service laterals

[buck33k]

A service lateral enters a 320 meterbase (no disconnect) on a single family dwelling. SE conductors run from the meterbase to a service disconnect on the opposite interior wall.

The service lateral now exits the meterbase twice (using proper lugs), each feeding an outbuilding. Now we have a total of three structures. All conductors are properly sized.

Is this a violation of 230.40 exc. 3?

 

[infinity]

The way I read the exception you can only go to one separate structure. IMO you'll need three disconnects grouped together.

 

[buck33k]

I don't know..would'nt each set leaving the meterbase be considered its own service lateral to that building? If a load calculation were properly done, what would it matter? Just not sure.

 

[Dennis Alwon]

OOOPs.....

 

[augie47]

sounds like another Code change is in order.. ....dwelling unit and seperate structure(s)....

 

[chris kennedy]

I don't know..would'nt each set leaving the meterbase be considered its own service lateral to that building?

Nope, the lateral ends at the meter base.

Service Lateral. The underground service conductors between the street main, including any risers at a pole or other structure or from transformers, and the first point of connection to the service-entrance conductors in a terminal box or meter or other enclosure, inside or outside the building wall. Where there is no terminal box, meter, or other enclosure, the point of connection is considered to be the point of entrance of the service conductors into the building.

 

[frizbeedog]

The service lateral now exits the meterbase twice

By definition, the service lateral stops at the meterbase.

 

[frizbeedog]

Nope, the lateral ends at the meter base.

Yeah, what he said.

:grin:

 

[buck33k]

I see...Say there were only two structures. What would you call the conductors running from the meterbase to the outbuilding?

 

[chris kennedy]

I see...Say there were only two structures. What would you call the conductors running from the meterbase to the outbuilding?

Do you have the NECHB? Exhibit 100.16 shows the difference.

Service-Entrance Conductors, Underground System. The service conductors between the terminals of the service equipment and the point of connection to the service lateral.
FPN: Where service equipment is located outside the building walls, there may be no service-entrance conductors or they may be entirely outside the building.

 

[Dennis Alwon]

I see...Say there were only two structures. What would you call the conductors running from the meterbase to the outbuilding?

Are these laterals??? connected to the line side of the meter base or the load side? In other words do the other buildings have a meter also?

 

[buck33k]

Service-Entrance Conductors, Underground System. The service conductors between the terminals of the service equipment and the point of connection to the service lateral.
FPN: Where service equipment is located outside the building walls, there may be no service-entrance conductors or they may be entirely outside the building.

Thanks for the reference Chris. I don't have the NECHB. Is The meterbase really service equipment by Art 100 definition? In the example of the conductors to the outbuilding, they are not connected to the terminals of the service equipment.

 

[buck33k]

Are these laterals??? connected to the line side of the meter base or the load side? In other words do the other buildings have a meter also?

Connected to the load side of the meter Dennis. No meters on the other structures.

 

[Dennis Alwon]

Connected to the load side of the meter Dennis. No meters on the other structures.

Then I would not call them laterals either but I would call them service entrance conductors.

Here is a thread you may find interesting. It was started by Mike Witt a while back

 

[buck33k]

Thanks for the link Dennis. In rereading 230.40 ex 3, the conductors running to both structures are called service entrance conductors.