Leespark,
I have a couple questions to ask:
Q1:
Does the Electrical Contractor Provide and Install Service Feeder Ducts (underground ducts) from the Service Equipment to the Pole / Transformer Vault, or does the Utility do this?
Q2:
Whom Provides and Installs the Service Feeders?
Electrical Contractor or Utility?
Q3:
Have you discussed this upgrade with a Service Planner?
(i.e.: Service Planner / Design Engineer from the Utility providing Service to the area)
Q4:
If "Q3" above is "YES", did the Service Planner provide you with the Feeder Requirements and approved installations information?
Q5:
Have you compiled Load Calcs for the Customer's Existing (to remain)and New loads?
Q6:
Will there be any issues regarding increased Fault Current Levels for the existing to remain Panelboards + OCPDs?
(the increased system demand will likely result in the Utility increasing Transformer capacity, which will likely also increase available fault current at the Service)
Q7:
Will you be able to re-use - or even remove the existing Feeders - from the existing GRC Feeder Ducts?
Questions #1 & #2 are in regards to knowing whom will be responsible for Service Feeders & Ducts installations between the Service Equipment and the Utility Pole / Transformer vault.
If the Utility provides & installs the Feeders, then you would not have to do anything ... PROVIDED:
The Service Planner accepts the existing GRC Feeder Ducts for new Feeders to be installed in.
Otherwise, You, as the E.C., will need to install new Ducts, per the Utility's ESRs (Electrical Service Requirements manuals / documents). The Service Planner will (actually "Should") provide you with information - per the ESRs, that they accept.
If the Utility Provides + Installs the Ducts and the Feeders, then you only have to coordinate with the Utility, and provide the Service Planner with the required submittal data (covered below).
This "option" is extremely rare - especially where I am at, but may exist in your area.
Question #3 regards Planning and Design Coordination.
For a Service Upgrade of any size on Commercial / Industrial projects, the Utility Service Planner for the given area should be contacted immediately, to determine their overall requirements + fees.
The Utility will be the AHJ for the Secondary Connections on the LINE side of the Service Disconnect - meaning anything from their existing Transformer or Pole, which will be connected to a Customer's Service equipment, is subject to the Utility's Specifications, Design criteria, and adopted Code(s).
Additionally, the fees may be discussed, with at least an estimated cost projected given to you.
Need to know all this preliminary stuff prior to compiling a Proposal (AKA your "Bid") for your Client to review.
Simply stated; your bid will include:
* the specific materials,
* installation requirements,
* creation of drawings / plans / calculations by you (the E.C.),
* fees required by the Utility,
along with your overhead and profit.
Question #4 is to see what the Utility requires.
Question #5 is something that any Service Planner will want to see for a New or Upgraded Service.
The Load calcs are used by the Utility Planner to determine the Transformer's capacity, Service Feeder size + number of ducts, etc.
They may want to see Panel Schedules, but not likely for your project.
There may be additional plans / calcs / drawings requested, and you may also need to submit specifications for the Service Equipment you plan to install.
Question #6 regards the possibility of increased SCA (Fault Current) at the Service, from an increased Transformer Capacity, larger Service feeders, or both.
The Service Planner will provide you with a fault quote after the Service Design is completed by the Utility.
You should be able to get a quote when you submit load calcs, but the "Quote Letter" will not be issued by the Utility until design is complete.
The "Fault Level Quote Letter" will be required by the Building Department prior to passing Inspection.
Inspection must be passed before the Utility will release the KWH Meter.
Question # 7 is self explaining: Can you actually re-use the GRC, or will the Conductors refuse to come out?
Sorry for the long winded post.
Got to go hit the sheets (sleep).
Will check this thread tomorrow for replies.
Scott
