP fy omm BP E E rr F i KS RE ee ee fe a A mi m INTRODUCTION This booklet was developed to help you acquire electrical power to your property It presents information and general specification about the supply and use of electricity from Flathead Electric Cooperative For a complete and detailed explanation of our construction standards please contact our Distribution Design Department Adherence to these procedures and standards will promote safe electrical installations and reliable service This handbook is based on utility standards to guide you through the basic requirements for installing a new service For questions regarding availability of power or service locations please contact our Distribution Design Department at 406 751 4483 The Residential Electric Service Handbook is not meant as a design tool Rather it is a reference guide for construction and metering standards recognized by Flathead Electric Cooperative You should also consult other sources such as the National Electric Code NEC Electric Utility Service Equipment Requirements EUSERC your electrical inspector and other standards governing electrical equipment and installations Installing new electri
3. SERVICE EQUIPMENT INSTALLATION REQUIREMENTS Removing and Installing Meters Only authorized and qualified FEC personnel shall remove and install meters Qualified electricians with prior approval from FEC may remove a meter to disconnect the service under abnormal or emergency conditions Note With some types of meter bases removal of the meter does not de energize the member s system The purpose of seals by FEC on meters and associated service equipment is to prevent injury and or tampering Emergency or Standby Generators You may elect to install an emergency or standby generator when you build your home Permanently installed generators are to be connected to your wiring system by a permanently installed transfer switch intended for that purpose The transfer switch is used to disconnect all ungrounded conductors connected to FEC s system prior to connecting the generator to the conductors supplying your home The transfer switch is to be designed and installed so that the generator cannot be connected to FEC s system in any mode of operation When the switch is in the position that disconnects FECS service it must have a visible opening and be lockable in that position Compliance with these provisions is necessary to prevent serious or possible fatal accidents to FEC line personnel Portable generators shall not be connected through your house wiring system at any time unless the connection is made through a permanently installed t
4. 3 3 3 SIZE OF ep e KEE EE MM a ee eoe mere m e e pe KA T K an Ka m a E coe y EE La P 4 Ge d s a J i X LAA Le l d La e i ka 4 m d ai d 2 See vi o d Fr I I 1 3 SIZE OF ct L I CONDUIT d ES A CONDUIT k s d A RR 1 K ch En F 4 den a L y d j mmm Sr 12 MIN geng rei SEPARATION f ES E MIMIMUM 8 EPARAT ION Conduit Installation All conduits will be installed in a trench with a level bottom to avoid a bridging effect Keep the inside of the conduit clean and free of foreign materials The use of primer is recommended when gluing conduit Special care needs to be taken to insure that conduits do not block any other knockouts in the vault Conduits installed in vaults should only extend 2 to 4 into the vaults The conduit should enter the vault as straight as possible Anew 1 nylon pull rope is required in all conduit runs Specifications Conduit size and number of conduits will be determined by the FEC Distribution Design Department Be sure you know what size and how many conduits are required for your installation If you use too small or too few conduits your installation will be rejected Buried conduits must be Schedule 40 gray electrical PVC Any exposed conduits must be Schedule 80 gray electrical PVC Sweeps All sweeps must be wide radius sweeps In conduit runs of less than 200 feet and 270 degre
5. Meter Location You must install your meter base where it will be accessible to FEC at all times All locations are subject to approval by a FEC representative FEC requires putting the meter base on the quadrant of your house closest to the FEC transformer 11 SERVICE EQUIPMENT INSTALLATION REQUIREMENTS The requirements for properly locating your meter base are It must be outside t must be located in an area that is not subject to being fenced such as patios decks porches backyards t must be located on a structure that is owned by you The reasons for these requirements are So FEC meter personal can obtain periodic meter readings in a cost effective manner So FEC can efficiently maintain the meter So our employees can stay out of your backyard If there is a fire or other disaster we can disconnect your service It should be pointed out that FEC will not accept recessed semi flush or flush mounted meter base installations Also all meter base installations must provide protection from ice snow and debris unloading from the roof Clearance Requirements The following clearances are required around all meter installations It is _ your responsibility to provide and maintain these clearances A minimum BR clearance of three feet is required between overhead service lines and windows doors porches fire escapes or similar openings The center of the meter must be between 4 5 and 6 feet abov
6. Ament AFP Keng uud T yw d rz COR IRA Y FO INC x WC CIE EBEN D PI V n RE BLR Extending Conduit to FEC Poles Before extending conduit to FEC poles an appointment with a designer shall be scheduled The designer will determine if the pole needs to be changed out or not If the pole does not need to be changed out the designer will place a standoff bracket on the pole The member will be responsible for sweeping the conduit up at the bracket keeping the conduit 3 4 inches away from the pole If it is determined that the pole needs changed the conduit will need to be dug to within 4 5 feet of the existing pole the end of the conduit capped and marked with a red top stake EXTENDING CONDUIT UF TD FEL oda PROFILE VIEW EXTEMDING CONDAT LF TD FEC PARES SCHMEDLREDTO Bl CMAN BET OUT PLAN VIEW TOP TAO de a ne l En SSC FT a TE EA ort Ae MER ad Te ET ETA Installing Concrete Vaults General Vaults are used as foundations for FEC equipment and also pulling points for long wire runs The FEC designer will determine the number of size of and type of concrete vaults required for your project Vaults are prefabri cated by local precast concrete companies and it is the members responsibility for ordering and installation of vaults There are two standard vault sizes single phase and three phase that may be required for underground line extensions The designer will determine which will be used for y
7. Highways Licensed FEC contractor under MDOT permit or Member Member Contractor with additional MDOT encroachment permit State Lands Contact the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation DNRC Kalispell land office US Forest Service Member and Contractor under the permit between FEC and the US Forest Service Railroad Right of Way Licensed FEC Contractor Typical Trenching Specifications and Procedures All trenches should be a minimum of 36 the conduit size in depth unless specified other by an FEC designer The bottom of the trench must be smooth and level from power and other utilities 1 foot of separation is This prevents bridging of the conduit which can cause required between power and communication company the condutt to flatten or pull apart when the trench is conduits 5 feet of separation is required between backfilled power and gas lines The trench must be free of sharp rocks concrete waste The trench must be a minimum of 5 feet from septic and other construction debris In extremely rocky areas tanks and a minimum of 10 feet from a drain field sand bedding may be required FEC requires inspection of primary trenches and con Trench width should be sufficient to allow safe duit installations prior to backfilling installation of conduit and provide proper separation UNDERGROUND LINE EXTENSIONS POWER PHONE AND CAT POWER PHONE CATV AND GAS TRENCHDEPTH 3 3 TRENCHDEPTH
8. R AAA KEE BEE GA EE Fa ae AA EE ia h T S CN E EN iu sa ess EUR Re DUKE EE ME iR MERE Rin ES a De a Doni ere ei UC Au dendo E e O aaa o s EE E im KA GE E n a ANN Ges V EE GEN e E be on SE E in m Es c rap der e i d EE den GE de EE LP m a nu a a ur ul Eo aoa b au a BACKALL Backfilling FEC must inspect all primary trenches prior to backfilling The inspection can be scheduled by calling the designer directly or by calling the Distribution Design Department All trenches must be backfilled prior to the work order being released to the FEC Operations Department for scheduling Care needs to be taken to ensure the integrity of the conduit systems 10 UNDERGROUND LINE EXTENSIONS Cleanup Cleanup consists of removing any debris from trenches prior to backfilling and cleaning any debris and dirt out of vaults Any excavation done on public right of way needs to be restored to its original state complying with the appropriate agencies requirements Unless specified any other property that is disturbed in any manner must be reseeded and applied with fertilizer to control noxious weed spread See the Flathead County Weed Control District Re vegetation Policy for seed and fertilizer specifications Installing Pull Ropes The member is responsible for installing a new V4 inch nylon rope in all conduit runs To verify the condition of the conduit the pull rope needs to be blown or sucked in afte
9. as listed below 5 ft from noncombustible walls including brick concrete steel and stone provided the side of the wall facing the transformer does not have a door Contact FEC for clearances from combustible walls including stucco doors windows vents fire escapes and other building openings 15 ft from the water s edge of a swimming pool or any body of water 20 ft from facilities used to dispense or store hazardous liquids or gasses such as gas tanks propane tanks gas pumps etc Setting the Vault All vaults will be set level on undisturbed earth Vaults will be set at a depth where the vault without the lid is 2 to 4 above final grade This prevents water and dirt from entering the vault The orientation of the vault should be such that the copper wire that exits the concrete UFER Ground is in the back e The floor drain that is located in the bottom of the vault shall be knocked out Holes that have been enlarged or knock outs that have been removed and not used need to be sealed with grout Minor damage can also be repaired with grout Clean out the inside of the vault after it is set Keep all dirt and construction debris out of the vault FEC retains the right to reject all vaults that are not properly installed or are damaged See Figure 1 19 for a typical conduit and vault installation FIGURE 1 19 Typical conduit and vault installation SETTING BACKFILLING es RN IT VEREO
10. cal service is a joint project between you and Flathead Electric Cooperative FEC FEC desires to provide a safe and reliable electric service in a courteous and efficient manner Cooperation between members their contractors and the Cooperative is imperative in the development of plans leading to new or upgraded service to your facility We look forward to assisting you in planning electrical service to your project CONTENTS Getting Started RTT Nn 2 Overhead or Underground Service seien ttes E Applying for New S PVICC sssssssssscsssesssessecssecssecsssessscsssesssscssscesecesecssscssuesssecssecesecesecsseecsseessecen 4 New el tee D HOOKUP Site er 6 Underground Line EXtenSiONS tnnt ttn sarro rra narran 6 UDIG fts a 7 UC e Il 7 Conduit Installation oo eesseesssesssesseessecessessecssecssecsuecsuesssesssessesssecssecssecssecssesssesssessecesecessesseesseesees 8 Pedestals amp EMClOSUIES sscssscsssssssesssessssssssssssesssesssesssessnsssssssssssssessscsssesssessseesscesseesseesssessseesses 9 Seine EI 9 Ss e 10 General Reouermerte e sseseeeettenttenttnntta ntn ttta ntn tttnt teste site siiis 11 cl 12 sso ke Manufactured Hommes 14 Conde eebe lo A A 16 AU ains 17 SIE lt 18 TTT E e 18 Removing amp Installing Metals oeste 19 Underground LOC nica 19 E re ener ee ee eee ee ee ee eee 19 STs Gon Eet ON OO 19 Glossary Fe TE 20
11. conduit above the meter used to provide mechanical protection for the service conductors and to support the service drop Temporary Service An electrical service installed by the member and connected by FEC to provide power on a temporary basis less than one year UL Underwriters Laboratories a recognized test laboratory which lists materials it has tested and accepted 20 a Ze m a E ge EI be E Bes 1 EI 1 bw La E D r ka E 4 a y kal mee 8 Flathead Electric Cooperative Inc 2510 0 S Highway East Kalispell Mili 59901 Phone 406 751 4483 or Fax 406 752 4285 www flatheadelectric com _ CH Jg D BI z d j Eo a LJ e Y Ve BR a k 4 y a pe i Wu uu Y E A nn T uem E us E A LR d IW
12. d ask to speak to someone in the Distribution Design Department Contacting other Utilities New construction typically involves the installation of water sewer telephone cable TV and natural gas lines as well as power cables It is your responsibility to notify each of the utilities that you wish to provide service to your home You will need to obtain the name and phone number for a contact at each utility and let each of them know which other utilities will be providing new service Estimates Due to the multitude of variations that each project can possibly experience FEC does not give out estimates or per foot estimates Please contact the Distribution Design Department to schedule an appointment with a Designer Application for Electric Service and Membership form available online The undersigned hereinafter called the E applies for membership i in and agrees to purchase electric energy as its sole third party provider from Flathead Electric Cooperative Inc the Cooperative upon the following terms and conditions A Applicant will purchase from the Cooperative electric energy for the premises described below and will pay promptly upon receipt all charges for such energy and services of the Cooperative based upon rates set by the Board of Trustees B Applicant will comply with and be bound by the Cooperatives Articles of Conversion Bylaws and rules adopted from time to time by the Board of Trustees C Appl
13. e Gei CCRN AE 1 Ve ge SN j F a Lum ea atr ten pe Sx SNE 9 Xu Ww i MIH j s a i m Fe it A MIH A Items owned and installed by FEC 1 Service line 2 Meter O Items owned and installed by member 5 6 x 6 fully pressure treated wood post set 4 in ground 4 Insulating bushing and locknut 5 Service Entrance Conduit as specified on page 8 6 Ground wire in accordance with NEC 7 Multiple 8 Ground rods in accordance with NEC 9 Slip Joint 10 Wide radius sweep 1 1 Conduit installed per FEC Specifications 12 Customer owned service wire to house 15 SERVICE EQUIPMENT INSTALLATION REQUIREMENTS Manufactured homes For service to a manufactured home service equipment can be installed one of two ways 1 On a meter pedestal Or if the manufactured home is on a permanent foundation 2 On the manufactured home if both of the following conditions are met a The manufacturer installed the service equipment at the time the home was built b The service equipment meets the meter base requirements listed below Meter bases installed on manufactured homes must Be located on an outside wall of the home Be between 4 5 and 6 feet above finished grade Not be in a walkway breezeway or carport Not be in an area that is subject to being fenced or where decking or foliage will block easy access to It If the home manufacturer did not install service equipment on the home when it was built you must g
14. e finished grade except meter pedestals A working space of 36 inches wide by 36 inches deep is required around the meter See Figure 1 18 This working space is to be kept clear of any obstructions including landscaping There must be a minimum horizontal clearance of 3 feet between the center of the electric meter and gas meters PT M _ PX m FIGURE 1 18 Meter socket minimum clearance 10 MIN FOR 10 ANY OBSTRUCTION i MIN Se ABOVE THE METER A NEAREST SIDE WALL OR OBSTRUCTION 3 MIN 72 CLEAR 4 5 MIN METER WORKING SPACE Y SS 3 MIN FROM T ENCLOSURE OR FROM METER FACE Service Ratings Available FEC offers several sizes of service for single family residential structures and for outbuildings See Outbuildings on page 18 The size of service you need depends upon the size of the home and the power requirements of the equipment you will be installing FEC cannot determine your power requirements 12 SERVICE EQUIPMENT INSTALLATION REQUIREMENTS Voltage Ampere Rating Typical Use 120 240 100 200 Amps Small and medium sized homes most common service size 120 240 320 Amps Large homes 120 240 Over 320 Amps Very large homes 100 200 Amp service Single family residential The 120 240 volt 100 200 ampere service is the most common service and is typically installed on homes with a living space of less than 2500 square feet However it is your responsibility to dete
15. ectrical equipment Neutral The grounded conductor in a single phase three wire or three phase four wire system The service conductor at zero potential to ground Distribution Design Department The designated representative of FEC responsible for coordination of new or revised services to FEC members The Design Department responds to inquiries on policies standards practices rates and energy utilization Point of Attachment The point where the FEC service line and the customer s system are interconnected Seal A locking device to secure a meter or service entrance equipment to assure safety and security Select Backfill Native soil or soil brought in from another area free from sharp objects rocks scrap building material and corrosive material Self Contained In reference to meter bases a device designed and rated to continuously carry the entire capacity of the service The maximum self contained meter base current rating typically used is 400 amperes also called a single phase Class 520 Amp meter Service Line Conductors from FECS system to the customer s point of delivery which can be overhead or underground Service Entrance Conductors On overhead services customer owned conductors which extend between the meter base and the point of delivery Service Entrance Equipment Service conduit conductors weather head meter base pedestal enclosures service disconnect and service panel Service Mast The
16. ents pa service drop no site visit d stg p Pay construction costs or other requirements signified 4 Schedule an appointment with the Engineering by the designer Let FECS Distribution Design Coordinator for a site visit with the area Designer Department know that you are ready for FEC to 5 At the site visit the Designer will provide the member install the service wire with a service reference sheet that spells out mem 13 Final inspection ber and FEC responsibilities cost to construct project required easements permits and a designed route 6 Notify other Utilities of your project 7 Install your service entrance equipment 14 Install and connect the service line to your underground meter base or overhead mast wiring 15 Install a meter 16 Energize your system Scheduling FEC schedules on a first come first serve basis Work will not be schedule until the member has met all their responsibilities and the project has been inspected by the designer Scheduling time changes depending on work load contact FECS Operations Department for more accurate times Initial Appointments with Designers 2 7 working days UDIG 2 working days Trench Inspections 1 2 working days Serviceman Site visit 1 2 working days Final Inspection 1 2 working days Energize Service Drop 5 10 working days Energize Crew Job 1 3 weeks UNDERGROUND LINE EXTENSIONS The purpose of this section is to clearly out
17. ervice lines residence Providing trench and conduit for underground All electrical wiring in your residence service lines Obtaining permits and inspections Requesting Service Prior to contacting FEC we would request that you fill out the membership application form and be prepared to answer the following questions What is the service for home barn shop etc When will you be ready for service How many square feet in your residence Would you like overhead or underground y Sq y Iid Yy 8 Will you have electric heat or gas service Will you have a heat pump furnace or zonal f overhead is it allowed by local ordinances and heating covenants Will you have gas or electric water heat Is the existing power system in the area What ampere rating will your service require overhead or underground To start the process of installing a new service an account and work order needs to be established The Distribution Design Department will discuss the process for getting your service installed answer any questions you may have and set an initial appointment for a distribution designer to visit your site They will also request general billing information discuss fees and request the address for your new service This address must be supplied and posted at your job site Remember it is your responsibility to obtain the new address from your local county plat room A directory of numbers can be found on pa
18. es of bend PVC sweeps may be used On runs in excess of 200 feet you must use steel or burn proof fiberglass wide radius sweeps In no case may you exceed 270 degrees of bend in a single conduit run Heating and bending of conduits will be allowed but must be inspected by FEC before backfilling Be careful not to flatten the conduit when bending This decreases the ability to pull electrical lines through the conduit Extending Conduit into FEC Enclosures Member Member Contractors shall not extend conduit into any enclosure without an FEC trained representative on site Before extending conduit into FEC enclosures please schedule an appointment with a Designer The Designer will instruct as to where the trench needs to be extended to and determine if it is safe to extend conduit into the enclosure If existing wires are in the way an FEC serviceman will need to be scheduled to move the wires in order for the conduit to be extended UNDERGROUND LINE EXTENSIONS Secondary Pedestals Primary Enclosures METAS PEDENTAdE DRUHE UF TO ESTIMO PEDESTALS uL ILL Mayas Pe pnt CH Sm A Ce f x e z e KK ee LS gt d E xod Pes Se TON M i T OE A Ge i Beie a m uh ii m E p be PEE E E n lj L3 Ea Ce Ka Na a cwm r 1 SN e e E Lh re MPAA im 11 LI Ee 5 ao LIRE UON UR ka E wE FEDT E e Em x Gs Tum Be oM ann 5 dm n Vert ECT pre Ch RHEI T BE TEGE Pe i FG Ki J HA x 3
19. essage Contact Name Phone Property Owner Do you own this property Yes No If no please complete Property Owner Name Phone Other Life support equipment Yes No Business Computer Yes NO Round Up for Safety is a program in which utility bills are rounded up to the nearest dollar to help fund safety related community projects Do you wish to participate Yes No If not checked participation will be automatic Credit Report Flathead Electric is mandated by the federal government to require a credit check through your social security number This credit check will determine if a minimum advance payment of 100 00 is required We will refund your advance pay ment after one full year of good payment history or when you leave our service territory Applicant Signature Date Co Applicant Signature Date Additional Information Required for New Construction Services Is your property in a subdivision If yes Subdivision Name Estimated distance from nearest existing power line to new construction site ft Is existing power Overhead Underground Nearest pole or pad mount equipment Do you want Overhead Underground Will the proposed power line cross any property other than your own If yes please complete Property Owners Name Address Property Owners Name Address Will the proposed route cross or enter upon County Road State Highway USFSpropetty State Property Railroad GasPipellnne Fiber Optic Li
20. et approval from the local electrical inspection agency before you install a meter base on your manufactured home Meter pedestals A meter pedestal is a structure that supports service equipment If a meter pedestal is required for the project it is the customers responsibility to purchase and install it The NEC requires that manufactured homes have a disconnect switch installed within 30 feet of the home Normally the meter base is installed at this same location You have two meter pedestal options Custom built A pedestal that you or your electrical contractor builds See Figure 1 16 on page 13 Factory built A pedestal that you purchase from a vendor See Figure 1 17 Also see Figure 1 17a for an example 2 Figure 1 17 Factory built meter pedestal 3 A Items owned and installed by T FEC 1 Service line 2 Meter O Items owned and installed by member BURY TO LINE PROVIDED ON 3 Meter base with disconnect FACTORY BUILT METER switch o PEDESTALS 4 Ground wire in accordance with a NEC 5 Multiple 8 Ground rods in accordance with NEC E 8 4 6 Wide radius sweep l 24 MIN 7 Conduit installed per FEC 5 Specifications l l ae rel owned service wire to FIGURE 1 1 Ja UN Factory built meter pedestal rms 320 Amp Service The meter base required for a 120 240 volt 400 ampere service is called a Class 520 meter base It is larger than the 200 amp meter base but it is still a self contained me
21. family wells non commercial barns must meet all the requirements listed above FIGURE 1 11 Surface mounted meter socket However if the outbuilding will be used for commercial or multifamily purposes for example a professional shop dairy barn multifamily community well you will have additional requirements including manual bypass provisions If this is the case please refer to the FEC Non Residential Electric Service Requirements Handbook Temporary Service Most service installations can be coordinated to provide your permanent service early on in the construction process This will eliminate the need for a temporary service This in turn eliminates an additional visit to your construction site and eliminates additional costs to you However if temporary service is required for your project FEC will connect it under the following conditions Temporary meter loops and pedestals will be provided by you or your contractor You or your electrician must submit to FEC a state electrical inspection permit There will be a separate charge for temporary services Your temporary service should only be located adjacent to a transformer and have enough wire stubbed out to connect directly to our facilities If an existing transformer is not in the area temporary service may not be available at your location Consult FEC for other options The costs for permanent services replacing temporaries will be treated as new services 18
22. fected by the excavation project It s provided by Flathead area utility companies and municipalities whose purpose is to make the excavating process safe UDIG puts Safety First UDIG s goal is to prevent personal injury property damage and damage to buried services during an excavation project Color Codes For Marking Underground Utility Lines Water Sewer Electric Gas Oil Steam Communication Catv Temporary Survey Markings Proposed Excavation Crossing Underground Locates If the designed route requires that you parallel or cross existing FEC locates any digging done within 18 inches of the locate mark must be done by hand It is not FECS responsibility to cross existing lines If you do not feel comfortable crossing the line you may hire a professional Excavation Contractor or request an FEC representative to be present when the line is crossed For crossing non FEC lines please contact the appropriate utility CAN I DIG THERE Know whose property you are on Be sure you have the legal right to dig on the property FEC will not install electric lines on property where we do not have the consent of the owner FEC allows members to supply trench and condutt however local and state agencies have jurisdiction on public property Contact the appropriate agency for exact details Private Property Member and Contractor City Right of Way Licensed Contractors Only County Right of Way Contact Flathead or Lincoln County State
23. ge 19 WELCOME TO FLATHEAD ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE INC Overhead or Underground Service FIGURE 1 1 Two types of electrical service are available overhead and underground Underground service is available to everyone Overhead service is available if FECS system is overhead and if local ordinances allow it It is your responsibility to be aware of any applicable local codes and ordinances You can determine if FECS system is overhead or underground by checking for our facilities along the road If the power system is overhead a series of poles similar to FIGURE 1 1 GE right will be visible If the power system is under A a zeg ground there will be items like those in FIGURES 1 2 e through 1 5 below If our system is overhead and you wish to have an overhead service installed the requirements for overhead services can be found in the Overhead Services section of this book starting on page 16 If the system is overhead but you wish to have an underground service those requirements are in the Underground Services section of this book starting on page 11 Overhead Power Pole and Transformer FIGURE 1 2 FIGURE 1 3 FIGURE 1 4 FIGURE 1 5 Transformer Secondary Pedestals Stub Out If FECS system is underground your only option is an underground service Refer to the Underground Services section of this book for those requirements For help determining which type system is in your area call our office an
24. h Schedule 40 gray PVC conduit 320 amp Surface mounted meter socket 400 Amps and above Contact Flathead Electric Coop General Requirements for Overhead Services If you wish to have an overhead service to your home the information in this section will help you The following is a checklist that will assist you in preparing your project for the installation of your overhead service After you have completed these items FEC will install your service line and meter 15 SERVICE EQUIPMENT INSTALLATION REQUIREMENTS Make sure you re in an overhead area Check to see if any local ordinances or covenants prevent you from installing an overhead service Apply for the city or state electrical inspection Determine an acceptable location for your meter base See page 12 Install your service equipment Install your service entrance conductors leave 2 feet exposed at the weather head Verify that the service mast height requirements have been met The first step when installing new overhead service is to determine which power pole your service will be taken from Next determine the location of the meter base The meter base shall be located outside in an area that is accessible to FEC personnel at all times If the service line will be passing through any trees you must provide and maintain a clear path for the overhead service lines Another factor to consider when choosing the location for the meter base is what ty
25. icant will cause his her property to be wired in compliance with all applicable national state and local electrical specifications and codes as well as Flathead Electrics Service Requirements Guide D Cooperative employees or agents shall be permitted reasonable access to Applicants property to install remove inspect or maintain wiring and other equipment related to its electrical service and to cut and trim trees and shrubbery as necessary to keep them clear of Cooperative lines and equipment E Applicant grants the Cooperative the right to extend or relocate along property boundaries or existing roadways any Coop erative facilities or equipment reasonably necessary to provide electric service to its members F Applicant agrees to protect the equipment of the Cooperative install and maintain any protective device and follow procedures required by the Cooperative Upon acceptance of this Application by the Cooperative and its ANN to provide electric energy and services this application shall become a contractual agreement binding on both the Cooperative and the Applicant APPLICATION INFORMATION Name Last First MI SS DOB Co Applicant Name Last First MI SS DOB Business Name Tax ID Mailing Address City St Zip E Mail Address Home Phone Cell Phone Co Applicant E Mail Co Applicant Phone Co Applicant Cell Phone Employer Work Phone Co Applicant Employer Work Phone Physical Address of Property must be posted on site M
26. ices over 400 amps and above require CT metering Please refer to the FEC Non Residential Electric Service Requirements Handbook Grounding Requirements All meter bases enclosures and conduit must be bonded and grounded in accordance with the NEC If you elect to use a UFER ground installation that is poured into the footing of your structure FEC will require that you provide an inspection certificate from your electrical inspector verifying that the re bar and ground were properly installed in the foundation If you elect to use driven ground rods FEC will require that you install two 8 long rods spaced 6 apart and bonded together Service Equipment Installation Requirements After determining the meter base location the service route and the size of your service equipment 200 amp 320 amp etc you are ready to begin installing your service equipment FEC only allows surface mounted meter bases When you install your meter base make sure the center of the meter will be between 4 5 and 6 feet above finished ground level In addition make sure you have installed the correct slip joint in the service entrance conduit See Figure 1 15b left for a typical surface mounted meter socket The size of service determines the options for the size of the service entrance conduit The options for the various sizes are Service Size Conduit Requirement 0 125 Amps 2 inch Schedule 40 gray PVC conduit FIGURE 1 15b 200 320 Amps 3 inc
27. line the requirements for the installation of vaults and conduits used in the FEC electrical distribution system FEC requires all new underground line extensions to install a conduit and vault system All guidelines in this section must be followed Any deviation from these requirements must be approved by FEC prior to construction Failure to do so may result in the rejection of the installation If there are any questions please contact the FEC Distribution Design Department Member Trenching For logistical and cost saving purposes it is Flathead Electric Cooperatives FEC policy to allow members to supply trench and condutt for electrical services The following outline illustrates the member s responsibility when providing trench and condutt for electrical service FEC reserves the right to reject any trench and conduit system that does not meet FEC requirements It is the member or member s contractor s responsibility to perform excavation and install conduit safely and to adhere to any and all State local and FEC requirements Please contact FEC at 406 751 4483 and ask for the Distribution Design Department with any questions UNDERGROUND LINE EXTENSIONS UDIG It s the Law Call UDIG before you dig at 755 UDIG 8344 or 1 800 551 8344 Visit www udig org for rules regulations and response times UDIG is a free service that provides a single phone number for the public to call to notify utilities with buried facilities that may be af
28. lugs in your meter base and runs upward through the service mast The service entrance conductors must be sized according to the NEC and to the rating of your meter base When installing the wire leave at least 2 feet of wire exposed at the end of the weather head to allow FEC to connect the service line to your wire When you install your meter base make sure the center of the meter will be between 4 5 and 6 feet above finished ground level If you have any questions regarding the installation of your service equipment we suggest that you consult the NEC or contact an electrical inspector See Figure 1 11 for an example of a surface mounted meter socket Outbuildings An outbuilding is a stand alone structure which is lo cated on residential property and is not a living space Typical outbuildings are barns pump houses garages shops storage sheds etc If you wish to install a separate service to your outbuilding you are required to provide a clear path trench and conduit to our equipment a properly located meter base and service equipment as required in the NEC It will be your responsibility to install the meter base and service equipment Depending on the size of service equipment and the type of facility that is being served the meter base may be required to have provisions for or have manual bypass blocks Meter bases for 100 to 320 amp services to outbuildings that will be used for personal use for example garages shops single
29. ne __ Water creek stream river lake swamp What type of heating system will you use Electric Gas LP Wood Other What size of electrical service entrance meter base 200 amp 320amp Other__ What type of service are you planning Residential house outbuilding well Commercial Irrigation See Non Residential Handbook Please sketch a site plan showing existing roads landmarks septic systems building site driveway and proposed electrical route and location OVERVIEW OF HOOKUP PROCEDURES The following is a general outline on how to obtain a new electrical service for a single family residential structure This outline assumes that Flathead Electric Cooperative FEC has existing power facilities near your site If power is not readily available FEC will need to design a primary line extension to your project If you have any questions please contact the FEC Distribution Design Department Typical Work Order Process 1 Complete pages 4 and 5 and return to FEC s 8 Call UDIG Distribution Design Department 9 Provide trench and conduit for underground 2 Pay Service Charge Contact FEC for fee schedule to services or a clear path for overhead services begin a work order 10 Call for trench inspection or right of way inspection 5 The Engineering Coordinator will determine if your 11 Backfill project requires a site visit with a Designer or if it is a SEN 12 Finalize requirements sign easem
30. our application These vaults are produced to FEC specifications and vaults will not be accepted from manufacturers without prior approval from FEC FECS vault specifications are available upon request The manufacturers listed below are currently producing approved vaults FLATHEAD CONCRETE PRODUCTS 406 752 4259 GLACIER PRE CAST CONCRETE 406 752 7163 GRANITE CONCRETE LIBBY 406 293 3777 Some applications may require specialty vaults The specifications for the specialty vaults will be provided by FEC FEC reserves the right to reject any vault that does not comply with FEC specifications UNDERGROUND LINE EXTENSIONS Vault Location Vaults will be placed according to the design provided by the FEC Distribution Design Department Any variation from the design MUST be approved by FEC prior to construction Failure to follow these steps may result in the rejection of the installation A minimum clear zone of 10 from the center line of the vault must be maintained in order for FEC to place and work on the equipment Access to all vault locations must be maintained for maintenance and future line extensions All vault locations must be accessible by a boom truck at the time of installation and in the future Whenever possible vaults should be set in accessible areas at an elevation that is lower than the member s meter base Transformer vaults will also need to be located to maintain the following minimum clearances
31. pes of terrain the service line will be crossing FEC suggests whenever possible that you avoid service line routes that will cross a driveway Service lines crossing driveways can be hit by vehicles and cause damage to service equipment and even to the home See Figure 1 6 right for a typical overhead service installation Height Requirements FIGURE 1 6 Typical overhead service installation TRANSFORMER SERVICE LINE WEATHERHEAD POWER POLE SERVICE ENTRANCE CONDUCTOR SERVICE MAST METER METERBASE WITH MAIN BREAKER SERVICE MAST GUY The top of a service mast must be at least 13 feet above final grade so that the clearances over your property can be maintained Additional height may be required depending upon the location and type of structure or terrain your service line passes over Figure 1 7 below illustrates some of the minimum clearances that must be maintained 8 P 24 5 FEET STATE HIGHWAYS FIGURE 1 9 Minimum vertical clearances over other structures 16 16 FEET A Y STREETS ALLEYS COUNTY ROAD s AND DRIVEWAYS WITH ROOF PERMANENT ACCESS 11 MIN 12 FEET 3 GAS METER Y MIN RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY ROOF WITHOUT PERMANENT ACCESS FINISH GRADE 11 MIN DECK 3 MIN FIGURE 1 7 Minimum clearance from ground GAS METER SERVICE EQUIPMENT INSTALLATION REQUIREMENTS Service Ma
32. r the trench is backfilled If the rope needs to be installed into an existing enclosure the rope should be blown in and left installed prior to final extension into vault or scheduled with the FEC Operations Department FIGURE 1 14 Typical underground installation dl Sd ba D a kh a J hy i dh dth This handbook should be used only as a guide It does not cover all federal state and local code requirements It is your responsibility to ensure that your project complies with the most recent issues of the NEC and any other federal state or local codes that apply Once your service equipment is installed the state or the city with jurisdiction requires that the installation pass an electrical inspection before we can connect you to FECS system You are responsible for requesting and passing this inspection Check your local phone book for the applicable inspection agency General Requirements The following is a checklist which should be used as a guide to assist you in preparing your project for the installation of your underground service Once you have completed these items FEC will install your service line and meter Apply for the city or state electrical permit Determine an acceptable location for your meter base See page 12 Provide a trench and conduit from the meter base to the location where the service line will originate Install your service equipment
33. ransfer switch All transfer switches and or transfer operating schemes must meet applicable building codes and be inspected by the appropriate governmental electrical inspector FEC will require an inspection be made by FEC personnel prior to operation of the generator For more detailed information contact FEC and request our Safely Installing Your Standby Electric Generator pamphlet SERVICE OFFICE INFORMATION Flathead Electric Cooperative Inc 2510 US Highway 2 East Kalispell MT 59901 2397 Mailing Address 2510 US Highway 2 East Kalispell MT 59901 2397 FEC Website www flatheadelectric com Kalispell Headquarters 751 4485 or 1 800 755 8489 Fax 406 752 4283 UDIG or Call Before UDIG 755 UDIG 8344 or 1 800 551 8544 www udig org Libby Service Center 121 West 4th Street Libby MT 59923 406 293 7122 Fax 406 293 3821 MT Dept of Labor and Industry Building Codes Bureau Electrical Permits PO Box 200517 Helena MT 59620 0517 406 841 2056 buildingcodes mt gov Flathead County Plat Room 800 South Main Street Kalispell MT 59901 406 758 5510 19 GLOSSARY OF TERMS Clearance An obstruction free distance between two objects Common Ground Point The conductor used to connect the grounding electrode to the equipment grounding conductor and or to the grounded conductor of the circuit at the service Conduit A listed or approved pipe with a smooth interior surface to permit easy d
34. rawing in of electrical conductors A conduit may be metallic or nonmetallic depending on its usage in accordance with codes and standards Corrosion Inhibitor Electrical joint compound used to retard oxidation of electrical connections Direct Burial The installation of electrical conductors in a trench without the use of conduit Drip Loop A loop formed in overhead secondary conductors at the weather head to prevent the entrance of water into the service entrance conduit and equipment Electrical Inspection Agency The qualified representative of a city county or State of Montana who has been authorized by governmental agencies to inspect electric service installations FEC Flathead Electric Cooperative Incorporated Guy A cable or brace used to relieve the strain of overhead conductors on masts and poles Listed Equipment or material accepted by a nationally recognized testing laboratory inspection agency or other organization concerned with product evaluation Meter Jaws Spring loaded receptacles inside a meter base that connect the terminals of a meter to the source and load conductors of the service Meter Base The mounting device for socket type meters consisting of meter jaws connectors and an enclosure NEC National Electrical Code which governs the installation of member electrical equipment NEMA National Electrical Manufacturers Association NESC National Electrical Safety Code which governs FEC el
35. rmine the electrical requirements and to notify FEC of the size service you would like Meter bases for 100 or 200 amp underground services must BeUL Underwriters Laboratory approved Be rated for exterior use and be rain tight according to NEMA 3R FEC will not accept flush or semi flush meter base installations Be protected from ice snow and debris unloading from the roof Have all unused openings tightly sealed from the inside of the base Must be plumb and securely fastened to the supporting structure Have a main disconnect Have a ring type meter socket Ring less meter sockets are not acceptable Be rated for 120 240 volts and 100 or 200 amps Contain four meter jaws and one connection point for the neutral conductor The center knockout should not be used on an underground meter base because of the bending radius of the cable FIGURE 1 15 Surface mounted meter socket A Items owned and installed by FEC 1 Service line 2 Meter O Items owned and installed by member 3 Meter base with disconnect switch 4 Insulating bushing and locknut 5 Slip Joint 6 Service Entrance Conduit as specified on page 8 7 Ground wire in accordance with NEC 8 Multiple 8 Ground rods in accordance with NEC 10 Wide radius sweep 11 Conduit installed per FEC Specifications FIGURE 1 16 Custom built meter pedestal d i A FIHISHED GRADE II CEDERE EM RT Ces E WK da WEEN KS D
36. st Requirements A service mast is a conduit that runs vertically from the top of the meter base up through your roof It contains service entrance conductors and typically supports one end of your service line Service masts are necessary when installing an overhead service and are installed by you or your electrical contractor The service mast must be rigid aluminum or steel conduit FEC will supply a service mast wire holder which provides the connection between your service mast and Our Service wire The requirements for the installation of your service mast are covered in the NEC Some of the more common methods are included in this section for your information The NEC also requires that the service mast maintain minimum clearances above your roof The clearance required depends upon the slope of your roof and whether or not the service line is attached to the structure Figure 1 8 below is one example of a service mast installation with the service line attached to the mast This is the method preferred by FEC O o a fos 8 Required if mast extends Over 26 above root B A Items owned and installed by FEC gt NU 1 Meter N Lou 2 Service Line Becr 5 Service Mast Wire Holder eeh MN O Items owned and installed by member Mice ial 4 Meter base with disconnect switch Sr Gei 5 Steel Mast 6 Weather head d 7 Service Entrance Conductors 2 out AX of weather head 8 Service mast guy 6 MAX 4 Krug 9 Anchor s
37. ter base it doesn t require current transformers It can be installed on residences where your continuous current rating is 520 amps or less If your structure will require more than 320 amps continuous you may be required to install a current transformer CT service Please contact the FEC Distribution Design Department to discuss your power requirements and get more information regarding services above 520 amps Meter bases for 320 amp underground services must 14 SERVICE EQUIPMENT INSTALLATION REQUIREMENTS Be UL Underwriters Laboratory approved Be rated for exterior use and be rain tight according to NEMA 3R FEC will not accept flush or semi flush meter base installations Be protected from ice snow and debris unloading from the roof Have all unused openings tightly sealed from the inside of the base Must be plumb and securely fastened to the supporting structure Have a main disconnect s Only ring type meter sockets are acceptable Ring less meter sockets shall not be used Be rated for 120 240 volts and 320 amps continuous Contain four meter jaws and one connection point for the neutral conductor Contain provisions for the installation of Class 320 meter Have lugs that will accept 350 MCM aluminum wire Have at least 8 1 2 inches of clearance between the bottom of the lugs and the bottom of the enclosure Services 400 amps and Above Services 400 amps and Above 120 240 volt serv
38. traps 10 Blocking between studs 11 Ground wire in accordance with NEC and 2 8 copper ground rods FINISHED GEADE ER Service lines passing over the roof of MIN another structure or decks must maintain the minimum clearances shown in Figure 1 9 If you have questions about the proper mast height please call us and we will assist you FIGURE 1 8 Service Mast Example Additional mast supports Additional mast supports typically a guy or a brace are required for any service line over 100 feet in length Guys and braces are installed to prevent the weight of the service line from pulling the service mast away from your home Further information regarding guying and bracing service masts is available in the NEC Additional mast supports are required when The service line is over 100 feet long The top of the service mast is more than 26 inches above the roof 17 SERVICE EQUIPMENT INSTALLATION REQUIREMENTS Service equipment installation requirements After determining the meter base location the service route the height of your service mast and the size of your service equipment 200 amp 320 amp etc you are ready to begin installing your service equipment Remember FEC allows only surface mounted meter bases Once you have installed the meter base and mast you are ready to provide and install your service entrance conductor The service entrance conductor is the wiring that is connected to the top
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