Adding a meter for an accessory structure

[rllevine]

The client is building an in-law unit on their property behind their house. It is going to have a separate meter. My reading of Art. 230.40, Exception No. 3 is that both meters can be supplied by the existing service drop (there is plenty of ampacity to spare). I'd like to install double lugs on the original meter in order to jump the supply to the new meter (which will then feed a disconnect and then the new structure). Am I correct in my reading of the NEC that this is kosher?

 

[infinity]

What size and how are you planning on installing double lugs on the existing meter? Most of the 200 amp residential meter enclosures around here won't allow a double lug. You might be able to use a wireway and feed both meters from there.

 

[texie]

I can't imagine a POCO going along with this even if you get past the issues mentioned by infinity.

 

[tom baker]

I would check with your poco and see if they can "tap" the overhead conductors at the service drop. Then can you set a new meter next to existing? then you can build this all up as new and avoid an outage
If you do a double lug, then you are getting inside the meter, requires permit and inspection, POCO has some very strict rules on their cash register.

 

[rllevine]

I can't imagine a POCO going along with this even if you get past the issues mentioned by infinity.

What's POCO?

 

[DBoone]

What's POCO?

Power Company.

 

[Hv&Lv]

My advice would be to make 100% sure of the delivery point.
some POCOs at the pole, some at the meter.
mid it’s at the meter they may do it for you

 

[jaggedben]

The client is building an in-law unit on their property behind their house. It is going to have a separate meter. My reading of Art. 230.40, Exception No. 3 is that both meters can be supplied by the existing service drop (there is plenty of ampacity to spare). I'd like to install double lugs on the original meter in order to jump the supply to the new meter (which will then feed a disconnect and then the new structure). Am I correct in my reading of the NEC that this is kosher?

I think you'd be wasting your time trying to find suitable double lugs for an existing meter socket and verifying that it doesn't violate a listing. And, in my estimation, it would likely all be a futile attempt to cut corners on an install that other professionals would look at and say 'Why'd you do it that way?'

The NEC is totally fine with putting a junction box ahead of the existing meter and splicing new service entrance conductors to a new separate meter socket. That'd be the proper way, if the POCO is okay with it. Or another option, depending on details, might be to replace the existing meter enclosure with a two-meter bank.

 

[Oldmaster2]

I don't think the NEC is fine with splicing service entrance conductors. Not sure of your loads but you may be able to install new service conductors to present service drop connections. I've done it many times as long as disconnects are grouped.

 

[junkhound]

The client is building an in-law unit on their property behind their house.

No charge to me, POC (PSE) installed a separate feed from the pad transformer to in-law unit service entrance. Separate meter, etc. I did hae to provide the service entrance and dig the ditch and provide 8" sand backfill.

 

[electrofelon]

I don't think the NEC is fine with splicing service entrance conductors. Not sure of your loads but you may be able to install new service conductors to present service drop connections. I've done it many times as long as disconnects are grouped.

See 230.46 : Service entrance conductors shall be permitted to be spliced or tapped....

I agree in just running a new set up to the weather head. 230.40 Ex 3 lets you do that and take it all the way to the accessory structure. I also like the two gang meter socket idea, going to be a little cleaner.