400 AMP 6 wire Service

[PsRumors]

I've read several threads about 320 AMP socket base for "400 AMP service". GA Power is bringing 400 amp service to my soon to be built shop to meet quality of service standards due to me having a 7.5 hp air compressor. The GA Power guy said specifically, I must have a 6 lug meter base because they will bring 4 hots and 2 neutrals. The 2 electricians I've spoke with sound almost confused and when I asked the GA power rep about the 320 base he said no, 400. This is single phase and I believe what I need is a 4 jaw 320 amp continuous meter base. Would this be correct?

I'll also need a 400 amp breaker box or two, 200 amp breaker box, before feeding my indoor panels, correct?

 

[dscheidt]

this sounds like a parallel feed. they do this so they can use two of a smaller wire, instead of a bigger wire. Easier to handle, and often cheaper. (and for bigger current applications, the only real solution.). Make sure you check your utlitiy's list of approved meter bases.

 

[Bert_]

2 small wires = 1 big wire

 

[dave*99]

A house by me has 400 amp service with 6 wires. Perhaps it is 320 I don't know for sure. What I saw in the install was 6 wires from the pole to the meter base. There are (2) service panels connected to the meter base - each panel is 200A. there are 3 wires to each panel. No switches or breakers are between the meter base and the 2 panels.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

Ask the PoCo for their list of approved meter bases/pans.

Good luck finding one though. Most every where is sold out

 

[haveissues]

That is how mine is done, It was recommended by their engineer since it is easier to work with-it was parallel 4/0 or 300mcm if i remember correctly. And yes mine is a 320 continuous, 400 amp meter pan. My poco did not have a specific approved list, just had to be ringless and have 200a meter rejection installed but I don't think anyone checked. I ended up buying a new one on ebay for SIGNIFICANTLY less than local or the online distributors. Paid $230 delivered last june.

 

[rancherbill]

The GA Power guy said specifically, I must have a 6 lug meter base because they will bring 4 hots and 2 neutrals. The 2 electricians I've spoke with sound almost confused

Sounds like your electricians don't do this kind of new work often.

The power guy is right because they does this stuff all the time. It's in the code book somewhere that the POCO is always right. hahaha

 

[supratreo]

i have a 400A panel at my house. uses a huge GE breaker similar to the one below but setup for 1P.
4 hot 2 neutral.

TJK436400WL GE 400A Interchangeable Trip Circuit Breaker

Discounted Brand New GE / TJK4 frame Circuit Breakers. Interchangeable Trips, TJK436400WL

breakeroutlet.com

 

[wyliesdiesels]

.

 

[Bigredford]

When I started on my 400 amp service I simply went to the local Georgia Power office and got a meter base from them.