Two services to a dwelling?

Status
Not open for further replies.
O

olly

Senior Member
Location
Berthoud, Colorado
Occupation
Master Electrician
Is it against code to have two separate services to a residential home? They currently have a 200A feed from the utility. They want to add another 200a separate service from the utility. I think they just have to have a sign for the fire dept?
 
A structure can be served by only one service drop or service lateral as defined in Art. 100 [230.2]. The exceptions to this fall into four categories: special conditions, special occupancies, capacity requirements, and different characteristics.
 
olly said:
Is it against code to have two separate services to a residential home? They currently have a 200A feed from the utility. They want to add another 200a separate service from the utility. I think they just have to have a sign for the fire dept?
Click to expand...


You really have to start at the beginning. What are they useing this second service or panel for? Seperate apartment? If so then all sort of rules come into play. Is the area zoned for it and can a building permit be obtained? You can only have one service but more meters if other conditions are met.

The first place to check out is your building department . They are going to find out sooner or later so the best time is now.
 
olly said:
Is it against code to have two separate services to a residential home? They currently have a 200A feed from the utility. They want to add another 200a separate service from the utility. I think they just have to have a sign for the fire dept?
Click to expand...

In addition to code issues, in my experience most utilities dont like to provide multiple services so you may want to check with them.
 
olly said:
Is it against code to have two separate services to a residential home? They currently have a 200A feed from the utility. They want to add another 200a separate service from the utility. I think they just have to have a sign for the fire dept?
Click to expand...

Please see NEC 230.2.
If the reason fits any of the exemptions, you can have additional service connection, IMO.
 
Here the POCO would not allow it, but they have been allowing it for car chargers (special rate). I don't know why they don't just do a tap and put in a separate meter, but they are allowing them to add a 100 amp panel and then feed the charger off of that. I told them that the homeowner could put anything they wanted onto that panel, but the POCO did not seem concerned. I assume they can tell by the usage.
 
cowboyjwc said:
Here the POCO would not allow it, but they have been allowing it for car chargers (special rate). I don't know why they don't just do a tap and put in a separate meter, but they are allowing them to add a 100 amp panel and then feed the charger off of that. I told them that the homeowner could put anything they wanted onto that panel, but the POCO did not seem concerned. I assume they can tell by the usage.
Click to expand...
Funny that you mention this. I just built out a 400 amp 277/480v 3p service for a tesla quick charge station. 10 charging slots, in a strip mall. Funny thing is I haven't even seen a tesla around here. ???

Sent from my VS987 using Tapatalk
 
One service can supply up to six service disconnecting means (with some exceptions that allow for additional disconnecting means, like fire pumps, emergency systems, etc.

Multiple conductors that originate at the same source and end in separate service disconnecting means is still one service - you are generally still limited to the six plus exceptions that I mentioned above.

For OP to upgrade from 200 to 400 amps by simply installing a second 200 amp service disconnecting means and second set of 200 amp conductors back to the same source is still just one service - as long as you don't exceed 6 disconnecting means (or allowed additional that are covered by exceptions) and group all of them at the same location.

Fire pump service disconnect is one that usually is not allowed to be grouped with other service disconnecting means to prevent inadvertent turning it off in a situation where fire pump is needed.
 
Coppersmith said:
A structure can be served by only one service drop or service lateral as defined in Art. 100 [230.2]. The exceptions to this fall into four categories: special conditions, special occupancies, capacity requirements, and different characteristics.
Click to expand...
Is a duplex a special occupancy?
 
olly said:
Is it against code to have two separate services to a residential home? They currently have a 200A feed from the utility. They want to add another 200a separate service from the utility. I think they just have to have a sign for the fire dept?
Click to expand...

Generally I think you are out of luck.

However, what they might actual want is not another service but another meter, which would be ok.
 
petersonra said:
Generally I think you are out of luck.

However, what they might actual want is not another service but another meter, which would be ok.
Click to expand...
Meters are nothing but a wide point in the conductors to the NEC. If you need more then six and are not dealing with multi-occupancy, you probably are going to need a main ahead of the meters, or a meter center with a main, POCO may have rules on what they allow, NEC still wants six or less service disconnecting means grouped in one location as a genera rule.
 
packersparky said:
One lateral (or two if from the same transformer and ran to the same location see 230.2) or overhead drop is considered one service regardless of how many meters are installed.
Click to expand...
Meters don't designate "services" in the NEC. Is possible to have a service with no meter at all.

Meters can be what designates separate "billing accounta" to POCO's, even when there is 100 of them behind one service disconnecting means.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Top