200 Amp to 400 Amp service

Status
Not open for further replies.
R

RESI

Member
Location
Virginia
Peace to all!

I have a residential house customer that wants to increase his service from 200A to 400A. His meter base will be about 15 plus feet from the new panels. Here are my thoughts on the issue. Since the meter base and panels are farther than 6 feet apart, a 400A service disconnect switch would have to go between them. Also, 200A SER cable would have to be run to each panel from the disconnect. Also, I believe that each panel will have their respective grounds and neutrals separated and everthing bonded at the disconnect. I am correct in saying that the green bonding screw will not be installed at each 200A panel? I live in VA.

Thanks to all that reply and may you all be blessed, I know I am.
 
RESI said:
His meter base will be about 15 plus feet from the new panels. ~ Since the meter base and panels are farther than 6 feet apart, a 400A service disconnect switch would have to go between them. Also, 200A SER cable would have to be run to each panel from the disconnect.
Click to expand...
How much of that 15 feet will be inside the structure? You might be able to use MB panels and no outside disco. If not, I would consider two 200a discos.

Also, I believe that each panel will have their respective grounds and neutrals separated and everthing bonded at the disconnect. I am correct in saying that the green bonding screw will not be installed at each 200A panel?
Click to expand...
You are. All the bonding/grounding is done in the enclosure that contains the service main disco.

That's why you use SER instead of SE; the exterior main renders the separate panel a sub-panel.

I live in VA.
Click to expand...
We won't hold that against you. ;)
 
LarryFine said:
How much of that 15 feet will be inside the structure? You might be able to use MB panels and no outside disco. If not, I would consider two 200a discos.


You are. All the bonding/grounding is done in the enclosure that contains the service main disco.

That's why you use SER instead of SE; the exterior main renders the separate panel a sub-panel.

We won't hold that against you. ;)
Click to expand...

LarryFine- Can you explain the MB panels? Maybe link a picture of one for me? Thanks
 
The 400?s we used residentially are actually rated at 320A continuous, with either a 400A main or 2-200?s and they include the meter socket (available through most manufactures). If you use one of these type Meter Main Load Center?s (MMLC?s) you won?t have to deal with separate meter base or service disconnects. You are correct in saying all bonding needs to take place at the MMLC (service disconnect), and not at the sub-panels.

The 320A continuous load can be qualified by an NEC Art 220 calc, you can sure put a lot on these!
 
In our area, the POCO approves multiple manufacturer's meterpans that are rated for similar installations such as the OP has described. The lugs on the meterpans are listed for 2 sets of conductors. The contractors here have been installing 2 sets of conductors from the meterpan, 1 set to one panel, the 2nd set to the second panel. Milbank and Delta are the two I am aware of. Make sure your POCO approves whichever meterpan you may choose to use.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Top