Residential Meter Main

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Simple Dan

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Location
SWFL
Occupation
Generator contractor/dealer
I am confused. I grew up in south Florida. I was initially trained by one the most knowledgeable electricians I have ever met in Bob Frank. I went to abc institute for 3 years in apprenticeship program and then another 4 years in SWFL at Lorenzo Walzer institute before studying to take my EC masters test.
I was informed by electrical inspector that it is permissible to leave feed thru lugs on a 200amp meter main combo through nipple to line side ATS. And then leave ats on load side through another nipple back into 200amp meter main combo to utilize existing hole on back to back service to fee interior load center.
Can anyone give me code reference to this allowance? For over 20+ years as an electrician, I was always informed it is not permissible to use a panel as a raceway or pull box or feed thru to avoid the work of penetrations on existing dwelling.
 
312.8 (373-8 in older codes) has always permitted using the panel as raceway. At least since the 75 code it has.
There are some recently added labeling rules, but it is still permitted.
 
Folks often get confused concerning sharing conductors in a cabinet from the rule in 230.7 of not sharing service and non-servcie conductors in a raceway.
 
312.8 (373-8 in older codes) has always permitted using the panel as raceway. At least since the 75 code it has.
don_resqcapt19 said:
There are some recently added labeling rules, but it is still permitted.
Click to expand...
Thank you.
And this is in relation to panel boards and load-centers? As I read this is for switches or overcurrent devices like a disconnect for ac unit or service switch for a “specific piece” of equipment like a pump.
 
So, is
augie47 said:
Folks often get confused concerning sharing conductors in a cabinet from the rule in 230.7 of not sharing service and non-servcie conductors in a raceway.
Click to expand...
So, Is it permissible according to 312.1 scope including meter socket enclosures. Thanks to all. I appreciate your time. Thank you for the 230.7 reference, that’s were my brain was getting hung up on.
 
Simple Dan said:
312.8 (373-8 in older codes) has always permitted using the panel as raceway. At least since the 75 code it has.

Thank you.
And this is in relation to panel boards and load-centers? As I read this is for switches or overcurrent devices like a disconnect for ac unit or service switch for a “specific piece” of equipment like a pump.
Click to expand...
A "cabinet" is what the panelboard or load center is enclosed by. The panelboard is just what is commonly called the "guts" in the field and does not include the enclosure. There is a push to use the term "enclosed panelboard" for the 2023 code to create a term that includes both the "guts" and the enclosure.
 
Simple Dan said:
I am confused. I grew up in south Florida. I was initially trained by one the most knowledgeable electricians I have ever met in Bob Frank. I went to abc institute for 3 years in apprenticeship program and then another 4 years in SWFL at Lorenzo Walzer institute before studying to take my EC masters test.
I was informed by electrical inspector that it is permissible to leave feed thru lugs on a 200amp meter main combo through nipple to line side ATS. And then leave ats on load side through another nipple back into 200amp meter main combo to utilize existing hole on back to back service to fee interior load center.
Can anyone give me code reference to this allowance? For over 20+ years as an electrician, I was always informed it is not permissible to use a panel as a raceway or pull box or feed thru to avoid the work of penetrations on existing dwelling.
Click to expand...
As others have indicated, this is not necessarily a violation. But you do need to be mindful of wire space rules. That said, it is a real hack thing to do in most cases in my view. But that' just me.
I note you went to Lorenzo Walker. I taught there when IEC ran the program back in the early 90s. Small world.
 
augie47 said:
Folks often get confused concerning sharing conductors in a cabinet from the rule in 230.7 of not sharing service and non-service conductors in a raceway.
Click to expand...
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What Augie said.
 
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