Direct burial high voltage cable

I'm working with NYSEG power in New York State and need to run 1,500 feet of underground wire. I'm supplying 200 amp service. They want to shoot high voltage down the 1,500 foot run and place a transformer at the building site. They have given me a set of wire specs but the wire distributors I'm calling can't seem to quote me a suitable wire. My question is... does anyone have any recommendations on a good direct burial wire to use. NYSEG is particular on manufacturers. Approved manufactures are Okanite, Prysmian, Kerite, Essex, Gaon, Daewon! olex, BICC, Nexans, and Coreal. I think I've found one that will work but would like to have other options to quote since it will be quite an investment. That cable is Okanite part number 161-23-2060. This has been an extremely frustrating process so any help would be greatly appreciated. Oh and by the way, the type of service (Delta Service) supplied to my area requires that I have to run TWO wires - arg....

 

I would think the utility would already have the cable and the transformer in their yard. Are you buying the materials and they only install? Have you considered overhead until you get closer?

 

Thanks for the reply. I'm running up an easement and have to go underground and underground is customer installed. That said, utility company involvement is only the hook up. I'm hoping to get some wire recommendations that I can send to the utility company and get their approval.

 

You didn't tell us what voltage you're using.

 

Sounds like you might be looking for something like URD cable. Can you get more info from the power company designers? They deal with this everyday.

 

Sorry here is more....

The voltage rating of the cable shall be as required by the system with the minimum
acceptable voltage class being 15kV. The minimum required conductor size is, #2
AWG concentric or compressed stranded copper or aluminum for 15kV, and 1/0 AWG
concentric or compressed stranded copper or aluminum for 3SkV. All conductors shall
be stranded, annealed copper or "EC" grade aluminum as per current ICEA and
National Electric Manufacturers Association (NEMA) standards. Must be URD. I'm new at this so please let me know if you need more.

 

The Okanite part number 161-23-2060 cable seems to fit the bill.

 

Welcome to the forums.

Are requesting three phase or single phase service ?

I was looking around last night at 15Kv distribution cable and I found very few providers online. I did come across the following link which pertains to you and you may have already seen it.

NYSEG MediaLibrary Content Management - Your Business PDF

 

Thanks for replying. Requesting single phase service. Yes, I do have the attached document, but thanks for sharing.

I have another question. NYSEG is suggesting that I run high voltage the entire 1,500 and set transformer at building location. What if I place transformer somewhere in the middle to avoid running the two main service wires? What distance could I run 200 amp service without compromising service? Just a thought....

 

This almost sounds like an engineer should get involved,you want to get this right the first time.
Is the POCO going to allow primary metering?
JMO
Geo

 

Is this a commercial installation? Around here the power company would never require a homeowner to install high voltage cable and install the transformer to serve a residence.

 

Certainly agree with that,that's why I thought an engineer might be a good idea,sounds like a lot of loose ends.
Geo

 

Considering your username is "deercamp" I'm assuming this is a deer camp? If so, what do you need a 200A service for? Are you going to be there for an extended period of time? The reason I am asking this is most people I know only have a few lights and a fridge or two as well as the furnace. The reason I'm saying is that you probably do not need 200A and you can cut your wire size down.

If I was you I would have them run aboveground as long as they can, use a pole mounted transformer about 100' from the building, then 120/240 to the building.

 

Or a propane generator and large propane tank. Probably cheaper and easier. Schedule regular propane deliveries and your good to go.

 

Are you sure? I have also never heard of the customer installing the high voltage cable nor have I ever heard of the customer setting the transformer. Usually the customer is not required to do more than install the specified conduit and pull boxes and set the transfomer pad and the utility pulls their high voltage cable and sets their transformer and makes the final connections.

 

How do you know that he/she isn't building a large hunting lodge with swimming pool, restaurant and rooms for 100 occupants?

I agree with the others, this is unheard of in my area. I can't imagine the utility asking the owner to supply the high voltage cable. I can understand that under some circumstances that the utility might allow for an owner-supplied transformer with primary metering but that would normally be a service much, much larger than 200 amperes at 240 volts.

 

Thanks for all the input. Yes it is a deer camp, however, I'm planning to build a 40x60 pole barn with garage, shop and living space. Shop will have walk in cooler requiring some type of cooling system as well as compressors and other equipment. Planning on frig and freezer too. If I'm putting the effort/money into this, I don't want to regret any short cuts.

Yes, I am positive that underground burial is the customers responsibility. That said, it has to be inspected by an electrician, but power company is not involved. Maybe I'm using the term customer too freely. I will be doing the bulk of the work an electrician will inspect and hook up to building. Power company will hook up at pole.

 

Going back to your original post and question, this is not a DIY friendly project. My recommendation is that you hire a commercial contractor who has the knowledge, equipment and skilled labor force of high voltage qualified electricians to do high voltage work including setting and terminating high voltage transformers. This contractor will also have a contact at the power company to have materials approved, if that is really necessary. This contractor will also have a supply house available to him that regularly supplies high voltage cables, transformers and supplies to utilities and line building contractors that most distributors won't even stock or have no resources to even order. The equipment needed to install a 1500 foot 15 KV line is extensive, but the contractor will have it.