Unless you're using an auxiliary gutter (which is on that list) I don't think so. Once the feeders enter the meter enclosure it shouldn't matter where the shared neutrals terminate. If you had meter sections with only 3 meters (or 6) per section that would solve your problem.
More details of how the feeders are run but it can be done.
When you assemble the individual sections of a modular type meter center doesn't the completed assembly more or less become one unit?
When the shared neutrals leave the meter bank, it has to go through a nipple or conduit. Would I have to put the auxiliary gutter on top of the meter bank to avoid the issue?
A nipple (raceway) or auxillary gutter would have the same issue with 300.3(B). Within the meter bank sections the neutrals should be able to terminate on any neutral terminal.
So if I have 4 section meter stacks are you saying there’s no way to avoid violating 300.3(B) even with auxiliary gutters? Cause the shared neutrals have to leave the meter bank somehow with a conduit or nipple. How can I make the shared neutrals leave the meter bank without the conduit or nipple?
I don't see this as being directly addresses in the code. As far as 300.3(B) if the neutral lands in the section with the two feeders it still satisfies that section. The fact that it doesn't extend to the section with the third meter is just a nuance of using a shared neutral for three apartments.
I think if I were the one replacing this meter center, I'd likely tag that neutral conductor somehow to indicate what it goes with even if all three feeders were in same section. If they all leave the section via the same raceway that may lessen the chance of me tagging it, but possibly not a bad idea anyway.
I have an idea.
I need at least 4 because it requires less space for additional meters.
If you use a crown box over the meter sections then 300.3 will not apply. As long as you avoid using a raceway or auxiliary gutter you should be good. Splicing on an extra neutral creates a violation.
Don't the neutrals have to leave the meter bank in a conduit to get to the crown box? Isn't a crown box like a auxiliary gutter? How would I put a crown box on top of the meter bank? Is a crown box just an opening below the box? I can make a custom one?
Crown boxes are typically custom made boxes that fit on top of the meter enclosure. I have seen some factory made crown boxes from Eaton.
I see. So it's basically a box with no sheet metal below it? Kind of like a switchboard crown box? Do you by any chance have a picture that has a crown box above a meter bank?
Yes like a switchboard crown box which in NYC is a very common thing. No I don't have a photo of one on a meter bank but I think that in your case if you want to avoid using raceways or auxiliary gutters the crown box would work.
Good idea. I think this fixes the issue
