The sequence, start to finish
- Utility service requestThe owner or developer requests service and capacity from the serving utility. Large loads often require system studies and new utility facilities, so this step can take the longest.
- Design and coordinationEngineers lay out the feeder routes, duct bank, vaults and switchgear to meet the utility’s standards and the owner’s redundancy requirements.
- Potholing and civilExisting utilities are potholed, then crews trench, place duct bank and conduit, and set vaults, manholes and pull boxes.
- Feeder cable pullsMedium-voltage cable is pulled from large reels on heavy-duty reel rollers, with pull calculations and cable handling that protect the cable.
- Splicing and terminationsQualified cable splicers make splices, elbows and terminations to the utility’s and manufacturer’s standards.
- Equipment and interconnectionPad-mount transformers and switchgear are set and connected, and the utility tie-in is completed.
- Testing and energizationCable testing and inspections are completed, then the utility energizes service on its schedule.
Where projects get delayed
- Utility lead times. Capacity studies, new substations and long-lead equipment can take months or longer.
- Long-lead materials. Medium-voltage cable, switchgear and transformers often have long lead times. Order early.
- Conflicts underground. Unknown utilities discovered during trenching stop work. Pothole first.
- Late contractor involvement. Pull lengths, vault spacing and reel access are much easier to fix on paper than in the field.
Why bring the line contractor in early
A line contractor who reviews the design can flag pull lengths that are too long, bends that exceed cable limits, vaults without reel access and duct bank routes that will fight existing utilities. Early input keeps cable pulls safe and on schedule and avoids costly change orders.
Do not forget construction power
The site needs power long before the permanent service is energized. Temporary power poles and panels keep trailers, tools and early equipment running during construction.