Electrical Service Upgrade/Relocation - Residential

Warning: Work on electrical services could cause accidental contact with energized conductors that may result in personal injury or death. It is required that a licensed and bonded electrical contractor perform the work. For emergencies that involve electrical systems, first, call 911 for assistance, then contact ComEd at 1-800-Edison1 or 1-800-334-7661.

Applicable Codes:
2024 International Residential Code
2023 National Electrical Code

Please submit the following information:

1. Existing and proposed electrical service size
2. Load calculation demonstrating that the proposed service size is adequate for the existing/proposed demand.
3. Indicate if the existing service is overhead or underground. If service is to be changed from overhead to underground, provide a legal Plat of Survey at original scale, indicating the proposed path of the new service.
4. Service disconnect is required to be integral to the metering equipment (Wheaton ordinance).
5. If electrical service lines are to be replaced, indicate the size and type of conductors to be used.
6. Grounding diagram (2023 NEC Article 250) showing the following:
   1. Ground rods (primary and supplemental) a minimum of 6’-0” apart.
   2. Grounding electrode conductor size and points of connection.
   3. Water service grounding with jumper at the water meter and bonding at the hot water heater.
   4. Any other grounding electrodes that are to be installed or are existing and will be reconnected.
7. Installation of the required intersystem bonding termination device.

Significant Code Requirements

Electrical Meter Requirements

1. Outside Disconnect - The City of Wheaton requires that the service disconnect shall be installed at a readily accessible location outside of a residential building or structure and be an integral part of the metering equipment. (Wheaton Code Section 22-51 Amendments)
2. Meter Cabinets shall comply with Commonwealth Edison specifications (CECHA labeled).
3. Meter Cabinets shall be mounted in accessible locations, shall maintain the minimum required working space specified in Article 110.26 of the 2023 NEC, and shall comply with ComEd installation specifications.
   Note: ComEd may have additional requirements. Please refer to their electrical service standards:
   The Red Book - A Guide to Installing or Revisiting Your Residential Electric Service (PDF).

Overhead Electrical Services (Article 230 Part II 2023 NEC)

1. The Service Mast (Riser Mast) must be of adequate strength and be properly secured to the structure per Article 230 Part II of the 2023 NEC.
2. Conductors shall have the following vertical clearances above roofs:
   • Not less than 8’-0” above the roof (must be maintained for a distance of not less than 3’-0” in all directions from the edge of the roof);
   • If the roof pitch is greater than 4:12, a clearance of 3’-0” is permitted.
3. Conductors must maintain a required clearance of 10’-0” to final grade above areas accessible to pedestrians only.
4. Conductors must maintain required clearance of 12’-0” to final grade above residential properties and driveways (15’-0” if the voltage exceeds 300 volts to ground).
5. Conductors must maintain required clearance of 18’-0” to final grade above public streets, alleys, roads, parking areas subject to truck traffic, and driveways other than residential areas.
6. Service conductors shall have a clearance of not less than 3’-0” from openable windows, doors, porches, balconies, ladders, stairs, fire escapes, or other similar locations.
7. Conductors shall have sufficient ampacity to carry the current for the load as calculated in accordance with Article 220 (2023 NEC), shall have adequate mechanical strength, and be sized in accordance with Article 230 Part II (2023 NEC) and all applicable City of Wheaton amendments - Wheaton City Code - Chapter 22, Building and Building Regulations - Article V - Electrical Codes.

Note: ComEd may have additional requirements; please refer to their electrical service standards:
ComEd - The Red Book - A Guide to Installing or Revisiting Your Residential Electric Service (PDF).

Underground Electrical Services (Article 230 Part III 2023 NEC)

1. Underground service conductors shall be installed in accordance with the applicable requirements of Article 230 Part III of the 2023 NEC, Article 300.5 of the 2023 NEC, and all applicable City of Wheaton adopted codes and amendments - Wheaton City Code - Chapter 22, Building and Building Regulations - Article V - Electrical Codes.
2. Conductors shall have sufficient ampacity to carry the current for the load as calculated in accordance with Article 220 (2023 NEC) and shall have adequate mechanical strength.
3. Minimum cover requirements for direct-burial cable, conduit, or other raceways must be in compliance with the minimum depths indicated in Table 300.5, 2023 NEC.
4. Conduits or raceways through which moisture may contact live parts shall be sealed or plugged at either or both ends.
5. Cables or raceways installed using directional boring equipment shall be approved for that purpose.

Note: ComEd may have additional requirements. Please refer to their electrical service standards:
ComEd - The Red Book - A Guide to Installing or Revisiting Your Residential Electric Service (PDF).

Grounding Electrode System

1. A grounding electrode system is required to be installed that consists of the following:
   • Metal water service line piping (connection to the water service piping shall be made at a point near to where the water service enters the building through the foundation wall or floor slab, and a bonding jumper shall be placed around all water meters connecting the interior water distribution system), and both the primary and supplemental ground rods spaced a minimum of 6’-0” apart that complies with Article 250.52(5) and 250.53(D)(2) on the exterior. (Article 250.52, 250.53, 2023 NEC).

Inspections

The inspections listed here are required for Electrical Service Panel Change projects. Some inspections may not apply to your installation, while additional inspections may be needed based on the scope of work for your project. A complete list of your required inspections will be listed on the Plan Approval Notice that will be attached to the approved plans.

To schedule an inspection, please call 630-260-2050 between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Inspections must be scheduled no later than 3:30 PM the day before the desired inspection date.