Terminal box used as service equipment

[ctaylo360860]

I’m wondering if I can use a terminal box as service equipment. Example: There is an existing 100a service. They have a mast with conductors rated for 100amps that feed the meter, service conductors are ran underground to a 100a main breaker on the house. The owner has now built a garage, and would like to feed the garage from the po co pole so he doesn’t have to dig up half of his yard. He wants a 100a service on the garage. Is there any reason you couldn’t put up a new mast with 3/0 copper, set a 200a meter, feed a 200a terminal box with 3/0 copper from the load side of the meter, and Then branch out to the 100a existing service, and the new 100a service on the garage? Both 100a service will have a main breaker. Thank you ahead of time! Any and all help is appreciated it!!!

 

[electrofelon]

I’m wondering if I can use a terminal box as service equipment. Example: There is an existing 100a service. They have a mast with conductors rated for 100amps that feed the meter, service conductors are ran underground to a 100a main breaker on the house. The owner has now built a garage, and would like to feed the garage from the po co pole so he doesn’t have to dig up half of his yard. He wants a 100a service on the garage. Is there any reason you couldn’t put up a new mast with 3/0 copper, set a 200a meter, feed a 200a terminal box with 3/0 copper from the load side of the meter, and Then branch out to the 100a existing service, and the new 100a service on the garage? Both 100a service will have a main breaker. Thank you ahead of time! Any and all help is appreciated it!!!

Yes you can. That is provided for in 230.40 exception #3. You could also use a class 320 socket as it has provisions for dual lugs. A class 320 is about $250 more than the 200, but it saves you the terminal box and connectors and some labor and looks a bit cleaner IMO.

 

[augie47]

I agree with electrofelon, it is commonplace in this area to use a 320 amp base and feed
more than one structure.

 

[Little Bill]

I agree except I don't see any dual lug 200A meter bases here. We would have to use a 400A (320A) meter base with dual lugs. If there are dual lug 200A meter bases, I don't think the cost would be much or anymore for a 320A.