400 amp service with 2-200 amp subs

Status
Not open for further replies.
Re: 400 amp service with 2-200 amp subs

My eletric company is Alliant here in Iowa and they will only let you use wants on their list of meter sockets and Milbank is the one I have can find. 320 amp meter socket. I will have no problem if I put the 200 service panel inside and the 200 disconnect for the house inside next to it. If I installed a 400 amp main for everything it would cost the costomer another $1300. I'm just trying to save him a little money but still want everything to be safe. Also if I go this way I want to make sure that everything is properly grounded correct.
Jim
Jim
 
Re: 400 amp service with 2-200 amp subs

I would put 2 200 amp disconects on the outside of the first building and a main lug panel at each. GEC would be sized for the 400 amp service and bonded at each disconect with the neutrals then run 4 conductors to each panel. Either cable or in conduit. I am guessing that the 150 foot distance would be done underground?
While I agree with the posts about putting the second disconect inside next to the first panel would be code compliant and probably be a good install, I would want any emergency to be able disconect power to either structre from one location. Although amp tech and I are alsmost neighbors I do not believe our local ahj would permit us to do this type of instalation.
Also in the orginal post I did not see whether the second panel at the house would be MLO or main breaker.
 
Re: 400 amp service with 2-200 amp subs

caj1962, where are you located and why wouldn't your AHJ allow the 2 disconnects inside? Grouped is grouped. Also, I don't think the 200A loadcenter in the second building could be MLO. 225.31 and 225.32. I don't think 225.32 Exception No.1 would apply unless this farmer was considered a qualified individual. If he was why isn't he doing this job himself?
 
Re: 400 amp service with 2-200 amp subs

I have an issue here,Grouped is grouped.But if the nec allows at first point of entry or adjacent to,what dictates if is one inside and one outside, grouped?? Now to go one further,The code allows an underslab in 3 wire since it is in essense a extended back to back.What happens if one is back to back and second is underslabbed 50 ft. away.Code allaows us to use the distance from the slab to the panel/meter as a measuring basis.But they are not grouped,another gray area....Any thoughts :p
 
Re: 400 amp service with 2-200 amp subs

Amptech
I am in Wayne County> Our local amendments state that if you use 2 disconects they must be adjacent to the the meter base. This is how every one does it. :D Brain was fried last night.
 
Re: 400 amp service with 2-200 amp subs

The most economical way I have found to install 400 amp services is to use a 400 amp combo panel (meter and breaker panel). Seimens makes one thats around $350. It has 4 ckt capability (2-200amp breakers).This way I don't have to spend extra on 3r 200 amp outdoor panels. I can install two 200 ampML panels any where I need to, preferably near large equip so my big wire runs are short and sweet.Also I don't have to install discos for furnaces and wwater heaters if you are lucky enough to have the mechanical contractor keep them together.
 
Re: 400 amp service with 2-200 amp subs

caj1962
Do you know here in Indiana local units of government don't have the legal ability to change the building codes without the states authorization? And if it is accepted by the state it would be in the IEC and or the Indiana codes.
I have found many units doing this but if ever taken to court they would loose. If you want to read up on this look at the IC here:

Indiana Codes

look in article 22 and 36

[ February 27, 2004, 08:46 PM: Message edited by: hurk27 ]
 
Re: 400 amp service with 2-200 amp subs

Hurk
Yes I was aware of that. But thank you for posting it to those that may not. Like you I have not felt the need to challenge what may seem like trivial requests from the local yocals. Most of those that do make local changes have a guideline as to what they want. I just did a service like this and thanks to the posts used a combo meter with 4 slots and saved over $200 from what I thought I was going to have in material. So much for wasting my time on a computer. That is what some of my counterparts think when I tell them about this forum.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Top