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New connections and modifications to existing overhead and underground connections must meet our requirements to ensure safety. Prior to construction, please review the overhead and underground service reference guides which outline our requirements in order to avoid delays and call back charges associated with non-conforming installations.
Questions can be directed to our Electric Service Coordination Centre team Monday to Friday between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. at 1 877 520 1355.
If crews can't proceed with the request because the installation does not meet BC Hydro requirements, service will be rejected and call back charges will be applied.
The point of attachment must be within 7 metres above the ground.
The clearance of supply conductors at any point above the ground must be to the follow specifications:
Across highways, freeways and expressways: 7.1 m
Adequate clearance for safe use of a ladder by our installers (1 m from wall for every 4 m in height) must be available to meet BC Hydro and WorkSafe BC regulations.
Learn more about ladder safety requirements.
The location of the service entrance (wire holder) must not create an aerial trespass and shall be:
If a roof mast is required to meet the minimum vertical clearance above grade, it must be located within 45 centimetres (18 in) from the edge of the roof within reach of the installer's ladder. Rain gutters must be reinforced to be capable of holding the weight of an installer on a ladder without damaging the gutter.
We recommend that ducts for the utility supply service conductors are installed outside of the building wall or the ducts must be encased in concrete. This is in accordance with the BC Electrical Code administered by BC Safety Authority or the local safety inspection branch.
Customer-owned poles with utility services must be accessible by a bucket truck with a relatively even and drivable surface, and be within 3 meters of a lane or roadway.
Mid-span taps are normally not allowed. If you can't meet the requirements of the preferred service location, please contact us at 1 877 520 1355 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. PST.
The maximum service length from a BC Hydro pole to the customer's point of attachment is 30 metres (100 feet). If the service length exceeds 30 metres, an intermediate pole may be required.
If crews need a ladder to reach the service entrance:
For additional information please review the following standards and BC Hydro’s revenue metering guide:
If you cannot meet the overhead connection requirements, please contact BC Hydro's Electric Service Coordination Centre at 1 877 520 1355 Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.
BC Hydro prefers installation of the service duct and meter base on the outside of the building wall. After the service has been connected, a removable and non-combustible aesthetic covering can be installed over the duct and meter base.
For 120/240V services up to 600A, BC Hydro will accept installation of the service duct and meter base inside the building wall if our requirements are met, specifically:
For full requirements and information on service ducts installed within the building wall, see the following standard and info bulletin:
Note: Drawing is for reference only. Please refer to Distribution Standard ES54 S1-01 [PDF, 1.5 MB] for detailed requirements.
You are responsible for the supply and installation of the customer service conduit and grounding which meet the requirements of the BC Electrical Code, BC Hydro's standards and any applicable bulletins issued by Technical Safety BC. A summary of BC Hydro’s installation requirements are provided below:
All construction of civil works on public or private property must be performed by a contractor who's registered with us. This program is intended to enhance safety, efficiency, and work quality.
See the registered civil contractor list to learn more and register.
To avoid serious danger to workers, it's important to know what services are buried in or near your work site. BC One Call provides information about the underground services on your work site and where it's safe to dig. Visit the BC One Call website for more information or call 1 800 474 6886.
The location of the service entrance must be:
The total allowable cable length, from the property line to the meter base, is 30 metres (100 feet). If the cable length exceeds 30 metres and is approved by BC Hydro, additional charges will apply.
For full requirements and information on service ducts installed within the building wall, see the following standards and info bulletin:
If you cannot meet the underground connection requirements, please contact BC Hydro's Electric Service Coordination Centre at 1 877 520 1355 Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.
BC Hydro crews will remove the service and the meter upon customer request at a vacant premise. Only the registered owner or authorized business partner can request the removal of service.
Contact our Electrical Services Coordination Centre at 1 877 520 1355 to request a meter removal.
If you will be working within 3 metres of power lines, contact us to request for a short term disconnection and reconnection. Typically, disconnection and reconnection for non-electrical work is completed within same business day. Contact our Electrical Services Coordination Centre at 1 877 520 1355 to discuss your request and scheduling availability.
Information bulletin: Concrete encasement of customer service ducts inside customer-owned buildings [PDF, 1.8 MB] covers the details for connection of underground residential services, and clarifies the BC Hydro and B.C. Safety Authority requirements for concrete encasements of service ducts and the location of large 400 amp and 600 amp 120/240 volt electrical services.
Equipment advisory: BC Hydro pad-mounted transformer installation on private property (EA2015-001 R1) [PDF, 10.6 MB] contains further clarification regarding the effective date for new standards and additional drawings for assisting BC Hydro customers in complying with the new construction standards. Also, a customer needs to submit a certified "Grounding Report" instead of a "letter of assurance", whereas a contractor needs to submit a signed copy of the "Installer's Declaration" for civil work on private property.
Please see our charges & fees for connections page for details.
Distribution Technical Standards and Guides
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