Specifications for Residential Overhead

Electric Service Installation

This brochure addresses most typical residential overhead service installations.

Variances for the following specifications must be approved in advance by Ameren
Illinois. If you have any questions, please contact your Ameren Illinois Representative at
the number listed on the back of this brochure, or call 1-888-659-4540 or
visit us at http://www.BuildWithAmerenIllinois.com or
http://www.ameren.com/servicemanual for more detailed information.

BEFORE DIGGING CALL JULIE

1-800-892-0123 or 811

To ensure your new overhead electric service is installed in a safe, reliable and timely manner, the following
specifications must be met. Failure to meet any of the requirements may cause a delay in receiving service
and/or require the relocation of facilities.

Please check with your local inspection authority for any additional requirements before installation.

Location for Point of Delivery on

Buildings
NOTES: (Service Manual Section 200 and Figure 200-3)
1. An approved location for the point of delivery to a cus-
tomer’s premises will normally be between the mid-
points of building from the corner nearest the com-
pany’s distribution system. A and C are the midpoints
of the building. The service may be located anywhere
between A and B or B and C observing clearance re-
quirements from windows, chimneys, driveways, trees,
etc. outlined in Figure 600-6 and Section 200.01 Loca-
tion Ameren Service Manual.
2. Meter socket shall be securely attached to home 3’ to 5’ 6” above finished grade from center of the meter. A minimum
of 3-1/2’ of clear working space shall be provided and maintained in front of all meter and instrument transformer sock-
ets and 6” above, below, and to each side of the meter equipment, and 6’ 6” standing headroom. See meter location
insert for additional details.
3. Distribution point from Ameren system may be overhead or underground, Refer questions to an Ameren representative
if recommended location is not feasible.
4. Applicable charges are governed by State tariffs. Contact your local Ameren representative for an explanation of
charges that may apply.
5. For continuous conduit installations, the customer will provide and install the meter socket(s) and line-side conduit of
Schedule 40 or greater, electrical grade PVC, and the service riser to the meter socket shall include an expansion cou-
pling that allows for 8” fall. The conduit shall be installed a minimum of 24” below finished grade in as straight a line as
possible from the meter location to the designated pole, pedestal or transformer. In rock, depth may be reduced to 12”,
0
and depths less than 12” are not permitted. No more than 3 - 90 , 24” radius rigid bends are permitted in any installa-
tion (this includes the bends at each end). Trench bottom shall be undisturbed, firm and uniform over its entire length.
Conduit sections shall be securely joined using standard grade solvent cement. See material list for proper size and
specifications. Verify maximum service length with your Ameren Illinois Representative.
6. Direct buried cable installations will be installed by Ameren Illinois. Direct buried underground service cables are not
permitted under a pool, spa, or hot tub or under the area extending 5’ horizontally from inside wall of a pool. The cable
route must be cleared of all obstructions, both above and below grade, and within 6” of final
grade for Company

AMEREN ILLINOIS SPECIFICATIONS FOR RESIDENTIAL OVERHEAD ELECTRIC INSTALLATION DATE: Revised 06-2020 Page 1
 Meter Location (Refer to Ameren Service Manual 200.01)

Note:
1. The customer shall provide a suitable place for the installation of metering equipment.
a) The equipment shall be installed on the outside wall of the customer’s building or approved metering structure and be
so located that adequate space and unobstructed access is provided to the Company’s representatives for reading,
testing, maintaining and exchanging of such equipment.
b) In flood areas, a permanent ladders or stairways shall be provided by the customer to meet OSHA requirements, and
meet the latest NEC, at no cost to Ameren, when Ameren's equipment is located on platforms, balconies, mezzanine
floors, roofs, or other hard to reach area as specified by Ameren as defined in Section 100 in Ameren Service Man-
ual.
c) The customer shall consult the Company regarding the proper location of the equipment.
2. Metering equipment shall not be located on Company owned poles or on buildings adjacent to driveways, alleys, streets
or other similar exposed places where it can be damaged by moving vehicles unless the equipment is protected by a
substantial guard rail or posts. The customer shall consult the Company representative regarding providing adequate
protected barrier.
Nor shall any portion of the metering equipment be located below, above, or within:
a) 3 feet radius of a gas meter and regulator installation shown Figure 200-4
b) 6 feet to any electric motor, generator, belt, or other moving machinery
c) Other hazards which would endanger the safety of those reading or working on metering devices.
d) Location must also satisfy NEC Article 110.26, clear working space around meter, as described below in 200.01.A.3
and also illustrated in Figure 200-4.

(Continued on next page)

AMEREN ILLINOIS SPECIFICATIONS FOR RESIDENTIAL OVERHEAD ELECTRIC INSTALLATION DATE: Revised 06-2020 Page 2
Meter Location (Continued)
3. Clear working spaces shall not be used for storage.
a) A minimum of 3 1/2 feet of clear working space shall be provided in front of all meter and instrument transformer en-
closures.
b) There shall be a minimum working clearance of 6 inches above, below, and to each side of the metering equipment.
4. Metering equipment shall not be mounted on portable trailers, buildings, mobile home or manufactured (modular) home,
recreational trailers, or truck trailers; unless the manufactured (modular) home meets the conditions stated in the latest
NEC.
5. Metering equipment must be installed in a workman like manner and firmly attached to the surface on which it is
mounted.
6. All locations where metering equipment is installed shall have a minimum standing headroom of 6 feet, 6 inches.

Meter Location on Side of House (Figure 200-4 in Ameren Service Manual)

AMEREN ILLINOIS SPECIFICATIONS FOR RESIDENTIAL OVERHEAD ELECTRIC INSTALLATION DATE: Revised 06-2020 Page 3
Overhead Service Installations
(Ameren Service Manual Figure 600-1)

NOTES:
1. Overhead service drops and the connections at each end of the service drop will be owned, installed, and maintained
by Ameren.
2. Customer shall install a service drop attachment of adequate strength for the installation of Ameren service. See Fig-
ure 600−2.
3. The weather−head service raceway or conduit, service entrance conductors, grounding electrode system, meter
socket, and service entrance equipment will be installed, owned and maintained by the customer. This installation
shall meet the requirements of the Authority Having Jurisdiction.
4. Grounding shall meet the requirements of the latest edition of the National Electrical Code (NEC) or the requirements
of the Authority Having Jurisdiction.
5. Refer to Section 200 and Figures 200−1, 200−3, and 600−6 within this manual for details regarding the location, in-
stallation, and placement of customer owned facilities.
6. For maximum residential service drop length, see Figure 600−2, Note 4. For the maximum lengths of commercial
overhead services, contact your local Ameren representative. Large service sizes, uneven grades, or a combination
of these may require reduced service lengths or additional poles to maintain the required ground clearances. Addi-
tional charges may apply. Clearance requirements are outlined in Section 800 of this manual.
7. Service entrance conductors will extend approximately 3 feet from the weather−head.
8. If the installation is a Current Transformer installation, refer to Section 1001 for additional information.
9. The neutral conductor shall have an outer covering of continuous white or gray with a readily distinguishable colored
stripe other than green running along its insulation. The neutral can also be distinguished at the
time of installation by white or gray tape encircling the conductor or insulation.
10. If high leg or wild leg is present, this conductor must be marked as orange.

AMEREN ILLINOIS SPECIFICATIONS FOR RESIDENTIAL OVERHEAD ELECTRIC INSTALLATION DATE: Revised 06-2020 Page 4
GROUNDING (Refer to 500.01 Ameren Service Manual)
All standard services that operate below 1000 volts as defined in Section 400 shall contain a grounded neutral conductor.
A non-standard service that operates below 1000 volts as defined in Section 400 may have a grounded phase conductor
used as a circuit conductor in the system.
The grounded neutral or grounded phase conductor is earth grounded at the utility transformer and is extended to the
self-contained meter socket, meter disconnect, or CT enclosure and to each service disconnect in accordance with the
latest edition of the NEC.
For underground systems, the service riser conduit(s) on the supply side of the customer’s meter disconnect, self-con-
tained meter socket, or CT enclosure shall not contain the grounding electrode conductor. If a customer chooses to se-
cure/protect the grounding electrode conductor in a conduit, this conduit shall be dedicated solely for this purpose.
Customers requiring an ungrounded service for operations as permitted by the NEC, shall submit an exception request
detailing the special circumstances necessitating the request. In addition, the customer shall state in the exception request
that they are aware of and accept the increased risks to personal safety associated with an ungrounded service. Custom-
ers who receive an ungrounded service from the Company MUST INSTALL ground detection sensing equipment. When
supplying an ungrounded service results in an additional cost to the Company, this may be passed on to the customer.
For electric service installations where galvanized or EMT metallic conduit is used on the supply side of the service main
disconnect, bonded bushings or threaded hubs shall only be used at one end of the conduit to prevent appreciable circu-
lating currents from flowing on the equipment enclosures. An exception to this would be when using metallic conduit for
protection of the grounding electrode conductor. In this case, the NEC requires bonding on both ends of this metallic
conduit to prevent causing a high impedance path or inductive choke.

SINGLE-PHASE AND 3-PHASE SELF-CONTAINED METERING LESS THAN 480

VOLTS (Service Manual Figure 500-2 & Figure 500-3)

AMEREN ILLINOIS SPECIFICATIONS FOR RESIDENTIAL OVERHEAD ELECTRIC INSTALLATION DATE: Revised 06-2020 Page 5
GROUND METHOD
(Refer to 500.03 Ameren Service Manual)

1. The grounding method drawings are schematic in nature. Actual wiring details will vary between equipment and man-
ufacturer.
2. The details shown in these drawings are not a substitute for an understanding of the grounding and bonding require-
ments of the National Electrical Code (NEC) and the requirements of the Authority Having Jurisdiction for the area the
work is taking place.
3. Ameren requires an external grounding electrode to be electrically connected to the case and grounded conductor for
self-contained meter sockets, meter disconnects, and CT enclosures that are mounted outdoors on most installa-
tions.
 This electrode may act either as the sole or auxiliary electrode for the service equipment associated with the prem-
ises. Installation and material used for the Ameren required external grounding electrode must meet all NEC re-
quirements for size, material, and installation. If an external grounding electrode system is connected in an outdoor
location at the self-contained meter socket or CT enclosure provided by the customer to meet NEC grounding re-
quirements, then this grounding electrode system will also meet Ameren’s requirement for an external grounding
electrode.
 Where other electrodes are available inside a premises, these become the grounding electrode system and MUST
NOT be connected to the driven outside electrode that terminates within the self-contained meter socket, meter dis-
connects, or the CT enclosure, EXCEPT via the grounded (neutral) conductor. This wiring method will ensure that
normal neutral currents WILL NOT flow on equipment grounding conductors. This method is allowed by the NEC
where certain conditions are met. (Reference the latest NEC 250.142(A), for grounding equipment use of grounded
circuit conductor.)
 Where the customer has a main service disconnect mounted within 10 feet and in sight of the Ameren self-con-
tained meter socket or CT enclosure, connection of an external grounding electrode system to the service equip-
ment disconnect is acceptable in lieu of landing in the utility metering equipment.
4. Exceptions to the grounding methods found in section 500 must
be approved by Ameren Engineering prior to construction.

Inter-system bonding
(Refer to Figure 500-1)

The National Electrical Code requires in most situations an in-

ter−system bonding termination to be made between the electri-
cal system and other communication/broadband(CATV) systems
located external to the main service disconnect, CT enclosure, or
self−contained meter socket to minimize the potential differences
between equipment of different systems. This inter−system bond
shall not be attached to the meter socket, meter socket lid, or CT
enclosure.
This connector must be listed for the intended purpose and sol-
idly affixed to the premises wall or other substantial premises
structure

AMEREN ILLINOIS SPECIFICATIONS FOR RESIDENTIAL OVERHEAD ELECTRIC INSTALLATION DATE: Revised 06-2020 Page 6
Service Specifications – Overhead Services Attached to buildings
(Service Manual Figure 600-7)

AMEREN ILLINOIS SPECIFICATIONS FOR RESIDENTIAL OVERHEAD ELECTRIC INSTALLATION DATE: Revised 06-2020 Page 7
 SINGLE PHASE INSTALLATION, 100-320 AMP RESIDENTIAL RISER ON
CUSTOMER OWNED POLE (Service Manual Figure 600-5)
Notes:
1. Service drop conductors, grips and connectors are provided, installed, and owned by
Ameren.
2. See Figure 600-2 of Service Manual for maximum length of residential service drop.
For all other services contact Ameren for maximum service lengths. Reduced dis-
tance or higher attachment point may be required for large service or to maintain min-
imum clearances.
3. Customer installs service drop attachment of adequate strength for attachment of
Ameren’s service drop conductors. See Section 800 of Service Manual for clearance
information.
4. Service entrance conductors can be connected to meter socket terminals by Cus-
tomer. Service entrance conductors can extend a minimum of 36” or longer if re-
quired by local inspector, outside the service head for connection to service drop.
5. Service raceway and service entrance conductors to be owned, maintained, and in-
stalled by Customer.
6. Customer’s installation to meet the requirements of all applicable local codes as well
as the NEC.
7. Grounding shall meet the requirements of the latest edition of the National Electrical
Code (NEC) or the requirements of the Authority having Jurisdiction.
8. Insulated conduit bushings are required for raceways terminating in the meter socket.
9. The use of flexible metallic conduit, liquid tight flexible metallic conduit, and liquid tight
flexible non-metallic conduit for service entrance raceway is prohibited, unless ap-
proved by the local inspecting authority.
10. Clearance required between low point of service cable and finished ground grade; re-
fer to Section 800 of Service Manual.
11. The use of electrical grade schedule 40 or 80 PVC
for service mast not supporting service drop is al-
lowed unless prohibited by the local inspecting au-
thority.
12. Customer to provide and install support for service
attachment and meter socket.
13. Refer to Section 800 of Service Manual for required
clearances.
14. Guy and anchor installed by customer to be used
when required holding any unbalanced conductor
load which pole cannot sustain.
15. If customer install as a yard light on this pole, such
yard light shall maintain a clearance to Ameren Ser-
vice wires by not less than 24”.

AMEREN ILLINOIS SPECIFICATIONS FOR RESIDENTIAL OVERHEAD ELECTRIC INSTALLATION DATE: Revised 06-2020 Page 8
SINGLE PHASE INSTALLATION 120/240 VOLT RESIDENTIAL OVERHEAD
SERVICE 100-320 AMP RISER/NON-RISER TYPE
(Service Manual 600-2)

NOTES:
1. Before installing electrical facilities, check for compliance with local codes as well as NEC.
2. The screw of the knob shall be imbedded at least 2 in. into a vertical stud or masonry of the house. Another acceptable
attachment such as clevis, bolt and backing plate may be substituted.
3. Approximately 36 in. or longer of conductor will extend from weather−head.
4. #2 triplex cable shall not be used where the span length exceeds 140 ft and 1/0 and 4/0 triplex and quadruplex shall not
exceed 100 ft.
5. 18 in. minimum permitted within 6 ft of service mast, providing voltage between conductors does not exceed 600 volts,
the service mast is no more than 4 ft from the edge of the roof, and the service is terminated at the service mast.
6. Refer to Section 800 for required clearances.
7. Heights greater than shown in Table 1 are possible provided that adequate guying and support are provided and ap-
proved by Ameren.
8. The conduit size specified are the minimum required for either conduit fill or strength required to support the overhead
service, whichever is greater.
9. Ranch style homes or buildings with flat roofs may require service masts to provide proper clearance. When through
the roof service masts are installed, the customer assumes all responsibility for roof leaks. Service masts must be of
adequate strength or be supported by brackets or guy wires to safely withstand the strain imposed by the service drop.
The attachment point must have sufficient height to meet clearance requirements.
10. The roof support plate provides the main means of support for the mast. It shall be securely
lagged to roof rafters. This can be accomplished by reinforcing underneath the roof decking with
2 in. X 6 in. wood material or by utilizing the following manufacturer roof support plate.
Manufacturer 2 in. Conduit 2−1/2 in. Conduit
PPC Insulators 7510 7511

AMEREN ILLINOIS SPECIFICATIONS FOR RESIDENTIAL OVERHEAD ELECTRIC INSTALLATION DATE: Revised 06-2020 Page 9
OVERHEAD SERVICE SPECIFICATIONS ATTACHMENT TO BUILDINGS 0 TO 600
VOLTS (Service Manual Figure 600-6)

NOTES: (Ameren Service Manual Figure 600-6)

1. The first point of attachment for service wires shall be in the shaded spaces or higher. The minimum height of attach-
ment shall be adjusted so that the lowest point of the service conductor meets the clearances. A service mast may be
used if necessary to obtain the minimum clearances. The point of attachment should be approved by Ameren and
should not be located as to limit ladder access, i.e. above a deck, hot tub, spa, stairwell, or swimming pool.
2. The customer’s service weatherhead shall not be located above 18’, but it may be necessary to attach services higher
than 18’ to meet the minimum ground clearances.
3. Triplex cable or separate open wire service busses on buildings shall be placed in the shaded spaces shown.
4. Service conductors passing by doors, porches, fire escapes or similar locations, shall have a clearance of not less
than 36 inches. Service conductors passing by windows shall have a clearance of not less than 36 inches.
5. Service conductors shall not be installed beneath openings through which materials may be moved, such as openings
in farm and commercial buildings. Overhead wires shall not be run such that they obstruct entrance to these building
openings.
6. For minimum required clearance of services over sheds, garages, swimming pools, hot tubs,
spas, etc., please refer to the latest NEC and NESC.

AMEREN ILLINOIS SPECIFICATIONS FOR RESIDENTIAL OVERHEAD ELECTRIC INSTALLATION DATE: Revised 06-2020 Page 10
MATERIALS TO BE FURNISHED & INSTALLED BY CUSTOMER
Meter Socket – Less than or equal to 320 amp service continuous rating: Clamp jaw lever bypass.
To get the latest catalog number information for the meter sockets, please use the website as indicated below.
(Note: Ameren Illinois only accepts meter mounting devices from the list, and if failure to comply the
requirements may delay service until requirement is met.)
http://www.ameren.com/servicemanual

CUSTOMER CHECKLIST

 Correct type & size meter socket installed? (see material list for details)
 Meter socket properly installed? (securely fastened to wall, at an approved location for the point of delivery to
a customer’s premises which is between the midpoints of building form the corner nearest the company’s dis-
tribution system, 3’ to 5’ 6” above finished grade)
 Permanent unobstructed work space left in front of meter socket? (minimum 3 1/2’ of clear working space in
front of meter and 6” above, below, and to each side of the meter equipment, 6’ 6” standing headroom)
 Clear work area required around the Ameren Illinois pole and or secondary where the overhead service will
attach.
 Customer wiring completed and inspected as necessary?
 Cost arrangements made and easements provided? (as required)

Ameren Illinois Work Request No: ___________________________

Engineering Contact: Phone: ____________________________

Construction Contact: Phone: ____________________________

Thank you for letting Ameren Illinois serve your energy needs.

Construction and Engineering Services

Contact Us Via Email: [email protected]
Phone: 888-659-4540
Monday – Friday 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Visit us at: BuildWithAmerenIllinois.com

At Ameren Illinois, we strive to meet our customer's expectations on every job. We measure our customer satis-
faction by conducting phone surveys with a sampling of our customers after we complete our work. Our goal
is for customers to be fully satisfied with every aspect of their interaction with Ameren Illinois. If for any
reason you feel the quality of service you have received throughout this process would not deserve a perfect
rating, please let us know so we can address your concern at 1.888.659.4540 or via e-mail at IllinoisConstruc-
[email protected].

AMEREN ILLINOIS SPECIFICATIONS FOR RESIDENTIAL OVERHEAD ELECTRIC INSTALLATION DATE: Revised 06-2020 Page 11
Dig Safely: Call JULIE First
Digging responsibly is the only way to dig -- the alternative could lead to personal injury or damage to under-
ground lines, property or the environment. Regardless of the depth of the project, Illinois law requires anyone
planning to dig to call JULIE at 1-800-892-0123 or 811 at least 48 hours (two working days) prior to the start
of excavation and to begin that excavation project within 28 calendar days after calling JULIE. Make the call
before you dig and protect yourself and those around you.

AMEREN ILLINOIS SPECIFICATIONS FOR RESIDENTIAL OVERHEAD ELECTRIC INSTALLATION DATE: Revised 06-2020 Page 12