Operations Department

1. Primary ditch (high voltage) must be 3 feet deep
Secondary (from x-former to meter base) is 2 ft. minimum
3. Customer or excavator contractor must supply the ditch
4. Average maximum distance for a secondary service is 300 ft. from transformer site. If further, primary (high voltage) cable needs to be installed to within appropriate distance
5. PUD uses & has available direct burial conduit for road and driveway crossings (2" for primary, 3" for secondary)
6. Electric cable goes in ditch first, then cover approximately 1 ft. and install telephone, cable TV, water lines, etc.
7. PUD installs all facilities to and including the meter. The meter base and beyond is the responsibility of the customer
8. PUD connects to top lugs of meter base if 200 amps or more. If under 200 amps, approx. 18" wire leads must be exposed
9. Customer can install and get State inspection on the meter base prior to PUD installing cable (L&I does not inspect PUD's work) If meter base is approved PUD can install their facilities and energize service in one visit
10. The customer or contractor must notify the PUD when the State electrical inspector passes the service. PUD needs a minimum of 2 to 3 days notice to schedule installation of cable and other materials (coordinate with excavator)
11. PUD requires a recorded utility easement, signed application for service and full payment prior to installing a service

Questions about meter base & related feeders/wiring?
Call Labor & Industries before 9:00 a.m.

Department of Labor & Industries
Electrical Inspection Section
PO Box 44810
Olympia, WA 98504-4819

(7273 Linderson Way SW- 1st Floor-Tumwater)

Inspectors
Dan Godaz/Mike Sears

Phone
(360) 902-5242 (24 hour recording line- inspection requests)
(360) 902-6350 (Electrical Section Personnel- daytime hours)

Tree Trimming Program

Everyone loves trees. Trees provide beauty and shade, serve as wind, noise and visual barriers, help reduce energy usage, reduced airborne pollutants, and increase property values. Trees that touch or fall on power lines can cause wildfires, power outages, property damage, or personal injury. In fact, trees interfering with power lines are one of the leading causes of unscheduled interruptions in electrical service in Mason County. Outages can also affect residents on life support and vital public facilities.

The PUD's Tree Health and Safety Program is designed to prevent trees from coming in contact with power lines. All lines are routinely inspected for vegetation, and pruning is performed on a regular cycle.

Tree Removal

Occasionally, it may be necessary to remove trees or brush. During routine inspections, PUD experts look for trees that pose a threat to property or human life. For example, a tree off the PUD right of way that is dead or dying, which could fall into the lines, must be removed. Hazardous conditions could also arise when children climb trees growing too close to power lines. If you are concerned about a tree on your property, or are interested in possible removal of a tree near power lines, please call the PUD at 1-360-877-5249 or 1-800-544-4223 or e-mail operations@masonpud1.org.

Never build tree houses in trees growing near power lines. Your child's life may depend on it! Every year deaths are reported for direct or indirect contact with high voltage lines. Electrocution can occur when a branch or other object touches lines. Tree houses near electrical lines are in violation of state and federal safety regulations.

Plant The Right Tree In The Right Place

Selecting a tree for planting is not a decision to be taken lightly, and is especially important around utilities. A tree requires space to grow both above and below ground. The mature height and spread of the tree should remain 10 feet from power lines.

In addition, care should be taken that trees are planted at least 6 feet to the side of underground facilities. To find out where these are located before you plant, call - Utilities Underground Location Center - 1-800-424-5555.

If you have a question regarding vegetation near power lines or general tree health and care, the PUD can inspect the trees or answer your questions. Selecting the proper tree species and the appropriate planting site will provide trouble-free beauty and pleasure for years to come.

Also, if you are interested in wood chips for your planting or landscape needs, call the PUD or e-mail us as listed below.

Never attempt to prune trees near power lines yourself. Only qualified line clearance tree employees or contractors are allowed to work within 10 feet of high voltage lines. If the power lines are determined to be low-voltage, the PUD will disconnect and reconnect your secondary electrical service at no cost to you. This will allow you or a third party to safely remove the existing vegetation. If there are any questions contact the PUD at 1-800-544-4223 or 1-360-877-5249 or e-mail operations@masonpud1.org.

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