National Grid
Residential Overhead Service Upgrade Licensed electricians or individuals with qualifications as outlined in the National Electrical Code (NEC) now have the option to disconnect and temporarily reconnect a residential overhead service on the customer side of the service point in lieu of scheduling multiple appointments for National Grid to perform the work. To do this, the following conditions must be met:
  • Residential overhead service of 200 amp or less.
  • The point of attachment is accessible from the ground by a ladder.
  • There is no change in the point of service location.
  • Temporary connections can be made on the customer's side of the service point after the upgrade has been completed.
  • Service drop maintains minimum clearances per the NEC and our ESB 750 Specifications for Electrical Installations (pdf) as amended by subsequent Errata and Revisions (pdf).

Step 1: Provide the Information

  • Determine if the scope of work meets all conditions noted above.
  • Determine who will perform the scope of work. For example:
    • National Grid disconnects and reconnects
    • Customer disconnects and National Grid reconnects
    • Customer disconnects, reconnects and resets meter.
  • Gather information about the existing service (triplex, open wire, service size, meter number, one phase/voltage)
  • Determine the scheduled completion date. Please be sure to have the work completed within two weeks of the application date.
  • Complete and return the following:
    Please note:
    • No work can begin without a returned, signed copy of these forms.
    • Incomplete forms will be returned.
    • The homeowner and electrician assume all risk resulting from performing their own disconnect/reconnect.
    • Homeowners and others have the right to work on residential electrical equipment in jurisdictions where electrician licenses are not required. In doing so, they assume personal responsibility for their knowledge, ability and safety.
    • Persons performing residential electrical work under this Company-approved process are required to attest in writing that they are NEC-qualified*.

      * The term, "NEC-qualified person(s)" will be used in all documents relating to this policy. This term is defined in the current edition of the NEC as. "One who has skills and knowledge related to the construction and operation of the electrical equipment and installations and has received safety training on the hazards involved".

Step 2: Do Your Work
We will return your Disconnect/Reconnect form with a work order number. This constitutes written permission for the individual with qualifications outlined in the NEC to temporarily remove the meter to modify the service entrance:

  1. The service entrance conductors on the customer's side of the service connection can be cut by the person with qualifications outlined in the NEC.
  2. The seal on the meter can be broken, and the meter removed and secured.
  3. Once the service is de-energized, work may begin on the customer-owned premises wiring and equipment.
  4. Be sure to leave sufficient length on the individual service entrance conductors to allow them to reach the existing service connection and create a sufficient drip loop according to ESB 750 Specifications for Electrical Installations (pdf) as amended by subsequent Errata and Revisions (pdf).
  5. Choose an authorized inspection agency (pdf) and get an application for electrical inspection. (Your local municipality can supply a list of authorized inspection agencies and an application form.)
  6. Following the electrical inspection, install the meter in the new channel and secure it with a nylon wire tie as illustrated in this Disconnect/Reconnect Form Diagram (pdf).
  7. Finally by the person with qualifications outlined in the NEC, make temporary connections to the remaining piece of each service conductor utilizing Anderson LC-51-C-XB or LC-52-C-XB connectors or equivalent parallel groove connector, insulated with Anderson PTC 51 or 52 or equivalent plastic cover or black electrical tape.
    • Please note, this Company-approved process does not permit the customer to have an un-metered service. The meter shall be re-installed in the new (or existing) meter socket prior to carrying load.
  8. Finally, please call 1-800-664-6729, Option 3 to schedule the permanent reconnection to the new service entrance conductors. The connectors shall be left at the work site for retrieval by the owner or their contractor.

Step 3: We'll Do Our Work
After we receive an approved inspection certificate, we'll schedule the permanent reconnection.

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