Service on a fence ??

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Buck Parrish

Buck Parrish

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NC & IN
I've got to set a service for arieators in ponds. Their is a fence with 6x6 treated wood fence post.
Would you all mount the meter and panel right on to the fence?:smile:
 
I may think of mounting the equipment to on of the 6x6 posts but never the fence. I personally think an electrical service pedestal should not double as anything but.
 
buckofdurham said:
. . . set a service . . . a fence with 6x6 treated wood fence post.
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The serving electric utility would have a lot to say about the location of their cash register . . . UH . . . meter. :)
 
I would install a dummy post next to the existing post and install a backboard.

If it is a small service use the existing post with a backboard. You could then secure the sides of the backboard to the fence if needed.
 
barbeer said:
I may think of mounting the equipment to on of the 6x6 posts but never the fence. I personally think an electrical service pedestal should not double as anything but.
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I think he was asking about using the 6x6 posts of the fence when he referred to mounting "to the fence", but I could be mistaken.

I would mount them to the 6x6's with the utility's blessing. Why not?
 
Would you all mount the meter and panel right on to the fence?
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I wouldn't. I would use a pedestal or sink some 4x4 steel posts.

If it was a block fence I would.





I would mount them to the 6x6's with the utility's blessing. Why not?
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My theory is that the service should last 50 years. A wood fence isn't gonna last 50 years.
 
charlie said:
The serving electric utility would have a lot to say about the location of their cash register . . . UH . . . meter. :)
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Thanks for all the input. Yes, it was the poco engineers idea. I like to double check him. He has came up with some wierd scenarios before.
It's a treated 6x6 post which is part of the fence. The utilitys pole is about 4 feet away.:smile:
 
I usually build a rack for services/panels when there are no concrete structures around. I would never mount a service to a wooden fence. You can build a rack in about an hour

2 - 5' long 2" IMC Uprights
15' Outdoor Rated Unistrut
2 bags concrete
2" Minerallac straps

Pre assemble 3 - 5' sections (or whatever width you need ) of Unistrut to Uprights using 2" Minerallac straps

Dig 2 2' deep holes, drop in rack assembly and concrete it in. Install PVC Caps on top of IMC Posts. This thing will last longer the meter can/panels
 
A blackjack class 5 utility pole will usually last 30 to 40 years before it rots enough at the butt to be replaced. Some have to be replaced within 10 years and some will last 60 years. On the other hand, a 6 X 6 will last . . . ? Bottom line, I would not permit the installation because of the expected transverse loading on the fence and the liability we would have if the fence came down and we did not know about its loss. :)
 
If it is the utilities pole five feet away I would use it as one of the posts and drive one few feet away and install my own panel mounting system..then you would have room for other little control devices as well..when utility post roots off then you can change it..here the utility poles last long time..
 
This thing will last longer the meter can/panels
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In some areas (like AZ) you will want to pipe wrap your IMC, especially where it exits grade. It will rust thru in a few years with hardly any rain. Must be the soil conditions.
 
My gut reaction would be to build something indepentent from the fence. Even if it's right up against the fence. Who's to way 5 years from now, a new owner will not want the fence there?
 
buckofdurham said:
Thanks for all the input. Yes, it was the poco engineers idea. I like to double check him. He has came up with some wierd scenarios before.
It's a treated 6x6 post which is part of the fence. The utilitys pole is about 4 feet away.:smile:
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As long as he is happy go for it.Personally it sounds wrong as the fence wont likely last more than 20.Would rather see 8x8 on its own but poco said ok so why spend more.All you need is 1 year.
 
Rich R said:
I usually build a rack for services/panels when there are no concrete structures around. I would never mount a service to a wooden fence. You can build a rack in about an hour

2 - 5' long 2" IMC Uprights
15' Outdoor Rated Unistrut
2 bags concrete
2" Minerallac straps

Pre assemble 3 - 5' sections (or whatever width you need ) of Unistrut to Uprights using 2" Minerallac straps

Dig 2 2' deep holes, drop in rack assembly and concrete it in. Install PVC Caps on top of IMC Posts. This thing will last longer the meter can/panels
Click to expand...

That bid/job cost just went up several hundred dollars.
 
Our POCO won't allow a post for a service with meter, treated or not. They require metal strut and a 3x3 concrete pad.
We use HD double strut ten feet long, bury 5 ft, put 12" dia x 24" long sona tube at the bottom, then 2-3 bags or ready mix with a bag of jet set grout.

When this sets up we back fill to 2 ft below grade and run our conduits. The service is solid and easy to work on and around.
Then backfill, pour a pad and you are done, its good for 30+ years.
 
220/221 said:
My therory is that the service should last 50 years. A wood fence isn't gonna last 50 years.
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That reminds me of an older guy buying paint at the store.
The seller says do you want the thirty year or the ten year paint.
The 75 year old man says give me the 10 year after that some body else can paint it.

The way areas are growing and changing today. It ussually gets moved before it falls down. I installed a nice 4 pack meter base with diisco's built in a couple of years a go.
I rode by their the other day and they we're remodeling so they needed to move the service.
 
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