Meter Base Question
#1
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Meter Base Question
Quick question, that I think I know the answer to, but it never hurts to check.
I'm getting ready to wire a 100amp auto-transfer switch off of my main service panel, which is a generac gen-ready load center. I'm planning to use aluminum 2/2/2/4, and I'll need 2 runs of 2/2/2/4 for the line and the load to/from the transfer switch. I plan to use a single 2" conduit to contain both runs.
The cleanest way to get this wire to the transfer switch would be to go back out my service panel and through the side of my meter base. I'm pretty sure this isn't allowed.
Question is: If I've got a fully sealed conduit run from the back side of my panel "through" the meter base would this be allowed. I'm guessing not, but again, never hurts to check. Running 2" conduit through my attic is doable, but a lot more work.
Thanks,
I'm getting ready to wire a 100amp auto-transfer switch off of my main service panel, which is a generac gen-ready load center. I'm planning to use aluminum 2/2/2/4, and I'll need 2 runs of 2/2/2/4 for the line and the load to/from the transfer switch. I plan to use a single 2" conduit to contain both runs.
The cleanest way to get this wire to the transfer switch would be to go back out my service panel and through the side of my meter base. I'm pretty sure this isn't allowed.
Question is: If I've got a fully sealed conduit run from the back side of my panel "through" the meter base would this be allowed. I'm guessing not, but again, never hurts to check. Running 2" conduit through my attic is doable, but a lot more work.
Thanks,
#2
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I don't have a code reference for this, but I'm pretty certain that you can't run back through the meter pan. The POCO won't like it because it may seem like you're tapping power (which you aren't, but they probably don't care). Also, there's usually not a lot extra room in the meter pan to allow for extra wires.
Hope this helps a bit.
Hope this helps a bit.
#3
You'll be going from the meter to the transfer switch to the panel....... correct ?
If so....you'll need a transfer switch with main breaker. The transfer switch technically becomes your service entrance panel and your existing panel now becomes a sub panel. As a sub panel you need to make sure the neutrals and grounds are no longer connected together. You will probably have to install a new ground bar and move all grounds to it.
You can not run fused and unfused wiring in the same conduit.
If so....you'll need a transfer switch with main breaker. The transfer switch technically becomes your service entrance panel and your existing panel now becomes a sub panel. As a sub panel you need to make sure the neutrals and grounds are no longer connected together. You will probably have to install a new ground bar and move all grounds to it.
You can not run fused and unfused wiring in the same conduit.
#4
The transfer switch technically becomes your service entrance panel
I'm getting ready to wire a 100amp auto-transfer switch off of my main service panel, which is a generac gen-ready load center.
#5
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Thanks for the feedback - I realize that I wasn't as clear as I need to be. The generac panel has a split interior design. The top circuits are fed by the utility, and are not capable of being generator backed-up. There is a lower panel that is electrically isolated from the upper circuits. These lower circuits are intended to be fed by either the utility power (breaker and wire between the upper and lower panel)or the generator. In my case I was looking to send the upper panel circuit out as the line segment to the xfer switch, then back as the load segment to the lower panel.
My transfer switch, a GE Zenith ZTX-RM series, 200 amp, is not rated as service entrance, but you gave me another idea.
Couldn't I route the load side of my meter (non-fused) out the side of the base, run it to a 200amp service entrance rated breaker, then to my 200 amp xfer switch, then run the entire load segment from my xfer switch back (separate conduit, not through the meter base) back to the main input for the service panel).
In this way, then entire panel would be backed-up, and since I only have a 60 amp generator, I'd just have to manage the load in case of generator operation.
My transfer switch, a GE Zenith ZTX-RM series, 200 amp, is not rated as service entrance, but you gave me another idea.
Couldn't I route the load side of my meter (non-fused) out the side of the base, run it to a 200amp service entrance rated breaker, then to my 200 amp xfer switch, then run the entire load segment from my xfer switch back (separate conduit, not through the meter base) back to the main input for the service panel).
In this way, then entire panel would be backed-up, and since I only have a 60 amp generator, I'd just have to manage the load in case of generator operation.
#7
We've installed many of the Generac 200amp service rated transfer switches. It comes complete with a load shedding module in it. Right out of the box it will shed loads to 4 devices. Device 1 and 2 can be A/C compressors as normally closed relays are in the shedding device or all outputs can be used to run contactors for heavy loads.
#8
I only have a 60 amp generator