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National Electrical Safety Code Clearance Issues

Ameren takes the safety of our customers very seriously. Lack of proper clearance of customer-owned service entrance increases the possibility of dangerous contact with our electric lines and facilities. In Illinois, the National Electrical Safety Code (NESC) is adopted as law, and electric utility companies must comply with the applicable provisions.

Some of the most common violations seen are around decks, satellite dishes and pools. As owner of the property, it is your responsibility to provide a proper electrical service attachment point for Ameren Illinois that is in compliance with all NESC requirements. If the necessary repairs are not made in a timely manner, you risk loss of service as Ameren Illinois will be required to disconnect your electric service. Please use the guidelines below to be sure that you are not in violation of any NESC requirements.

*Clearances outlined below must be maintained for all temperature and wind conditions.

Common Violations

Decks

The vertical clearance required over a deck is 12', and can be reduced to 10' when the height of the building does not permit the service drops to meet these values. The horizontal clearance required is 5' for services passing close to, but not directly over decks.

Satellite Dishes

For small satellite dishes, the required clearance (in any direction) is 3.5'.

Swimming Pools

The required clearance from the edge of the swimming pool, diving platform, facility, or apparatus is 10' horizontally. If the service wire is inordinately high, the 10' horizontal clearance requirement can be superseded. Contact your local Ameren office for assistance in analyzing these unusual situations.

FAQs

Ameren takes the safety of our customers very seriously. We would like to explain the code clearance issue at your property, what needs to be done to correct it, and answer any questions you may have about the process.
Repairs should be made as soon as possible. This process assures you will have ample time to make the appropriate changes. Please call us at 1.844.539.6372 Monday through Friday between 7:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. to schedule an appointment for us to discuss the issue with you.
Each code clearance issue is different; therefore, repair costs will vary. Generally, a qualified electrical contractor can provide you with a cost estimate. A trained and qualified person must make your repair. In many Illinois cities, this work can only be performed by a licensed electrician. Check with your local authorities for licensing requirements.
If you do not make the necessary repairs, your service will be disconnected to ensure your safety and the safe delivery of electric service. Please note, if the service line is disconnected, there may be additional local requirements that now apply. Service will remain off until repairs are made.
Please contact Ameren Illinois as soon as repairs have been completed. Please include your name, phone number and the NESC violation address. We will send a representative to verify the service is now in compliance with the NESC. Once verified, we will remove you from future communication regarding this issue.
To ensure your safety and the safe delivery of electric service, Ameren Illinois performs periodic inspections of its facilities. These inspections include checking the electrical equipment that serves your property to ensure minimum safety clearances of the electrical service wires to your home or business comply with the NESC.
Ameren Illinois and the customer are each responsible for different parts of the service connection. Your responsibility is to provide a proper electrical service attachment point that Ameren Illinois can safely run an electrical service drop to and ensure all NESC requirements are met. If your attachment point does not satisfy code, it is the owner’s or property manager’s responsibility to have a qualified electrician make necessary repairs.
The NESC covers provisions for safeguarding of persons from hazards arising from the installation, operation, or maintenance of electric supply lines and equipment. It is updated periodically by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc. (IEEE). In Illinois, the ICC has adopted the 2002 NESC, and electric utility companies must comply with the applicable provisions.
It will be up to the property owner or manager to have a qualified electrician to make the necessary repairs to meet NESC standards. This qualified electrician will also make you aware of any additional local requirements for your electrical service. To ensure changes or repairs can be safely made to your equipment, Ameren Illinois will complete service disconnections and reconnections (during regular business hours) at no charge.

ContactUs

Phone: 1.844.539.6372 Monday - Friday 7:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Email: Illinoisconstruction@ameren.com
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