2 loads in meter socket

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T. M

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I've seen this done a few times and just wondering if it's legal to do? coming out of the load side of a 200 amp meter socket 2 times. The times I've seen it the wires are both under the same lug. Do they make some kind of double lug that would make it OK or is it just wrong any way you do it? The meter socket is usually out in the yard on a post, closer to any outbuilding that needs power than coming from the home.
 
For a single family dwelling,
[NEC 230.40 Exception No. 3] permits one service drop to supply two different sets of service entrance conductors.
One set for the single family dwelling and one set for a seperate structure

The service conductors would have to be tapped onto the meter base using a code compliant method.
2 wires under one lug is not allowed, unless the lug is rated for 2 or more conductors.
I've never seen a (<200A) meter base that was rated for more than 1 conductor under each lug, but hey, I haven't seen everything yet:) .

Just my opinion
steve
 
i guess you could use a terminal box below the meter socket then. and come out of that 2 times, but wouldn't having a 200 A service at the house and another panel in the detached be overloading?
 
Poco's in different parts of the country allow different types of meter sockets to be used. Here a meter/main combo can is allowed.
One favorite 200 amp combo can has space for two 2 pole service disconnect breakers to be installed, allowing feeders to be run to two separate sub panels. That solves the double lug problem.
 
You should be able to get the double lugs from the manufacturer.
The majority of services on houses in S Florida have a socket with double lugs to feed two panels on the interior.
 
Would you consider one conductor stripped 1" to expose the copper, looping into and then back out of the meter pan "2 conductors under one lug?"
 
LawnGuyLandSparky said:
Would you consider one conductor stripped 1" to expose the copper, looping into and then back out of the meter pan "2 conductors under one lug?"
Click to expand...

I would consider it two terminations under one lug and would require proof that the lug was listed as such. :smile:
 
wbalsam1 said:
I would consider it two terminations under one lug and would require proof that the lug was listed as such. :smile:
Click to expand...


I agree, it's highly doubtful that a lug listed for say #6-#4/0 would be code compliant with a doubled over #2 making it a #2/0. (I'm guessing at the #2/0 part). However there are single lugs that are listed for two conductors. IMO you're required to use one of those or something equivalent.
 
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