PSEG Residential Service (north Brunswick, nj)

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Foof2023

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Nyc
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Local 3 electrician
What’s up guys. New here. Looking for some help with a silly question. Upgrading a panel to 200 amps in a residence in nj. Can I use an LB condulet from the meter base to the panel.
 
Well, I’d like to come from the back of the meter base with a 2” rigid nipple to the back of the panel. But I’m reading that it might not be code compliant to come from back of meter base. Right now there is SE cable from meter base to panel, so I’m not sure if I’m overthinking it. Maybe i should just get 2/0 SE cable.
 
LB's are used all of the time for services. The POCO might require tamper resistant screws to hold on the LB cover. You would need to check that the LB is listed for #2/0 conductors if using copper or #4/0 if using aluminum.
 
Thank you for you quick reply. Really appreciate it. I have one more question…what is this I’m reading about the nec 2020 code requiring a means of disconnect on the outside of the house. Is that something I will have to add or is that not in effect yet
 
Depends. If you file for the permit prior to March 6 and write on the permit "2017 NEC" you won't have to install the EM disconnect.
 
It’s for a job I’m doing tomorrow. Customer called PSEG so I could upgrade wires from meter to panel. And also change the panel. If that’s what you mean by “filing for the permit before March 16th. Am I in the clear then? It’s an existing meter. Already rated for 200amps. I’m not changing that
 
Filing a permit means actually filing a permit with the local Township
 
Foof2023 said:
It’s for a job I’m doing tomorrow. Customer called PSEG so I could upgrade wires from meter to panel. And also change the panel. If that’s what you mean by “filing for the permit before March 16th. Am I in the clear then? It’s an existing meter. Already rated for 200amps. I’m not changing that
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Sounds like you're not replacing the entire service so IMO the EM disconnect is not required under the rehab code. Who filed the permit?
 
infinity said:
Depends. If you file for the permit prior to March 6 and write on the permit "2017 NEC" you won't have to install the EM disconnect.
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As luck would have it, I recently posed this same question to the NJ DCA Code Assistance Unit. They replied was that a service upgrade falls under the Rehab Code and they are using the 2017 NEC. So, no disconnect is required.
 
goldstar said:
As luck would have it, I recently posed this same question to the NJ DCA Code Assistance Unit. They replied was that a service upgrade falls under the Rehab Code and they are using the 2017 NEC. So, no disconnect is required.
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What if you replaced the entire service and not just the panel? I'm assuming that would fall under the 2020 (unless you noted 2017 NEC on the permit) and the EM disconnect would be required.
 
goldstar said:
As luck would have it, I recently posed this same question to the NJ DCA Code Assistance Unit. They replied was that a service upgrade falls under the Rehab Code and they are using the 2017 NEC. So, no disconnect is required.
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My understanding is once the 2020 kicks in they are going to require the em disconnect for upgrades. That was out of the mouth of a guy that sits on the state code panel.
 
Ken_S said:
My understanding is once the 2020 kicks in they are going to require the em disconnect for upgrades. That was out of the mouth of a guy that sits on the state code panel.
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I believe that you're correct. The OP is only changing the panel and not changing the service so the rehab code should apply.
 
infinity said:
But not the existing 200 amp SEC's or the meter. It could be argued that he's not upgrading the service just the panel.
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The way I'm reading his post is that he already has a 200 amp rated meter base, based on the fact that he is installing larger sec and rerouting them, I really think this would be considered an upgrade. If he is infact upgrading the service that would still fall under the rehab code but now would be considered an alteration. If it is an upgrade he's going to need to upgrade the water bond and regardless of what it is he'll need to bring the GES up to code
 
Ken_S said:
If it is an upgrade he's going to need to upgrade the water bond and regardless of what it is he'll need to bring the GES up to code
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If he already has 200 amp SEC's feeding the existing 200 amp meter wouldn't the existing GES already be based on the existing SEC's? (WOW that's word soup).
 
I've been going back and forth with the State DCA on this. Here is a summary of my correspondence:
Good Morning Code Assistance Unit,
Several of my electrical contractor associates have asked me recently if we are required to install an outdoor disconnect when performing a service upgrade. My understanding is that it was required under the 2020 NEC for NEW CONSTRUCTION ONLY. If I am mistaken, would you please respond and correct me when you have the time ?

Thank you
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Their answer :
Correct. Service upgrades will fall under rehab, which is currently enforcing the '17 code. The '17 code does not contain this requirement.
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My follow-up e-mail :
Hello Code Assistance Unit,

Thank you for your quick response. I've spoken to several electrical inspectors and this has basically been their response :

********
Since a service upgrade falls under the rehab code you have another 6 month grace period to use the 2017 code because they are going to adopt the 2020 code for rehab on March 6th.

On September 5th 2023 you will have to provide an outdoor “main disconnect” or “emergency disconnect For all 1 and 2 family services including upgrades. (Hopefully inspectors understand this).

*the grace period for using the 2017 code for new construction / additions ends March 5th as you mentioned in your email.

*********
There are other inspectors who believe that we are already in the "grace period" and will require us to provide a disconnect as of March 6, 2023.

Unfortunately, everyone is not on the same page with this and it is extremely unfair to all of us electricians who are out there, trying to earn a living and desperately trying to do the right thing. Unless NJ OFFICIALLY adopts the 2020 NEC in its entirety or removes section 230.70 of the Code with respect to service upgrades, I'm guessing that all or most electrical inspectors will be enforcing that section. I would imagine that either way would be OK with most of us electricians and we would include this in our prices to our customers. But, we should all be able to work anywhere in the State and be subject to the same rules and regulations and not "hit-or-miss" depending on the electrical inspector.

Sending out a Bulletin or posting it in the CCC, I'm told, is not enforceable.

Your thoughts would be appreciated.

Thank you
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I'll post a reply if I get one.
 
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