Top Feed Only

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Gentlemen,

It is interesting to note a top fed meter can have either a lateral or drop fed entry into the meter box. What no one has mentioned, a meter socket must be top fed...otherwise the meter will run backwards when it is installed read side up! :) rbj
 
Observation. The bottom picture of the metering enclosure shows a metallic offset nipple being used thru knockouts. Isn't a grounding bushing required here to conform with 250-92(B)last paragraph? :smile:
 
gndrod said:
Gentlemen,

It is interesting to note a top fed meter can have either a lateral or drop fed entry into the meter box. What no one has mentioned, a meter socket must be top fed...otherwise the meter will run backwards when it is installed read side up! :) rbj
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I don't think Pierre was asking about the line and load-- certainly he knows that would make the meter run backwards. He is asking whether a meter that says Top Feed Only can enter the enclosure from the bottom or the sides.

Years ago I remember there were 2 different meter bases. One for laterals and one for overhead.
 
I am sorry that it has taken me so long to get back to this topic. I had one of those days that just did not want to end. (thats right for those who guessed, my nap lasted longer than normal ;) )


I also want to appoligise, as I did not make clear what is happening here, I was looking for the answer Tom Baker provided.


This meter is installed on the load side of the service disconnect (the service disconnect is in a different room), so all of the conductors visible are feeders. Do you notice the isolation neutral kit - that is what i was focused on, and missed the label, although I did take a picture of the label.
When reviewing the pictures of the install later, I noticed what the label stated.

Mivey is correct in saying the portion of the install that I mentioned as correct is which conductors are terminated to which terminals.


Dennis
I do not think this install is legal.

You are right about my understanding that hooking a meter up backwards runs the meter backwards, my house has been like that for years...the utility company sends me a check every month. ;) :grin:



Mivey
The reason I did not show the whole "wide angle", is I did not want the focus of my question to be distracted by other parts of the install.
 
Dennis Alwon said:
I don't think Pierre was asking about the line and load-- certainly he knows that would make the meter run backwards. He is asking whether a meter that says Top Feed Only can enter the enclosure from the bottom or the sides.

Years ago I remember there were 2 different meter bases. One for laterals and one for overhead.
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Well taken,

Interesting to note that panels can be installed up-side down (depending on location and type) and still require top loading. This is NEC compliant if manufacturers instructions do not label enclosure (i.e.6R) position.
 
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Pierre C Belarge said:
...I did not want the focus of my question to be distracted by other parts of the install.
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what are the odds of that happening? :grin:
 
left or right?

left or right?

If this is a left side line feed, then it is non-compliant with the POCO. I do not believe a five jaw is reversible. rbj
 
Pierre, looks like the install also has a violation of 250.148.

250.148 Continuity and Attachment of Equipment Grounding Conductors to Boxes
 
Pierre C Belarge said:
The utility here does not permit landing the EGC in a meter enclosure.
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If this is on the load side of the service disconnect,( and ocpd ? ), then your required to seperate the g&n's.Your calling it a feeder, does it still fall under the utility's juristiction with meter bases.
 
Pierre C Belarge said:
Yes, as they are the ones who install the "cash register".
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So they allow a non grounded neutral in the enclosure w/o a ground lug.Sounds like a listing problem.
 
So, Tom and Pierre, this is a violation, because "Top feed only" means the line side conductors must enter the enclosure from the top. Correct?

If that was not stated on the label, it would be OK to enter from the bottom or side. Also correct?
 
I wouldn'y worry so much about the words "Top Feed Only" on a 3R can - installed inside. 10-1 an indoor can same guts is the same size and says nothing about where to feed it from.... JMSO Doesn't say anthing about where to exit does it????? :rolleyes: i.e. entrance of service conductors in wet location - which this is not.

And is the POCO requiring the fifth jaw - if not why are you? Is this 208?
 
If you take a good look at the picture of the meterpan, you will see that the gutter space on each side of the meterpan is minimal and passing the guts leaves very little room.
Take a look at 312.6 for the required space within an enclosure.
 
Pierre,

isn't this a violation of 250.92 ? the only means for bonding the meter base is the use of a locknut on concentric ko's (assuming the can next to it is bonded). there is no provision for bonding this meter can, but it is required.
 
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