02-06-2011, 03:25 PM
Assuming a 100 amp service, you can go 140' from the Helco wires to the first pole. But Helco likes it better if you keep it under 100'. The Helco field engineer for the area (not the ones in the office) make the call. It varies slightly between subdivisions based on how far apart the Helco poles are.
If you want to attach phone lines, the first pole has to be a 6" galvanized pole. After that you can use 4" poles. Poles can be placed 140' or so apart, closer for heavier gauge wire. You can usually get pole installed for about $800 each. The first pole gets the meter and becomes your "temporary/permanent" service. It requires both a county and Helco inspection so you will need an electrical permit to get the county inspection. The triplex wire is about $1.50 a foot but with a long distance you may need a heavier gauge for voltage drop and the price will go up. Plus installation and other parts. It starts to get expensive--$15,000 is not out of the question.
When the new electric and building codes get passed you will have to use quadplex instead of triplex wire at an unknown extra cost. So get your permits in soon!
I spoke with one of the Helco engineers a week or so ago and he said he thought they were charging between 2,000 and 3,000 for Helco to install poles and wires. In that case the meter can go on the house but then you would not have the expense for wire and installation.
Call if you have additional questions.
Jerry
Art and Orchids B&B
http://www.artandorchids.com
If you want to attach phone lines, the first pole has to be a 6" galvanized pole. After that you can use 4" poles. Poles can be placed 140' or so apart, closer for heavier gauge wire. You can usually get pole installed for about $800 each. The first pole gets the meter and becomes your "temporary/permanent" service. It requires both a county and Helco inspection so you will need an electrical permit to get the county inspection. The triplex wire is about $1.50 a foot but with a long distance you may need a heavier gauge for voltage drop and the price will go up. Plus installation and other parts. It starts to get expensive--$15,000 is not out of the question.
When the new electric and building codes get passed you will have to use quadplex instead of triplex wire at an unknown extra cost. So get your permits in soon!
I spoke with one of the Helco engineers a week or so ago and he said he thought they were charging between 2,000 and 3,000 for Helco to install poles and wires. In that case the meter can go on the house but then you would not have the expense for wire and installation.
Call if you have additional questions.
Jerry
Art and Orchids B&B
http://www.artandorchids.com