Stacked meter enclosure in front of another - Legal?

[marmathsen]

In Seattle I have seen many installations where a new surface mounted meter has been installed over top of another one with the service conductors running through the old meter into the panel. In the occasions where I have removed them, there are no splices or connections inside the old meter. I've held the opinion that this installation wouldn't be allow by code but I've seen it so many times that I wonder if I'm mistaken. I'm looking at a repair project right now with this type of installation. If I replace the meter, then the underground laterals and conduit need to replaced out to the street (a big project).

What's your opinion on this type of installation? Do you feel it's legal? Is there specific code that justifies this as an approved type of installation?

My thinking is that the meter in the back isn't designed for this. Water proofing seems like it becomes an issue. On the other side though, without any connections in the back side enclosure, maybe there is no need for access into it. Yet we need access into conduit bodies with no connections.

Rob G

 

[letgomywago]

Biggest issue I see is how is bonding being maintained. If it's being maintained somehow which I can't figure out how they could and everything is bushed and arranged so that it could be pulled through then I'd feel you're just as poor workmanship. There is the need to have complete conduit runs before wire pulls so if they're not mounting the box and then pulling the wires then they aren't following that NEC rule.

 

[electrofelon]

In Seattle I have seen many installations where a new surface mounted meter has been installed over top of another one with the service conductors running through the old meter into the panel. In the occasions where I have removed them, there are no splices or connections inside the old meter. I've held the opinion that this installation wouldn't be allow by code but I've seen it so many times that I wonder if I'm mistaken. I'm looking at a repair project right now with this type of installation. If I replace the meter, then the underground laterals and conduit need to replaced out to the street (a big project).

What's your opinion on this type of installation? Do you feel it's legal? Is there specific code that justifies this as an approved type of installation?

My thinking is that the meter in the back isn't designed for this. Water proofing seems like it becomes an issue. On the other side though, without any connections in the back side enclosure, maybe there is no need for access into it. Yet we need access into conduit bodies with no connections.

Rob G

I could have sworn I have seen a specific allowance and instructions for this situation in the Seattle area. However I looked at the WAC 296.46(B), Seattle electrical code, and SCL and PSE service requirements and found nothing. One option is to mount a J-box over the old meter socket. Cut out a piece of the back and put edge guard on it or maybe a big chase nipple. Of course doing the same with just the meter socket would be simpler, but good chance of getting ye old "listing violation". Maybe ask the inspector?