GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
If you wish to continue having overhead service to your home, the information in this chapter will help you.

The following is a checklist that will assist you in preparing your project for the replacement of your existing overhead service. After you have completed these items, Central Lincoln will replace your service line and meter (see Figure E-1). The following items must be completed before Central Lincoln will install your replacement service line:

GETTING STARTED
After you have completed your Customer Request For Replacement Service, Central Lincoln will contact you to arrange an appointment at the site. At this time the location for the meter base and service line will be determined.

Again, your meter base should be located outside, and within 4 feet of the front of your structure closest to normal public access and the pole (see SECTION A - General Information, Figure A-1).

Another factor to consider when choosing the meter base location is what types of terrain the line will be crossing. Central Lincoln suggests that whenever possible you avoid service line routes that will cross your driveway. Service lines crossing driveways can be hit by vehicles and cause damage to your service equipment and even your home.

If your service line will be passing through any trees, you are required to prune those trees to provide a 3 foot minimum clearance on all sides of the service line. Your are also responsible for regular tree pruning, and if necessary, tree removal to keep the path clear.

CONVERTING OVERHEAD TO UNDERGROUN/RELOCATING METER
Central Lincoln will no longer attach electrical service to a customer-owned overhead meter pole. If a customer is replacing an existing overhead service, and is willing to convert to an underground system, we will provide (if required) one Central Lincoln-owned clearance pole, service riser, service wire, and in-ground junction box (see Figure E-8 for installation details) at no cost to customer. The same holds true if a customer is willing to relocate a meter to a location more convenient for Central Lincoln.

SERVICE MAST REQUIREMENTS
A service mast is a conduit that runs vertically from the top of your meter base up through your roof. It contains your 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 requirements for the installation of your service mast are located in the NEC. Some of the more common methods are included in this section for your information.

Height requirements:
The top of your service mast must be a least 13 feet above final grade so that the minimum clearances over your property can be maintained. Additional height may be required depending upon the location and type of structure or terrain which your service line passes over. Figure E-2 illustrates some of the minimum clearances that must be maintained.

The NEC and Central Lincoln also require that your service mast maintain minimum clearances above your roof. The clearance required depends upon the slope of your roof, and whether or not your service line is attached to the structure. Figure E-3 is one example of a service mast installation with the service line attached to the mast. This is the method preferred by Central Lincoln. For other options and details, consult the NEC.

Service lines passing over the roof of another structure must meet the clearances shown on Figure E-4.

Central Lincoln can assist you in determining your proper mast height. Call our nearest service office, and ask to speak to an engineering technician.

Clearances from buildings, openings, gas:
A minimum clearance of 3 feet is required between service lines and windows, doors, porches, fire escapes, or similar openings.

A minimum horizontal clearance of 3 feet is required between electric service equipment and natural gas metering equipment (see Figure E-4).

Additional mast supports:
Additional mast supports, typically a guy or brace, are required for any service line that is over 50 feet in length. Guy and braces are installed to prevent the weight of the service line from pulling your 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:

See Figure E-5 for an example of a service mast guy.

SERVICE EQUIPMENT INSTALLATION REQUIREMENTS
After you have determined the meter base location, the service route, the height of your service mast, and the size of your service equipment (200 amp, 400 amp, etc.), you are ready to begin installing your service equipment.

There are two ways this equipment can be installed:

Once you have installed your meter base and mast you are ready to provide and install your service entrance conductor. The service entrance conductor is the wire that is connected to the top lugs in your meter base and runs upwards 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 18 inches of it exposed at the end of the weatherhead to allow Central Lincoln to connect your service line to it. When you install your meter base make sure the center of the meter will be between 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, call the inspecting agency for your area, or contact an electrical contractor.

CUSTOMER-OWNED METER POLE
If a customer-owned meter pole needs to be replaced, Central Lincoln will provide a 35’ pole and riser at no cost. However, Central Lincoln will not reattach the meter to the new pole. It is the customer’s responsibility to construct a meter pedestal that will be served, underground, from the provided pole. You have two meter pedestal options:

See Figure E-7 for an example of a meter pole replacement.

Your meter pole has the same location requirements as your meter base (see SECTION A - General Information). However, they may be located closer to vehicular traffic with approval of your Central Lincoln Engineer. Typically they are installed within 30 feet of your home.

For additional assistance on meter pole installations, contact your nearest Central Lincoln service office, and ask to speak to an engineering technician.

Items owned and installed bycustomer (Fig. E-7)

1. 6 in. x 6 in. x 8 feet min. fully pressure treated post, or factory-built meter pedestal.
2. Meter base.
3. 2" Schedule 40 PVC conduit, couplings and 24" minimum radius elbows.
4. Ground wire (in accordance with NEC).
5. Ground Rods (in accordance with NEC; 2 required).
6. Customer conductors - 18" above top of box.
7. 3" Schedule 40 PVC conduit, couplings and 36" minimum radius elbow.

Items owned by CLPUD and installed by customer (Fig. E-7)

Items owned and installed by CLPUD (Fig. E-7)