With the MCM Base

The MCM Base is often used to revitalize downtown areas where line burial must be realized aesthetically, as for example, historical areas. Then, the MCM Base allows for minimizing the number of equipments required, while integrating it with the decorative lamp posts. The MCM Base then holds the 120V to 600V connections to the residential and light commercial and municipal buildings and, optionally, also the telecom connections.

As is the case for new developments, telecom connections points and required equipment are suitably housed inside shared or dedicated MCM Bases. The design procedure to integrate the power and telecom networks inside the MCM-JDP is similar to the one described in the Residential Projects section.

With the new MCM-iV System

The new MCM-iV System, based on a re-engineering of the traditional local power distribution system, introduces the use of the 3-phase commercial voltages (e.g. 347/600V) between the main power lines and the customers. Then, the MCM Bases are fitted with breaker panels which do the 3-phase/1-phase transition to feed a small epoxy transformer installed outside below the costumers’ meters, or groups of meters, in order to generate the required 120/240V to create an optimal electrical distribution configuration.

The MCM-iV System is a Non-invasive Undergrounding Technique which does not require to dig up the streets to install U/G distribution equipment or manholes. The MCM-iV Base is the only required equipment along the street and so limits digging to a small trench behind the sidewalks. In sensitive areas, digging can even be replaced by directional drilling.

Being the most advanced local power distribution system available, the MCM-iV System offers the optimal value/cost ratio for full undergrounding as well as the most aesthetical solution, eliminating simultaneously the pedestals, pad-mount transformers in front of houses, and manholes required by the traditional approaches.

With the MCM Network Pole

The MCM Poles represent yet another interesting approach for undergrounding, when it is judged too expensive to realize a full underground system. Based on the fact that the medium voltage (MV) lines generally represent most of the costs in an undergrounding project, the MCM Network Poles allow for a hybrid approach where the undergrounding is limited to the various telecom and low voltage networks, which are the most visible wires on the poles (being larger and at mid-height). Then only the thin MV wires will remain visible.

The MCM Network Poles are Class 3 or Class 1 distribution poles suitable to hold the medium voltage lines, as well as the pole transformers, and the street lighting fixtures. These modular poles do not require guy wires for a change of direction in the power line. Low voltage 120/240Vcables, from the pole transformer, are inserted inside the MCM Pole core, below the transformer, and feed the lower part of the pole where we find an integrated circular cabinet suitable for the power connections for the neighboring homes. This cabinet is in fact a MCM Base that can include the telecom connections as well. This hybrid system offers the best value for an undergrounding project where costs must be kept very low. It is also suitable for gradual undergrounding in a multiple-stage project.

	Before	Option 1	Option 2