Add a disconnect switch between Electric Meter and Service Panel

[ElectronicsNut]

Existing service panel is a 1960's 200 amp service panel in poor condition. The main breaker assembly is twisting due to main electric feed cables were installed with a twist to them. Each year they are twisting the breakers more and more.

The replacement, which I have already purchased, is a 200 Amp 30 breaker Leviton Remote Control Load Center. This product allows me to remotely "Open" each breaker, but unfortunately it does not allow me to re-set it remotely. I was up in the air as to whether or not I should have purchased the Schneider Electric "PowerLink" which would give me "FULL" control over each individual breaker or the Levinton product. I had a discussion with a person that works for the city and the odds of getting the Schneider PowerLink product approved "Without" having the low-voltage breaker control leads terminated, were not that great. The control leads were going to be connected to my Home Automation and Energy Management systems when I completed the low-voltage interface. The interface is about 50% completed.

So, I thought that I would go with the Leviton and give that a try. If I am not happy with it I would replace it with the Schneider PowerLink product down the road. Hey, if your not happy with a car you purchased.... you trade it in on one you (probably) like better.

So, can I have the electrician install a Main disconnect switch between the Electric meter and the service panel? I am not sure if this is allowed by the national/local electrical codes, I would venture to say that it should be OK. The reason for the added disconnect switch is, should I decide to swap out the Leviton load center for the PowerLink down the road, I could do the conversion myself. I would probably have to come up with a MUCH better excuse for the city inspector.

I was a 134 Electrician card holder in Chicago, back in the 1970's while working in the phone company's Power Department. So my experiences include both high and low (48VDC) Central Office Power. The low-voltage 48VDC power bus system was massive in each office back then with Cross-bar, 5 ESS systems and the number of 2 volt batteries for power backup.

So after all this the question is, can a 200 amp "Main Disconnect" switch be installed between the Electric meter and Service panel? Actually it is one additional safety feature.

Thanks

 

[don_resqcapt19]

If that disconnect between the meter and the panel is not an emergency disconnect as required for one and two family dwellings in section 230.85 of the 2020 NEC, that disconnect will become the service disconnect and the wiring from that disconnect to the panel will require the ungrounded conductors, grounded conductor and grounding conductor.
That first disconnect will have to have the grounding electrode connection and the main bonding jumper. The neutrals and grounds will have to be separated at the actual panel.

 

[ElectronicsNut]

230.85 main intent is for the Emergency Disconnect switch location (outside), so as to be accessible for First Responders. All for that! I live in Florida so my service panel was moved to the outside wall next to the meter can sometime in the 60's. I do not lock it as the yard is enclosed by a 6' privacy fence, which has sensors on it that text me when any of the gates are opened and lights come on with other sensors also. Hence.... ElectronicsNut!

I would almost say that the determination of a Disconnect switch vs Safety Disconnect switch seems to be more of an self imposed designation. If the electrician classifies and labels it as a First Responders Safety Disconnect switch located between the Electric meter and Service panel, that is what it would be considered and should not have to deal with the ground and opening the Neutral/Ground strap in the service panel. I would then have to determine what type of 220VAC Safety Disconnect switch assembly would be approved for that purpose.

Maybe wrong as that would be the first disconnect switch in either scenario.