Service upgrade

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inspectored

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Electrical service installations in this area include a meter base 3R can without a main circuit breaker. Usually installed on the exterior garage wall with a load center mounted directly behind it with a 2x6 inch nipple. My question is,if the meter can is changed out and replaced by a combination meter/circuit breakers (all in one),does the existing feeder for the load center in the garage now require a circuit breaker for protection?
 
Re: Service upgrade

Yes, because your service disconnects have to be grouped together in one location. 230.71 & 230.72
 
Re: Service upgrade

InspectorEd,

Is the service disconnect now outside in the combination enclosure with the meter? If so, then the answer is no, the panel within the garage will not need a main since it is now a subpanel. The GEC will now have to terminate at the outdoor service disconnect and the grounded and grounding conductors terminated at the subpanel will need to separated. Also the grounded conductor would have to be bonded at the new enclosure as well. Furthermore if the nipple is EMT, IMC or RMC than the subpanel would require only the phase and grounded conductors, with the nipple providing the equipment grounding path.
 
Re: Service upgrade

The weird thing about this question is, why make the change? The panel would be a main breaker panel, so it's legal.

If you were to swap out the meter can for a metermain, then I would be kinda odd not to use the breaker that came with it.

If you're asking, can you remove the breaker in the panel in this scenario, yes, you could.

Are we on the same page, or missing you? :D
 
Re: Service upgrade

Hi George,

If you're saying there's no problem with putting a disconnect before what is now the main panel everthing that Infinity said is true.

What service equipment and conductors are is determined by the service disconnect. Article 100

If you install a new disconnect ahead of the existing one you've redifined the conductors and equipment and the installation is no longer legal.
 
Re: Service upgrade

Hey, Sam! Where ya been?

No longer legal, unless the changes infinity mentioned are made. Sounds like more of a pain than it's worth...?
 
Re: Service upgrade

does the existing feeder for the load center in the garage now require a circuit breaker for protection?
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I think the feeders between the disconnect and the panel will have to comply with 240.4. And the new breaker used as a disconnect can be sized for that.
 
Re: Service upgrade

Hey, Sam! Where ya been?

No longer legal, unless the changes infinity mentioned are made. Sounds like more of a pain than it's worth...?
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I'm curious what prompts the question. It would be rather rediculous to change the existing in this way just because "that's what's on the truck" or it doesn't match the neighbor's. I think if some one really really can't resist the urge to change the meter enclosure they can find the same type.

Iv'e been a little busy George, had some bad news :(
 
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