Mounting a surface mount meter main 'semi flush'?

[tortuga]

Is it a electrical or other code violation to mount a NEMA 3R surface mount panel or meter main semi-flush in a wall?
The manufacturers installation instructions do not say ' surface mount only'
It does not appear like the flanges that come with semi-flush stuff add any water proofing to the wall.
Looking at the UL whitebook METER-MOUNTING EQUIPMENT (PJSR) and UL 414 not seeing any reason.
Any opinions?
Thanks in advance

 

[LarryFine]

Go for it. Weather-seal it well.

 

[augie47]

If it's a meter-main, locally POCO won;t allow the service cable or conduit to be partially concealed or recessed,

 

[texie]

If it's a meter-main, locally POCO won;t allow the service cable or conduit to be partially concealed or recessed,

Yep, I've seen that with a number of POCOs. The semi flush thing seems to be a regional thing. California seems to love them. Other than that I have rarely even seen it except for a short period it was a thing in Miami until the electrical chief put a stop to it back in the 80s. His position was unless it was listed for that it was a violation.

 

[LarryFine]

California seems to love them.

That might be a result of the stucco craze.

 

[norcal]

I have seen surface mount 3R panels & multi gang meter cans semi-flush mounted, not sure I like it as water proofing was done with tape rather then built in flashing, caulking & tape make me wonder about long term performance of those materials. BTW, the exterior was stucco, real 3-coat stucco not wannabe stucco like Dryvit or the like. Without basements, can't beat a semi-flush panel for ease of install, or low cost.

 

[tortuga]

Thanks for the replies all, I checked with the inspector and POCO and they are good with it.

 

[kwired]

I bet service changes on these things is a fun job, unless maybe there is major remodeling being done and exterior finish will be updated as well.

Even service calls for failed components probably fun if the unit you have is no longer made or at least no longer have ones with same interior components.