Duplex Service Entry.

Status
Not open for further replies.
aelectricalman

aelectricalman

Senior Member
Location
KY
I was just wanting to get some opinions based on experience as to what would be the cheapest way to build a service for a duplex. These will be metered seperately but can be placed together. Thank you for any help on this matter.
 
Re: Duplex Service Entry.

A lot will depend upon what your serving electric will allow. In most areas the POCO wont run separate services to a duplex unless it is going to be sold as indavidual units as in a condo.
 
Re: Duplex Service Entry.

They will be seperate electric bills and water bills. The services will be seperated but need to stick together on the same side of the structure. Should I use a multi-meter base w/ 2 meters or should/can I just use seperate services. Which is more cost efficent?

Thanks
 
Re: Duplex Service Entry.

While im on the subject, I see no special considerations needed to be given regarding two-family dwellings.

The only I could find is this.

230.40 Exception No. 4: A two-family dwelling or a multifamily dwelling shall be permitted to have one set of service-entrance conductors installed to supply the circuits covered in 210.25 .

210.25 Common Area Branch Circuits .
Branch circuits in dwelling units shall supply only loads within that dwelling unit or loads associated only with that dwelling unit. Branch circuits required for the purpose of lighting, central alarm, signal, communications, or other needs for public or common areas of a two-family or multifamily dwelling shall not be supplied from equipment that supplies an individual dwelling unit.

Can anyone else point out special provisions or considerations when wiring a multi family dwelling. Thank you.
 
Re: Duplex Service Entry.

It is one building with two occupancies, you are permitted one service drop or lateral. You may then separate to two separate services. I recommend a two gang meter fitting and then feed the two separate service equipment locations in each side of the double. :D
 
Re: Duplex Service Entry.

Service6.gif


Ed
 
Re: Duplex Service Entry.

I have been doing a few of these lately and have found the most cost effective way to go is 2 small meter combos. Of course here in AZ everyone puts the breakers outside with the main.
I can get 100 amp combos for less than $40 each. The POCO only requires one 2 inch rigid riser, the other can be sized to NEC and can even be EMT since they only provide one drop and they just bug the second one on. They do require the two weatherheads to be within 18 inches of each other, so your 2 combos will be mighty close together.
Altho I haven't looked around much for 2 gang meter sockets, my supply house doesn't have them and they say they are expensive. Plus then I'd have to buy separate 3R panels which actually cost more than the meter combos. Plus then I'd have to buy nipples or offsets and four bonding bushings.
Anyway that's how I been doing it and it's been working out well but I'm always open to other ideas.
 
Re: Duplex Service Entry.

Re reading both posts are you saying that it is $$$ wise to install A 2 meter/primary panel combo than a 2 meter with 2 main bkr panels(exterior 3r panels)We don`t do exterior panel installations here.Back to backs are the main stream.Split/Remotes are the last resort :eek: ;)
 
Re: Duplex Service Entry.

It is better to have individual single meter sockets. If you need to upgrade or have a problem with your meter in a 2 gang socket, neighbor may not want to or not share the cost. he may also not allow you to run your conduit on his outside wall. as each portion of town homes are owned by the individual. If the service to each unit is entirly separate, then there is no problem.
 
Re: Duplex Service Entry.

Thank you all for your help. I do have one last question on this matter.

If I am figuring up a load calculation on the duplex, would I need to figure it up as one load calculation since the service is delivered to the meter cabinet on one wire, or should I stick to 2 seperate load calcs.

Not that it changes the outcome of your answer but its all electric and only 850sqft on each side. 1700 total. Thanks for any help guys.

I know I ask alot of questions. But I will be honest, im here to learn more. I try to give back as much as possible. The more I learn the more I can give back is my philosophy. I am an EC that is fairly new to the game. I've been an ME for 3 years but never ran a crew until I've worked for myself. I have had to jump into this headfirst, and this site really takes a lot of load off of my shoulders, knowing there are people I can talk to that know more than me. Probably some younger and some older. As my Father used to say, "Son, I've probably forgotten more than you'll ever know".

Thanksto all for your help.
 
Re: Duplex Service Entry.

Each dwelling unit stands on its own. If you have a large building with a bunch of apartments, each dwelling unit will still stand on its own. It is when you start combining the loads into a common service that you may start working on the diversity. Take a look at 220.32 which doesn't apply and 220.33 which may apply. :D
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Top