Metering Department Nightmare!!

[Grrrlpwr]

We were hired to install a new service for a recycling company. There needs being their 200A single phase service was tapped. Imagine that. We originally were going to replace with a 3 phase service, till we meet with the utility engineer and found out there it was only possible to get a 3 phase high leg 120/208v service. So, we opted for a 200A 480v 3 phase and leave the existing single phase service in place.

We installed per Utility requirements, received cut in card and waited. After a couple weeks I contacted utility to find out we failed. Apparently, engineering was not aware for the metering departments new regulation of installing a disconnect ahead of the meter so it can be worked on. Fine. I asked if they wanted fused, I was told they don't get into the type of disconnect. Fine. We installed, non fused. Now, I wouldn't have done this but the foreman decided to pass through the disconnect with the load side conductors. We did however pass the township inspection. cut in card received. Utility metering department failed us again!
We asked why and were told #1 we can't use for a pass through (can or can't we?? and if we can article?) I asked utility to tell me where in their requirements we can't, as well. #2 He didn't like the color of the screw used to mount the neutral block, said it looked burned. 3rd he wants a 4 POLE disconnect!!! All of this I asked him to back up the requirements. Keep in mind this specific metering individual, we have dealt with on numerous occasions, one in particular he told me we were missing the insulator for the service to attach too, my response was, its an under ground service. Just so you know what I a dealing with here.

 

[kwired]

NEC is fine with those load side conductors in there as long as they are not in same raceway as the service conductors.

POCO can certainly have any rules they want on this though.

 

[Grrrlpwr]

can you pint me in the direction of what section you think I will find that? I don't mind looking but a starting point would be helpful. And yes, I understand they might as well be the lord and master of all things powered, but I have been able to argue undocumented requirements before and win. Another example, same individual, stated we had to use an entirely different CT set up, due to the maximum amperage on the breaker, low and behold he is was looking at the available maximum amperage of the frame size and not the breaker itself. No CT set up change needed.

 

[kwired]

can you pint me in the direction of what section you think I will find that? I don't mind looking but a starting point would be helpful. And yes, I understand they might as well be the lord and master of all things powered, but I have been able to argue undocumented requirements before and win. Another example, same individual, stated we had to use an entirely different CT set up, due to the maximum amperage on the breaker, low and behold he is was looking at the available maximum amperage of the frame size and not the breaker itself. No CT set up change needed.

All you will find is the non service conductors are not allowed in same raceway as the service conductors.

The enclosure is a cabinet - if you want to look, look in art 312. Cabinets used to house service disconnecting means will have both service and non service conductors in them.

Since this disconnect has unmetered conductors in it - many POCO will have restrictions on what can be in there - and is usually nothing non essential to the purpose of that item isn't allowed. They often will have a lock on that cover so that there is no easy access to unmetered conductors also.

 

[Grrrlpwr]

Thank you for your input and expertise. It is very much appreciated. Despite the fact they will probably tell me to pound sand. My duty is to the customer. I have to fight for what I can.

 

[ptonsparky]

Our POCO has published requirments listed on their web site to help prevent such problems.

 

[david]

Apparently, engineering was not aware for the metering departments new regulation of installing a disconnect ahead of the meter so it can be worked on.

#2 He didn't like the color of the screw used to mount the neutral block, said it looked burned.

3rd he wants a 4 POLE disconnect!!!

The disconnect is typical for 480 line voltage metering

I did notice no green bonding screw in the picture the disconnect enclosure should be bonded to the grounded conductor

Its typical for a utility to require a means to disconnect the neutral in an enclosure they generally see lugs as a disconnecting means the only neutral in the picture that cant be disconnected is the one passing through from the meter. A 4 pole disconnect would not change the pass through neutral