Art.90.2(B)(5)a.

[bill talbot]

We have changed a customers metering method from secondary metering to primary metering. We have installed a primary metered combination CT/PT- !5kV low profile load-break fused switch which protects the existing service transformer, this equipment is outdoors. We have routed the 1.5'' RMC metering conduit exposed through the adjacent Mech. Rm. to the new Utility owned wall mounted meter location within the room about 20ft. from the outside wall (the only space available). The Utility provided the heavy duty 9/c metering flexible cable which we installed in the conduit in compliance with the Utility specifications, we terminated the cable at the CT/PT's and at the meter interface. The inspector has informed us that we are in violation of Art.230 in that we did not route the conduit "outside" the building. The Utility stated that the meter and wiring method is under their jurisdiction and maintenance and the code does not cover electric utility metering as shown in Art.90(B)(5)a. and the meter wires are not service entrance conductors which must comply with Art.230.

We have installed double ended service substations where the two meters are mounted remote from the substation equipment using exposed RMC between the CT/PT sections and the meters in compliance with Utility specifications with no violations.

We have installed secondary/primary metering conversions many times in other cities exactly as described above with no violations.

Who do you think is right, the electrical inspector or the Utility? When you think in terms of the fault current danger from the metering CT/PT's should the conduit be damaged,which only produce enough power to spin the meter, it does not seem to me to to be a serious problem.


:roll:

 

[Pierre C Belarge]

Who owns the building? The utility or is it privately owned?

You may want to hang your hat on (5)(c) if the utility owns the property.

If not, (5)(a) would not put you in a position to not require the service conductors supplying the meter to be located outside the building - 230.6

Take a look at (A)(1) & (A)(4) for some more guidance.

 

[bill talbot]

The Utility does not own the building. The wires in question are not service entrance conducters they are meter wires, therefore, I think, are not governered by Art230. Likewise wires from an outdoor generator that terminate in the Annunciator Panel which could be located in a Security Office would not be considered service entrance conductors.