|
INTRODUCTION
Installing
new electric service is a joint project between the customer and the power
company. The power company is responsible for bringing power to the site,
for installing the meter in the socket provided by the customer, and for
energizing the service. The customer is responsible for obtaining permits
and inspections, providing and maintaining the overhead path or
underground trench for the power company's wires, and for installing the
equipment at the service entrance.
Residential
Service
Residential
service is defined as service to a single-family residence. Service to a
multi-family residence such as an apartment or condominium is a business
service.
Voltage for residential services is 120/240 volts, except
for special situations. Services up to 400 amps are single-phase. Current
ratings (ampacities) available for single-family residences are listed
below.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Current
Rating Typical Use
Comment
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Less than 200 amps Small
homes
See Note 1, below
200
amps
Medium
homes The most common
service
400 amps
Large
homes
Over
400 amps Very large homes
See Note 2,
below
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Note
1. 200 amps is the minimum service installed by the power
company. If the load is less than 200 amps and the service is overhead,
the meter socket and service panel may be rated at less than 200 amps. If
the load is less than 200 amps and the service is underground, the meter
socket and service panel must be rated at 200 amps.
Note
2. Services over 400 amps are three-phase. These
installations are addressed on an individual basis.
Temporary
Service
Temporary
service is defined as electric service to a site for less than one year.
The most common use of temporary service is to deliver power during the
construction phase of a project. When the project is complete, the
temporary service is replaced by permanent service.
Temporary
services are usually 120/240 volts, single-phase, 200
amperes.
Business
Service
Business
service is defined as electric service to a commercial or industrial site,
and to a multi-family residence such as an apartment or condominium.
Business services are typically below 600 volts,
and are delivered from
the secondary side of the power company's distribution
transformers.
For information on business service above 600 volts,
click
here.
|