Meter can Continuous VS Non Continuous

[NoFluxGiven]

How do I determine if my meter can will need to be continuous or non continuous? Looking to set up a 400 amp service and not sure if I need a 320 or 400 amp can. Is it will the venue be at full load for more than three hours?

 

[Dennis Alwon]

What type of occupancy or building is it?

 

[NoFluxGiven]

Commercial. It is going to be a wedding venue.

 

[Elect117]

A 320 is the highest meter type before you need space for the utility to install CT type metering.

Not all Utilities carry the 320 class.

You should ask the utility or look up their electric service rules. It will more than likely have that information.

If your concern is using a 400A main and needing to protect the meter assembly, then I wouldn't worry about it. Unless the utility tells you to prepare a CT cabinet. Let them tell you what to put in for their metering.

 

[Strathead]

How do I determine if my meter can will need to be continuous or non continuous? Looking to set up a 400 amp service and not sure if I need a 320 or 400 amp can. Is it will the venue be at full load for more than three hours?

The occupancy question doesn't really matter. If your calculated load is over 320 amps after all factors including continuous loads and demand factors, then you need a 400 amp meter.

 

[jim dungar]

How do I determine if my meter can will need to be continuous or non continuous?

You need to ask your utility.
You can provide them your NEC calcs but in the end it is their choice.

 

[electrofelon]

You need to ask your utility.
You can provide them your NEC calcs but in the end it is their choice.

Around here the meter socket is customer owned and subject to the NEC .

 

[jim dungar]

Around here the meter socket is customer owned and subject to the NEC .

It has nothing to do with who owns the meter socket. It has to do with what meter the utility plans to plug into it.
Some only allow the 320A meter for residential construction, which means a commercial site needs a 400A regardless what the NEC would allow.

 

[electrofelon]

It has nothing to do with who owns the meter socket. It has to do with what meter the utility plans to plug into it.
Some only allow the 320A meter for residential construction, which means a commercial site needs a 400A regardless what the NEC would allow.

I dont disagree, but I found your response in post #6 to be confusing. Yes some utities do not allow 320 sockets or allow for resi only, but it doesnt have anything to do with if the customer's load's are continuous or not. It seems the OP is asking about the continuous rating of of a CL320 assembly and if it can be used on a 400A service.