Tapping at meter

Status
Not open for further replies.
S

SmithBuilt

Senior Member
Location
Foothills of NC
What code cycle was it legal to tap the service conductors between the meter and service disco? Or was it ever?

Say for adding an air condition or such. I've run across several lately that had a small subpanel added next to the meter. Then wired to the load side of the meter lugs along with the sec's to the main panel.
 
SmithBuilt said:
What code cycle was it legal to tap the service conductors between the meter and service disco? Or was it ever?

Say for adding an air condition or such. I've run across several lately that had a small subpanel added next to the meter. Then wired to the load side of the meter lugs along with the sec's to the main panel.
Click to expand...


I have seen this also. Mostly on older installations where the panel is full. They run some #12 under the load side of the meter socket run it through the panel and mounted to sub panel. I also have seen it with a handy box mounted to the main panel with a 15 amp fuse usually for a furnace.
I would think it is not permitted from what the definition of what a tap conductor is in article 240.
 
I think is has always been legal. That is how most 400A services are done -- multiple taps (sets of service conductors) from a class 320 meter socket to two or more service disconnect panels. You have to watch all the rules about things being Service Equipment, using wire approved for Services (e.g. no NM cable), main breakers, not having more than 6 disconnects, and having all the main disconnects grouped.

I don't believe the lugs in smaller meters are rated to be double tapped, so you'd need to find a different means to do that.

The definition in NEC 240 doesn't apply, because there is no overcurrent device ahead of these conductors. It is all NEC 230.
 
Nice Service Tap - 800a-30a

Nice Service Tap - 800a-30a

I have the pleasure/pain/good fortune to see plenty of jobs.

This one was a doozzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzy

A contractor installed this tap from an 800A service install, for a 30A meter/disco for 3 outdoor pole lights.
WheelerAve-Pleasantville32.jpg





WheelerAve-Pleasantville30.jpg
 
SmithBuilt said:
Wouldn't 230.82 apply?
Click to expand...

I don't think so IF you're adding a Service rated disconnect. The only equipment I see in this case is a meter and the service disconnect(s).

The section which allows this is 230.40 Exception 2.
 
suemarkp said:
I don't think so IF you're adding a Service rated disconnect. The only equipment I see in this case is a meter and the service disconnect(s).

The section which allows this is 230.40 Exception 2.
Click to expand...
This Exception still requires the disconnects to be in one location. Most of the time, there is a panel in the house and one added outside would be a violation. Besides that, it violates the one conductor per lug 110.14 (A) 2008
 
So was the grouping and two conductors per lug just over looked for years or should I just assume there was no inspection.

The problem is the customer already has this scenario. Now they don't understand why it's a violation. This one is about 15-20 years old.

I think I'll call the inspector for his opinion.
 
I run into this all the time. The HO or a tenant does not pay the electric bill for over 30 days. Poco cuts power. Then they pay the bill. Poco will not reconnect until there has been a meter inspection. Bingo! Gets them every time. Another issue is; there usually is no main disconnect. So all the breakers (both inside and out) become mains. And, as you know, there can only be a total of six.

It's just like having a panel in the bedroom closet, or even in a bathroom. Once upon a time, it was legal, but since the power was disconnected they lost the grandfather rule. I know that your customer does not understand, but it is what it is.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Top