Disconnect ahead of utility meter, need help

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mollydodger

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The local utility has started requiring a disconnect on all 480 volt services up to 200 amperes in our area. This is new to us in this jurisdiction and we understand it is commonplace in many areas. We need to know how the disconnect is traeted in areas where this is already done. Is it considered to be the service disconnect and is it required to be grounded as such? Is the disconnect required to be provided with overcurrent protection?? Is there any inherent danger electrically in not treating this as we would any service disconnecting means and requiring it to be grounded, bonded and protected as a service disconnect? Please advise.
 
One of the POCOs in my area requires a disconnect ahead of any 480 volt meter. They require the cover and handle to be locked by POCO lock.
For that reason I discourage any overcurrent protection.
Due to it not being in control of the customer, I look at it as a "POCO switch" and apply the "normal" rules for the service disconnect independant of this piece of POCO equipment..
 
Are they requiring a disconnect switch (switch designed to be capable of interrupting a load), or an isolating switch (switch designed to be operated only have some other device has interrupted the load)?

-Jon
 
If the serving electric utility is OK with metering a feeder, there is no problem with having the meter in cold sequence after the service disconnecting means and overcurrent device as long as 230.92 is complied with. In lieu of a locked service, a meter disconnect may be installed. In other words, it may be done either way and you need to discuss options with the serving electric utility if you wish to do the installation in a manner that is different than they have originally specified. :smile:
 
augie47 said:
One of the POCOs in my area requires a disconnect ahead of any 480 volt meter. They require the cover and handle to be locked by POCO lock.
For that reason I discourage any overcurrent protection.
Due to it not being in control of the customer, I look at it as a "POCO switch" and apply the "normal" rules for the service disconnect independant of this piece of POCO equipment..
Click to expand...

Almost every non-fusible disconnect is rated at a maximum of 10kA SCCR, unless there are protective devices in front of it. Would that issue need to be considered per 110.9 and 110.10?
 
A meter disconnect was added to equipment connected to the supply side of service disconnect list found in section 230.82 in 2005. Revised in 2008 to include bonding requirements, it basically is impossible to comply with as written with a non fused disconnect as Jim mentioned. The intent is simple, allow the utility employee who installs or removes the meter to do so while deenergized. Many utilities require this on 480 volt up to 400 amps.
 
thank you gentlemen, I had foolishly overlooked that.
(knew it, forgot it age/CRS disease)
 
derf48 said:
A meter disconnect was added to equipment connected to the supply side of service disconnect list found in section 230.82 in 2005. Revised in 2008 to include bonding requirements, it basically is impossible to comply with as written with a non fused disconnect as Jim mentioned. The intent is simple, allow the utility employee who installs or removes the meter to do so while deenergized. Many utilities require this on 480 volt up to 400 amps.
Click to expand...
I had to do this on an 800 amp service.Its not cheap but keeps them safe.Not a bad idea other than the cost.
 
We been required to have a disconnect ahead of the meter for 25 years. Mike Holt at his 2005 code change conference had never heard of this.
Bond it via the main bonding jumper. Its not the service disconnect unless you want it to be. I install a second downstream of the meter.
They are locked on with the POCO lock.
This practice is now recognized by the NEC. The picture in Mike Holts 2005 and 2008 code change book is one I took.
I used non fused unless the AIC is over 10K
 
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