Replace Panel without replacing Meter base

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Njonescontracting

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Saint Louis, MO
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Electrical Contractor
Hey guys, I currently have a customer with an 100a service. They want to leave it at an 100a service. Which is no problem. However, they do not want to replace the meter base. I was planning on running from the meter base to the panel with SE and just replacing the panel. Usually I replace the panel, meter base, weather head, ETC. But...If we can get away with it and the POCO and the county allow it, I guess why not? Do you guys see any issue in this? Will the county and or POCO complain?
 
If the old components that you are leaving in place are in good condition then there is no reason to replace them. What is the reason that you're replacing a 100 amp panel with another 100 amp panel?
 
I would suggest you check POCO standards to see if current meter base is acceptable. Its their cash register, if old they could want update, maybe ringless to a ring socket or similar
 
infinity said:
That's one reason. In my experience if you're replacing a fuse panel the rest of the system is probably near the end of its usable life.
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So be prepared to replace the entire system. If you get in there and connections are not adequate to remake terminations you will need to replace. Thorough inspection of all components and wiring of entry is warranted for reason @infinity stated.
 
I wouldn't even consider reusing it. New panel, new service and new meter pan. Customer doesn't get to decide. I'm not going back in six months because the lights are blinking.

I had one customer once that didn't want to pay for two ground rods. There was always only one and it worked fine.

-Hal
 
If you get inyo the meter can and the lugs are rusted badly, or screw slots are wallowed, etc you'll end up replacing the whole thing. I'd have a contingency in place there - "this price may change dramatically once I put my tools on it"
 
ptonsparky said:
A look at the base is all it takes for a thumbs up or down.
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Not always. I've had a couple of times where a lineman and I both look in and can't see any problems, only to find that the slotted lug screw won't back out, then the slot gets damaged. Or half the lug screw breaks off with pressure from the screwdriver. Or the bakelite breaks.
 
Njonescontracting said:
Hey guys, I currently have a customer with an 100a service. They want to leave it at an 100a service. Which is no problem. However, they do not want to replace the meter base. I was planning on running from the meter base to the panel with SE and just replacing the panel. Usually I replace the panel, meter base, weather head, ETC. But...If we can get away with it and the POCO and the county allow it, I guess why not? Do you guys see any issue in this? Will the county and or POCO complain?
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I think a lot will depend on the reason given to replace the panel. Here you can permit a panel replacement as a repair (meaning the panel is bad in some way and needs to be replaced). Now if it were permitted as an upgrade or new work the rules would be different.

Since you are going to replace the SE service cable they may figure that it's enough to require an outside disconnect and run SER.

In some areas the need to upgrade a service will trigger the need to install hard wired smoke detectors and GFCI protection as needed.

I have replaced lots of old panels and I normally leave the old service cable and replace as a needed repair.
 
What wording would you guys give to the municipality to say it is just a repair. Like I said. Usually I just replace everything. And I believe that is good practice. However, otherwise I may lose a long time customer due to over charging when he does not think it is necessary. After reading the comments maybe I should change my ways and just do panels and anything that sticks out and not the entire service. Thoughts?

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Njonescontracting said:
What wording would you guys give to the municipality to say it is just a repair. Like I said. Usually I just replace everything. And I believe that is good practice.
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If I'm going to replace the panel I just state on the permit application that I'm replacing a bad panel. By the time they come for an inspection the old panel is in a dumpster somewhere. If I were asked why it was bad ( I have never been questioned about it) then I would say it had a burned buss section from an overheated breaker or even a missing cover that I couldn't replace.
The idea is that you are replacing with a similar item and not doing an upgrade. It was an inspector that told me years ago that repair work is a little easier to deal with than new work.

I don't know how the AHJ is in your area and they may well want the entire service replaced. Now is a good time to talk to them.
 
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