Electric Service & Meter Installation Guide
General Information
Availability and Types of Service
In order to serve Members properly, the MVEC Business Office should be contacted well in advance of the desired service date to establish the availability and characteristics of service at the location in question.
Application For Service
Applications for service will be made and accepted by the Cooperative before service is connected. MVEC may refuse any applicant indebted to the Cooperative for service rendered at any location until such indebtedness is paid or secured to the satisfaction of the Cooperative.
Standard Distribution Voltages
This booklet is devoted primarily to lighting and power installations at the standard secondary voltages. Special negotiations will be necessary for service at other than these voltages.The voltages listed are nominal and generally available in MVEC’s service area. All are alternating current voltages at a nominal frequency of 60 Hertz. They are the following:
| Standard Distribution Voltages | |
|---|---|
| 120/240 | (Single Phase) Overhead/Underground system |
| 120/208Y | (4 Wire Wye) Overhead/Underground system |
| 120/240 | (4 Wire Delta) Overhead transformers only |
| 240 | (3 Wire, 3 Phase*) Overhead transformers only |
| 277/480Y | (4 Wire Wye) Overhead/Underground system |
| 480 | (Single or 3 Phase*) Overhead transformers only |
| *Member will install a fourth wire. | |
| Please consult with the Cooperative, as all above voltages are not available in all locations. | |
Line Extensions
MVEC expects to extend normal overhead electric service to permanent Members with approved credit within its certified areas on an economic basis, considering each individual case. All requests for this service will be handled by the MVEC Office in accordance with applicable policy.
Underground Service
All requests for underground service will be handled in accordance with applicable underground policies. (Refer to drawing for Underground Meter Installation, page 25).
Temporary Service
If a building or other structure is not available for the installation of the permanent installation of the service drop, meter and other required equipment, the Member shall provide a temporary structure, which meets applicable code specifications.The Cooperative will furnish only the meter, meter enclosure or base (special enclosures shall be provided by consumer), service drop, and connections. The Member is responsible for the construction of the meter loop, minimum of #6 copper or equivalent. (Refer to drawings for Temporary Single Phase (1ø) Overhead/Underground Meter Installation Service, pages 26 and 27). Temporary service must be for a period of no more than six months unless specifically approved in writing by the Cooperative.
Mobile Home or Trailer Parks
Since requirements for serving and metering this type of load are quite varied, MVEC should be consulted about conditions under which such loads will be served. The Member will provide and maintain one freestanding metering and service equipment assembly, of a design acceptable to the Cooperative, for each mobile home location. (Refer to drawing for Consumer Owned Service Pole Installation, page 30, and 1 Phase Underground Metering and Service Pedestal, pages 31 and 32). Cooperative will provide standard meter enclosure.
Number of Services and Meters
Generally only one service is installed to a building, except by special permission. If several users are involved, such as multiple occupancy buildings, each one becomes a Member and a meter for this class of service is installed. Where a line trough supplied by the Member is used for multiple occupancy installations that require three or more meters, IT SHALL BE SEALABLE. Each trough may supply no more than six (6) meters. (Refer to the drawings for Overhead/Underground Group Metering, pages 28 and 29).Should a Member prefer other than commercial enclosures furnished by MVEC, he may install an Underwriters Laboratory listed “Meter Center” provided it meets MVEC approval and that has a separate meter compartment that can be sealed by the Cooperative. LINE SIDE WIRING COMPARTMENTS SHALL ALSO BE SEALABLE. Maintenance of this equipment is the responsibility of the Member.
Alterations and Additions
The service and meter installation is designed to fill the Member’s original requirements. If changes are to be made that involve relocation, substantial load increases, or change in type of service, MVEC must be notified well in advance of the planned changes.
Use of Service by Member
The Member shall maintain adequate protective equipment in good operating condition on his equipment and otherwise install and maintain his electrical system and equipment in an entirely safe and efficient manner and in full compliance with all laws, local ordinances, the National Electrical Code, and rules and regulations of the Cooperative.To insure good electric service and proper voltage balance on equipment, it is necessary to balance single phase (1ø) and three phase (3ø) loads so that the current is reasonably the same (20% acceptable) in all phase wires with a minimum of current in the neutral.
The Member shall not permit another source of electrical energy to operate in parallel with MVEC’s system or use the Cooperative as a source of standby, auxiliary or supplemental service unless the Member has a written agreement with the Cooperative permission.
Tampering
Tampering with the meter, installing conductors carrying unmetered current, or unauthorized breaking of MVEC’s seals is prohibited by law. Meters or service drops shall not be disconnected, removed, or relocated without permission of the Cooperative Manager.
Meter Sockets or Bases
a. Residential – The Member or their electrician is responsible for supplying and installing the residential meter base. If repairs can not restore meter base to its standard condition, service will be disconnected until Member replaces meter base. Replacement meter bases are the responsibility of the Member.
b. Commercial – MVEC does provide commercial meter bases.
c. Meter sockets, enclosures, or bases may be provided by the Member if listed by Underwriters Laboratory and approved by the Cooperative. Repairs to these meter bases are the sole responsibility of the Member. If repairs cannot restore meter base to its standard condition, Member will be notified in writing to replace the unacceptable meter base within 30 days or service will be disconnected. Member may request a standard commercial meter socket or base at no charge.
Cooperative Responsibility
The Cooperative will assume no responsibility for inspecting the Member’s equipment, but shall have the right to satisfy itself that the wiring to the Member’s disconnecting devices, fuses or breakers is safe to connect to the secondary distribution system before energizing any part of the Member’s wiring.Final connection of the Member’s wiring to the service lines shall, in every instance, be made by MVEC.
