Temporary Service Poles (Saw Service)



     The Covington Electric System requires that any temporary service pole comply with the  National Electric Code and other appropriate practices, including the following:

1. A full length (min. 8') driven ground rod, protruding no more than 6' above the ground is  necessary. A minimum #6 copper conductor is required, with an adequate ground clamp. The  wire should be periodically stapled to the pole.

2. All receptacles and other devices should be mounted in an outdoor type, weather resistant  box with an outdoor type cover. 120-volt receptacles should be GFCI type or be protected by  a GFCI breaker.

3. The panel (disconnect) shall also be of the outdoor type and shall utilize breakers of the  proper size for the wire which the feed. Proper color codes per the NEC shall be followed for  all wires. All fittings, hubs, etc. shall be outdoor type.

4. The entrance cable and/or conduit shall be stapled to the pole. A weatherhead is required.  An eyebolt should be provided for attachment of the utility's wire.

5. The pole shall be adequately braced and located within 75 feet of a City electric pole and  shall be of adequate height for proper clearance, per NEC, of the utility's service drop wire  above whatever drive, road, or land that it may cross.

6. Underground service poles should be provided by the contractor with sufficient wire,  already connected to the meter socket, to reach the transformer terminals.

      The location of the temporary service pole is subject to approval of the Covington  Electric System. A representative will check the pole for compliance with the above  requirements and will not authorize its connection unless they are met. This does not  preclude the right of locale electrical inspectors to require a permit and perform an  inspection if they wish.
Electric Service Practices for New Houses

             
     Service locations must be approved by the Electric department prior to wiring by the  electrician. The department will designate the location where the meter may be located.

      All customers must make an application to establish their account. This may be done by  the buyer or it may be done by the builder, in which case the account will remain in his name  until transferred to the buyer.

      All houses must have a final inspection by the City or County inspector having  jurisdiction before power can be connected and a meter set.

      Overhead service drops are usually run from the designated pole at the time the meter is  set. Note that the service mast (stack) must be high enough to allow the service drop cable  to maintain proper code clearance per section 230 of the National Electric Code above the  ground, drive, street, etc. The mast must also be adequately secured and/or braced.

     If an additional pole is required, work will be scheduled in accordance with the clearance  from the Utilities Protection Center(One Call) to allow for legally required spotting of buried  utilities. Also, the City may require payment for any extra pole required because of the  location of the service entrance at the house.

      Underground services should be requested well ahead of the date that services will be  needed and ahead of any grass or shrubbery plantings. The meter base and conduit should  be installed on the wall and the property should be final grade before requesting a service  dig-in. The conduit should extend 18" below grade. The City will request a one call location  through the UPC for utility-owned lines, but the builder is responsible for any  privately- owned lines such as the water line between the water meter and the house or  septic lines.  Damage to landscaping that was installed ahead of the dig-in and equipment is  the builder's  responsibility. The cable route should be clear of debris, stacks of material and  piles of dirt.

      Underground services must be paid for, based upon distance, prior to installation. Please  note that, in some subdivisions, the developer has paid for the services at the time that  primary lines were installed along the street.