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WHAT CONDITIONS DO WE HAVE TO FULFIL BEFORE WE CAN USE THE MCM BASE IN OUR REGION?

In Quebec (Canada), it is possible to use the MCM Base^TM to do line burial in new residential developments since the summer of 2005. The MCM Base has been homologated by more than twelve public utilities in Quebec (Hydro-Québec, Bell, Videotron, Telus, Cogeco, etc.). Outside Quebec, since the MCM System^TM is relatively new, one may first promote a pilot project. Please communicate with MCM to inquire if one of these projects has already been planned in your area.

In order to use the MCM Base for the first time in your area, a pilot project could to take place in order to permit the local utilities the opportunity to verify the credentials and value of the system. This is accomplished by contacting each of the utilities to request an evaluation of this approach for your project. Although this may require some patience in the beginning, it is relatively easy for the utilities to verify the value of a given product and method of installation. Once the first project is completed, the following ones will be easier as the utilities will already have experienced all of the advantages of this innovative approach. MCM Structures will be pleased to assist you in all of the various steps of creating a pilot project in your area.

CAN WE PURCHASE AN MCM BASE SEPARATELY, WITHOUT A LAMP POST?

Any organization, company or person interested may order the components of the MCM Base via the Authorized agents or distributors. These are generally lamp posts suppliers, since they are best positioned to distribute our products. Any customer may purchase only the MCM Base or cabinet without the lamp post from these Authorized agents and distributors. The customer, if he wishes, may then add a lamp post on the MCM cabinet, however will then have to ensure that his lamp post supplier will coordinate correctly with MCM in order to assure all concerned of an acceptable installation, so as not to compromise the integrity or durability of the base and thereby cancel its warranty. Please review the answer to the question " What lamp post may we install on an MCM Base?".

WHAT LAMP POST MAY WE INSTALL ON AN MCM BASE?

The MCM Base^TM may receive all types of lamp posts made of concrete, steel, aluminum, or other materials. This lamp post may be purchased by the customer from his own supplier and according to the procedure he chooses. However, there are restrictions with respect to the height and to the configuration of the lamp post. Please refer to the technical documentation provided on our website to find out about the size and format of lamp posts one may install on the MCM Base. Please also note that the installation method must follow the MCM recommendations in order not to compromise the integrity or durability of the base, and thereby invalidate its warranty.

HOW DO WE CONNECT THE LAMP POST INSTALLED ON THE MCM BASE?

The lamp post on the MCM Base^TM may be connected according to one of the following methods : either on a separate electrical circuit coming from the outside and feeding generally more than one lamp post together ; or on the network that is inside the MCM cabinet and which is also used to feed the surrounding homes. The first scenario is the traditional approach, where the external source connects the lamp posts with wires (generally no. 8 AWG), including a grounding conductor directly from a central breaker installed as per local standards. The MCM Base is then only crossed by these conductors which will be connecting the lamp post through fuses as required by Code. With the second scenario, one connects each lamp post directly inside each MCM cabinet which contains the residential low voltage network. One must first inquire about the local standards and then may order the option " Lamp post connection device" with the MCM Base.

WHAT HAPPENS WITH THE GROUNDING OF THE MCM BASES?

Every MCM Base^TM comes already equipped with the grounding bars required for the energy and telecom networks ; these bars being fastened inside each of the main compartments of the base. The bars are in solid copper and are interconnected with copper wiring (No. 4 AWG). One of these bars is installed in a way to be in permanent contact with the steel of the structure of the base. MCM recommends to solidly ground these bars as per local standards. If approved, this may consist of installing a ground rod (as per standards) under each MCM cabinet and connect it to one of the grounding bars (with min. No. 4 AWG copper). One may also connect the bases on a ground conductor which connects the bases together and with ground rods as per local standards. The important point is to ensure to make a proper permanent grounding connection of every MCM Base.

© MCM Structures, 1998-2008. All rights reserved.
US Patent 6,167,673 – Europe 1,062,399 – Canada 2,494,243 and 2,266,151 and PCT.