service less than 60 amp?

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GerryB

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Location
woodbridge, ct. USA
The job is to install a service on a pole for security lighting. Only one 20 amp circuit is needed. Can a 100 amp meter main be put up (yes) and then the 100 amp breaker removed and replaced with a two-pole 20, then use one leg for the needed circuit? (I didn't do this but it has been suggested. My thought was just put a meter with a small (6ckt or less) box below it.
 
i hate to say this, first you need to talk to someone who knows your utility regulations. Here the utility would require a lever by-pass not a horn by-pass meter style. the reason i mention it you usually buy those in a 200 amp class that will except a class 100/200 amp meter.

you could use a service rated disconnect up to 6 throws of the hand.
 
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GerryB said:
The job is to install a service on a pole for security lighting. Only one 20 amp circuit is needed. Can a 100 amp meter main be put up (yes) and then the 100 amp breaker removed and replaced with a two-pole 20, then use one leg for the needed circuit? (I didn't do this but it has been suggested. My thought was just put a meter with a small (6ckt or less) box below it.
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I say yes. No two pole needed. A single pole breaker would be fine IMO. I would use a MLO panel.

(A) One-Circuit Installations. For installations to supply only
limited loads of a single branch circuit, the service disconnecting
means shall have a rating of not less than 15 amperes.
 
david said:
i hate to say this, first you need to talk to someone who knows your utility regulations. Here the utility would require a lever by-pass not a horn by-pass meter style. the reason i mention it you usually buy those in a 200 amp class that will except a class 100/200 amp meter.

you could use a service rated disconnect up to 6 throws of the hand.
Click to expand...
Yes, this POCO requires lever by-pass, which you can get easily and we have, (what is a horn by-pass?). I was questioning changing the 100 amp breaker in a meter main to 20 amp, maybe it's not listed to be changed or maybe you can put in anything you want. Packersparky quoted 230.79(A) which sounds like it could apply. What I would do is put a 100 amp meter by-pass socket in and a small panel beneath it.
 
GerryB said:
The job is to install a service on a pole for security lighting. Only one 20 amp circuit is needed. Can a 100 amp meter main be put up (yes) and then the 100 amp breaker removed and replaced with a two-pole 20, then use one leg for the needed circuit? (I didn't do this but it has been suggested. My thought was just put a meter with a small (6ckt or less) box below it.
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Read instructions on that loadcenter. Most will probably say something similar to "suitable for use as service equipment when main breaker installed" With some that means a back fed breaker and hold down kit is needed to comply.

A two circuit loadcenter however will likely work in most instances without needing additional service disconnecting means.
 
GerryB said:
Yes, this POCO requires lever by-pass, which you can get easily and we have, (what is a horn by-pass?). I was questioning changing the 100 amp breaker in a meter main to 20 amp, maybe it's not listed to be changed or maybe you can put in anything you want. Packersparky quoted 230.79(A) which sounds like it could apply. What I would do is put a 100 amp meter by-pass socket in and a small panel beneath it.
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Horn By Bass here is required for residential metering , Horn by Pass Is the tabs that come off the meter socket jaws that allow the Utility to place a set of jumper wires to by pass the metering during servicing.
 
david said:
Horn By Bass here is required for residential metering , Horn by Pass Is the tabs that come off the meter socket jaws that allow the Utility to place a set of jumper wires to by pass the metering during servicing.
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Heaven forbid that security light not have power to it during the day when most meters are serviced if needed. :)

JAP>
 
jap said:
Heaven forbid that security light not have power to it during the day when most meters are serviced if needed. :)

JAP>
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The wire jumpers are not to keep the power on, the utility can do that with a couple of C stabs in place of the meter.

The bypass is used to keep the meter from arching while setting or pulling the meter under load conditions
 
I realize that.

Just saying, unless they have a photocell welded closed on their security lights they should be good to go.

JAP>
 
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