Overhead service conductors under a deck?

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mike1061

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Chicago
Can I run the overhead conductors (the ones from the utility company) under a deck? The deck is about 25 feet above grade and about 8 feet deep.
There is plenty of clearance from below, I'm questioning the clearance from the above. The planed route would be about 3 feet below that deck.
I'm in Chicago, 200 amp, 240 volt single phase, single residence home.
Thanks
Mike
 
As I interpret the pertinent Code sections, you're good as long as you maintain at least 3 ft clearance.
 
I don't think this is an NEC issue so I'm guessing you would have to check with the POCO. The POCO's around here like to attach to the house right off the pole and then SE or conduit down to the meter pan. Bear in mind, that triplex is virtually unprotected so I would imagine they wouldn't want to take any chances or be responsible for any occurrence for the additional wire on the house. Again, it's only my opinion.
 
goldstar said:
I don't think this is an NEC issue so I'm guessing you would have to check with the POCO. The POCO's around here like to attach to the house right off the pole and then SE or conduit down to the meter pan. Bear in mind, that triplex is virtually unprotected so I would imagine they wouldn't want to take any chances or be responsible for any occurrence for the additional wire on the house. Again, it's only my opinion.
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The triplex would just go under the deck and attachs to the building at that point. Then to RMC.
I'm questioning the the clearance of the overhead triplex. Which might well be a POCO problem and not NEC, but this is what I need help with.
Thanks
Mike
 
The reason I said what I said is because the POCO will bring the power to the house and attach where it's convenient and safe for them. Once you transition over to RMC I would think you're good to go for whatever length is necessary. In general, the POCO owns the triplex from the pole to the house but once it hits the house you (the HO) own everything thereafter (with the exception of the actual meter). So, if you have a situation where say a storm rips the service off the side of the house the POCO will re-attach the triplex to the house but everything thereafter is your (the HO) responsibility.
 
goldstar said:
The reason I said what I said is because the POCO will bring the power to the house and attach where it's convenient and safe for them. Once you transition over to RMC I would think you're good to go for whatever length is necessary. In general, the POCO owns the triplex from the pole to the house but once it hits the house you (the HO) own everything thereafter (with the exception of the actual meter). So, if you have a situation where say a storm rips the service off the side of the house the POCO will re-attach the triplex to the house but everything thereafter is your (the HO) responsibility.
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I understand that, thanks again
Mike
 
How far along is this project?

Wouldn't hurt to get some input from POCO and/or AHJ prior to installation.
 
mike1061 said:
The triplex would just go under the deck and attachs to the building at that point. Then to RMC.
I'm questioning the the clearance of the overhead triplex. Which might well be a POCO problem and not NEC, but this is what I need help with.
Thanks
Mike
Click to expand...
The question to ask is where is the NEC defined "service point"? If it is at the point of connection to the overhead drop conductors (which is fairly typical) then this is not covered by NEC. Prior to them adding the "service point" definition (in 2011 NEC?), this wasn't as clear as it is since they added that definition. One of the few things they did right with NEC changes in recent years IMO.
 
I did exactly what is being talked about in this thread a couple of years ago. With a solid guard railing on the outside edge of the deck it made the drop conductors out of reach- well over 3 ft. Passed all inspections easy.
 
mike1061 said:
Can I run the overhead conductors (the ones from the utility company) under a deck? The deck is about 25 feet above grade and about 8 feet deep.
Click to expand...

Since these are the utility's conductors and ahead of the meter, they're not, as others have noted, under NEC control, but NESC. But the utility has the final say, as they own them. We (POCO) ran across situations like this weekly. Each case is different of course. We always tried to be reasonable and sensitive to the customer's unique situation. But we were obligated to put safety first and never let an installation go that was dangerous, or a company or NESC violation. If it were me, I would consult with the POCO and get their take.
 
Iron_Ben said:
Since these are the utility's conductors and ahead of the meter, they're not, as others have noted, under NEC control, but NESC. But the utility has the final say, as they own them. We (POCO) ran across situations like this weekly. Each case is different of course. We always tried to be reasonable and sensitive to the customer's unique situation. But we were obligated to put safety first and never let an installation go that was dangerous, or a company or NESC violation. If it were me, I would consult with the POCO and get their take.
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Absolutely. Here the poco would require a planner to do a site visit if relocating the service drop, which is what the triplex from pole to house is properly known as. You would be required to meet with him and discuss it and also where to spot the meter. NationalGreed maintains an online 'Specifications for Electrical Installations' that is the good book for how to plan the job. Of course there is some overlap with the NEC on the going over roof part, but, I had a job that the planner approved, passed inspection twice and the line crew got there and refused to connect it. This after the whole overhead entrance was done. So the poco then decided it all needed to go underground. The caveat was that because their planner approved it origianlly, the poco ended up reimbursing me and the homeowner. Worked out ok.
 
Thanks for all the replies.
I haven't started the job yet. They asked me to do it and I sat on it for a month. Now I'm getting pressure from the home owner.
The POCO said it would be three weeks at least for them to call me the schedule the appointment. Last time I did this it took three months, and lots of phone calls.
Thanks
Mike
 
This thread reminded me of a house I recently went out to look at. The rental inspector had an issue with the screen porch built off the back. This is what I "stumbled upon". :eek:hmy::slaphead:


Sorry about the orientation of the pic, no idea how to fix that. It's fine in my photo file...
 

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mike1061 said:
Thanks for all the replies.
I haven't started the job yet. They asked me to do it and I sat on it for a month. Now I'm getting pressure from the home owner.
The POCO said it would be three weeks at least for them to call me the schedule the appointment. Last time I did this it took three months, and lots of phone calls.
Thanks
Mike
Click to expand...
If customer don't pay their bill I bet they don't take three months to send someone out to disconnect them.
 
mike1061 said:
Thanks for all the replies.
I haven't started the job yet. They asked me to do it and I sat on it for a month. Now I'm getting pressure from the home owner.
The POCO said it would be three weeks at least for them to call me the schedule the appointment. Last time I did this it took three months, and lots of phone calls.
Thanks
Mike
Click to expand...

That doesn't sound right to me. The poco here is under law bound to establish a customer's service. They respond for a disconnect reconnect within something like 10 working days, and planners are a week to 10 days as well, but most times that time is less.
 
MNSparky said:
This thread reminded me of a house I recently went out to look at. The rental inspector had an issue with the screen porch built off the back. This is what I "stumbled upon". :eek:hmy::slaphead:


Sorry about the orientation of the pic, no idea how to fix that. It's fine in my photo file...
Click to expand...
Funny I estimated a 7 year vacant house yesterday with one of those, looked like an old service riser, popping through roof of the back porch addition as well. Hard to figure out why when the service attachment is in the front, but, there it is.
 
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mike1061 said:
Can I run the overhead conductors (the ones from the utility company) under a deck? The deck is about 25 feet above grade and about 8 feet deep.
There is plenty of clearance from below, I'm questioning the clearance from the above. The planed route would be about 3 feet below that deck.
I'm in Chicago, 200 amp, 240 volt single phase, single residence home.
Thanks
Mike
Click to expand...

mike1061 said:
Thanks for all the replies.
I haven't started the job yet. They asked me to do it and I sat on it for a month. Now I'm getting pressure from the home owner.
The POCO said it would be three weeks at least for them to call me the schedule the appointment. Last time I did this it took three months, and lots of phone calls.
Thanks
Mike
Click to expand...

What is the job?
Is it a service change?
What condition exists today?

What prevents you from installing a taller riser?
 
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