Let me set up the existing configuration:
Service Switch Line and Load = 2 sets #350MCM
There is a meterbank assembly consisting of 7 vertical stacks of 5 meters each (35 total meters). Each stack of 5 meters is copper Busbar fed with the 5 meter sockets pre-bolted on by Mfger of course, with feed lugs on the bottom of the rails that can accomodate up to #4/0 .
Under and above the meter stacks running horizontally are two Auxillary Gutters. In the lower gutter are 4 Phase blocks to accept the 2 sets of #350MCm feeds from the Service Switch, and lug to run #3/0 thhn from the phase blocks to the Meter Stack bus lugs.
To the left off the Meters is a distribution enclosure that is attached to the upper Auxillary Gutter. (no nipples, all open), with 80 Amp 2 pole Apartment Main Breakers.
The Load of every meter is of course lugs (mfger spec up to 90A) and then #8 thhn from the Meter Load Lugs to a 80 A Main Breaker.
The Question: I am being told that this is a violation of the Tap Rule, specifically a double tap where the Phase Blocks are a "tap" and the Load lugs of each meter are "taps" . ?
I am confused how this can be since the AHJ (NYC's Advisory Board back when it was installed) approved this Meter assembly for the utility and usage.
Additional Note: The distance between the 80A breaker and the Phase blocks with the 600A (2 sets of 350MCM) feed will be approx 10 feet away. And the existing field conditions do not allow for the installation of 7 - 200 amp switches if one was to relocate the phase blocks upstream.
But specifically is the Meterbank Load lug considered a tap?
Service Switch Line and Load = 2 sets #350MCM
There is a meterbank assembly consisting of 7 vertical stacks of 5 meters each (35 total meters). Each stack of 5 meters is copper Busbar fed with the 5 meter sockets pre-bolted on by Mfger of course, with feed lugs on the bottom of the rails that can accomodate up to #4/0 .
Under and above the meter stacks running horizontally are two Auxillary Gutters. In the lower gutter are 4 Phase blocks to accept the 2 sets of #350MCm feeds from the Service Switch, and lug to run #3/0 thhn from the phase blocks to the Meter Stack bus lugs.
To the left off the Meters is a distribution enclosure that is attached to the upper Auxillary Gutter. (no nipples, all open), with 80 Amp 2 pole Apartment Main Breakers.
The Load of every meter is of course lugs (mfger spec up to 90A) and then #8 thhn from the Meter Load Lugs to a 80 A Main Breaker.
The Question: I am being told that this is a violation of the Tap Rule, specifically a double tap where the Phase Blocks are a "tap" and the Load lugs of each meter are "taps" . ?
I am confused how this can be since the AHJ (NYC's Advisory Board back when it was installed) approved this Meter assembly for the utility and usage.
Additional Note: The distance between the 80A breaker and the Phase blocks with the 600A (2 sets of 350MCM) feed will be approx 10 feet away. And the existing field conditions do not allow for the installation of 7 - 200 amp switches if one was to relocate the phase blocks upstream.
But specifically is the Meterbank Load lug considered a tap?