Multiple Meter GEC

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physis

physis

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On a two family dwelling I've added a third meter socket for common areas. The existing entrance conductors are 3/0 and feed a single buss dual meter panel. The service conductors to the new meter are 4 AWG and are connected to the end of the existing entrance conductors (in series). The service entrance conductors are never in parallel.

The reason I mention that is that I'm not sure if this constitutes multiple sets of service entrance conductors. I also have another reference, designed to clarify the NEC, that says that 250.66 note 1 applies to service entrance conductors in parallel and I'm having trouble interpreting it one way or the other myself.

I have to go 150' to tie the water pipe to the electrode system so I'd certainly rather use 4 AWG than 2 AWG.
 
Re: Multiple Meter GEC

Here are a couple of code articles you can use for this.

230.40 Exception No. 4: A two-family dwelling or a multifamily dwelling shall be permitted to have one set of service-entrance conductors installed to supply the circuits covered in 210.25 .

210.25 Common Area Branch Circuits .
Branch circuits in dwelling units shall supply only loads within that dwelling unit or loads associated only with that dwelling unit. Branch circuits required for the purpose of lighting, central alarm, signal, communications, or other needs for public or common areas of a two-family or multifamily dwelling shall not be supplied from equipment that supplies an individual dwelling unit.
 
Re: Multiple Meter GEC

Right: Where I'm not clear is, do I have one set of service entrance conductors or two for the purposes of 250.66 note 1. The existing meter panel has a common buss and two sockets, one conductor set feeding this panel originally. Now I've replaced the terminal lugs to that buss with double barrel lugs to receive the existing entrance conductors and the service conductors to the new meter panel.
 
Re: Multiple Meter GEC

Sorry, missed a question. the table is based on the size of Largest Ungrounded Service-Entrance Conductor or Equivalent Area for Parallel Conductors. The conductors are tied on one end but supply different loads on the other, therefore these conductors are not in parallel, from what I gather, the largest service entrance conductor is 3/0. The number 4 is all you need for a GEC.
 
Re: Multiple Meter GEC

That's good news for me, I'm glad to hear that. (I didn't notice the need for this 150' of wire and I'm eat'n it). :(

But where doe's the indication of parallel service entrance conductors come from?
 
Re: Multiple Meter GEC

That must be a heck of a house :eek: (eek means WOW here).

This situation is 2 to 6 disconnects from 1 service drop.

250.66 note 1 ---- 230.40 Exep. 2
 
Re: Multiple Meter GEC

You know what volt101, I just noticed what you were talking about when you said what the table's based on. It's right in front of me isn't it. Sorry I'm so dense. :roll:
 
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