If you’re a customer looking to upgrade your electrical overhead panel service yourself or you’re a new contractor that is not too sure about all the requirements from the City of Tucson? This blog will help you with a list of material and guidelines to follow.
TEP guidelines SR-308 for overhead service states as follows
Entrance requirements on a building with overhead riser
1.) 2 1/2″ Rigid conduit may extend a minimum of 24″ form the top of the weather-head. A maximum of 48″ to the top of the weather head.
2.) Service entry cable should extend a minimum of 24″ outside the weather head and the neutral wire should be properly identified with white tape. If you happen to be installing multiple risers in the same location? Then the service entry cable should extend minimum of 48″ out of the riser.
3.) A firm point of attachment should be provided for TEP service wires by the contractor or homeowner.
4.) Rigid risers must be clamped firmly to the wall structure, with 2″ two hole strap or 2 1/2″ two hole strap if your using the larger sized riser. 1/2 toggle bolts or lag screws are excepted for this application. Note: 2″ riser is the minimum size for service entry cable to your electrical panel.
5.) If your going to be using a meter board? It must be treated for outdoor applications and must be a minimum of 10″-22″ and 3/4″ thick.
6.) Meters will be provide by Tucson Electric Power. Meter sockets are the sole responsibility of the customer or contractor.
7.) Grounding and Bonding; The type of ground wire for 100-200 amp electrical service is a #6 solid ground wire. You must install 8′ 5/8″ ground rods. First ground rod must be installed with in 3′ of the electrical panel and the second with in 6′ to 8′ acorns are used to bond the wire and the ground rods together. Water and gas bonds are also required to be bonded to your electrical panel.
8.) A brace system is required for your weather head. One for the electrical wires coming into your service, the other must be connect to your roof from the weather head.
9.) Service entry cable must be a minimum of 18′ over public streets and alley ways, a minimum of 15′ coming into private residents property.
10.) The electrical meter socket must be at a minimum height of 3′-6″ and a maximum of 6′-3″ in the middle of the meter form final grade.
11.) If your a going to be using aluminum service entry cable, please remember to treat the wire with Noalox; anti-oxidant compound.
12.) Any connectors that are exposed to the elements must be “rain tight” If you need other pipe into the top of your panel, you must install a Myers hub.This is a weather proof connector.
13.) Service entry cable; 100 AMP: 1/O Copper or 2/O aluminum. 200 AMP: 2/O Copper or 4/O aluminum. 400 AMP: 500 MCM Copper.
14.) Plans and Permits; If you live in City or the County? You are required to have a permit before a power kill will be issued by Tucson Electric Power.
If your looking to upgrade your electrical panel and you need an estimate and you live in Tucson, Oro Valley, Green Valley, Marana or Vail Arizona. You can call our office at 520-308-6235 or you can fill out our online contact form and we can reach you at your earliest convenience at the link below.