Service Upgrade CA PG&E (Bay Area)

R

revive

Member
Location
San Francisco
Occupation
Electrician
Hello,

I have done service upgrades before but with the code changes and PG&E changes of how they are processing service upgrades, I would like to know if this install would be ok. Would love to know other alternatives or suggestions. Others have brought up using a switch gear but I think it might be overkill for this application.


https://flic.kr/p/2rdik4a
 
Also, I read somewhere that I need to use fused disconnects. Would a meter main work if it is suitable for use as service equipment?
 
What he said. ^ Seen one one like this recently with two meter mains. Should be okay. You should NOT need fused discos.

Until manufacturers update the meter packs to have separate compartments for each breaker, the trough may be the only fully compliant way to do 2-6 meters like this.
 
Thanks for the confirmations. Also, would you guys bond the neutral and ground at the trough or at all the meter mains? Would the grounding electrode conductor enter from the trough or meter main?
 
revive said:
Thanks for the confirmations. Also, would you guys bond the neutral and ground at the trough or at all the meter mains? Would the grounding electrode conductor enter from the trough or meter main?
Click to expand...

MBJ is still installed at the first point of disconnect, regardless of what comes before.

Essentially it’s no different than the N-G bond in single meter main, and a metal riser and weatherhead.
 
revive said:
Thanks for the confirmations. Also, would you guys bond the neutral and ground at the trough or at all the meter mains?
Click to expand...

Trough can be bonded to the neutral. MBJs still required in all meter mains; meter mains are factory bonded anyways.

Would the grounding electrode conductor enter from the trough or meter main?
Click to expand...
NEC allows either the trough or GEC taps to each meter main. I don't think PG&E has a problem with taking the GEC to the trough, but your local AHJ might call it inaccessible and make you do taps to the meter mains.
 
Thanks for all the suggestions.

Something else I would like feedback on...Most of the times I am able to install the meter main on the outside and that would be good for the emergency disconnect. What happens when your meter main is too large to be mounted outside, or it needs to be inside? Do you need to install an exterior emergency disconnect before the meter mains?
 
Yes, you would. You could do a meter main with no, or limited, distribution. Not sure how much smaller that would get you.

Or a meter and an SE Rated fused or non-fused disconnect. There is some.....Stuff, that goes into installing a non-fused disco as the emergency disconnect.
 
Seven-Delta-FortyOne said:
Yes, you would. You could do a meter main with no, or limited, distribution. Not sure how much smaller that would get you.

Or a meter and an SE Rated fused or non-fused disconnect. There is some.....Stuff, that goes into installing a non-fused disco as the emergency disconnect.
Click to expand...
https://flic.kr/p/2regN1j
https://flic.kr/p/2reh2dN

I am trying to use the 2020 compliant meter main that curt mentioned. It might work but I think that huge thing would look so bad on the exterior of a residential building. I wasn't sure if PG&E allowed disconnect before the meters, so thanks for confirming that.
 
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