Service with remote meterbase

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Duuuuug

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We are getting ready to install a 200AMP 277/480vac service. The power company asked that Meterbase be mounted next to the utility power transformer. I have always mounted the meterbase next to the service equipment. However, in this case the service equipment is located at a small building about 75FT away from the utility transformer.
1. Is there a maximum distance requirement between the meterbase and the service equipment?
2. Do we still treat it like the meterbase is next to service equipment and drive ground rods at the service equipment with a bonding conductor back to the meterbase?
3. A NEC code reference would be helpful.
I just haven't done it this way but I'm sure it has been done before.
 
Re: Service with remote meterbase

This is probably a CT meter and will not have the service conductors installed through it.

If this is the case the meter is not an NEC issue.

You will ground (connect the GEC) at the service equipment, i.e. in the panel or disconnect.

If this is a feed through meter then you can still ground (connect the GEC) at the service equipment, i.e. in the panel or disconnect.

There is no distance limit to the meter from the Service Equipment.

Roger

[ October 28, 2004, 07:05 PM: Message edited by: roger ]
 
Re: Service with remote meterbase

Just follow the electric utility's instructions. If the service conductors are going through the meter, the grounded conductor will automatically ground the meter fitting. If this is a job where the CTs and PTs are mounted inside the transformer, there will be only lower voltages inside the meter fitting and the utility will do its own grounding. Consider the metering equipment as a wide place in the conduit where we plug in our cash register. We are concerned about our own people's security as well as the public. Therefore, we will have our own rules for installing this equipment. :D
 
Re: Service with remote meterbase

To answer you questions, more then likely a self contained meter application without ct metering will be installed by the power company since the voltage is 277/480. The bank of transformers will be grounded with the system neutral and a driven ground rod, so the need for additional ground rods will be up to the local inspector. I would say that the utility company does not want to run the quadroplex wire any further then they have too. That way the expense is on you should the service ever become damaged. My suggestion would be to play the game with the power company, they usually win anyway! good luck!
 
Re: Service with remote meterbase

Besty,
The bank of transformers will be grounded with the system neutral and a driven ground rod, so the need for additional ground rods will be up to the local inspector.
Click to expand...
Huh?

The NEC doesn't concern itself with grounding upstream of the Service Equipment, and an inspector that would say that is all that is needed is not in touch with his/her job.

Roger

[ October 28, 2004, 07:53 PM: Message edited by: roger ]
 
Re: Service with remote meterbase

Thanks a lot, Roger, Charlie and Betsy.
I will talk with DVP (Virginia Power) tomorrow and get their installation details and requirments.
 
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