resistance
Senior Member
- Location
- WA
It's a 200amp meter base.
Yet, call the serving utility to verify.
Yet, call the serving utility to verify.
It's a 200amp meter base.
Yet, call the serving utility to verify.
That looks like a 100a meter base to me.
Where is the main breaker, or is that a split-bus panel?
Have you done a new total load calc?
Sounds like a personal problem!If I called my local poco and asked that question I'd probably be ridiculed and hung up on and rightfully so. If an electrician can't figure out what size meter socket he or she is looking at maybe it's time to hit the help wanted section.
See, there's the problem. The PoCo may well not own the socket. The meter, yes, but not the base.. . . the serving utility company that owns the meter--. . .
I guess it depends on the area! I've never had a problem with getting the service information. Yet, I've only had to ask three times in my career. Most areas, don't mind you cutting the seal to collect data--if you are planning a service upgrade or panel change.See, there's the problem. The PoCo may well not own the socket. The meter, yes, but not the base.
I personally haven't worked with a PoCo that supplied meter bases since the '70s. That's just my experience, though.
I do know, that if I called my local PoCo about an existing dwelling with a decades old service, that I would be talking to someone very disconnected to anything on the ground, most likely, and they would be real reluctant to say "The service size is XXX."
Kinda like asking an HD electrical department person how to install a new outlet.
Trust me, the only time they don't know, is if a service or panel change was done without a permit.Location is everything where I am the EC chooses and supplies the meter socket from an approved list from the power company. I would be very surprised if the power company knows which meter base is behind their meter at any particular address.
Trust me, the only time they don't know, is if a service or panel change was done without a permit.
Example: I recently did an estimate for a customer who wanted to change his basement into an apartment. I had to make a few calls to find-out the status of his property, and the acceptable meter base requirements (Note: The customer had a unique meter base request). Obviously I had to call the engineering department for the serving utility. I didn't even have to ask the size of the service, because I already knew--seeing that everything was evident, yet the engineer for PSE told me (freely) that the service was currently 200 amps, and that the main service was on a remote pole. The engineer was dead-on with knowing the current service size. Reason: The work had an electrical inspection--which requires them to go out, and reseal the meter. One company here (Parkland light) is a community owned utility company. They require you to call them to remove, and re-install the meter. They also require you to submit a DLC, and new service design before any work can be reconnected by them<<<<this alone gives them the data of the meter can.
I would not attempt to change just the panel. Chances are the service wire won't reach anyway due to new bending spaces requirements. In 40 years, I never did 1/2 a service change. Try and change the service wire and the meter jaws will most likley break. All or nothing.
I would not attempt to change just the panel. Chances are the service wire won't reach anyway due to new bending spaces requirements. In 40 years, I never did 1/2 a service change. Try and change the service wire and the meter jaws will most likley break. All or nothing.
I do them regularly. No big deal.
Would you replace your rims just because you get new tires?
I agree, but not every situation is evident. Remember, we are talking about knowing the service size @ the meter (Not the service panel), without breaking the meter seal. If the job is yours, then I see no reason why you can't investigate further---breaking the seal, and getting meter can information. I just didn't like the way you presented your opinion. But I respect it!You don't have to like my opinions but you won't stop me from making them.
As I said, as an electrician you should be able to determine the amperage by looking at the setup.
Hun??????? That's fine! I'll leave bragging about years of experience to you. I can tell you this,our company doesn't do hack work, we do our homework--which includes coming to Mike's site. We don't know everything about our evolving trade, but we do our homework before starting any job we are not familiar with. I am proud to say we are known, and complimented by inspectors, and customers a like! Our company has only failed two electrical inspections since being in business, and I've only failed four in my entire journeyman career! There is nothing wrong with getting all the information you need to complete a job safely, and is certainly doesn't mean I can't be trusted because i'm telling 1793 to confirm my assumption--if he's not breaking the meter seal, and can't get a service size based on panel information. Insulting me without knowing me, just tells me you aren't familiar with checking the facts before speaking! :roll:I would never trust you. Not in Florida. Fpl will laugh right in your face. Thay do not know nor do they care. Been here 40 years. Been there, done that.
I agree, but not every situation is evident. Remember, we are talking about knowing the service size @ the meter (Not the service panel), without breaking the meter seal. If the job is yours, then I see no reason why you can't investigate further---breaking the seal, and getting meter can information. I just didn't like the way you presented your opinion. But I respect it!
Hun??????? That's fine! I'll leave bragging about years of experience to you. I can tell you this,our company doesn't do hack work, we do our homework--which includes coming to Mike's site. We don't know everything about our evolving trade, but we do our homework before starting any job we are not familiar with. I am proud to say we are known, and complimented by inspectors, and customers a like! Our company has only failed two electrical inspections since being in business, and I've only failed four in my entire journeyman career! There is nothing wrong with getting all the information you need to complete a job safely, and is certainly doesn't mean I can't be trusted because i'm telling 1793 to confirm my assumption--if he's not breaking the meter seal, and can't get a service size based on panel information. Insulting me without knowing me, just tells me you aren't familiar with checking the facts before speaking! :roll:
Actually that hurts to hear Cavie make a comment about trust!! I take a lot of proud in my company, and we do everything by the book!!
Location, Location,Location
You Mass boys need to come to Florida and see what humidity and salt air do to the 70's installed aluminum wire and alm meter jaws, nuts and bolts..