Construction buildback from a transformer

[bosty2]

Hey all...Just looking to see if anybody knows the requirements to building near a pad mounted transformer on residential property? It is in a subdivision on a private road...when it was developed every 10 acer lot had a transformer installed for future builders...well I am the future builder and wanted to put my building in the corner of the lot, only problem is that there is a pad mounted transformer there...just wanting to know how close I can build to it?

Thanks!

matt

 

[Jarcese]

I don't know what or if there are any building codes on it, but I work for a POCO and we require 10-12' in front and 4' on the sides. Also, they are not going to let you build on top of the wires either so don't forget about that.

Your POCO should have a book on contractor rules as well. It might be ion PDF form on the company website.

 

[larry4406]

Your plat (survey) should show the utility easement if any. In my new subdivisions (MD), the transformers actually have stickers on them showing required clearances for maintenance.

With a 10 acre parcel I find it hard to believe that you "need" to put your structure where the transformer is. Surely there is some ability to shift the structure.

 

[sickjuice]

Its not a matter of what the POCO wants... Its a matter of what their easement allows them. If they wanted 15' but they only have an easement for 10' they can pound sand as far as I'm concerned assuming their are no additional setbacks in the zoning.

 

[boomer12831]

Contact the local power co. and tell them you want to speak with either the Engineering Dept. or Planning Dept. There are codes that have to be followed and if they are not followed then it can get very expensive. I have witnessed this first hand. They are usually very good about giving you the info because it can cause them problems later on. In one instance it went like this - Yes mam you do have to move your pool, and another one, a bunch of sheds were put up along the ROW under the transmission line and they had to be moved. There is a better one about a circus tent for a wedding but I'll save that for another time.

 

[Jarcese]

The clearances are for operating and replacing them, but mostly for operating them. Hence then large clearance on the front of the transformer. We have plenty of pad mounts in buildings with little or no clearance around the sides, but the front is a must. You'll have a hard time telling the person who comes out to operate it to pound sand.

I had one where a business built a concrete ramp in front of the pad and a bushing faulted. We had to take a large outage to strip of bars and restaurants on a Friday night whereas normally only one business would have lost power. Just an example of how just building something and telling the utility to pound sand might not be the best route.

In a rural area, you won't have a problem building around it as long as it's not in the front. They should be visible from the street too if possible. You don't want a troubleshooter walking around all night trying to find it while your power is out.

 

[Autorotica]

I checked my site survey. The utility company has a 15' easement from property line inward to my plot. I am in PA.

Chris

 

[59 wagon man]

check the building dept for the area you are in. building depts dont give a **** about what utility wants and vice versa

 

[Ross/Kzoo]

Contact the local power co. and tell them you want to speak with either the Engineering Dept. or Planning Dept. There are codes that have to be followed and if they are not followed then it can get very expensive. I have witnessed this first hand. They are usually very good about giving you the info because it can cause them problems later on. In one instance it went like this - Yes mam you do have to move your pool, and another one, a bunch of sheds were put up along the ROW under the transmission line and they had to be moved. There is a better one about a circus tent for a wedding but I'll save that for another time.

I worked in the electric engineering dept for our utility for 38 years. Boomer's got good advise. National Electric Safety Code. NESC, also has requirements. Nuf said.

 

[sickjuice]

I checked my site survey. The utility company has a 15' easement from property line inward to my plot. I am in PA.

Chris

There you have it. Stay off the easement and there is nothing they can do. Their problem if they put the ****** close to the edge and don't have clearance now

 

[zachzinda]

There you have it. Stay off the easement and there is nothing they can do. Their problem if they put the ****** close to the edge and don't have clearance now

I love this logic. The power company owns the transformer but it feeds your house. So when the transformer fails or the cable faults ( and it will happen) you will be the one out of power. So ask yourself how much of your property do you want torn up and how long of an outage do you want. Also a developer put the transformer there not the power company.

 

[BillK]

Not trying to be "negative" but why would you even ask this question here instead of calling the power company and asking them ?

 

[Ross/Kzoo]

. Also a developer put the transformer there not the power company.

Not really. The power company determines the need and placement of the transformers. Developers haven't got a clue and don't want to be bothered with it (I designed electric layouts for plats for 25 years).

 

[zachzinda]

Not really. The power company determines the need and placement of the transformers. Developers haven't got a clue and don't want to be bothered with it (I designed electric layouts for plats for 25 years).

The utility you work for must be a lot different the ones in the Northwest. Around here when a developer request service the need to provide the utility with a site plan including lot size, roads, house placement and estimated load. Otherwise the utility would just be guessing where to put the transformers, duct runs, and what kva transformer to install. Someone had to request and pay for all of the cable and equipment, the utility didn't do it on their own. The power company determines need by customers loads and placement by voltage drop and lot lines.(I have been a lineman for 20 years).

 

[Ross/Kzoo]

The utility you work for must be a lot different the ones in the Northwest. Around here when a developer request service the need to provide the utility with a site plan including lot size, roads, house placement and estimated load. Otherwise the utility would just be guessing where to put the transformers, duct runs, and what kva transformer to install. Someone had to request and pay for all of the cable and equipment, the utility didn't do it on their own. The power company determines need by customers loads and placement by voltage drop and lot lines.(I have been a lineman for 20 years).

I guess my 25 years in the engineering dept which included among other things working with commercial and industrial customers and then my 13 years in long term planning doesn't mean a thing.

The developer supplies the site plan and the engineering dept determines the utility placement and size. If it was left to the developer to size the equipment every house would have a 50 KVA transformer and a #350 service. The customer contributes a per lot front foot charge and has to supplement the construction costs if the homes don't get developed like originally planned (a deposit is required).

 

[zachzinda]

You are saying exactly what I am saying. The developer submits their plan with lot lines, roads and estimated load and the utility determines the placement and transformer sizing based on their needs. If the load shows that they need 50kva's and 350 services that is what they will get and pay for. Also if the developer underestimates the load the guy buying the lot will have to pay for the upgrade if he needs more. I am just responding your comment that the developer doesn't have a say in it and the utility decides everything. I just came from a customers house where they thought they could build a garage around our meterbase. A couple of grand later they now have a meterbase on the outside their garage. So call the utility first and save yourself the cost and headache.

 

[83VillageRepair]

Typically for most utility's it is 10' from the exterior of the building or 20' if in front of egress point. The NESC and the NEC are both fairly vague on the subject. Most companies use the standards set by FM Mutual. Google "FM Mutual pad mount transformer locations"

The real answer is to ask your power provider what their standards are. You can do whatever you want outside the easement but they can also refuse to serve you until it meets their safety standards.

Wade

 

[83VillageRepair]

There you have it. Stay off the easement and there is nothing they can do. Their problem if they put the ****** close to the edge and don't have clearance now

I would disagree with this. The requirements are based on fire safety for the most part and are often added to the local building code. You run the risk of not getting a building permit or the utility refusing to serve you without you paying to move the transformer if you just go ahead without consulting them first.

 

[boomer12831]

Bosty2 - Aren't you glad you asked ?

 

[79firebird]

My buddy had to get one installed where he was working and hydro told him were to get it as most times there precast.

 

[bosty2]

Well it was a little late in the afternoon...I had spent about 2 hours with my nose in the NEC, and couldnt come up with anything...yes I called my power supply company but at the time I posted this they were closed and I just threw the question out there to see what expirences everyone else had...by the way I am an industrial electrican for a oil company...I do have expirence but did not know the answer to this question...I know now...they told me 8-10 feet on the backside...an NO with 10 acers I dont have much of a choice on where to put my building...it is a very trick building site...all I was looking for was some expirence in this and advice...thanks for all of the "good" help guys! By the way I really do LOVE this site...Thanks again!