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).

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.

Call BC One Call (1 800 474 6886)

BC One Call is a central agency where you can call to find out what is buried on your site and where not to dig. Call BC One Call before you dig. It is important to know what underground facilities are buried in or near your jobsite if deadly, dangerous or destructive accidents are to be avoided. Visit the BC One Call website for more information.

Installation Requirements

The contractor/customer is responsible for the supply and installation of conduit that meets the requirements of the Canadian Electrical Code and BC Hydro as follows:

1. The duct shall be gray 75 mm rigid DB2 PVC
2. The duct shall have a minimum of 900 mm of cover from final grade to the top of the duct
3. The duct is to be installed between a 75 mm sand base and 75 mm sand cover.
4. If the total number of bends installed between BC Hydro's duct stub-off and the meter base exceeds a composite angle of 135 degrees, a pull box may be required
5. The minimum radius of any conduit bend shall be 900 mm
6. All underground service conduits must be drained at the building entrance as per the Canadian Electrical Code
7. A 3 mm minimum (#8) polypropylene pull string shall be installed in the service conduit, tied securely at the meter based enclosure and to the string in the BC Hydro stub-off
8. The duct trench shall be in a direct line of sight, as near as possible, from the meter base to the BC Hydro duct stub-off and shall be graded to the depth of that stub off point

Service Location

The location of the service entrance shall be:

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

If you cannot meet the requirements of the preferred service location, please Call 1 877 520 1355 to speak to a BC Hydro agent.

Service Length

The total allowable cable length, from the project property line to the meter base, is 30 m.
An extra length charge will apply on lengths exceeding 30 m.

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