Service entrance equipment is all low voltage equipment installed by the member beyond the point of attachment of the Cooperative’s service extension up to and including the member’s main service entrance panel.

Service Entrance Conductor

Service entrance conductors are the wiring that connects the point of attachment of the Cooperative’s service extension to the meter socket and member’s service entrance; disconnect and panel.  Service entrance wiring installed by a member shall be sized, installed and rated for       service entrance application in accordance with the National Electrical Code or other code of the local authority having jurisdiction.

Service entrance conductor supplied from an overhead service extension shall be equipped with an approved weatherproof service head (see Drawing #M8-10 at the end of this manual).  At least three feet of exposed conductor shall be available beyond the service head to permit the Cooperative to make the final connections to its service extension.

Service Entrance Disconnect

The service entrance disconnect shall be mounted in an accessible location near the point where the service entrance conductors enter the building.  Normally disconnects are installed on the load side of the meter, except in some multiple occupancy buildings where it may be necessary to install a line side disconnect.  A disconnect installed on the line side of the meter shall be of the enclosed type with provisions to accommodate sealing by the Cooperative.  The fuse or breaker reset lever must be accessible without removing the seal and cover.

Where multiple service entrance disconnects are installed for multiple occupancy building, each disconnect (and associated meter socket where applicable) shall be marked in a conspicuous and permanent manner to indicate the service account which it controls.

In general, the Cooperative recommends that all service entrance disconnects installed have a   rating of not less than 100 amperes.

Grounding

A permanent grounding system meeting the requirements of the National Electrical Code shall be furnished at all service entrance installations.  A properly constructed ground electrode system        meeting the requirements of Article 250 of the National Electrical Safety Code is essential to the safe operation of an electric service operating at any voltage level.  Members are advised to seek the assistance of a qualified electrician when planning the installation of a ground system.

The ground electrode system shall be bonded through suitably rated conductors to the grounded conductor of the service entrance conductor at the meter socket location or the service entrance disconnect location in accordance with the provisions of the National Electrical Code.  All metallic conduit, meter enclosures, and service entrance panels shall be connected appropriately to the grounding system as required by the Code.

Standby Generators (also see Section 7- Safety Precautions)

Service entrance equipment associated with standby generators installed to supply all or part of a member’s electrical requirements in the event of an interruption to the Cooperative’s supply shall consist of a double throw transfer switch designed to prevent the interconnection of the  member’s generator with the Cooperative’s system.  Member’s contemplating the installation of a standby generator must notify the Cooperative in advance of installation and permit the Cooperative to inspect the installation to ensure that the service entrance transfer switch will meet the requirements of the Cooperative.