CABLE PENETRATION IN BACK OF METER CAN

[TODD B.]

Would someone be able to clarify wire bending space . Scenerio, 200 amp meter can, 4/0 Al SE cable on the load side coming out of the back of the meter can directly below the lay in terminal lugs. Does Table 312.6 allow this bending radius, the utility company is silent on this.

 

[augie47]

I would say 312.6(A) applies and as an afterthought, there are likely some meter sockets that don't comply. The sockets around here have two piece lugs so it has not presented a problem and for that reason I guess it has been overlooked.
(Our POCOs stock various bases and with some, I don't think it's a violation)

 

[TODD B.]

4/0 AL. would need to be 4'' from the lay-in terminal lug to the bottom of the meter can if i understand Table 312.6 (A) Correct?

 

[TODD B.]

Augie, are you saying that 4'' is what distance you need from the terminal measured to the back of the meter can?

 

[augie47]

Augie, are you saying that 4'' is what distance you need from the terminal measured to the back of the meter can?

I could be mistaken, but I believe the measurement would be to the "wall" opposite the terminal.

 

[infinity]

This section confuses me, here's the note to that table. Does it say anything about the actual conductor entering the enclosure or is the space simply required to be provided between the lug and the enclosure?

312.6(A)Note: Bending space at terminals shall be measured in a straight line from the end of the lug or wire connector (in the direction that the wire leaves the terminal) to the wall, barrier, or obstruction.

 

[kwired]

312.6 B:

(B) Wire-Bending Space at Terminals. Wire-bending space at each terminal shall be provided in accordance with 312.6(B)(1) or (B)(2).

(1) Conductors Not Entering or Leaving Opposite Wall. Table 312.6(A) shall apply where the conductor does not enter or leave the enclosure through the wall opposite its terminal.

(2) Conductors Entering or Leaving Opposite Wall. Table 312.6(B) shall apply where the conductor does enter or leave the enclosure through the wall opposite its terminal.

If conductors do not leave the opposite wall from the terminal (that is what you have if you enter the back of the enclosure) you use table A

The 4/0 conductor must have 4 inches of bending space before exiting the enclosure is how I read it. If it leaves the opposite wall from the terminal a few other conditions come into play. The max distance from terminal to opposite wall is 7 inches, can be reduced to 6 if lay in type terminal, and can be 6 inches if compact stranded conductor.

 

[TODD B.]

This Article is not very clear in my opinion, it is hard to understand. So in the example as posted, Kwired; you believe that Table 312.6 (a) applies in this case? 4/0 AL SE cable terminated on the load side in the meter can (lay in terminals) and immediately turns down at a 90 degree angle and exits out the back of the meter can, that 4'' measured along the length of the conductor or a depth of 4'' measured from the terminal to the back of the meter can where the conductor exits or leaves.

 

[kwired]

This Article is not very clear in my opinion, it is hard to understand. So in the example as posted, Kwired; you believe that Table 312.6 (a) applies in this case? 4/0 AL SE cable terminated on the load side in the meter can (lay in terminals) and immediately turns down at a 90 degree angle and exits out the back of the meter can, that 4'' measured along the length of the conductor or a depth of 4'' measured from the terminal to the back of the meter can where the conductor exits or leaves.

What I think I was trying to say is there needs to be 4 inches from the lug to the KO opening you are exiting the enclosure through. Kind of for the same reason you need 6 x largest raceway diameter for pull box or conduit body for angle or U pulls but but need 8 x for straight pulls. The straight pull would be more similar to a conductor leaving the enclosure through opposite wall and would need more distance to be able to maneuver the conductor into the lug, whereas if the conductor enters from any other place it is generally easier to maneuver the conductor into the lug and not as much space is needed to be able to do so.

Hope that makes sense.