The use of the MCM System^TM implies the adoption of a common trench configuration of the underground energy and telecommunication networks. Generally, it is considered preferable and less costly to plan for a common trench on each side of the street, thereby limiting the number of lamp posts and the number of crossings under the pavement. The lamp posts, normally fitted above an MCM cabinet, are then located alternatively on either side of the street. The spacing between the lamp posts will vary according to the local lighting standards and will also be determined by the number of homes connected to each one. As a rule of thumb, there could be one lamp post every 130 ft (40 m), alternately on either side of the street.

In certain areas, when local standards permit it, several energy connections for the surrounding homes can be made directly to a padmount transformer. The lamp posts above an MCM cabinet then become additional distribution points, thereby extending the reach of each padmount transformer. This permits the reduction of the number of MCM assemblies required to connect the homes in question.

Depending on the application, the padmount transformer will feed from two to four lamp posts, which will each connect four to eight homes. Concept drawings attached herewith display a typical design using the MCM concept. The exact configuration will vary according to the size of the lots, the type of the homes, as well as the capacity and utilization of the padmount transformers.

IMPORTANT NOTE :

MCM Structures declines any and all responsibility regarding the design of these networks. This responsibility remains with the developer, who shall work in collaboration with his consulting engineers, the municipality and the public utilities concerned. Similarly, the distributors and authorized agents who supply MCM products are not authorized to participate with the actual design of joint distribution base networks. A design guide has been prepared for Quebec by the "Centre d'expertise et de recherche en infrastructure urbaine" (CERIU).

For more information, please visit : www.ceriu.qc.ca and inquire about the requirements of the respective municipality and public utility standards, which must be complied with.

ECONOMICAL ASPECTS

Traditionally, with respect to the line burial of the energy and communication cabling, the public utilities and municipalities build their own individual underground infrastructures which consist of, aside from their separate trenches, hand holes for power connections, pedestals for telephone as well as for Cable TV, and a separate infrastructure for street lighting.

The common trenching concept utilizing an MCM Base minimizes costs by means of integration of the infrastructures as well as the connecting devices for energy and telecommunications. The public lighting system then becomes an additional benefit as a result of the integration of these services.

Therefore, the required civil work is reduced to a strict minimum since only one trench is required behind the sidewalk. This trench would include all of the required services directly into the MCM Base, which would be located in the center of the trench. Each lamp post can be connected directly in the MCM cabinet below, thereby eliminating the need for the installation of a separate street lighting network and thus realizing savings for the municipalities in the range of 40% on the lighting system (optional).

Service calls on the networks are also facilitated by the direct access at all times to the connections from the sidewalk. The MCM cabinet is always accessible on 360 degrees and its ergonomics is ideal. This makes for additional savings on the service calls.

The common trenching approach utilizing the MCM Base concept will provide savings of 30% or more on the overall construction process. For a more detailed review on costing on a actual project, please refer to the enclosed PDF document in the Cost Analysis section.

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US Patent 6,167,673    Europe 1,062,399    Canada 2,494,243 and 2,266,151 and PCT.