Service Disconnecting Means

[jap]

In our area a Service Disconnect is required withing 5' of a self contained meter.
Why is this the case on a self contained meter and not on a service that is Ct'd? Ive seen services that are Ct'd on the Pole or at the Pad Mount Xfmr that are 100 yards from the building, with no disconnect or Overload protection until it hits the Main Breaker on the MDP at the Building.The Loadside Conductors from the Xfmr to the 1st disconnecting means are the Customers Responsibility on a CT'd installation and on the load side of a self contained meter, So what is the difference? Why is the disconnecting means required withing 5' of a self contained meter and not requiree within 5' of the loadside of a pole mount or padmount Transformer?

 

[LarryFine]

Maybe so the meter can be pulled without a load?

 

[Buck Parrish]

I'll add, becuse a non fused circuit is not allowed in a house, or building. Not more then 5 ft in our area, too.

 

[jap]

Thats part of my question. Where do you draw the line on where to install overcurrent protection for the Feeder Wiring? The Conductors from the Ct'd installation have no overcurrent protection until they hit the Main in the MDP.
Other than the Power Company's Fuses at the top of the pole or the Pad mounted Xfmr.Why is Overcurrent protection not required close to the utility Transformer for the secondary conductors on a CT'd installation?

 

[Buck Parrish]

I think it is generally because it is the poco that will be maintaining them. They can turn it off if necessary. And it is not likely to be opened for years and years.

 

[Rewire]

In our area a disconnect is reqired to be on the outside of the building regardless of meter.

 

[Mule]

"Nearest the point of entrance"

Wait a minute are you speaking of the line side of the meter or load side?