HANDBOOK REQUIREMENTS - Central Maine Power Company

V. SERVICE ENTRANCE CONDUCTORS
500.
GENERAL
For overhead service, the service entrance conductors
comprise that part of the service which extends from the point of
attachment of the overhead service drop on the building or
structure to the service equipment, i.e., disconnecting means and
overcurrent protection (breaker or switch-fuse). For underground
service, the service entrance conductors
run from the “point of
connection” of the underground service lateral
to the service
equipment. The service lateral typically terminates
in the meter
enclosure on the outside of the building wall. Where there is no
meter enclosure
or terminal box, the “point of connection” is
considered
to be where the conductors penetrate the building wall.
All service entrance conductors shall be service entrance
cable or conductors installed in rigid or
intermediate metal
conduit,
steel electrical tubing, or rigid non-metallic conduit
recognized for use above ground as permitted by NEC Article
352.
See Par. 504 of this Handbook for conduit details. Conduit
is suggested where the exterior construction of the building
consists of rough stone, stucco or metal siding.
On the line side of the meter, service entrance cable or
conduit shall not be installed within the building wall or concealed
in any way. On the load side of the meter, service entrance cable
or conduit may be concealed but must be protected against
physical
damage per NEC Sections 230.50 and 300.4 and
supported per 230.51(A). All services shall be installed
in
accordance with NEC Article 230.
For overhead service entrance conductors 4/0 and smaller
size, the conductors must extend at least 24 inches beyond the
weatherhead to accommodate connection to the Company's
service drop. For larger than 4/0 size (or paralleled), the
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