Almost done. 600' Parry Sound area. Your video took away the intimidation.. We do not have enough money to pay an electrician/contractor. We zig zagged through forest and over bed rock to save trees and keep it away from the driveway. So as to not cause issues in the future with adding structures etc. Lots of effort. No regrets. THANK YOU BIG TIME
Great video ! A Hell of a smart series of install techniques. It looks as though you were in Eastern Ont. , by the split rail fence that I saw. I am a native of the upper Ottawa Valley, but have been than 50 years in the West.
I like your video very detailed and informative. I am in the SW Ontario are am planing to do a similar installation. Have 4 existing Hydro One connections on my property and trying to consolidate them to one central metering. + add a backup generator and PV solar cell with inverters and batteries for my own use only Hydro is supplying power to my the property from a pole transformer and onto the a overhead line that connects onto my own poles ( 5 private ) currently) delivering power to the 4 properties @ 200 amp service each . I have the option to (A) stay with the overhead service or (B) go underground with pad mount transformer. if i go with option (A) overhead - the service is 120/240 split I will have to install 12 gauge wire on my pole connected to a Central meter and Hydro one will install a CM connection on the pole IE a DONUT type of device and reconnect the existing overhead power lines to the Donut so that the existing services can be reconnected . they will take the 4 residential meters out and I have to provide my own dummy meters My question is : How will I be able to install a transfer switch , so I can connect the generator and my inverter/ batteries / solar PV infrastructure to this ? - I would like to do this at the same location where the meter is . - both generator and inverters would need to provide power only to all 4 connection and not back to the grid ( thus the transfer switch ??) - and also want to have the ability to restrict the power consumption from the grid based on TIME of USE bases and when to use the batteries / solar PV 's . ( the programing can be done at by the inverters ) Will i have to bring the main power feed from the donut down the pole ? Then connect the ATS (automatic transfer switch ) and the rest of the infrastructure generator / inverters/pv and then go back up the pole with an other wire to connect my existing /current power lines that go to the 4 properties. If I Use Option B - since i have 4x 200amp services do i need a 800 amp transformer? will i have to reconnect each property separately to the 4 connection at the transformer or can i use the existing overhead power lines to distribute power to the 4 properties? Appreciate any of you help
Great video especially for someone whose knowledge of electricity is that it makes my toaster work, thanks. QUESTION: I'm looking at purchasing a house in the country (eastern Ontario) with the overhead wire being both an eyesore and a concern with respect to large old trees that might come down on the wires at sometime in the future. So, the house is already wired but I would like to bury the cable from the hydro one pole to the house < 100 meters. Can you briefly describe what I might be looking at? Again thank you.
Fantastic Video. I am also doing a similar project north of Huntsville Ont. Tring to wrap my head around how the central meter base is installed. Drawing from hydro states only a 3/4" conduit running between the vault and the meter base? Ix this correct.
Yes that’s correct. Hydro will install 3 - 12 gauge wires that run the meter itself. They do this when they install the transformer so leave a pull cord from the meter to the vault in the 3/4 so they can pull the wire
Like others, I am enduring the same type of project. I have about 750’ from the hydro on the road (the pole is on the other side of the road from my property). I will have to come across the road overhead and then was thinking about going underground. I will do my own excavating. I am curious if you can share some costings on a project like this. I understand the wire is very expensive and for my distance, I may be further ahead to go overhead all the way. I am in North Bay so i am encountering rocks with every bucket full. Nothing I need to hammer but then again I am only 150’ in. There may be surprises in the future
I was able to get my 28kv rated 2/0 alum cable (this spec was required by hydro one) for my 410 meter underground run for just under $23 per meter. This was purchased within the past 2 months through Westburne. The distributor fully expects the cost to continue increasing. Comparatively, the same wire was $13/m 2 years ago. I don’t know the equivalent cost of overhead wire. I don’t think the savings in wire would be substantial though.
Dave, you’ll want to refer to Hydro One’s list of approved meter bases. It all depends of wether you’re installing a traditional service or a central metering service. The Eaton base is for central metering. A traditional base is several hundred dollars cheaper typically.
Amazing video. Everything looks fantastic. My wife and i are looking to install approximately 900-1000ft of underground. We are located in Eastern Ontario. If you have time for some quick clarification i would appreciate it. .....as long as the trench is able to be at a depth of 30" you are able to just lay the cable without the DB2 piping as well? Thanks again for the great video. Cheers
Yes that is correct as long as the backfill is not abrasive. Sand is best. Electrical inspector will spec backfill for your specific situation based on test trench
Really great video, appreciate it. Doing a very simular service for my property and a few things I had to wrap my head around and couldn't til I found this video. What size tech cable are you using for 100amp service or is it 200 amp? Thanks
Thanks! That teck cable is actually only feeding a 60amp panel in my garage about 100m away. It has aluminum wire 2 awg conductors. The house will be fed directly from the transformer with appropriate triplex to feed a 200 amp panel.
I'm in ontario and am going to be building a house am looking into underground electric like you, very good video, how much does it cost to get the pole and box service
Great video and explanation of everything. May I ask, did you order the concrete enclosure for the pad directly from USI? I have a similar project and may or may not have the pad built on site by a concrete contractor. I'd assume it's easier to just order the pre fab pad...?
wow is that ever slick...just what I want to do. I'm just starting to get organized with hydro now. How did this compare cost wise to putting in poles? Did you still have to pay hydro for future maintenance? And you didn't have to cut a 30' wide swath of trees for the wires. Any Info would be great. Thanks.
Hey, going underground for us was actually the cheaper option because we do excavating for a living. There is no ongoing maintenance fee to pay hydro. When you do this you own the utility past the pole at the road. Any maintenance on your property is your responsibility. If you go with overhead service you will need to clear a swath either side of the poles/wires. If you decide to go this route hydro will tell you how wide in your connection package. You do not need any clearance for underground wire. You just need clearance around transformer I believe it’s 15’.
Thank you.. great video. Can I ask what kva transformer you used and budget cost. Also what’s your high voltage wire size? Was all this specified by hydro?
This is great. I'm having issues getting Hydro come to my site for for a layout (no house on the property). Did they require you to have a foundation in to do the layout? If not, how did you do the application for Hydro One? Much appreciated, DM
I’ve referenced this video a few times for my 400m install. Almost done! Got the grounding grid set up today. A quick question about the central metering..what’s the cable spec that runs between the meter and transformer? Additionally, did you use the same #4 copper wire for the singular ground plate at the temporary panel?
The wire was approx 11k all the other misc. electrical parts not including concrete and concrete suit was approx 3k. I cannot remember how much tranny was. Hydro provides it as part of connection package.
Great video. I’m just starting a 500m underground install in rural NW Ontario. Thankfully the soil appears to be deep in my area. Not sure if I missed it in the video, but what’s the spec on the primary direct burial rated cable? Brand? Number of conductors etc? I’m trying to get a quote for a spool but I’m not sure the exact specs to tell my supplier.
@@austinward8289 Yeah it’s unfortunate. I finally got my layout and they spec a 2/0 aluminum 28kv cable for my 7.2kv service. Not sure why they go so overkill.
@@CDNSldr1 Future proofing usually, I'm using the same wire. Have to run 400 ft of it to a pole at the road. Have to confirm my 100 amp tech cable size and 200 amp tech cable size as I have 5 building to run from the transformer on the secondary side
I asked Hydro One a similar question during my layout. The answer I got is Hydro One doesn’t really do temporary services anymore. The service needs to be installed with the intention of eventually going to a house/garage etc. that being said, you’re allowed to hook it up to a temporary panel while building. The installation still needs to be done to the same spec and inspected.
@@rudijones Thanks for the info! Did Hydro 1 come out to inspect or just ESA? Fiberglass pads are fairly common up here in NW Ontario. The transformer I’ll be pulling primary from is on one. Those concrete vaults are bloody expensive. About $1900 up here.
Almost done. 600' Parry Sound area. Your video took away the intimidation.. We do not have enough money to pay an electrician/contractor. We zig zagged through forest and over bed rock to save trees and keep it away from the driveway. So as to not cause issues in the future with adding structures etc. Lots of effort. No regrets.
THANK YOU BIG TIME
Great video ! A Hell of a smart series of install techniques. It looks as though you were in Eastern Ont. , by the split rail fence that I saw. I am a native of the upper Ottawa Valley, but have been than 50 years in the West.
Awesome video. I have a similar project going and as an electrician myself…we’ll done. I’ve subscribed.
I like your video very detailed and informative.
I am in the SW Ontario are am planing to do a similar installation.
Have 4 existing Hydro One connections on my property and trying to consolidate them to one central metering. + add a backup generator and PV solar cell with inverters and batteries for my own use only
Hydro is supplying power to my the property from a pole transformer and onto the a overhead line that connects onto my own poles ( 5 private ) currently) delivering power to the 4 properties @ 200 amp service each .
I have the option to (A) stay with the overhead service or (B) go underground with pad mount transformer.
if i go with option (A) overhead - the service is 120/240 split I will have to install 12 gauge wire on my pole connected to a Central meter and Hydro one will install a CM connection on the pole IE a DONUT type of device and reconnect the existing overhead power lines to the Donut so that the existing services can be reconnected . they will take the 4 residential meters out and I have to provide my own dummy meters
My question is :
How will I be able to install a transfer switch , so I can connect the generator and my inverter/ batteries / solar PV infrastructure to this ?
- I would like to do this at the same location where the meter is .
- both generator and inverters would need to provide power only to all 4 connection and not back to the grid ( thus the transfer switch ??)
- and also want to have the ability to restrict the power consumption from the grid based on TIME of USE bases and when to use the batteries / solar PV 's . ( the programing can be done at by the inverters )
Will i have to bring the main power feed from the donut down the pole ? Then connect the ATS (automatic transfer switch ) and the rest of the infrastructure generator / inverters/pv and then go back up the pole with an other wire to connect my existing /current power lines that go to the 4 properties.
If I Use Option B - since i have 4x 200amp services do i need a 800 amp transformer? will i have to reconnect each property separately to the 4 connection at the transformer or can i use the existing overhead power lines to distribute power to the 4 properties?
Appreciate any of you help
Great video especially for someone whose knowledge of electricity is that it makes my toaster work, thanks.
QUESTION: I'm looking at purchasing a house in the country (eastern Ontario) with the overhead wire being both an eyesore and a concern with respect to large old trees that might come down on the wires at sometime in the future. So, the house is already wired but I would like to bury the cable from the hydro one pole to the house < 100 meters. Can you briefly describe what I might be looking at? Again thank you.
Good job 👏 Молодцы
Fantastic Video. I am also doing a similar project north of Huntsville Ont. Tring to wrap my head around how the central meter base is installed. Drawing from hydro states only a 3/4" conduit running between the vault and the meter base? Ix this correct.
Yes that’s correct. Hydro will install 3 - 12 gauge wires that run the meter itself. They do this when they install the transformer so leave a pull cord from the meter to the vault in the 3/4 so they can pull the wire
Power, exciting times! No more generators.
Like others, I am enduring the same type of project. I have about 750’ from the hydro on the road (the pole is on the other side of the road from my property). I will have to come across the road overhead and then was thinking about going underground. I will do my own excavating. I am curious if you can share some costings on a project like this. I understand the wire is very expensive and for my distance, I may be further ahead to go overhead all the way. I am in North Bay so i am encountering rocks with every bucket full. Nothing I need to hammer but then again I am only 150’ in. There may be surprises in the future
I was able to get my 28kv rated 2/0 alum cable (this spec was required by hydro one) for my 410 meter underground run for just under $23 per meter. This was purchased within the past 2 months through Westburne. The distributor fully expects the cost to continue increasing. Comparatively, the same wire was $13/m 2 years ago.
I don’t know the equivalent cost of overhead wire. I don’t think the savings in wire would be substantial though.
Great Video, doing a 400 Amp service to a camp ground, What type of meter base you use and where to get it? thanks,
Eaton TSU5C-H1C available at Wesco in canada. Approx $800 CAD 2 years ago
Dave, you’ll want to refer to Hydro One’s list of approved meter bases. It all depends of wether you’re installing a traditional service or a central metering service. The Eaton base is for central metering. A traditional base is several hundred dollars cheaper typically.
Amazing video. Everything looks fantastic. My wife and i are looking to install approximately 900-1000ft of underground. We are located in Eastern Ontario. If you have time for some quick clarification i would appreciate it. .....as long as the trench is able to be at a depth of 30" you are able to just lay the cable without the DB2 piping as well? Thanks again for the great video. Cheers
Yes that is correct as long as the backfill is not abrasive. Sand is best. Electrical inspector will spec backfill for your specific situation based on test trench
@@rudijones Thank you for your response. I appreciate your time. I actually think you might be close to my area. Small world. Best of luck !
Really great video, appreciate it. Doing a very simular service for my property and a few things I had to wrap my head around and couldn't til I found this video.
What size tech cable are you using for 100amp service or is it 200 amp?
Thanks
Thanks! That teck cable is actually only feeding a 60amp panel in my garage about 100m away. It has aluminum wire 2 awg conductors. The house will be fed directly from the transformer with appropriate triplex to feed a 200 amp panel.
Pretty smart. Looks expensive.
I'm in ontario and am going to be building a house am looking into underground electric like you, very good video, how much does it cost to get the pole and box service
Approx $12k in my case
Great video and explanation of everything. May I ask, did you order the concrete enclosure for the pad directly from USI? I have a similar project and may or may not have the pad built on site by a concrete contractor. I'd assume it's easier to just order the pre fab pad...?
Direct from usi. I could be mistaken but i think it has to be a certified enclosure.
wow is that ever slick...just what I want to do. I'm just starting to get organized with hydro now. How did this compare cost wise to putting in poles? Did you still have to pay hydro for future maintenance? And you didn't have to cut a 30' wide swath of trees for the wires. Any Info would be great. Thanks.
Hey, going underground for us was actually the cheaper option because we do excavating for a living. There is no ongoing maintenance fee to pay hydro. When you do this you own the utility past the pole at the road. Any maintenance on your property is your responsibility. If you go with overhead service you will need to clear a swath either side of the poles/wires. If you decide to go this route hydro will tell you how wide in your connection package. You do not need any clearance for underground wire. You just need clearance around transformer I believe it’s 15’.
Thank you.. great video.
Can I ask what kva transformer you used and budget cost.
Also what’s your high voltage wire size?
Was all this specified by hydro?
Hydro will spec the transformer. Mine was about $2000 good for 400amps.
Wire is 2/0 aluminum 28kv rated XLPE coated primary wire from Noramco.
Hydro will tell you everything you need
Thank you Rudi for taking the time to respond. This information is golden. I didnt realize doing this work yourself was even an option.@@rudijones
What size bare copper did you use for the grounding grid? 2/0? Great video!
Thanks. #4 bare copper
This is great. I'm having issues getting Hydro come to my site for for a layout (no house on the property). Did they require you to have a foundation in to do the layout? If not, how did you do the application for Hydro One?
Much appreciated,
DM
No foundation at the time I did the hydro to the transformer. I just called them directly and a guy came out to talk about the layout.
Thank you for the quick response. I'm not having the same luck. Maybe I'm requesting the wrong service. Did you request a new build service layout?
Mine was called a “basic connection plus” v. 2019
@@rudijones thanks again. I'll ask the question. Cheers!
I’ve referenced this video a few times for my 400m install. Almost done! Got the grounding grid set up today.
A quick question about the central metering..what’s the cable spec that runs between the meter and transformer?
Additionally, did you use the same #4 copper wire for the singular ground plate at the temporary panel?
Just leave a fish line between meter and vault. Hydro one will provide wire and install. I believe it is three (red white black) 12 ga
And yes to the #4
Awesome! Thanks, from NW Ontario
I have a question did you have to pay for the cable or did the utilities company provide that for you?
I paid for cable
How much were you able to get material for excluding concrete and conduit?
The wire was approx 11k all the other misc. electrical parts not including concrete and concrete suit was approx 3k. I cannot remember how much tranny was. Hydro provides it as part of connection package.
Great video. I’m just starting a 500m underground install in rural NW Ontario. Thankfully the soil appears to be deep in my area.
Not sure if I missed it in the video, but what’s the spec on the primary direct burial rated cable? Brand? Number of conductors etc? I’m trying to get a quote for a spool but I’m not sure the exact specs to tell my supplier.
Noramco PRODUCT DESCRIPTION: 28KV/100% TR-XLPE 1/C 2/0 AWG AL 15-#14AWG CN with Strandseal®
Thanks for that! Just curious, any reason why you went with a cable with 3x the voltage rating of your 7.2kv service?
Hydro One specs the wire you have to use. They always go way over even if the requirements are less.
@@austinward8289 Yeah it’s unfortunate. I finally got my layout and they spec a 2/0 aluminum 28kv cable for my 7.2kv service. Not sure why they go so overkill.
@@CDNSldr1 Future proofing usually, I'm using the same wire. Have to run 400 ft of it to a pole at the road.
Have to confirm my 100 amp tech cable size and 200 amp tech cable size as I have 5 building to run from the transformer on the secondary side
Does a temporary service follow the same specs and need for a vault etc.?
I can’t say for sure. It would be a question for hydro.
I asked Hydro One a similar question during my layout. The answer I got is Hydro One doesn’t really do temporary services anymore. The service needs to be installed with the intention of eventually going to a house/garage etc. that being said, you’re allowed to hook it up to a temporary panel while building. The installation still needs to be done to the same spec and inspected.
What Meter base did you use for this setup?
Eaton TSU5C-H1C
Did ESA require the pre cast transformer vault or could you have used a fiberglass pedestal?
Never asked. I’ve never seen a fibreglass one around here
Hydro will spec the vault in the connection package.
@@rudijones Thanks for the info! Did Hydro 1 come out to inspect or just ESA? Fiberglass pads are fairly common up here in NW Ontario. The transformer I’ll be pulling primary from is on one. Those concrete vaults are bloody expensive. About $1900 up here.
@@CDNSldr1 esa inspects, hydro comes out to hook you up. They don’t really inspect but I’m sure they won’t do hookup of something is wrong.