Meter disconnect switch

[steveonb]

A utility company requires a
disconnect means on the supply side of the meter. The voltage is 120/208. I have installed a 600 amp
non fuse disconnect ahead of the meter equipment as requested. The local
inspector says it needs to be fusible. He is considering it; the service
entrance disconnect. If I would remove the disconnect switch he would
approve the installation. I am considering it a Meter disconnect switch
(230.82). Any help?

 

[BAHTAH]

meter disconnnect switch

meter disconnnect switch

A utility company requires a
disconnect means on the supply side of the meter. The voltage is 120/208. I have installed a 600 amp
non fuse disconnect ahead of the meter equipment as requested. The local
inspector says it needs to be fusible. He is considering it; the service
entrance disconnect. If I would remove the disconnect switch he would
approve the installation. I am considering it a Meter disconnect switch
(230.82). Any help?

I know that across the country the utiliy companies have different ideas about metering. At 600amps, is this CT metering? I assume you do not have a single overcurrent protective device for this service but are using the 6-handle rule. First I would see if the utility company requires fuses. Second you may try and hang your hat on 230.71 (2005 NEC) and try and identify the switch as being required for power monitoring equipment (the utility meter) only and thus is not considered by the NEC to be a service disconnect. I have never seen a 600amp meter that was not connected to CT's and thus able to be disconnected with a test block so not sure if any of this helps but maybe others have some insite.

 

[augie47]

When I first encountered these, it was my thinking that non-fusible would be preferred as locally POCO locks them and the customer would not have access to the fuses. However, one of the more knowledgabkle posters here pointe dout to me that most NF disconects did not have a high enough fault curremt rating for this typical install.
You might want to take that in consideration. (and your inspector might have, thus his call)

 

[cripple]

Meter disconnect Switch

Meter disconnect Switch

If the utility company has required the meter disconnect they are within there right, but it seems that there is a lack of communication between the inspection authorities and the utility. Part II (System Grounding) has service grounding requirements, Section 250.24(A)(1) requires the grounding electrode to be connected to grounded service conductor at the service disconnect.
Section 230.82 does permits the installation of the meter disconnect to be located on the supply side of the service, and 230.82(3) has installation and grounding requirements. In the grounding requirements are very clear that the only Part V (Methods of Equipment Grounding) and Part (Bonding) are required. With all this said it is my opinion you with talk the Chief AHJ and have this issue resolved.

 

[tom baker]

In Washington state we have been installing disconnects on services over 300 V phase to phase for 25 years. It does not have to be fused if the disconnect is rated for the maximum availble short circuit current. Non fused disconnects are rated 10KA.
I would suggest you find out if the POCO will let you use a non fused and if so, get it clarifed and then your AHJ will need to go along, as its not an NEC issue.
Our AHJs will inspect and approve what ever the POCO requires. With fuses you have an issue with whos disconnect is it and what lock is used.

 

[inspector141]

We are starting to encounter this utility meter disconnect on 277/480 volt. In our case, the meter disconnect is utility owned/controlled. Meaning it is locked and only authorized for the poco. Therefore as far as we're concerned, it is not the service disconnect because the tenant/owner /electrician does not have access to it or control over it.