Pad Mount Transformer over Pole Mount for New Home Build?

[RichInTN]

Hello --- In the planning stages for a new custom home build -- The house will be several hundred feet from the road and I want to have the power underground --- I am wondering if I should inquire about having a pad mount transformer in close proximity to the Power Pole Source rather than a pole mounted transformer. What would be the benefit of one over the other? Of course it will be up to the decision of the Power Company -- but just for grins what say you here? Also I plan on requesting a 400 Amp service so I can have (2) 200Amp load centers and also feed a100A sub-panel for an RV garage a distance from the main house/garage. Lastly -- Is it possible to locate the METER at or on the Pad Mounted Transformer near the road and not have it on the home itself?

 

[James]

You may find it difficult to get a ground mounted transformer of that size.
when i was last looking for a small transformer, pole mount was the only option i could find under about 500KVA

 

[plugsandsparks]

I am located in UK so not familiar with US practice for supply, what i can say is that whether its pad or pole, the feed from the transformer to the house can be underground and it is preferred. Lets say the nearest pole is in a field close by, then electric company can provide you with a pole tx and negotiate with any land owners to bury the cable from the pole to your house, thats largely how its done in the UK

 

[James]

as above, both the feed into and supply out of a pole mount transformer can be run down a pole and then underground.

 

[Megawatt]

Hello --- In the planning stages for a new custom home build -- The house will be several hundred feet from the road and I want to have the power underground --- I am wondering if I should inquire about having a pad mount transformer in close proximity to the Power Pole Source rather than a pole mounted transformer. What would be the benefit of one over the other? Of course it will be up to the decision of the Power Company -- but just for grins what say you here? Also I plan on requesting a 400 Amp service so I can have (2) 200Amp load centers and also feed a100A sub-panel for an RV garage a distance from the main house/garage. Lastly -- Is it possible to locate the METER at or on the Pad Mounted Transformer near the road and not have it on the home itself?

I have a pad mounted transformer at my home and no you are not allowed to mount anything on the power company’s equipment. The meter along with your panels will have to be on your home. Standard size for a single family dwelling is 15kva and the good thing is it will all be underground. Talk to your local power company early because they might have to order a bigger transformer. My house is 650 feet from the road. Good luck

 

[RichInTN]

I have a pad mounted transformer at my home and no you are not allowed to mount anything on the power company’s equipment. The meter along with your panels will have to be on your home. Standard size for a single family dwelling is 15kva and the good thing is it will all be underground. Talk to your local power company early because they might have to order a bigger transformer. My house is 650 feet from the road. Good luck

Thank you for your reply -- Yes I will explore with the Power Company early on as to what they can offer. Thanks again

 

[baldelectrician]

On a side note- put in solar and have dual fuel water heating (a cylinder / storage tank) that takes electric and another method of heat.

If it is sunny then PV will heat your water for free, it can also power a tesla wall type thing to suppliment your home in power outages.