The Canadian Electrical Code specifies that the supply end of a service shall be installed in a location satisfactory to both the Electrical Inspection Department and the Supply Authority (BC Hydro). The service connection point must allow BC Hydro ease of service installation, maintenance and meter access at all times.

If the following requirements are not met when BC Hydro arrives to energize, the crew will not be able to perform the work. This will result in a call-back charge. Learn more about causes of service rejections and suspensions.

Service Heights

The contractor/customer is responsible for providing a point of attachment that meets the requirements of the Canadian Electrical Code and BC Hydro.

The point of attachment:

• Shall not exceed 7 m above grade or sidewalk (over 7 m requires written permission from BC Hydro)
• Shall be located such that the clearance of supply conductors at any point above finished grade shall be not less than the following (Note: BC Hydro's clearance requirements are generally greater than Code requirements):
  • Across highways, freeways, and expressways: 7.1 m
  • Across streets, lanes, alleys and pipeline ROW: 5.5 m
  • Across driveways to commercial and industrial premises: 5.5 m
  • Across driveways to residential garages: 4.5 m
  • Across ground normally accessible to pedestrians only: 3.5m

Sufficient horizontal clearance must be available at grade level between the foot of a ladder and its resting-place on the building to meet BC Hydro and WorkSafe BC regulations. This must allow the installation to be done safely, by our installer, using an extension ladder without the ladder encroaching on the neighbor's property (ladder slope 4:1).

Service Location

The location of the service entrance (wire holder) shall be:

1. In a direct line of sight with BC Hydro's service pole; and
2. On the wall of the building facing the power supply; or
3. Not further than 1 m (3 feet) back, from that wall, on either side.

If a roof mast is required to meet the minimum vertical clearance above grade, it MUST be located within 45 cm (18 inches) from the edge of the roof within reach of installer's ladder. Rain gutters must be reinforced to be capable of holding weight of installer on the ladder without damage to gutter.

If you cannot meet the requirements of the preferred service location, please contact our Service Representative.

Service Length

The maximum service length from a Hydro pole to the customer's point of attachment is 30 m (100 feet). Should the distance be greater than 30 m, an intermediate pole may be required.

Meter Location

• All residential meters up to 200 amp shall be installed on an outside wall with 900 mm unobstructed clearance in front for clear and safe access at all times for BC Hydro representatives
• Meters must be installed between 1.5 m and 1.8 m (5 feet and 6 feet) above finished grade
• Meters shall not be installed inside carports, garages, breezeways, or any part of the structure that may potentially be enclosed or within 1.0 m of gas meter

Tree Clearance

It is required that trees be cleared to 3 m on each side of any secondary conductor.

Service to Garages and Private Property Poles

Service connections to garages or private property poles may help to alleviate problems resulting from clearances and other BC Hydro, WorkSafe BC and Electrical Code requirements. Meters are permitted on poles and garages but must not project onto public property. All garage and pole installations must conform to all applicable criteria for service height, location, length and meter location etc. Confirm other requirements with local inspection authority.

Mid-Span-Taps By Special Permission Only, To avoid aerial trespass

Requirements must be:

1. 200 amp service or less and
2. 30 m or less service length and
3. Connection to Hydro secondary conductors must allow bucket truck access.

Note: Aerial Trespass will not be allowed under any circumstances.