Disconnect at Meter

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Sparky9876

Member
Location
Pa
Hello,
Have a few questions.
Can anyone give me the article in the code book on how many feet are we allowed to come off the load side of a single family homes meter once we enter before we enter the panel?
Also if we whether inside the home we would have to come off a disconnect?
 

don_resqcapt19

Moderator
Staff member
Location
Illinois
Occupation
retired electrician
The code, in 230.70(A)(1) says the disconnect must be "nearest the point of entrance" of the service conductors. It does not give any measurements. Some areas have local amendments specifying 5', 10' or even 15'. Other areas enforce it exactly as written. That is once you enter the building you go directly into the service entrance enclosure.
 

Dsg319

Senior Member
Location
West Virginia
Occupation
Wv Master “lectrician”
I
Hello,
Have a few questions.
Can anyone give me the article in the code book on how many feet are we allowed to come off the load side of a single family homes meter once we enter before we enter the panel?
Also if we whether inside the home we would have to come off a disconnect?
Idk if you are on the 2020 code change yet or if it’s a new install, but here’s this to think about if you are. D20C081F-CE98-4A57-A0A4-7A8AAB8AFAB1.jpeg
 

tom baker

First Chief Moderator & NEC Expert
Staff member
Location
Bremerton, Washington
Occupation
Master Electrician
In WA its 15 ft of raceway, and the type of raceway is restricted. PVC, RMC, no EMT, no SE cable. But as Don said it varies greatly. If you go over the max distance it must be encased in 2" concrete, and I have seen than done under a house.
Personally even if you are not on the 2020 NEC, I would install a meter/disconnect combo, can come off it for HVAC or similar. I have heard meter/disconnects are in short supply
 

don_resqcapt19

Moderator
Staff member
Location
Illinois
Occupation
retired electrician
In WA its 15 ft of raceway, and the type of raceway is restricted. PVC, RMC, no EMT, no SE cable. But as Don said it varies greatly. If you go over the max distance it must be encased in 2" concrete, and I have seen than done under a house.
Personally even if you are not on the 2020 NEC, I would install a meter/disconnect combo, can come off it for HVAC or similar. I have heard meter/disconnects are in short supply
Yes, our local code permits 10', but all service conductors must be in rigid conduit.
 

LarryFine

Master Electrician Electric Contractor Richmond VA
Location
Henrico County, VA
Occupation
Electrical Contractor
The disconnect itself could be inside or outside. I did them inside the garage behind the meter on this job:

(Waiting on the ATS when the pic was taken)

DSC00526.JPG DSC00528.JPG
 

Hv&Lv

Senior Member
Location
-
Occupation
Engineer/Technician
This. The line side of both disconnects was made up, and all of the grounding done, so there was no issue with live conductors.
OK..
Around here the meter is held until very last (final) to make sure all the fees are paid to inspections company.
some can get a 90 day temporary connect, but it’s usually not worth the hassle from the inspectors.
 
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