METER-CAN Taps for PV-solar are they allowed?

[EnergyGuru]

METER-CAN Taps for PV-solar are they allowed?

I'm reviewing article 690, 705.12, 230.72.

I work for a power company and we have a real issue with this however if the NEC allows it or the AHJ not much we can enforce. Any help would be appreciated how best to handle this type of PV solar install with taps on the load side of a meter can socket. I also noticed the wrong type of wire used and will point that out when they call for final.

Respectfully, Scott
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[jaggedben]

It's not an NEC violation as long as there is adequate space in the enclosure for the wiring and splices, which it looks like there is in this case. (Around here the meter cans are never big enough for that. :lol: ) Also, that AC disconnect better have some overcurrent protection in it.

This is known as a supply side connection, see 705.12(A). See also 230.40 Exception 5 and 230.82(6).

Some meter cans or meter/main combos also have listed lug kits for this sort of thing.

(What's that thing off to the left?)

 

[don_resqcapt19]

Even if there is no issue with the NEC, there may be an issue with the power company. The meter can is under their control.

 

[jaggedben]

Even if there is no issue with the NEC, there may be an issue with the power company. The meter can is under their control.

I know no utility around here would allow it, they'd have a rule against it of some sort. But the OP is seeming to say they don't have a clear policy since 'if the NEC allows it or the AHJ not much we can enforce.'

 

[Carultch]

I know no utility around here would allow it, they'd have a rule against it of some sort. But the OP is seeming to say they don't have a clear policy since 'if the NEC allows it or the AHJ not much we can enforce.'

In the can for a customer-owned meter, a meter that exists for internal purposes for the customer as opposed to service billing, the utility has no say, and the NEC has no rule against taps inside that enclosure.

In a utility-owned service meter's can, more often than not, they don't allow it.

 

[electrofelon]

Just to expand the discussion a bit: one thing I have done is used a class 320 socket for a PV interconnection (not because I needed a socket over 200A, just for its dual lugs). Obviously we generally start first looking for a method that doesn't involve changing equipment, but this method may work sometimes. A utility may be less inclined to see it as a "PV tap" and alternatively, the conductors may be just be another set falling under 230.40 Ex 2 or 3.