SECTION IV

OVERHEAD SERVICE TO AN IRRIGATION PUMP

  1. PURPOSE

    2. This section describes the installation of an overhead service to an agricultural irrigation pump.

    Overhead service consists of poles and wires installed from the nearest SVEC line across your property to your pump site. Service will be provided in accordance with SVEC's Line Extension Policy.

  2. LIMITS

    3. The typical overhead irrigation service consists of a transformer pole, service wires, and a meter pole located near the pump.

    The length of the electrical service should be limited to no more than 200 feet. The reason for this limit is voltage drop or loss in the service wire to the pump motor.

    Should length of service be such that it would prove electrically prohibitive, a transformer and primary line extension may be required.

  3. CUSTOMERS RESPONSIBILITY

Your are responsible for furnishing, installing and maintaining the following equipment.

    1. The riser and weatherhead, which must extend to within 18" of the SVEC attachment near the top of the pole.
    2. A minimum of 18", of wire extending from the weatherhead for connection to SVEC service wire.
    3. A 5-jaw meter base unless the motor is in excess of 75 H.P. in which case SVEC will provide the meter base. The fifth jaw shall be in the 9 o'clock position.
    4. All motors below 20 H.P. shall be operated at 230 volts.
    5. All motors 20 H.P. and larger shall be operated at 460 volts and shall be equipped with capacitors to improve the motor power factor to 95% efficiency.
    6. All motors 60 H.P. and above shall be equipped with reduced voltage starting.
    7. It is the customer's responsibility to provide thermal relays, fuses or any other automatic current interrupting device to protect his equipment against damage from overcurrent, undercurrent or single phasing conditions.
    8. You must arrange for the County Building Inspector to inspect and approve your equipment before SVEC can connect the installation.
  1. SVEC'S RESPONSIBILITY

    2. SVEC will furnish and install the service wires to the top of the meter pole, any poles needed to support the wires, connectors at the pole top and the meter.

  2. METER POLE LOCATION

All meter pole locations will be approved by SVEC prior to construction. The preferred location of the meter pole is on the side of the motor closest to the nearest SVEC pole line and at least 10 feet from the well. This location keeps the length of the service to a minimum, providing the lowest cost and best power quality. The location of the service must also consider the clearance of the wires over driveways and roads. These clearances are required be safety codes for the protection of all.

The service wires must not go over any buildings or haystacks on your property. This helps prevent accidental contact with these wires and is for your safety.

Please contact SVEC early in the process of planning your installation. This allows us to agree on a meter pole location which meets both our needs.

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