What is TUG?

Permission to install a meter base intended to be used as a future permanent service to a one and two family concrete block or solid pour masonry structure after a tie beam inspection has been passed. This eliminates the need for temporary poles on sites for most of the construction process, and allows for the future connection of power after passing the pre-power inspection and subsequently obtaining the Certificate of Occupancy for the structure after passing the final inspection. 

How do we participate?

The general contractor must indicate at the time of permitting his or her desire to participate in the TUG program. The general contractor must sign a written agreement to follow the City’s TUG program requirements. It is up to the general contractor to make prior arrangements with the power company, to provide the power company with a completed copy of the City’s TUG Agreement and to follow TUG program requirements. 

If I have already applied for my permit can I still participate in the program?

You can still participate in the program provided that you have not placed a temporary pole on site that has been inspected and energized. You must submit a signed TUG Agreement to the Code Compliance Division and comply with all TUG program requirements. It is still the contractor’s responsibility to make the necessary arrangements with the power company. 

When can I schedule my inspection?

Once the block or poured masonry wall is in place and a tie beam inspection has been passed, the electrical contractor will permanently install the meter base and exterior main service panel. Only an exterior main service panel can be used for TUG. “Back to Back” service panels where the main breaker is located inside the structure will not be allowed. TUG approval is for service panel and exterior GFCI receptacles only.  Receptacles needed for construction, either 120 and/or 240 volts, shall be installed adjacent to or below the service panel. All variations must comply with Florida Power & Light’s service standards for TUG.  You will then schedule your TUG inspection, and when passed the electrical inspector will notify the power company of the completed inspection.

What are the limitations of the TUG program?

Any damage to the service panel or meter base will be the general contractor’s responsibility to repair or replace, at his/her cost. No other circuits or panels will be energized until the Pre-Power inspection has been scheduled and passed. The TUG approval is valid for a maximum of 180 days from the date of approval.

What is required to energize the entire building?

The building must have passed a frame-all inspection. All panels, feeders, branch circuit conductors (except the service feeder conductors to the load side of the main disconnect) must be connected to equipment or devices or must be terminated in a safe manner, (e.g. enclosed in a box with a cover). The building’s electrical system must be completed and ready prior to a Pre-Power inspection.  The contractor must schedule the Pre-Power inspection and, upon passing the Pre-Power inspection and submitting a completed Pre-Power request form, the electrical contractor must then terminate the TUG feeder service conductors to the load side of the main breaker in the service panel prior to energizing the building’s electrical system. 

When can we occupy the building?

The building shall not be occupied before final inspection is passed and the Certificate of Occupancy issued. The building is required to be energized prior to the final inspection in order to allow the contractor and the inspectors to performance test required devices (e.g., AFCI’s, GFCI’s smoke/carbon monoxide detectors, label circuit directories).

Failure to comply with TUG program requirements will result in termination of electrical service, discontinuation of participation in the TUG program and possible disciplinary action against the contractor’s license.