Service Disconnet-Single Phase?

[Speshulk]

Such animals do exist, and are sometimes used where convenient. It cost less most of the time to go from a meter only base to a main breaker panel if that is allowed.

They're also a nice option for having power on site for construction purposes. A meter pan / feed through panel combo on a pedestal gives you the option of installing some GFI outlets and simplifies the construction of the service because it eliminates the need to connect from a meter pan to a disconnect. The Square D version gives you space for 8 circuits along with the feed through capability.

 

[kwired]

Perhaps it has to do with NEC language. It seldom provides the reason and/or list the objective WHY such requirements are established or what parameters are taken into consideration in making the rule. The permissive nature of the NEC does not facilitate that well either. The Handbook attempts to answer some of those, but that can't fully explain everything either.

If POCO wants ready access to service disconnect they can and do require it, and it is not really an NEC issue AFAIK NEC allows service disconnect indoors or outdoors.

How practical is it to put a outdoor disconnect for a large service instead of having it in the switchgear that maybe would be better off indoors? POCO rarely disconnects this service in the first place without scheduling it with owner and when they do they probably pull fuses on primary lines. They are likely more concerned about opening the service disconnect before reinstalling fuses, than they are when pulling them.