Hfalz1
Member
- Location
- Houston, Tx.
I am putting in a 400A single phase service. When i call the supply houses they tell me they have a 320A meter can. Can i use this can for a 400A service?
Generally speaking, the 320/400a service uses a regular meter, the full 400a service requires the CT cabinet.
Why would there be any difference between the two? Is the "full 400a service" considered to be 400 amp continuous? If so wouldn't that just be a 500 amp service?
A meter rated continuous 400 amps is a bolt in style meter.
CT metering is generally involving a plug in meter, though at a lower current but proportional to the conductors that are intended to be measured.
Larry only mentioned CT for full 400 A, but there is bolt in meters over 320, I have only seen maybe 4-6 in my lifetime, and don't know that those even exist anymore. Many POCO's just go with CT over 320.So the only difference in Larry's post is the style of meter? A 320/400 is a plugin and a "full 400" is a bolt in?
Yes, the "full" 400a means 400a continuous. Mathematically, what you say makes sense. I'm just relating how Dominion Energy does it.Why would there be any difference between the two? Is the "full 400a service" considered to be 400 amp continuous? If so wouldn't that just be a 500 amp service?
Agreed. I also don't know why this one meter class is specified differently, but I do have a guess:
It may have something to do with the 320/400 meter base being most often used to supply two 200a breaker panels, rather than a single 400a panel.
and if it is a 400 A service at a standard residential it may wind up with a 200 amp meter anyway (there are adapters for this).Larry only mentioned CT for full 400 A, but there is bolt in meters over 320, I have only seen maybe 4-6 in my lifetime, and don't know that those even exist anymore. Many POCO's just go with CT over 320.
and why not just put in a 600 A service if the load is that big?Would two panels vs. one panel really matter? I'm just trying to wrap my head around this 320/400 thing.