running over head power line?

[deerhunter88]

We will be running 600' of new over head line using existing poles. We are taking down a #2 triplex aluminum wire and replacing with a 4/0 triplex aluminum wire. I am not sure if the hardware on the existing lines is adjustable or even still operable to accept the much bigger 4/0 wire. Where can I purchase new hardware to secure the new lines to the poles while keeping them taught?

 

[wyliesdiesels]

600’?

Yikes

What size service is this for?

Thats gonna be a lot of voltage drop.

I assume meter will be at beginning of 600’.

Have you considered asking the PoCo to put meter on structure and run high voltage to a pad mount transformer so you dont have to run wire 600’?

 

[tyme2par4]

I'll second Wylies comment.
If it's high voltage the PoCo could probably use the existing #2 wire. They would just need to add a pole mount or pad mount transformer at the end.
You're probably looking at $1200 just for new wire.

 

[exranger06]

Also, if this is for a subpanel, you need a 4-wire feed. Triplex won't do; you'd need quadruplex.

 

[deerhunter88]

we are looking to get a minimum of 160 amps to a campsite/ worksite. The campsite is 600' behind a locked gate so the power company is wanting to keep their meter at the gate. A friend that works for the power company came out and spec'd out the wire for us. I was able to get the wire below cost. I failed to ask him if I would need new hardware on the current poles we have.

 

[Norcal]

we are looking to get a minimum of 160 amps to a campsite/ worksite. The campsite is 600' behind a locked gate so the power company is wanting to keep their meter at the gate. A friend that works for the power company came out and spec'd out the wire for us. I was able to get the wire below cost. I failed to ask him if I would need new hardware on the current poles we have.

4/0 AL is barely suitable for 160A without considering voltage drop, PoCo wire sizing is way different then what is required under the NEC, as they are under different rules. Load calculations are in order.

 

[sberry]

I had someone complaining and asked my bud at the poco to do a load test. The overhead wires are fairly small, maybe 2, not sure but a loooong ways from the ****** and half a dozen or more houses on and between it and the one I was working on. I was really looking for bad connection but, 5,,, or 600 ft of overhead like this. 122 standing, 130A on it and 121. I figured for sure 5 or 6 drop doing the math, real test 1, surprised me.

 

[deerhunter88]

Also, if this is for a subpanel, you need a 4-wire feed. Triplex won't do; you'd need quadruplex.

Thanks for the feedback. Why will the triplex not work? Triplex is what was in place before just much smaller scale.

 

[exranger06]

3 wire feed is fine from the meter to main panel or disconnect, but after that you need separate neutral and ground wires, and the neutral cannot be bonded to ground. It used to be acceptable/to code to have 3 wire feeds to subpanels, but not anymore.

 

[sberry]

Is there a means of disconnect at the meter or is it going to be wired to the base itself?

 

[deerhunter88]

Disconnect at the meter

 

[wyliesdiesels]

Is there a means of disconnect at the meter or is it going to be wired to the base itself?

Was gonna ask this and forgot about the thread

Disconnect at the meter

Thanks for the feedback. Why will the triplex not work? Triplex is what was in place before just much smaller scale.

Because you have a disconnect at the meter.

After the first means of disconnect, 4 wire is required with isolated neutral at the subpanel.

Did you have a disconnect previously?

And yeah 4/0 will be way too small.

 

[Lightman 1]

Some wholesale places like Consolidated sell utility type hardware.

 

[ard]

Guys- his old 3 wire circuit may have been there for quite a few years... pre code change.

OP- if you are investing in upgrading, make sure it is code-compliant. Guys that work for the PoCo sometimes arent as good as some of the guys here...FWIW.

 

[deerhunter88]

Thanks. We are having them come out look at it again with a local electrician as well.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

Thanks. We are having them come out look at it again with a local electrician as well.

As said by Norcal above, the PoCo is under different rules.

So im not sure why youre involving them on your branch feeder. You need to consult with an electrician not the PoCo.

On another note, could you have them put one of their locks on the gate? that way they can have access and then you could have them run high voltage to a pad mount transformer right near the building?

 

[TractorJeff]

He doesn't say where but he says "Camp" and his handle is "Deerhunter".
FWIW, I suspicion that the meter will not be accessible after Deer Season for the Meter Reader.

 

[deerhunter88]

the power company putting new wire to our meter and our switch just below the meter. The electrician says he has what he need the rest of the way.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

You cant run 3-wire

Is the electrician running 3-wire?

If so, fire your electrician and get someone else.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

3 wire feed is fine from the meter to main panel or disconnect, but after that you need separate neutral and ground wires, and the neutral cannot be bonded to ground. It used to be acceptable/to code to have 3 wire feeds to subpanels IN DETACHED BUILDINGS, but not anymore.

Fixed it for you.

Subpanels in the same building were never allowed to be 3-wire.