Replacing existing 200A panel with overhead service

[jeff48356]

I just looked at a job today where the customer may need for me to replace their old 200A Federal Pacific panel. Meter is located outside, and panel is right behind it inside of the garage. Straightforward enough.. Problem is, the existing original mast is 2" RMC, and the POCO for the area requires a 2.5" RMC mast to connect their overhead line to, if the mast goes through the roof.

For electricians in east Tennessee where 2.5" masts are required: Would I be required to change everything to 2.5"? Or would I be allowed to keep the existing meter base, 2" mast, and upper service conductors? I hope so, otherwise it would cause a lot of extra work, trying to make everything fit just right. Also, referring to the pictures, the neutral wire seems to have broken away from the mast, and all 3 conductors are being held only by the electrical connectors. Will the POCO repair this and reconnect it without my changing the mast to 2.5"?

 

[MAC702]

Pretty ridiculous if they didn't.

 

[Little Bill]

Every POCO is different. Even though I'm in Tn I couldn't tell you what your POCO requires. But here, we can change a panel without changing the meter base and mast unless it is damaged or degraded enough to need replacing.

From your pics, yours doesn't look bad. Although it looks small for a 200A.
I would just call for disconnect, change the panel, get inspection, and call for reconnect.

Well you did say you need to replace the service wires up to the weatherhead, so inspector will look at that but I doubt POCO would have an issue if the mast and meter base is in good shape. Wouldn't ask or mention the meter base or mast to anyone.

Sometimes if you ask they would be obligated to tell you what's required. But if you don't they often will "let it slide".

 

[jeff48356]

Ok, thanks! The POCO in question is LCUB (Lenoir City Utilities Board), serving Lenoir City, Farragut, and West Knox.

 

[infinity]

Only the POCO can answer this question. The NEC would likely allow you to leave the existing mast, conductors and meter pan.

 

[jeff48356]

Only the POCO can answer this question. The NEC would likely allow you to leave the existing mast, conductors and meter pan.

Yes, I realize that. But the state inspectors (that work for the POCO's) here are not easy to get a hold of, especially if you need to show them a picture of something to clarify what we're trying to ask. In the city of Knoxville, by contrast, all one needs to do is talk to the chief electrical inspector, who is always in his office downtown during business hours. And the city, which is served by KUB, only requires 2" RMC masts, which is consistent with the NEC. So no problem there.