Parallel Conductors

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danbel57

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Article 310.10(H) states that it's permissible to install parallel conductors providing that they are electrically joined at both ends. Therefore,is it a code violation to install a 400 amp service and split it into 2-200 amp panels without installing disconnects at the meter?
 
danbel57 said:
Article 310.10(H) states that it's permissible to install parallel conductors providing that they are electrically joined at both ends. Therefore,is it a code violation to install a 400 amp service and split it into 2-200 amp panels without installing disconnects at the meter?
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Yes
 
danbel57 said:
Article 310.10(H) states that it's permissible to install parallel conductors providing that they are electrically joined at both ends. Therefore,is it a code violation to install a 400 amp service and split it into 2-200 amp panels without installing disconnects at the meter?
Click to expand...

You would not have parallel conductors with this set up.
 
Exception #2 to 230.40 permits each service disconnect to have its own set of service entrance conductors. In my opinion, the code would permit this installation. The conductors would have to be rated equal to or greater than the rating of the service OCPDs and the service disconnects must be grouped.
 
danbel57 said:
Article 310.10(H) states that it's permissible to install parallel conductors providing that they are electrically joined at both ends. Therefore,is it a code violation to install a 400 amp service and split it into 2-200 amp panels without installing disconnects at the meter?
Click to expand...

Might I add, if your calling a 400 amp meterbase as your "service" that would be incorrect.

It is the two 200amp panels that are your service. A meterbase is just that, a meterbase(electrical measurement device). So you are not dealing with paralleling conductors in this case. Now, if you are talking about a 400 amp disconnect as your (service) after the meterbase then you would be looking at tap rule distances allowing those feeder conductors to be ran as not paralleled if a OCPD (main is installed) at the panels would limit overcurrent of the conductors.
 
mopowr steve said:
After a 400 amp main breaker as the service they would be feeder conductors is what I was getting at. If this is what he is calling his service.
sorry speaking out of turn
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Which OP may have some mis-applied terminology.

danbel57 said:
Article 310.10(H) states that it's permissible to install parallel conductors providing that they are electrically joined at both ends. Therefore,is it a code violation to install a 400 amp service and split it into 2-200 amp panels without installing disconnects at the meter?
Click to expand...
If you have meter - then the two 200 amp disconnects, you still effectively have 400 amps of service but it has two 200 amp service disconnecting means. You can have up to six service disconnecting means as a general rule. The meter is just a place on the supply side of the service disconnect. Not all services have a meter in line with the service conductors.
 
mopowr steve said:
After a 400 amp main breaker as the service they would be feeder conductors is what I was getting at. If this is what he is calling his service.
sorry speaking out of turn
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If there is a 400A main (service disconnecting means) ahead of the (2) 200A [MCB] panels, then yes it would fall under 240.21(B) if the conductors to the panels ampacity is less than considered protected by a 400A breaker under 240.4(B).
 
mopowr steve said:
Might I add, if your calling a 400 amp meterbase as your "service" that would be incorrect.

It is the two 200amp panels that are your service. A meterbase is just that, a meterbase(electrical measurement device). So you are not dealing with paralleling conductors in this case. Now, if you are talking about a 400 amp disconnect as your (service) after the meterbase then you would be looking at tap rule distances allowing those feeder conductors to be ran as not paralleled if a OCPD (main is installed) at the panels would limit overcurrent of the conductors.
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Steve, by definition a service starts at the attachment point of the utility and carries through to the load that is served. This would include the meter base, all wiring, and the panel. The rules of parallel conductors still apply in the installation of a service. What I'm trying to determine if there needs to be 2-200 amp disconnects installed in the meter fitting to make the service code compliant. Or, if its Okay to run 2-200 amp service feeders out of the meter base into their respective panels providing they're the same distance from the meter. Thank you for your reply.
 
danbel57 said:
Steve, by definition a service starts at the attachment point of the utility and carries through to the load that is served. This would include the meter base, all wiring, and the panel. The rules of parallel conductors still apply in the installation of a service. What I'm trying to determine if there needs to be 2-200 amp disconnects installed in the meter fitting to make the service code compliant. Or, if its Okay to run 2-200 amp service feeders out of the meter base into their respective panels providing they're the same distance from the meter. Thank you for your reply.
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Ok yes, no disconnects needed unless the distance those service conductors enter your structure exceed distance to service panel in accordance with any local codes.

And by the way this 400 amp meterbase your using, is it not really a 400 amp/320 amp continuous rated meterbase ? In which case you just install a double lugs for your situation? just for clarity.
 
danbel57 said:
Steve, by definition a service starts at the attachment point of the utility and carries through to the load that is served. This would include the meter base, all wiring, and the panel. The rules of parallel conductors still apply in the installation of a service. What I'm trying to determine if there needs to be 2-200 amp disconnects installed in the meter fitting to make the service code compliant. Or, if its Okay to run 2-200 amp service feeders out of the meter base into their respective panels providing they're the same distance from the meter. Thank you for your reply.
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If they are connected together at one end (the meter) but not at the other end (the 200 amp disconnects) they are not "paralleled conductors". They are parallel to one another just like circuit #1 and circuit #2 in a typical loadcenter are parallel to one another.
 
kwired said:
If they are connected together at one end (the meter) but not at the other end (the 200 amp disconnects) they are not "paralleled conductors". They are parallel to one another just like circuit #1 and circuit #2 in a typical loadcenter are parallel to one another.
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Good call, kwired. I can't type quick enough.
 
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