Reactivating old electrical service

[bushmechanic]

Land hasn't been used in a while. Power is run, but I can't remember if there's a box present at the moment. Regardless...

Is is unheard-of to request a simple outlet at the post where the box is likely to be installed? No structure is currently present, and likely won't be for some time.

The buyer would like a place to connect his camper amenities while he searches for an appropriate trailer to move to the property.

Not my ideal scenario, but a sale is a sale. I'm trying to gather as much information to make it as easy as possible on him.

I'm going to call the electrical company, naturally (soon as I figure out which one it is), but I expect I'll need to know what I'm requesting, or at least ask the right questions.

I can ask him if his camper has some manner of "shore power" connection, but I don't know at the moment. Let's hear suggestions for both that, and then if he just wants to, for example, plug in a microwave with an extension cord.

Both scenarios. I don't know which one is the case yet.

 

[macgyver37]

Lots of construction sites just have a temporary service put in to power tools etc while building. Around here it is usually just a short post/pole that has a meter on it with a single box attached to the meter box that has a couple outlets in it.
If there is a meter onsite, then it is just a matter of properly installing a weather proof outlet box.

 

[tyme2par4]

As macgyver said, when they build new houses, they always run temporary power. You just need a meter, and a small outdoor rated breaker box. Then you can add whatever you need.

 

[Ole Slewfoot]

Friend inherited a warehouse where scrappers had stolen his side of the drop. PG&E quoted $~85,000. Needless to say, he is running a generator.

 

[bczygan]

Land hasn't been used in a while. Power is run, but I can't remember if there's a box present at the moment. Regardless...

Is is unheard-of to request a simple outlet at the post where the box is likely to be installed? No structure is currently present, and likely won't be for some time.

The buyer would like a place to connect his camper amenities while he searches for an appropriate trailer to move to the property.

Not my ideal scenario, but a sale is a sale. I'm trying to gather as much information to make it as easy as possible on him.

I'm going to call the electrical company, naturally (soon as I figure out which one it is), but I expect I'll need to know what I'm requesting, or at least ask the right questions.

I can ask him if his camper has some manner of "shore power" connection, but I don't know at the moment. Let's hear suggestions for both that, and then if he just wants to, for example, plug in a microwave with an extension cord.

Both scenarios. I don't know which one is the case yet.

Please put your location in your profile.

What do you mean when you say power is run? Was there ever any kind of service there?

Is there a meter? Is there a meter box? Is there an overhead drop from a pole or transformer? If there is a drop, it must terminate in something. What size id the drop and or meter?

If there is a meter box or meter, then simply install a box with the needed circuits and call for power to be turned on in someones name and account.

Check the rules there. A temporary service may cost more and may not be sufficient. A permanent service may not be allowed until a residence is completed.

Call anonymously and ask.

Bill

 

[Bigbandguy]

I suggest getting a typical construction "temp" setup (usually easily found on Craig's list) If you have the temp pole (code usually calls for it to be braced by 2x4's) setup in place POCO will routinely activate temp service... it usually costs a bit higher rate than regular residential service but for light use that would not matter. The point is that they might not activate a "camper" services without more red tape, but "Temp" service for construction is something they do every day. After that the bills arrive and are paid and nobody bothers with what is using the power.
Best to let sleeping POCO's lie... who knows what hoops to hook up a camper.

 

[nehog]

Last I remember, even HD has construction drop poles. Come with a meter base, breaker box/outlets. Only thing I think might be an issue is if the power company wants a building permit before running it.

 

[Aceman]

It would be worth it to have an electrician come out. That way an electrician can see what you're working with as far as the panel and meterbase are concerned. If the camper you're planning for is a bumper pull or small fifth wheel, they will take a 30 amp 120v 3 wire recep. If it's a large fifthwheel with 2 ac's, it'll most likely take a 50 amp 240v 4 wire recep.

The good RV campgrounds will have one of each kind, plus a standard 120v recep, like what is found in your home.

 

[brewchief]

The good RV campgrounds will have one of each kind, plus a standard 120v recep, like what is found in your home.

http://www.menards.com/main/electri...4429546118-c-6440.htm?tid=3739179079865836548

One of these would make for a simple hookup that would handle pretty much any RV trailer.

 

[Aceman]

Yep. Those all in one setups would be the way to go.

 

[Bigbandguy]

Last I remember, even HD has construction drop poles. Come with a meter base, breaker box/outlets. Only thing I think might be an issue is if the power company wants a building permit before running it.

When I set up temp service for a remodel project POCO did not ask for a permit. This was in GA. Some of the states / cities that keep an entire flock of chickens to produce chickens**t 24/7 might be different. In some areas each inspector is issued his own chicken and then just to keep it more interesting they swap chickens every day so that you get a different flavor the next time the inspector visits.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

Friend inherited a warehouse where scrappers had stolen his side of the drop. PG&E quoted $~85,000. Needless to say, he is running a generator.

$85,000 for what? Overhead Wire doesnt cost that much.

And PG&E doesnt install service entrances service masts etc.

Ive done installs in PG&Es terroritory and it was NO WHERE NEAR that for PG&E to do the drop...

 

[bushmechanic]

Sorry, I've been running around getting things done. I shortly found that the electric company is more than happy to set something up, as indicated in some posts here.

I've gone through everything, retrieved documents, convinced people to come out with little notice to make sure it's all good, and spent my share of time behind a machete.

It'll be time to relax this evening; finally! Not before wearing my *** out digging, poking, augering, spraying, surveying, and flagging. I'll get it done somehow.

I'm taking land that hasn't been occupied in a number of years, and turning it over in the time between posting this thread and 1:30PM today...

Pimpin' ain't easy.

 

[Ole Slewfoot]

$85,000 for what? Overhead Wire doesnt cost that much.

And PG&E doesnt install service entrances service masts etc.

Ive done installs in PG&Es terroritory and it was NO WHERE NEAR that for PG&E to do the drop...

Stepdown transformer maybe?