Metal Siding, Proper meter and disconnect mounting? Do they need to be isolated from the siding?

D

Dave Sampson

Member
Location
MO
Occupation
EE
Hi all,

We're getting ready to do and install on a new home, however this one has metal (steel) siding instead of vinyl or wood which is what we're use to.

Mounting the Meter (320a) and two Disconnects (200a ea) is not the issue as it's metal board and batten and all fit fine directly onto the metal panels.

However, looking up to see if the meter can and disconnects need to be isolated from the walls, I'm getting conflicting information.

We have a bonded ground going from one disconnect box to 2 ground rods and back up to the second disconnect. But putting both disconnects and the meter can all onto the metal siding is effectively bonding them all together?

Most people are saying this is the norm, a select few are saying they need to be isolated from the siding.

Thoughts?

Thanks all!
 
Dave Sampson said:
We have a bonded ground going from one disconnect box to 2 ground rods and back up to the second disconnect. But putting both disconnects and the meter can all onto the metal siding is effectively bonding them all together?
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No issue with the metal siding. In fact the installation is likely safer with the siding bonded to the service equipment.
 
I agree that is normal to put this all on aluminum siding. Just an additional note, I often see pictures from different areas around the country of the point of attachment being an insulated hook. My power company uses non-insulated steel hooks that go right through aluminum siding on houses that have it.
 
Metering and disconnects are commonly mounted to metal strut racks. This bonds everything together and is not a problem.

One thing you may be reading is if these are surface mount 3R enclosures, they need to be a touch off the mounting surface so they don't rust out. The manufacturer usually deals with this for you by having little pushed out "feet" at the mounting holes. Those feet go up tight to the surface, but the rest of the enclosure is about 1/4" off the surface so it can dry out.
 
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