meter relocation

[Ray McDermott]

I am relocating a meter in Prince William County, VA. The inspector failed saying thet there needs to be a main service disconnect between the meter and the circuit breaker box. My electrician said that code does not require this. Help what can I do.
Thanks

 

[charlie b]

Re: meter relocation

Get the electrician to get the inspector to cite chapter and verse of the code being used to call this a violation. There must be a service disconnect, but it need not be at the meter. If the breaker panel has a main breaker that shuts off the entire panel, then that constitutes the required "service disconnect."

However, there is a possible twist to the story. If the distance (i.e., internal to the house) from the meter to the panel is "too long," then some jurisdictions require a separate disconnect to be installed. The question of "how long is too long" varies from state to state, and city to city. That may be the source of your issue.

 

[stars13bars2]

Re: meter relocation

There may also be a local ordinance that ammends the National Electric Code's minimum requirement.

 

[Wes G]

Re: meter relocation

My guess would be that this did not fail on the basis of code violation but based on local ordinance. Many jurisdictions require an outside disconnect.


__________________
Wes Gerrans
Northwest Kansas Technical College
Goodland, KS

 

[LarryFine]

Re: meter relocation

Hey, Ray. Way down here in Richmond, the general stance is that, if you "increase the risk", such as lengthening the feeder within the house or up-sizing the capacity, then you need to add the breaker.

The external breaker is so placed to protect the feeder (and of course protect the house from the feeder) as well as act as the disconnect.

 

[Ray McDermott]

Re: meter relocation

Thanks for the input. Looks like the county has added more stringent requirements beyond the NEC2003 that Virginia follows. It is ironic that new homes are being built with the meter on one side of the house and the breaker box on the other with no disconnect required.

 

[iwire]

Re: meter relocation

Originally posted by Ray McDermott:
It is ironic that new homes are being built with the meter on one side of the house and the breaker box on the other with no disconnect required.

That is not a problem if they run the service conductors underground from the meter to panel.