meter locations

[bwyllie]

Does anybody see any potential problems with locating 8 meters and associated circuit breakers away from the townhouses that they serve. The client wishes to locate the meters on the other side of the parking lot and run across to each unit. The meter module will be supplied with a Main breaker for the main disconnect.

Thanks

 

[charlie]

Re: meter locations

I believe you are askin the wrong question. The meters (meter fittings and our cash register) are not service equipment and may be located just about anywhere the electric utility agrees to. The question is if the main disconnecting means and service overcurrent is permitted to be located remotely from the building it serves. That question must be answered by your local AHJ.

The question becomes whether or not the remote meter/service location is a separate structure? If it is a separate structure, you will still be required to have a feeder disconnect and overcurrent protection where you enter the building.

Is there ever a simple answer?

 

[bphgravity]

Re: meter locations

I don't believe there is anything in the NEC that requires the service to be located on the structure or building being served.

 

[bwyllie]

Re: meter locations

thanks, just to be sure, each load center in the townhouses will have a main breaker installed as well.

 

[don_resqcapt19]

Re: meter locations

In my opinion the meter is a structure and you will have to comply with 225.31 and .32 at the townhouses.
Don

 

[bwyllie]

Re: meter locations

would the disconnect at the meters and the main circuit breaker in the panelboard in the units suffice for those sections?

 

[charlie]

Re: meter locations

If the disconnecting means in the panelboard meets the requirements for service equipment and is located at the point closest the entry into the building, why install a disconnecting means and overcurrent protection at the meters?

 

[bwyllie]

Re: meter locations

utility requires cold sequence metering.

 

[charlie]

Re: meter locations

Still no problem. Install a disconnecting means only for the electric utility. It then comes under their exclusive control and they can seal or lock the enclosure and it is not considered service equipment but part of the associated metering since it is required to keep the metering in cold sequence.

(B) Not Covered. This Code does not cover the following:

(5) Installations under the exclusive control of an electric utility where such installations

a. Consist of service drops or service laterals, and associated metering, or