Does a Double-Tapped meter become a Distribution Point?

[John in OH]

So here is a question ....

The plan for my new detached garage is a new 150amp main panel in the garage with disconnect and sub-breakers. Source will be a second connection to the LOAD side of the existing house meter (double-tap) that is fed by a 400amp service from the power company.

Originally, I thought I'd need only 3 conductors (2 hot + 1 neutral) from the meter to the new panel with grounding rods at the new panel ... essentially a duplicate setup to the feed into the house.

But now I'm wondering if this double-tap arrangement creates a "distribution point" arrangement where a 4 conductor (2 hot + 1 neutral + 1 full size ground) feed is required by NEC from the meter to the new panel?

Any insights or thoughts??

 

[Aceman]

Since you would be tapping directly off the meter base with no service disconnect ahead of these wires, you would run a 3 wire feed to your building. This building would have a service rated disconnect and all your grounding would happen here. After this point everything must be 4 wire.

Run this setup by your inspector first. I know most around here would probably want a disconnect right beside the meter before running unfused conductor over to another building. If that happens, then you would need 4 wire.