N.J. How many meters/main panels for two family

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ritelec

ritelec

Senior Member
Location
Jersey
Hi,

Please clarify for me.

Can a two family still get two meters and 2 panels (1st-2nd) or do they now always require THREE... (1st-2nd-house)

Sometimes I see two, other times I see the third???

Got a call from a flipper (yes, I should run) but he "JUST" wants to move the two meters outside that are currently in the basement..

Location is New Jersey.

Secondly... to make sure, on the drop to the meters, conductors would be at 100% of calculation and each tenant could be at 83% of the main. Correct?

Thank you
 
ritelec said:
Hi,

Please clarify for me.

Can a two family still get two meters and 2 panels (1st-2nd) or do they now always require THREE... (1st-2nd-house)

Sometimes I see two, other times I see the third???

Got a call from a flipper (yes, I should run) but he "JUST" wants to move the two meters outside that are currently in the basement..

Location is New Jersey.

Secondly... to make sure, on the drop to the meters, conductors would be at 100% of calculation and each tenant could be at 83% of the main. Correct?

Thank you
Click to expand...

If there is a common area(s), such as the basement, that needs coverage by smoke/CO alarms then you need a house panel.
 
That helps.thanks..

If one tenant occupies that basement only two would be needed....???

BUT, (I'm guessing here) If there are common back or front stairs to both units, then they would require smokes and then again you would need a house panel?

If there where none (separate front and back entrance) two meters works..

I think thats it, correct?
 
one last time (just thinking)

NO common areas.. the basement is part of first floor
Two panels are in a utility closet in the basement (which is part of the first floor tenant). Would that Utility closet be considered common space??
 
ritelec said:
Scrub that. Wouldn't need a smoke there so i guess two would work. Thanks
Click to expand...

Yeah, but two panels in one tenant space doesn't. Each tenant needs access to their own panel without entering another tenant space. You're either going to have to relocate one panel to the outside with the meters or move it to the tenant's internal space.
 
Generally speaking, two family houses don't require a third meter. Typically one of the living spaces are occupied by the property owner. However, as Gadfly mentioned, if you have a situation where the property owner does not occupy one of the living spaces and the house has common areas where lights are kept on in a hallway and smoke alarms are installed, then you'll need a third "house" panel. Just an FYI, once you go to a 3-family house you will definitely need a house panel and the State will require you to have common areas.
 
Thank you. Yes was wondering if even with the two family how it would be proved that the owner would always be there and not rent both floors.

So. The two family is on the fence for three. And the three is a definite four.

I'll check it out Monday but will have more questions.
Like I heard PSEG wants the meter stack now and not the trough with nippled meters ??
And proper gec sizing etc,,

Thanks again !!
 
ritelec said:
Thank you. Yes was wondering if even with the two family how it would be proved that the owner would always be there and not rent both floors.

So. The two family is on the fence for three. And the three is a definite four.

I'll check it out Monday but will have more questions.
Like I heard PSEG wants the meter stack now and not the trough with nippled meters ??
And proper gec sizing etc,,

Thanks again !!
Click to expand...
Not only that, you will have to meet with the PSE&G inspector and he will tell you exactly how high or low meters have to be. Do not install it on your own without meeting with him first
 
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