100A vs 200A Meter Socket Question

[Bobber039]

Is there a difference between meter sockets on the inside of meter box? The only thing i read online is the box is bigger for 200A service but nothing about the internals. I am looking to upgrade my electrical service from 100A to 200A and I am stuck as to what to do with my meter box. The lines coming from the street to the meter box are greater than 4/0 AWG and the meter itself is rated for 200A but I am not sure about the socket itself. Is there a way to tell if they can handle the extra amperage? Are all lugs the same inside meter sockets?

 

[kwired]

Is there a difference between meter sockets on the inside of meter box? The only thing i read online is the box is bigger for 200A service but nothing about the internals. I am looking to upgrade my electrical service from 100A to 200A and I am stuck as to what to do with my meter box. The lines coming from the street to the meter box are greater than 4/0 AWG and the meter itself is rated for 200A but I am not sure about the socket itself. Is there a way to tell if they can handle the extra amperage? Are all lugs the same inside meter sockets?

Most 100-125 amp meter sockets don't have lugs large enough to handle 200 amp conductors and that alone is kind of a limiting factor if you plan to do everything else to codes.

 

[Bobber039]

Most 100-125 amp meter sockets don't have lugs large enough to handle 200 amp conductors and that alone is kind of a limiting factor if you plan to do everything else to codes.

True but I could switch from aluminum stranded wire SEU to copper. Essentially, replace my 2/0 awg aluminum with 2/0 copper to handle the higher amperage. Since it is currently 2/0 awg wire, I know the copper wire would fit.

 

[Mr. Serious]

Most meter cans are 200A rated anyway. It's pretty standard to use a 200A meter can for any service size up to 200 or 225 amps.

Taking into account what kwired said, if your existing meter socket has lugs big enough for 200 amp wire, it is probably already rated for 200 amps and would not need to be replaced for a service upgrade, unless it's not in good condition anymore.

 

[LarryFine]

The current-carrying parts may be of different thickness. I've seen the line-side terminals of 100a meter bases melt when subject to the higher current when an un-permitted upgrade was done, and only the load-side service cable was upsized.

 

[Jraef]

There is also the issue of wire bending space requirements. That’s the reason a 200A can is bigger than a 100A can.

 

[growler]

The lines coming from the street to the meter box are greater than 4/0 AWG and the meter itself is rated for 200A but I am not sure about the socket itself. Is there a way to tell if they can handle the extra amperage? Are all lugs the same inside meter sockets?

I don't know what brand or age of your meter socket but most are marked inside as to the rateing.

Something to consider is that when you upgrade you may need an exterior disconnect and you may need to go with a 200 amp meter main. Or if the socket is very old it's a good idea to change it anyway.

 

[kwired]

I don't know what brand or age of your meter socket but most are marked inside as to the rateing.

Something to consider is that when you upgrade you may need an exterior disconnect and you may need to go with a 200 amp meter main. Or if the socket is very old it's a good idea to change it anyway.

On an adhesive label that may be long gone.