400 Amp Meter main ring type vs ringless

[BIMMERBOYZ]

I need some input from residential electricians. I installed a 200 Amp sub panel to feed my new garage. My house is currently fed by a 200 Amp meter Main. I was planning on installing a 400 Amp meter main like this https://www.homedepot.com/p/Siemens...h-and-Ringless-Cover-MM0404L1400RLM/302878820

Unfortunately my POCO requires a Ring Type. Which I can not source anywhere.The option I am presented with is buying this https://www.homedepot.com/p/Siemens...d-Center-Combination-MC3042B1400SDS/202819626

Then buying a 200 amp breaker for my house, and a 150+ Amp breaker for my garage sub panel. Wasting the 26 spaces and the factory installed 200 AMP breaker.

From my research the first panel I posted, Siemens doesn't offer a ring type version or conversion cover.

 

[Bert_]

What do you need? Just 2-200A breakers or do you have other circuits coming out of the meter/main?

Do you need 200A in the garage?

 

[Norcal]

Ring type is common in EUSERC territory but have you tried online? EUSERC areas are mainly west coast utilities, electric utility service entrance requirements committee, is what it stands for.

 

[Terry D]

Is your service overhead or underground. Milbank makes a 320 amp ring style meter enclosure that is for overhead services. There are no means for breakers. you would have to mount a 200 amp breaker enclosure on each side of it

 

[BIMMERBOYZ]

Service type is underground. Otherwise the milibank 320 Amp overhead would work, which I considered that idea.

Garage is a 200 Amp sub panel, I don’t need 200Amps, but it’s powering a hot tub, HVAC unit, and a small kitchen. Garage is 1500 SQ FT with a 1000’ of living space above.

I do not need any breakers inside the meter/main, besides the 2 breakers to feed to two sub panels.

 

[nadogail]

In the service area where I live the meters are the property of the electric utility, they set them into the panel the end users electrician installed. The utility also owns and installs the service drop to the weatherhead.

 

[yatg]

If you want to go with a separate meter socket, this one at HD
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milbank...ypass-Overhead-Meter-Socket-R3548-X/202504185
has underground feed capability.

This is a possible all in one solution
https://www.platt.com/platt-electri...Eaton-B-Line/U4042MCC/product.aspx?zpid=15507

 

[BIMMERBOYZ]

If you want to go with a separate meter socket, this one at HD
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milbank...ypass-Overhead-Meter-Socket-R3548-X/202504185
has underground feed capability.

This is a possible all in one solution
https://www.platt.com/platt-electri...Eaton-B-Line/U4042MCC/product.aspx?zpid=15507

The 1 from platt is 1600$ is the issue. The ring less one I posted is 510$, it’s hard to put up 1100$ more for almost the exact same thing except the way the meter is secured into the panel.

 

[BIMMERBOYZ]

So, would this be allowed.

Buy two of these.

QO 200 Amp 2-Pole Outdoor Circuit Breaker Enclosure with QOM2200VH Breaker

https://www.homedepot.com/p/100210055

Place them on each side of this.

400 Amp 4 Terminal Ring-Type Link Bypass Overhead Meter Socket

https://www.homedepot.com/p/202504185

Install a couple of 4/0double lugs and be good.

 

[ard]

So, would this be allowed.

Knowing your poco utility might be very useful for people helping...

 

[BIMMERBOYZ]

Knowing your poco utility might be very useful for people helping...

It’s Rocky Mountain power/Pacific Corp. I’ve spoke to them a few times and also have their handbook.

 

[Terry D]

I deal with Ameren in my area. Dont lnow how their handbook is, but ours has the part #s for the meter sockers allowed

Sent from my SM-G960U using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[walrus]

I deal with Ameren in my area. Dont lnow how their handbook is, but ours has the part #s for the meter sockers allowed

Sent from my SM-G960U using The Garage Journal mobile app

Thats how it works here also, don't use their brand of meter socket no hook up

 

[yatg]

Try this:

https://www.rockymountainpower.net/...ontractors/electric-service-requirements.html

Near the bottom of the page, "Approved Meter Service Equipment".

 

[BIMMERBOYZ]

Try this:

https://www.rockymountainpower.net/...ontractors/electric-service-requirements.html

Near the bottom of the page, "Approved Meter Service Equipment".

I’ve looked at everyone of those part #’s. They’re either no longer available or 1500$+.

 

[Norcal]

I’ve looked at everyone of those part #’s. They’re either no longer available or 1500$+.

Like it or not, you have to use what they approve or it won't get connected.

 

[Terry D]

Like it or not, you have to use what they approve or it won't get connected.

Agreed, have you checked with a local supply house, if they are required by the PoCo, I would think they would stock them. Some of those internet supply houses can be crazy expensive.

 

[ard]

I’ve looked at everyone of those part #’s. They’re either no longer available or 1500$+.

Thats not their problem.

Are you doing internet only searches? Believe it or not, there is a world of 'call up and get a price'.




Also, in the whole scheme of things... 1500 isnt really that much on a project than needs a 400A service.

 

[yeldogt]

400amp is a lot of power?

Have you done the calculations?

I have all kinds of equipment in my shop and never come close to using the 100amp ... multi AC units .. pool

 

[BIMMERBOYZ]

I’ve called Codale, CED, CED, ROYAL. Local supply stores. Average price was 1700$

The calculations are over 200 amps, I know I won’t use near that power, but I have no other option.

While I understand 1500$ seems like a fair price for 400 AMPs, and if there wasn’t other ring less options at 500$, I’d just give up. But the fact that I can make 400 Amps work with a meter main and 2 outside 200 amps disconnects for 500$. Seems like a good way to save 1000$.

 

[pentavolvo]

If you won’t use anywhere near 200 amps just get a 200 amp service then