Commercial Guidelines & Standards

Overview of Hook-Up Procedures

The following is a general outline of how you get new electrical service for commercial and other non-residential structures. This outline assumes that Central Lincoln has existing power facilities to your site. If power is not readily available, Central Lincoln will need to engineer your project. If you have questions, please contact Central Lincoln.

Please note: Overhead temporary services (construction power) will be allowed, but all new permanent services must be underground.

Your Responsibilities to Obtain Temporary Service

  1. Contact Central Lincoln for service application and service location
  2. Install the appropriate temporary meter base
  3. Obtain an electrical inspection and verify service location
  4. After successful inspection (green tag), contact Central Lincoln for service connection

Your Responsibilities to Obtain Permanent Service

  1. Determine the size of service you want, and fill out the Service Load Data Sheet (PDF)
  2. Contact Central Lincoln for service application and service location
  3. Notify other utilities of your project
  4. Receive equipment approval from Central Lincoln prior to ordering
  5. Call the one-call system before you dig at 811
  6. Install your service entrance equipment (remember, all new permanent service must be underground)
  7. Request trench inspection from your local Central Lincoln office or engineering technician, if required, for primary voltages
  8. Obtain an electrical inspection and green tag from the local inspection agency
  9. After you have passed your electrical inspection, contact Central Lincoln for a final inspection. After the inspection is passed, service connection will be scheduled.

Central Lincoln’s Responsibilities

  1. Connect customer-owned service wire in Central Lincoln transformer or service handhole; install meter
  2. Energize your system

Scheduling

Please contact Central Lincoln to schedule connection.

Section A – General Information

Welcome to Central Lincoln

The following information provides you with Central Lincoln’s requirements for new and altered electric services for permanent non-residential installations of less than 600 amps. This information covers multi-family and non-residential services such as commercial buildings, condominium complexes, apartment buildings, duplexes, and mobile home parks.

The information that will help you answer questions like:

  • How do I install a temporary meter base
  • How do I install a permanent meter base
  • Where should I install the meter base
  • Where will the service route be
  • What are the size requirements for the meter base
  • How do I install underground service
  • How do I get the existing underground utilities located before I dig

The answers to these and many other questions are here. If you have any additional questions, please contact Central Lincoln.

Information regarding the installation of permanent, single-family residential services, barns, and garages is available in Central Lincoln’s Single-Family Residential Guidelines and Standards.

If you have any general questions regarding billing, if you want to establish service, or if you’re ready to have your service energized, contact Central Lincoln.

Getting Started

Service can be obtained for your project by calling and providing the following:

  • Legal description for property, including site address
  • Survey of property with orientation to quarter-section
  • Plat map of property, including Assessor’s Map and Tax Lot numbers
  • Road right of way with entrance to property
  • Service Load Data Sheet (PDF) for all services

Note: Several of the above plans may be included in one drawing. After you have begun a new service request and delivered Central Lincoln your plans, the engineering technician can then begin the design. (AutoCAD drawings of your project are recommended, if available.)

Beginning Your Customer Request for Service

Before Central Lincoln can begin working on your project, a new service request must be established. Please contact Central Lincoln office to start this request. A representative will also request billing information. There is a processing fee to establish a new account. This fee will be included on your first service bill.

Temporary vs Permanent Power

Temporary power is generally used for the construction phase of your building project. Temporary power may be installed as either overhead or underground service (see Temporary Service Section).

All new permanent power installations must be underground. Permanent power is provided after your structure is built and meets all the requirements stated in pertinent sections.

Requesting Service

Before Central Lincoln installs your new service you must complete a Service Load Data Sheet (PDF), contact us, and begin a new service request. That request provides Central Lincoln’s field personnel with the information they need to install your permanent service.

When you do call to order your temporary or permanent service, a representative will ask you the following critical questions. Please be prepared to answer them, as your answers will help determine how your project is handled.

  • What type of business is this service for
  • How many square feet in the building
  • Will you have electric or gas heat
  • Will you have a heat pump, furnace, or zonal heating
  • Will you have gas or electric water heat
  • What voltage rating is required for your service
  • When will you be ready for service

Inspections and Codes

These guidelines and standards should be used as a guide. It does not cover all possible federal, state, or local code requirements. It is your responsibility to ensure that your project complies with the most recent issue of the National Electrical Code (NEC), the National Electrical Safety Code (NESC), and any other federal, state, or local codes that may apply.

Once your service equipment is installed, the state requires that your service equipment installation pass an electrical inspection before we connect you to our system. Electrical inspections are performed by different agencies, depending on your location.

Area Office Phone #
Lincoln County Lincoln County Planning Dept (Electrical) 541-265-4195
Newport Newport City Hall 541-574-0629
Lane County Lane County Facilities Dept 541-682-6902
Florence Florence City Hall 541-997-8237
Douglas County State Building Codes Division 541-684-3594
Coos County State Building Codes Division 541-266-1098
Lakeside Lakeside City Hall 541-759-3011
Reedsport Reedsport City Hall 541-271-3606

Contacting Other Utilities

New construction typically involves the installation of water, sewer, telephone cables, cable television cables, and natural gas lines, as well as power cables.

It is your responsibility to notify each of the utilities that you wish to provide service to your project.

Meter Location

You are required to install your meter base in a place that is accessible to Central Lincoln. All locations are subject to approval by a Central Lincoln representative. If you have questions regarding meter location, contact Central Lincoln.

For conventional buildings, the meter base should be placed on the street-side exterior of the building, or a maximum of four feet around the corner from the wall (see shaded area in Figure A-1). As an alternative, a pedestal may be placed away from the building, such as near a street or driveway, with approval from the Central Lincoln engineering department.

Requirements for properly locating your meter base:

  • Outside location
  • Within 4 feet of the side of your building closest to normal public access
  • Outside of fenced areas
  • On a structure that is owned by you
  • Place the meter 5 to 6 feet above finished ground level, unless on an underground pedestal. Then it must be 3 to 6 feet above finished ground level.

The reasons for these requirements are:

  • To ensure Central Lincoln has safe access to their equipment
  • So Central Lincoln can efficiently maintain the meter
  • If you have a fire, we can quickly and safely disconnect your service

Due to the corrosive climate along the Oregon Coast, we recommend that you use a corrosion-resistant meter base that is state-approved.

Standard Voltages, Loadings, and Limitations

We offer the following standard types of services for non-residential customers:

Single-phase 120 volt 2-wire

120/208 volts 3-wire

120/240 volts 3-wire (Max 167 KVA estimated demand)

“V”-phase 120/240 volts 4-wire (Small loads – 25 hp motor max – in areas where 3-phase is

unavailable)

Three-phase 120/208 volts 4-wire (Max 500 KVA estimated demand) wye connected

120/240 volts 4-wire delta connected

277/480 volts 4-wire wye connected

Service Voltage Range

The Range A service voltage range is plus or minus 5% of the nominal system voltage. The Range B service voltage range is plus or minus 6% of the nominal system voltage.

If you have any questions regarding voltage ranges please contact Central Lincoln or reference the Electric Power Systems and Equipment – Voltage Ratings Standard ANSI C84.1-2016.

Removing and Installing Meters

Only authorized and qualified Central Lincoln personnel shall remove and install meters. With some types of meter bases, removal of the meter does not de-energize the customer’s system.

Building Near Central Lincoln Facilities

During the construction of a new building or any other structure, caution needs to be taken regarding existing underground or overhead power lines and facilities.

The customer will be responsible for any damages to Central Lincoln equipment, or any encroachment on clearance requirements that requires relocation of facilities. Check with Central Lincoln before any excavation or construction to avoid conflicts.

Figure A-1: Meter location on building

Locking and Sealing of Electric Service Entrance Equipment

You are required to provide a means of access to all service entrance equipment. In the event this can’t be accommodated, you need to obtain Central Lincoln approval for equipment location or provide means for a dual locking system.

The dual locking mechanism must provide an attachment system to accommodate a lock for your use and a Central Lincoln lock for our access. The mechanism must be approved by Central Lincoln before installation. In the event this cannot be accommodated, you will be required to move the meter, or the metering equipment, outside of the locked area to a location approved by Central Lincoln.

All service entrance equipment, including interrupting mechanisms, CT enclosures, main breakers, and disconnect switches located ahead of the Central Lincoln meter, must have provision for the installation of a Central Lincoln seal.

Section B – Temporary Services

Where poles with transformers are adjacent to or near your project, you may request temporary overhead service. If the electrical facilities in your area are underground, you will need to install a temporary underground meter pedestal to obtain temporary power. If there is power in your area but the power lines are not visible, it is likely to be underground. Refer to Section C for more information on underground service.

The process and cost of obtaining your temporary overhead service can vary depending on the location of our existing facilities.

All installations are reviewed by Central Lincoln. Please speak with one of our engineering technicians before installing any temporary meter bases.

There is a processing fee to connect a temporary service. If any engineering is required, additional costs may be incurred.

Overhead Meter Location

Your temporary meter post must be located on your property. Install the meter post as close to 6’ (preferred) to the Central Lincoln pole, but no more than 100’ from the pole that will serve you. The reason for this limitation is to ensure that your temporary service pole can withstand the weight of the conductor. If a distance greater than 100’ is required, please contact your local service office and ask an engineering technician for approval prior to construction. A taller, stouter post with additional bracing could be required.

In addition to the distance limitation mentioned above, please consider the following:

  • The path that the service will take should not cross property belonging to other individuals
  • If the service line will pass through trees or brush, a path must be cleared and maintained to allow our service personnel to access the line
  • A minimum clearance of 36” must be maintained between the service wire and all trees or limbs at all times (maintaining this clear path is your responsibility)
  • The service line path should avoid areas where vehicular traffic will occur unless your temporary post height is increased to provide adequate clearance (see Section E for service line clearance requirements)
  • Meters should face the road or driveway

Overhead Clearance Requirements

Central Lincoln has established minimum clearance requirements to maintain safe height distance for electrical conductors over various terrains.

Central Lincoln requires the lowest point of a service conductor to be at least 12 feet 6 inches above the ground (where there is no vehicle traffic). The bottom of the drip loop must be a minimum of 10 feet 6 inches above the ground (see Figure B-1). Note: Clearance over any driveway must be at least 18 feet and 22 feet over roadways. Clearance requirements will be confirmed by your engineering technician.

It is not your responsibility to provide and install the conductor, but you are required to provide a point of attachment at your service post that will allow Central Lincoln to meet the clearance requirements.

Temporary Overhead Service Installation

The following items must be completed before we can energize your service:

  • Contact Central Lincoln and request a temporary service
  • Meet onsite with a Central Lincoln engineering technician
  • Obtain an electrical work permit from the electric inspection agency (see Section A)
  • Install a meter post and meter base
  • Obtain an electrical inspection (green tag)
  • After these items are completed, contact Central Lincoln and inform a representative that your installation has been inspected and passed, and state that you’re ready for temporary service

Figure B-1 is a drawing of the standard temporary overhead service installation recommended by Central Lincoln. The specifications given are the minimum acceptable.

Figure B-1: Temporary overhead service installation (see Legend)

Legend

Items owned and installed by the customer (Figure B-1)

  1. A 6” x 6” x 16’ minimum, continuous, single structure, pressure treated, firmly set and drilled with an 11/16” hole 6” below the top of the pole in line with the service drop
  2. Meter base with ground wire from the meter base to service neutral and an electrical permit (green tag) attached
  3. Ground wire with ground wire connected to the meter base or switchbox lug and grounded to ground rod with approved cast clamp
  4. Ground rod 8’ long
  5. Service entrance conductors (18” out of weatherhead for connection drops)
  6. Switch Box with polarized receptacle for 240 V, 1-phase motors with grounding terminal. It must be a receptacle with grounding terminal that is connected to an approved grounding electrode (service conductor is not approved grounding).

Items owned and installed by Central Lincoln (Figure B-1)

  1. Meter
  2. Service line
  3. Insulated clevis (minimum attachment height of 12’ 6” may increase to meet clearance requirements above roads, driveways, etc. Consult your Central Lincoln engineering technician)

Underground Meter Base Location

The following items are required to properly locate your meter pedestal:

  • Set the meter pedestal on your property
  • Install the meter pedestal at the Central Lincoln approved meter location. You will need confirmation from a Central Lincoln engineering technician
  • Face meter base to vehicular traffic

Temporary Underground Service Installation

The following items must be completed prior to energizing your service:

  • Contact Central Lincoln and request a temporary service
  • Meet onsite with a Central Lincoln engineering technician
  • Obtain an electrical work permit from the inspection agency (see Section A)
  • Obtain underground locates (811)
  • Install a meter post and meter base in the appropriate location.
  • Provide the appropriately sized wire from your meter base to Central Lincoln’s connection point. Please leave 5’ of extra wire at a hand hole or locator pin, and 10’ at a transformer pad.
  • Obtain a green tag
  • Cover your wire and/or conduit except where our personnel will be installing and connecting your wire to ours
  • After these items are completed, contact Central Lincoln and inform a representative that your installation has been inspected

Temporary Underground Meter Base Requirements

It is your responsibility to provide a buried conductor from your meter base to our transformer or hand hole.

The requirements to connect to an overhead converted to underground meter pedestal are shown in Figure B-2. The wire you install should have a minimum depth of 24” to the top of the wire and/or conduit.

If our connection point is a hand hole or transformer, trench to the location designated by your Central Lincoln engineering technician and leave your wires exposed. If you discover any other conductors while digging your trench, please leave them covered.

Figure B-2: Installation requirements for an overhead pedestal converted to underground pedestal (see Legend)
Figure B-3: Temporary underground service installation (see Legend)

Remember; do not install conduit or elbows inside the transformer or transformer substructure without Central Lincoln’s direct supervision and assistance.

Reminder: You are required to call the one-call system (811) and request buried utility locations at least 2 business days before digging. Any trenching within 2 feet of existing underground facilities must be done by hand.

Figure B-3 illustrates an underground temporary meter pedestal installation. Please note the dimensions shown. Deviations from these recommended standards could result in a delay in receiving your service and/or your service being denied. Please contact us if you have any questions.

Legend

Items owned and installed by the customer:

  1. A 6” x 6” x 8’ contiguous, single structure, pressure treated, firmly set, and drilled with an 11/16” hole 6” below the top of the pole in line with the service drop
  2. Meter base with ground wire from the meter base to service neutral and an electrical permit (green tag)
  3. Ground wire with ground wire connected to the meter base or switchbox lug and grounded to ground rod with approved cast clamp
  4. Ground rod or rods 8’ long
  5. Service wire; enough to reach the base of the Central Lincoln ground structure, plus 5’ of wire to make connections
  6. Switchbox with polarized receptacle for 240 V, 1-phase motors, with grounding terminal. It must be a receptacle with grounding terminal that is connected to an approved grounding electrode (service conductor is not approved grounding).

Items owned and installed by Central Lincoln:

  1. Meter
  2. Service line

For temporary CT services, call the Central Lincoln meter shop at (541) 574-3608.

Section C — Underground Service

General Requirements

If permanent underground service will be used for your non-residential structure, the information in this section will assist you.

For non-residential underground services, the customer will supply the trench, secondary service wire, and conduit from Central Lincoln’s transformer or hand hole to your service entrance equipment.

The following checklist will help you prepare your project for the installation of an underground service. After you complete these items, Central Lincoln will connect your service and install the metering equipment.

  • Check for any local ordinances/covenants that may prevent you from obtaining an underground service
  • Supply site drawings to our engineering department
  • Supply completed Load Data Sheet to our engineering department
  • Provide an easement for any permanent equipment installed on your property and owned by Central Lincoln (transformers or primary conductor and poles)
  • Ask our engineering department where your underground service will originate
  • Determine an approved meter location
  • Install required service equipment (contact the Central Lincoln meter shop for any services involving CTs)
  • Connect and label conductors at meter location
  • Provide trench, conduit, and service conductors
  • Trench Inspection
  • Provide all excavation and backfill between your equipment and Central Lincoln’s
  • Obtain an electrical inspection from the electrical inspection agency
  • Call our service office to order your service connection

Getting Started

After you have started your new service request and returned the load data sheet and plan information to an engineering technician, they will inform you where your service will originate.

Next, determine the location of the meter base.

You are responsible for all trenching and materials from your meter location on the site to Central Lincoln’s point of delivery (transformer or hand hole).

If there is not a point of delivery readily available, your engineering technician will inform you of the additional trenching and materials that you need to install, and any associated costs for the work.

The local electrical inspector must approve your installation before Central Lincoln can schedule your connection.

Wire Requirements

You are responsible for furnishing, installing, and maintaining all required service entrance equipment, including the service conductors from the meter base or instrument transformer enclosure to Central Lincoln’s designated point of delivery. For services where instrument transformers (CTs and PTs) are required, you will also need to run 1 ¼” conduit from the instrument transformer enclosure to the meter base. Central Lincoln will supply the instrument transformers and meter wiring. Conduit shall not contain LBs or junction boxes.

The number and size of secondary wires must be approved by Central Lincoln.

Underground Locates

If you are doing any trenching or excavation work, you are required to call for underground utility locates two working days before you do any digging.

You must get underground utility locates by calling the one-call system at 811. Once you have called and requested a locate the one-call system will notify the utilities, or a locating service, that locates are required. There is no charge for this service. Utilities are required by state law to belong to this service.

The state has established a color code system to identify each utility so everyone can see what has been located. The color codes are:

  • Red: Electric
  • Yellow: Gas/Oil
  • Orange: Telephone/Cable TV
  • Blue: Water
  • Green: Sewer
  • White: Area to be located

The state law requires that any digging within 2 feet of either side of the location markings be done by hand or other such non-invasive methods. Also, once underground facilities have been marked, the excavator shall maintain the locate marks for the life of the project. Link to Oregon Utilities Coordinating Council (OUCC) Standards Manual (PDF).

Transformer Locations

Central Lincoln will install transformers, using the clearances listed below. Clearances between padmounted transformers and structures must be measured from the metal portion of the transformer closest to the building or structure. This includes any overhangs within the following clearances:

  • 3 ft. from non-combustible walls (including brick, concrete, steel, and stone), provided the side of the transformer facing the wall does not have doors
  • 6 ft. from sprinkler valves, standpipes, and fire hydrants
  • 10 ft. from combustible walls (including stucco), doors, windows, vents, fire escapes, wooden stairways, and other building openings
  • 15 ft. from the water’s edge of a swimming pool or any body of water
  • 20 ft. from facilities used to dispense or store hazardous liquids or gases (e.g., service  station gas pumps and tanks, propane bulk dispensing tanks, and emergency generator fueling points)

Note: Additional clearances may be required. You will need to check with your local authority.

Figure C-1: Clearances for padmount transformers
Figure C-2: Clear working space for padmount equipment

Working Space

A clear and level working area equal to the full width of the padmount operating compartments shall extend 10 feet minimum from the compartment opening. A minimum of 5 feet of clear working area shall be provided on all sides of padmount equipment without operating compartments, including sides with cooling fins (see Figure C-2).

Protection for Padmounted Equipment

The following minimum clearances are required to protect equipment from vehicular traffic (see Figure C-3):

  • 5 feet from the back and sides of the device
  • 10 feet from the front of the transformer

Guard posts are required when these minimum clearances cannot be met. The customer is required to provide room for these guard posts, and Central Lincoln will install them.

Service Equipment Installation Requirements

You are responsible for installing:

  • Meter base, instrument transformer enclosure, conduit, and instrument transformers if required
  • Service entrance conductor

Central Lincoln will install the meter and connect your equipment at Central Lincoln’s transformer or hand hole. Underground service wires will be the customer’s responsibility to the transformer, vault, or hand hole.

Manufactured Buildings

If you are installing an underground service to a manufactured building, our service equipment may be installed one of two ways:

  1. On a customer-owned meter post; or
  2. On the manufactured building, if the following conditions are met
    • The manufacturer installed the service equipment at the time your building was built.
    • Or, the service equipment meets the meter base requirements listed below.
Figure C-3: Transformer Protection

Meter bases installed on manufactured buildings must:

  • Be located on an outside wall of your building and accessible for reading and testing
  • Be between 5 and 6 feet above finished grade
  • Not be in a walkway, breezeway, or carport
  • Not be in an area that is being fenced, or where decking or foliage will block easy access to it

Landscaping and Other Obstacles

Landscaping and other obstructions shall not encroach on the clearances specified in C-3.

Trenching

The customer’s service trench must meet state and local regulatory requirements. Trenches supplied for primary 7,200-volt systems owned by Central Lincoln shall have a minimum of 48 inches cover from the top of the conductor or conduit to the point of final grade.

Note: You are responsible for all trenching before entering or installing any Central Lincoln vaults or hand holes.

Trench Inspection

All Central Lincoln underground box and duct systems done by customers, contractors, or builders will require a final inspection and approval by a Central Lincoln operations department inspector. The Central Lincoln inspector must approve all jobs requiring trenching before the Central Lincoln service or line crew can be dispatched to do the electrical installation.

Section D – Meter Requirements

This chapter gives you information on Central Lincoln’s metering requirements. It’s divided into three sections:

  • General Requirements: This section contains the requirements that pertain to all meter installations such as meter location, clearances, and multiple meter installations.
  • Self-Contained Metering: This section contains the requirements for single-phase service up to 400 amps and three-phase service up to 200 amps.
  • Instrument Transformer Metering (CTs and PTs): This section contains the requirements for single-phase service over 400 amps and three-phase service over 200 amps.

General Requirements

Removing and Installing Meters

Only authorized and qualified Central Lincoln personnel shall cut seals, and remove or install meters.

Equipment

Instrument transformer (CT and PT) enclosures, switchgear, gutters that contain unmetered conductors, and metering equipment shall have provisions for sealing. Central Lincoln meter department will remove seals for any future inspections that become necessary.

Central Lincoln will furnish, install, and maintain the following equipment:

  • Revenue meters
  • CT meter wiring
  • Test switches

Central Lincoln will furnish and maintain the following equipment:

  • Instrument transformers (current or voltage)

The customer will be responsible for furnishing, installing, and maintaining the following equipment beyond the point of delivery:

  • Meter bases*
  • All necessary wiring (except CT meter wiring), connectors, and lugs
  • Disconnect switches
  • Enclosures*
  • Conduit
  • Protection equipment

*Central Lincoln strongly recommends stainless steel meter bases and CT enclosures.

Load Balancing

When 120/208 three-phase transformers provide single-phase service, it is the customer’s responsibility to identify the conductors and balance the load on the transformer. The customer is responsible for providing protection for their equipment against single-phasing.

Available Fault Current

It is the customer’s responsibility to ensure that any fault current interrupting devices installed meet all requirements regarding interrupting rating. Central Lincoln can provide information on available fault current at the point of delivery for the original system installed. However, system changes can cause the available fault current to increase.

Meter Location

You are required to install your metering equipment in a place that is accessible to Central Lincoln during normal business hours for maintenance, testing, installation, and removal. All locations are subject to approval by a Central Lincoln representative. If you have questions regarding meter location, contact Central Lincoln.

The requirements for properly locating your meter base:

  • Outside your building
  • In an area that is not subject to being fenced or blocked in any way
  • Located on a structure that is owned by you
  • Meters shall be protected from mechanical damage

The reasons for these requirements are:

  • To allow Central Lincoln safe access to your equipment
  • So Central Lincoln can efficiently maintain your meter
  • If you have a fire, we can quickly and safely disconnect your service

Meters shall not be installed at any of the following locations:

  • Above or below the first story level of any building
  • On poles owned by Central Lincoln or another utility
  • In commercial occupancies they do not serve
  • In a recessed opening (recessed meter bases are not allowed. All flush-mounted meter bases shall be set with the meter and meter base cover fully accessible. See Figure D-1b)
  • Any place safety may be compromised

General Meter Base Requirements

Due to the corrosive climate along the Oregon Coast, we recommend that you use a corrosion-resistant meter base that is state approved.

Central Lincoln’s meter base requirements include the following:

  • Meter bases will be ring-style
  • Meter bases shall not be jumpered to provide power
  • Any meter base containing energized equipment shall be covered and sealed with a cover plate when a meter is not installed
  • All unused openings (knockouts) of the meter base enclosure shall be closed with plugs that are locked tightly in place from inside the enclosure before a meter is installed
  • Meters shall be installed only in bases that are level, plumb, and securely fastened to the structure
  • Terminals shall be marked with a conductor range for aluminum or copper conductors. When aluminum conductors are used, the base must be approved and clearly marked by the manufacturer for that use.
  • All 320 amp meter bases shall have manual bypass provisions
  • All meter equipment exposed to weather shall be rain-tight
  • Commercial self-contained meter bases shall have manual bypass provisions
  • No lever bypasses are allowed

Approved Meter Base Reference List

Single Phase

Ampere Description Reference Number
100 For 120V 2 Wire Service
4 Jaw
Ring Type
No Bypass Required
011
200 For 120/240V Service, 4 Jaw
Also for 120/208V Service, 5 Jaw (Use 5th Jaw Kit REF # 50365)
3 Wire
Ring Type
No Bypass Required
U204
320 For 120/240V Service Only
3 Wire
4 Jaw
Ring Type
Manual (Link-Style) Bypass Required
324N
CT Service 20 For 120/240V Service Only
3 Wire
6 Jaw
Ring Type
Lower Section has Test Switch Mounting Provision
*Minimum 30-inch by 30-inch CT enclosure with Reference Number 6019 CT Bracket required for this installation. Use 1.25-inch conduit.
12146

Three Phase

Ampere Description Reference Number
200 For 120/240V or 120/208V Service
4 Wire
7 Jaw
Ring Type
Manual (Link-Style) Bypass Required
U267
CT Service 20 For All Service Voltages
4 Wire
13 Jaw
Ring Type
Lower Section has Test Switch Mounting Provision
*Minimum 36-inch by 36-inch CT enclosure with Reference Number 6067 CT Bracket required for this installation. Use 1.25-inch conduit.
121413
  • All bases shall be ring-type.
  • No lever-style bypasses will be permitted.
  • As long as the meter base meets CLPUD minimum standards, any brand of meter base may be used. Due to the environment of the Oregon Coast, stainless steel is recommended but is not required. For any questions or approvals, please call the Central Lincoln meter shop at (541) 574-3608.

Meter Clearances

The center of the meter is always the point of reference.

  • Meter base height shall be a minimum of 5 feet and a maximum of 6 feet above floor or finished grade (see Figure D-1a). A flush-type meter base may be used so long as siding does not cover or overlap the cover.
  • Working space in front of metering equipment (including current transformer enclosures) shall be at least 36 inches wide and 36 inches deep, measured from the front of the enclosure and meters. Plants, shrubs, and trees shall not be planted in this space. Gas meters shall be at least 36 inches horizontally from the center of the meter or edge of the CT enclosure (see Figure D-1a).
  • The center of all meters shall be a minimum of 18 inches from adjacent walls, ceilings, or other similar obstructions. All service equipment, including disconnect switches, shall be a minimum of 18 inches from the meter’s center (see Figure D-1a).
Figure D-1a: Meter base height, minimum clearance, and gas meter clearance.
Figure D-1b: Flush-mounted meter base installation

Meter Base Labeling

Meter bases shall be permanently labeled to indicate the part of the premises they service (i.e. unit number). The customer’s name is not acceptable. Central Lincoln requires engraved phenolic nameplates at least one inch high and able to withstand severe weather conditions. Felt tip pens and label maker tape are not considered permanent markings. Service will not be established until marking is complete (see Figures D-2 & D-3).

Multiple Meter Installations

Multiple meter installations shall comply with the equipment arrangement requirements shown in Figures D-2 and D-3.

Factory-Built Multiple Meter Panel

  • Prior to ordering from the factory, the contractor shall submit non-residential multiple meter panel drawings to the Central Lincoln Meter Department for approval and installation requirements. All meter bases will be ring-style.
  • Both residential and non-residential multiple-meter panels are shown in Figure D-2. The socket center line will be a minimum of 3 feet and a maximum of 6 feet above the floor or finished grade.
  • On non-residential multiple panels (as shown in Figure D-3), the minimum spacing between meter sockets shall be 12 inches horizontally, 12 inches vertically, and the meter will be a minimum of 5 feet and a maximum of 6 feet above the floor or finished grade (see Figure D-1a for clearances).

Service Conductors

Customer load conductors shall not enter or pass through raceways, pole sections, or enclosures containing unmetered conductors.

Customer Load Monitoring

The customer’s load monitoring equipment shall be installed only on the load side of Central Lincoln’s metering.

No customer equipment shall be allowed inside the meter or instrument transformer enclosure. The instrument transformer enclosure is not to be used as a splice box.

Current Limiting Fuses

Current limiting fuses to protect the customer’s electrical system from high fault current shall not be installed in meter bases, instrument transformer enclosures, or in Central Lincoln’s distribution transformers. They may be installed in the customer’s service panel, or in a separate enclosure between the meter base and the panel. The separate enclosure may be on the supply side of the meter bases in multiple meter installations if the enclosure has sealing provisions.

Figure D-2: Typical factory-built multiple meter assembly for an apartment complex

Self-Contained Metering

The bending radius of the underground service conductors requires that off-center knockouts in the bottom of the meter base enclosure shall be used on all underground services. The center knockout shall not be used. If the ground lug is not located in the center of the base, the knockout on the opposite side of the enclosure shall be used.

Single-Phase Services: 200 Amps Or Less

A self-contained meter base shall be installed on all new and remodeled single-phase services (120/240V or 120/208V), where the current carrying capacity of the service conductors does not exceed 200 amps, as specified (see Figure D-4).

Single-Phase Services: 201 To 400 Amps

A self-contained 400-ampere meter base with a link-style bypass is required on all new and remodeled single-phase services over 200 amps (120/240 V), where the current carrying capacity of the service entrance conductors does not exceed 400 amps (see Figure D-4). Meter bases will be 324N or equivalent. Lever-style bypasses are not allowed.

Automatic circuit closure devices are not permitted.

Service conductors shall be arranged in the base to avoid interfering with the meter installation or operation of the link-style bypass.

Single-Phase (0-200 Amps) 120/208 Volt Service

A five-terminal meter base is required on all single-phase 120/208-volt services. The fifth terminal shall be in the nine o’clock position and shall be connected to the socket neutral conductor. This meter is referred to as a network meter (see Figure D-4-D).

Three-Phase (0-200 Amps) 120/240 and 120/208 Volt Service

A seven-terminal meter base is required on all 120/240 Delta or 120/208 Wye self-contained services. The neutral (grounded conductor) shall be connected or tapped into the third terminal from the left on the lower terminal row (see Figure D-4-E). The “wild leg” is on the right-hand terminals and marked with orange tape.

Link-style bypasses are required on all commercial applications.

Three-Phase 277-480V – All Loads

All new 480-volt service installations must be a 4-wire Wye and shall be metered with instrument transformers.

No self-contained meters are allowed.

Note: No self-contained 277/480 meters allowed. Multiple meter installations for services of 200 amps or less. More than six meters requires a main disconnect. Meters must be sealable.

Figure D-3: Multiple meter installations for an office complex

Meter Base/Main Disconnect Combinations

Meter base and circuit breaker combinations are acceptable for 0-400 amps single-phase (except 120-208 volt), and 0-200 amps three-phase, provided the meter base section meets Central Lincoln’s link-style bypass and dimensional requirements.

Figure D-4 shows the necessary non-residential meter base types for specific voltage and amperage ratings.

Sequence of Equipment

All self-contained service equipment shall be metered ahead of the disconnect switch unless it is a gang-style meter base.

Service Conductors for Self-Contained Metering

  • Line side conductors shall always be connected to the top terminals of the meter base
  • Service conductors shall be arranged in the meter base to avoid interfering with the meter installation or operation of the link-style bypasses
  • The customer is responsible for ensuring that the connection of service entrance conductors in the meter base is inspected and tightened before the service is energized. Meters shall not be installed unless these connections are tight and wired correctly for the class of service involved.
  • Meters shall not be installed if conductors place undue strain on the terminal facilities
  • Terminals shall be rated for the size of conductor to be used. Strands shall not be removed to make conductors fit undersized terminals.
  • The “wild leg” conductor on a Delta service shall be located on the top right side of the meter socket and marked with orange tape (see Figure D-4-E)

Instrument Transformer Metering

Provisions for current transformers shall be made when the current carrying capacity of the service entrance conductors exceeds 400 amps single-phase or 200 amps three-phase. Any installation supplying 480V shall make provisions for voltage transformers.

*The high leg (power leg) of a four-wire delta circuit must be connected through the right-hand terminals of the socket. Also, the high leg (208 volts, phase-to-ground) must be identified in orange in the meter base and at the weatherhead, for overhead services, and at the transformer or hand hole for underground services. This is done in addition to the grounded conductor.

Figure D-4: Illustrations A – E are self-contained meter bases. F & G are for instrument-rated meter bases.

Customers Responsibility

Customer shall provide and install an instrument transformer (CT) enclosure on the supply side of the main disconnect; on the outside of the structure, or in an approved electrical room.

  • All CT enclosures require a minimum front clearance of 36 inches (see Figure D-1a). Hinged CT doors shall not block a safety exit while open.
  • The top of the CT enclosures shall be a maximum of 6 feet above the ground level or finished grade. The bottom shall be a minimum of 24 inches above the ground level or finished grade. CT can shall be on the outside of the building.
  • The cabinet must be mounted in a readily accessible location acceptable to the Central Lincoln metering department.
  • Meter sockets shall not be located above the CT cabinet due to safety of working in front of live bus and shall not be located behind the hinged door.
Figure D-5a: Single-phase cabinet installation
Figure D-5b: CT Cabinet Installation – Option A
Figure D-5c: CT Cabinet Installation – Option B

Table 1: CT Enclosure Minimum Dimensions

Service Switch Ampacity Number of CTs Enclosure

Ht.      Width     Depth

1-phase   201-800 2 30”       30”        11”
3-phase 201-800 3 36”       36″        11”
3-phase   Over 800 3 *

*Services over 800 amps require approval from the Central Lincoln meter department prior to ordering switchgear. Refer to the switchgear metering section for more information.

  • The customer shall provide and install a transformer landing base for bar type CTs
  • The top of the CT mounting bracket shall not be more than 6 feet above floor level
  • The customer is to supply and install all lugs and connect the line and load conductors in the CT enclosure
  • The customer will transport Central Lincoln provided instrument transformers from the meter department to the project site. Installation of instrument transformers is the customer’s responsibility.
  • Only conductors associated with a single meter shall be permitted in the current transformer enclosure. No connections shall be made in any current transformer enclosure to supply another meter.
  • Customer’s conductors will not be permitted in the Central Lincoln terminating and pull spaces
  • The neutral shall be split and bonded to the CT enclosure and meter base
  • For 4-wire Delta services, the power (wild) leg conductor must be identified by orange marking and located on the right-hand side of the CT mounting base for horizontally mounted bracket or bottom position for vertically mounted bracket
  • The CT enclosure or switchgear must have adequate space to mount the metering voltage transformer
  • Customer shall provide and install the meter base and the metering circuit conduit
  • 1-1/4 inch rigid plastic (schedules 40 or 80), or EMT conduit is required between the meter base and instrument transformer enclosure and shall be installed by the customer
  • 1-1/4 inch conduit shall be as short as possible, shall not exceed 50 feet in length, and not over 180 degrees in bends. A pull-string is required in any meter conduit over 25 feet.
  • Flex conduit shall not be used in meter circuits
  • 1-1/4 inch conduit shall not contain LBs or junction boxes

Contact the Central Lincoln meter department at (541) 574-3608 for a list of approved meter bases.

Table 2: Bases for instrument-rated meters (with CTs)

Service Rated Current Number of Terminals Socket Type
1-phase 201 or greater 6 A
3-phase 201 or greater 13 Wye or Delta B

Central Lincoln Responsibilities

Central Lincoln is responsible for providing the following:

  • Instrument transformers
  • Meter and test switch
  • Metering circuits (wiring)

Switchgear Metering

Prior approval is required for all switchgear. Submit panel drawings to the Central Lincoln meter department.

Switchgear is required for services over 800 amps and may be used on services from 201-800 amps at the customer’s option with approval.

Three-phase services require a 13-terminal meter base. Outside switchgear may have the meter base attached. Inside switchgear must have the meter base outside; connected with conduit.

No meters may be installed on the switchgear doors.

Figure D-6: Switch gear mounted meter base
Figure D-7: Grounding requirements for instrument transformer metering installation