multi unit service

[yahya176]

Hi Guys. I have question pertaining to a service that I'm going to be installing. It's an old 4 unit apt. building 60amp disco on each apt. I'd like to at least upgrade to 100amp ea. I'm having problems determining the total size of the service for the 4 units? Is it legal to tap into the feeders with smaller gauge wire to feed 100 amp meter base? Thanks.

 

[augie47]

You can. The three most common methods here are (a) a "modular meter center" with 4 meters & breakers in one unit, (b) a 4 gang meterbase with detached disconnects (spacing can be a problem), or (c) a wireway with 4 meters & disconnects

 

[480sparky]

You can. The three most common methods here are (a) a "modular meter center" with 4 meters & breakers in one unit, .........

...........or (c) a wireway with 4 meters & disconnects

 

[augie47]

480sparky, Thanks much for the pics...
as the saying goes...."worth a thousand words"

The individual loads on the feeders in the wireway post must be minimal

 

[480sparky]

480sparky, Thanks much for the pics...
as the saying goes...."worth a thousand words"

I threw those up because I knew I had them on my Photobucket page.

The individual loads on the feeders in the wireway post must be minimal

It's an old 10-unit apartment building. Gas stove in each units, central heat & hot water, no AC.

I took that image because the owners were wanting to abandon the old boiler and install baseboard heat in all the units. There was only 3 120v circuits going to each unit.

You can see the original 60a service conduits above the existing 200a (yes, only 200) disco on the right. I calculated an 800a service, (because by local codes, I would have to update all the units with bath & SABCs, AFCIs, TRs......) and by the time I got halfway through pricing the job, they decided not to proceed.

 

[mark32]

480, I too thank you for the pics. Concerning the basement shot, how are the feeders going to the individual disconnects tapped off the main feed? Split bolts? There must be a mess of them in that trough no? Also, is there a lug installed in the trough for the grounded conductor?

 

[yahya176]

Thanks Guys. for future ref.what is SABC'S &TR's?

 

[480sparky]

Thanks Guys. for future ref.what is SABC'S &TR's?

Small Appliance Branch Circuit.

Tamper Resistant.

 

[yahya176]

Small Appliance Branch Circuit.

Tamper Resistant.

Ahhh........... The cure for ignorance is the question.

 

[yahya176]

I'll probably go with wireway, 4 meters and disc. I calculated the total load for 4 units at 280amp. Is it permissible to use 200 amp service and 100amp meter base and breaker on each unit? Please explain. Do I downsize wire in troth to ea.meter? Thanks again.