Question on a 400amp Res service

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GerryB

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Location
woodbridge, ct. USA
It's a new house, 400 amp (320 continuous) underground. They are putting a mechanical room in the center of the basement, so I need OC protection, although I thought maybe I could run ridgid or schedule 80 and not need protection but one inspector I know said it's in the house you need protection. Anyone disagree? My other question is I priced out the 400 amp meter socket with manuel bypass (required by this POCO) and two 200 amp breakers and it is about $1500.00. Would it be cheaper to put a 400 amp fused disco or two 200 amp fused discos just inside? The ug meter socket with just the bypass levers is only about $350.00, so there is money to play with.
 
If the pvc is under a slab then no ocpd is needed unless their is a local ordinance. If it is not in a slab then you do need ocpd--230.70


The software for this forum is way off. It says that this thread has 700+ views. LOL
 
2-200 amp disconnects are much cheaper that going the 400 amp route, and you can use a MLO loadcenter in the mechanical room that way. Using breaker type disconnects are also a lot cheaper if the service does not excede the short circuit rating of the breaker. Check with the POCO for the available fault current.
 
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I can get a 400 amp meter for about $80.00 and 2- 200 amp - wp 8 cir feed thru panel- I call them trailer panels- for $110 each. Inside I would use 2- 40 cir panels ML and they would cost less than $150.00 each
 
Thanks for the replies. Too late for pvc in the slab, but that's ok the service is extra because originally it was just going to be 200 amp. I'll be going the fused disco or breaker feed through route.
 
Dennis Alwon said:
I can get a 400 amp meter for about $80.00 and 2- 200 amp - wp 8 cir feed thru panel- I call them trailer panels- for $110 each. Inside I would use 2- 40 cir panels ML and they would cost less than $150.00 each
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Dennis,is that just the enclosure? what brand would those trailer panels be. My supply house is quoting me an enclosure for $110 and a 200 amp breaker for $98 (GE)
 
GerryB said:
Dennis,is that just the enclosure? what brand would those trailer panels be. My supply house is quoting me an enclosure for $110 and a 200 amp breaker for $98 (GE)
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Most major mfg make them, but I prefer Siemens or C/H. Neither of these come with breakers. Well sometimes you may find them at "Big Orange" or "Big Blue" in a Contractor pack.
IMO, Siemens has a slight edge over the C/H because of the ground/neutral bars.
Both are about the same price, $110-117, depending on where you buy them from.
 
I have used CH and Ge. The GE is cheap for me as I am on there special program. I know many hate GE but I have not had issues with them
 
Little Bill said:
Most major mfg make them, but I prefer Siemens or C/H. Neither of these come with breakers. Well sometimes you may find them at "Big Orange" or "Big Blue" in a Contractor pack.
IMO, Siemens has a slight edge over the C/H because of the ground/neutral bars.
Both are about the same price, $110-117, depending on where you buy them from.
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I am sure Bill meant that they do not come with branch breakers, the Eaton model does come with the main.
 
masterinbama said:
I am sure Bill meant that they do not come with branch breakers, the Eaton model does come with the main.
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Yep, all have main breaker. Sometimes you can get a "contractor" package that has a few branch circuit breakers included with the panel. Usually cheaper than you can buy the panel and breakers separate.
 
Little Bill said:
Yep, all have main breaker. Sometimes you can get a "contractor" package that has a few branch circuit breakers included with the panel. Usually cheaper than you can buy the panel and breakers separate.
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The local Orange store had the GE 200 amp 20/40 with 10 20 amp SP's, 2 30amp DP's and 1 50 amp DP marked down to $69.00 a while back. Guess who bought them all?
 
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Dennis Alwon said:
I can get a 400 amp meter for about $80.00 and 2- 200 amp - wp 8 cir feed thru panel- I call them trailer panels- for $110 each. Inside I would use 2- 40 cir panels ML and they would cost less than $150.00 each
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Keep in mind if you use the nice method Dennis describes above you will not be able to use the reduced wire sizes for residential for the runs between the meter and the panels.
 
iwire said:
Keep in mind if you use the nice method Dennis describes above you will not be able to use the reduced wire sizes for residential for the runs between the meter and the panels.
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You can still use 4/0 alum. if the load is not greater than 360 amps. I generally use 3/0 copper between the meter and panel simply because it is easier to install and the distance is short.
 
Dennis Alwon said:
You can still use 4/0 alum. if the load is not greater than 360 amps. I generally use 3/0 copper between the meter and panel simply because it is easier to install and the distance is short.
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You can use the reduced conductor sizes for the 400 amp portion of it, it is just once it splits into two 200s that you need to go to the normal rules.

Just so there is no misunderstanding I think your suggestion of two 200 vs one 400 is a great one.:)
 
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