Meter base change out

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cknight

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manteo NC
Replacing a meter base that had a burnt socket. New meter base, new overhead service and brought grounding up to code. Inspector shows up and says we have to install smoke detectors, install gfi's where needed, add a disconnect, replace service cable with 4 wire I don't disagree with these problems but can he really require this just because the meter base was replaced? We didn't work on the load side other than make sure the grounding was good. Any one else had these issues?
 
Must be a local thing the NEC wouldn't require any of the aditadditional work mentioned.
 
CA will require smoke and CO if the permit is over 1K. Some locals require GFCI's also.

Yes not a NEC requirement.
 
Yes. The panel is about 8' from the meter. 1980's house. Inspector wants the whole deal. Disconnect, 4 wire , grounds and neutrals separate. Unfortunately home owners have no means to pay for upgrades. Now I'm stuck in the middle.
 
I have never heard of that requirement just for replacing a meter.
Here, we would have to add battery powered smokes if none existed.
Might have to re-do the GES but that would be all. I think your inspector is overreaching into the "I'd like to see" arena!
I would consult with the AHJ or the inspector's boss or his boss!
 
cknight said:
Replacing a meter base that had a burnt socket. New meter base, new overhead service and brought grounding up to code. Inspector shows up and says we have to install smoke detectors, install gfi's where needed, add a disconnect, replace service cable with 4 wire I don't disagree with these problems but can he really require this just because the meter base was replaced? We didn't work on the load side other than make sure the grounding was good. Any one else had these issues?
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I am not sure when smoke detectors became required, and some GFI's were required when the house was built. So, if the inspector is requiring those be done, then the code does cover it in my opinion. If something was done wrong at the time of the installation then the AHJ can demand it gets fixed. That brings me to the last item. 8 feet of service entrance conductor inside the building is certainly too much for the AHJ in this area. "nearest the point of entrance" is determined to be no more than three feet here, so that is a clear violation and would need to be fixed here. And it was a typical installation in this area in the 70's.
 
cknight said:
Replacing a meter base that had a burnt socket. New meter base, new overhead service and brought grounding up to code. Inspector shows up and says we have to install smoke detectors, install gfi's where needed, add a disconnect, replace service cable with 4 wire I don't disagree with these problems but can he really require this just because the meter base was replaced? We didn't work on the load side other than make sure the grounding was good. Any one else had these issues?
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What did you state you were going to do on the permit application?

To tell the truth I normally don't get a permit to change out a meter base. I get the linemen to cut power, change out the base and let them reconnect. Here the meter base belongs to the power company and they will furnish a replacement ( not a disconnect).

If I do get a permit I will list it as a repair, replacing a bad part with a similar good part. Not new construction.
 
cknight said:
Replacing a meter base that had a burnt socket. New meter base, new overhead service and brought grounding up to code. Inspector shows up and says we have to install smoke detectors, install gfi's where needed, add a disconnect, replace service cable with 4 wire I don't disagree with these problems but can he really require this just because the meter base was replaced? We didn't work on the load side other than make sure the grounding was good. Any one else had these issues?
Click to expand...
It's funny that you bring this up. Just yesterday I was talking with another electrician who stated that in one particular township, if ANY type of permit is taken out (even if you're installing a fence on your property) you had to install smoke alarms. I'd have to call the State to verify but I don't see how they can compel you to do that.

He also told me that in another township with older homes that have K&T, if you pull an electrical permit you are required to remove ALL the K&T. I thought this was an insurance thing but again, I can't see how you could be compelled to do this.
 
We are required to pull a permit for a meter base replacement. The poco supplies the meter base but wont re install a meter without an inspection. It usually takes 1-2 weeks to get the poco to schedule a drop service. Typically we replace the meter, overhead if it has one and install 2 ground rods. As long as we don't touch the load side cable, just reconnect it we don't have to install a disconnect and all that. Seems fair to me. We can't rewire the house just because the poco equipment failed. I am for safety and doing things correctly , just seems like a stretch.
 
I had this same thing happen to me in the city of Surprise (Arizona). Replaced a 200A O/H service on a home. Called inspection in and promptly failed because there were no smokies in the house. Made a deal with the HO. He paid for the material (marked up) and I installed them for (labor) free, lesson learned.:rant:
 
Smokes and gfi's are no big deal. But requiring you to install a new 4 wire, add disconnect and separate grounds and neutrals can be a serious undertaking on some houses.
 
I believe the "request" is ridiculous and should be challenged. A specific code section violation should be spelled out in any inspection failure.

In this case, not just the code sections, but where it says that, despite conforming when installed, must now be brought to current requirements.
 
LarryFine said:
I believe the "request" is ridiculous and should be challenged. A specific code section violation should be spelled out in any inspection failure.

In this case, not just the code sections, but where it says that, despite conforming when installed, must now be brought to current requirements.
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NEC doesn't require smoke alarms at all - so that would have to come from other codes.
 
IRC: R314.2.2 - Where alterations, repairs & additions requiring a permit occur,.....in existing dwellings, the individual dwelling shall be equipped with smoke alarms located as required for new dwellings.
Exception - Work involving the exterior surfaces of dwellings.....
Basically, if you don't have to enter the dwelling, the exception applies. IMO.
Same applies for CO detectors.
 
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