Savant,
Answer to Question #1:
If the service entrance conduit is in good mechanical condition, then you will not be required to change the load side conduit from the meter base.
Answer to Question #2:
LB Fitting must remain accessible during and after installation.
Answer to Question #3:
Where a gas meter is installed within a building, electrical equipment shall not be installed within 900 mm of the meter.
For electrical equipment installed outdoors, it is permissible to install electrical equipment within 1m of a gas meter
provided it is at least 1m from any discharge point on a pressure release device.
Answer to Question #4:
Today, an increasing number of installations are supplied by plastic water pipe systems.
The following procedures may be followed to ensure adequate grounding for the electrical system:
Where there is no assurance that metal water pipes exist extending at least 3.0 metres beyond the extremities of the building, an artificial grounding electrode meeting the requirements of Rule 10-702 shall be installed.
The well casing shall not be used as a ground electrode. However, where there is metal well casing for a well containing a submersible pump, the casing is to be bonded to ground in accordance with Bulletin 10-16-*.
This decision has been made after an expression of concern from the Ministry of the Environment.
Water Meters, and Removable Unions in Water Piping Used as a System Ground Conductor
Subrule 10-902(1) requires that where the grounding electrode is a metal water piping system the grounding connection be made on the street side of the water meter or as near as practicable to the point where the water service enters the building.
It will not always be possible to make a connection in an ideal location, and there is a safety concern for anyone disconnecting any part of the piping system if there is a fault on the electrical system.
Questions have arisen about relying on the electrical continuity through water meters, and mechanical removable couplings in the grounding path of a meter or coupling.
Water Meters
A bond across the meter is required where the metal water piping on the customer side of the meter is used as part of the electrical system ground electrode. Water meters are considered as not providing permanent electrical continuity.
Answer to Question #5:
Check with the local utility in the area to see if the flat rate electric water heater conductors are still required for new/upgraded/or altered services.
If flat-rate water heater conductors are to be connected to the meter socket either separate wire connectors or a wiring terminal kit shall be provided for this purpose.
These connectors shall accommodate up to a No. 10 AWG copper, or a No. 8 AWG aluminum conductor.
Wiring terminal kits for the connection of flat-rate water heater conductors and subfeed load conductors shall be designed so that
(a) each kit can be installed without disassembly of factory-assembled parts (other than those parts normally disassembled for installation and wiring) and without the use of a special tool unless such a tool and instructions for its use are furnished with each kit;
(b) with the kit installed, spacings will be maintained; and
(c) the kits are marked in accordance with Clause 5.2.
Tony Moscioni
Electrical Inspector
Electrical Safety Authority
