Old Meter Box Used As A J Box?

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pobolo

pobolo

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:-? I INSTALLED A NEW PANEL(SURFACED MOUNTED) RIGHT NEXT TO THE OLD ONE(FLUSHED MOUNTED). INSPECTOR SAYS THAT I CAN'T USE THE OLD ONE AS SPLICE BOX? ALL I AM DOING IS SPLICING THE EXISTING BRANCH CIRCUITS TO THE NEW METER MAIN AND THAT'S ALL. 314.4,15(A)(2), 314.17(A)(B), 314.18,19, PLEASE ADVISE, RESPECTFULLY pobolo.
 
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I?m not going to be able to help on this question. But before anyone else steps in, let me advise you that it is generally considered impolite to type in ALL CAPITAL LETTERS. Some interpret it as shouting. It also makes the text harder to read. So please keep that in mind for future posts.

Welcome to the Forum.
 
Memory Lane

Memory Lane

;)
A long time ago, I worked for an EC who used to do what I think you are getting at.
He used to 'save' old meter pans, old fuse panels, old anything!
Need a splice/pull box?? Get one off the shelf!
First time I had a tough time not laughing.

He re-used everything! Screws, old wire, you name it.

Now that memory lane was re-visited.....
You would have to close-up all openings, and have a 'cover' that is secured (screwed shut).
It's down to the AHJ's judgement call, and the acceptance of the customer.

Think box fill, etc.

As an EC, I don't go there. As an AHJ.....I don't think so. As a 'customer' I would have to say NO. Depending on what your finished 'product' looks like, I have to reserve the red sticker.

The above are my personal opinions.

John
 
charlie b said:
I?m not going to be able to help on this question. But before anyone else steps in, let me advise you that it is generally considered impolite to type in ALL CAPITAL LETTERS. Some interpret it as shouting. It also makes the text harder to read. So please keep that in mind for future posts.

Welcome to the Forum.[/QUOTE
thanks, my typing and computer skills are as rusty as it gets and I hit the wrong keys It took me 10 min just to do this reply. sorry. im learning.
Click to expand...
 
John Arendt said:
;)
A long time ago, I worked for an EC who used to do what I think you are getting at.
He used to 'save' old meter pans, old fuse panels, old anything!
Need a splice/pull box?? Get one off the shelf!
First time I had a tough time not laughing.

He re-used everything! Screws, old wire, you name it.

Now that memory lane was re-visited.....
You would have to close-up all openings, and have a 'cover' that is secured (screwed shut).
It's down to the AHJ's judgement call, and the acceptance of the customer.

Think box fill, etc.

As an EC, I don't go there. As an AHJ.....I don't think so. As a 'customer' I would have to say NO. Depending on what your finished 'product' looks like, I have to reserve the red sticker.

The above are my personal opinions.

John
Click to expand...
Thanks John, the old box is original nema 3R? ad it is recessed and were edison spot checked the new panel is a few feet away from the old one. I need to splice the exsisting branch circuits to the new one.
 
We allow it here. Screw the cover closed and put a plastic "pie plate" of over the meter socket and secure that also.

If it was good enough to have outside with breakers in it, it's good enough to use as a junction box (assuming you gutted it).

The one I don't allow is when they mount the new panel over the old panel and splice in the old panel. Seen it a couple of times.
 
Old Meter Box Used As A J Box

Old Meter Box Used As A J Box

pobolo said:
:-? I INSTALLED A NEW PANEL(SURFACED MOUNTED) RIGHT NEXT TO THE OLD ONE(FLUSHED MOUNTED). INSPECTOR SAYS THAT I CAN'T USE THE OLD ONE AS SPLICE BOX? ALL I AM DOING IS SPLICING THE EXISTING BRANCH CIRCUITS TO THE NEW METER MAIN AND THAT'S ALL. 314.4,15(A)(2), 314.17(A)(B), 314.18,19, PLEASE ADVISE, RESPECTFULLY pobolo.
Click to expand...

I am guessing that you are calling the old service panel as the meter box.Imo the old service panel is not listed for the purpose so the inspector may not pass the installation. I have passed such an installation but only if I was satisfied that the enclosure wall well bonded and the cover was secured.
 
Pobolo:

"Thanks John, the old box is original nema 3R? ad it is recessed and were edison spot checked the new panel is a few feet away from the old one. I need to splice the exsisting branch circuits to the new one."

"Edison"??? is that your utility??

OK, the old one is recessed. How are you getting branch circuits from 'old' to 'new'?? Are you talking a lot of branches??

Depending on your location, I would say to talk to your AHJ first. All of us don't bite, or chop off your heads!

John
 
cowboyjwc said:
We allow it here. Screw the cover closed and put a plastic "pie plate" of over the meter socket and secure that also.

If it was good enough to have outside with breakers in it, it's good enough to use as a junction box (assuming you gutted it).

The one I don't allow is when they mount the new panel over the old panel and splice in the old panel. Seen it a couple of times.
Click to expand...
Thank you sir you read my mind, cause i to have seen it and did it twice before way back and pass no questions asked. But i am looking for NEC or equal documentation. My new panel is two feet away and all guts will be removed THANX:)
 
John Arendt said:
Pobolo:

"Thanks John, the old box is original nema 3R? ad it is recessed and were edison spot checked the new panel is a few feet away from the old one. I need to splice the exsisting branch circuits to the new one."

"Edison"??? is that your utility??

OK, the old one is recessed. How are you getting branch circuits from 'old' to 'new'?? Are you talking a lot of branches??

Depending on your location, I would say to talk to your AHJ first. All of us don't bite, or chop off your heads!

John
Click to expand...
In total there is only 6 in which 2 feed the garage, and I am only adding 1 for a GFI service recep. Sorry, yes the utility is edison. I say the inspector is just try to do his job of course but I need clarification before call him on it.
The funny part is that edsison won':cool: t connect the new service drop with out being sign off??? in order to comply with the insp. i got to........Catch 22...........
 
romeo said:
I am guessing that you are calling the old service panel as the meter box.Imo the old service panel is not listed for the purpose so the inspector may not pass the installation. I have passed such an installation but only if I was satisfied that the enclosure wall well bonded and the cover was secured.
Click to expand...
Thanx It will be done with accordance with the NEC and still maintain weather tight integrity.
 
It was not listed for that use but i think most inspectors would be ok with it.Perhaps a friendly chat might change his mind.Its really up to him.I for one see no reason to not allow it provided you enter it properly.
 
Pobolo:

What I mean is to contact the inspector BEFORE you start this and get his opinion on what you are proposing to do. Yes, utility here requires a cut-in-card before connection of a new service.

Your local inspector is the guy to approve what you do, and he's the guy who's answer/opinion you need.

John
 
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