Main Panel on Metal Building

[dirtrunner0519]

Hi,

I have searched the forum and found a few threads that have sub panels located on the metal building but nothing with an over head feed coming in.

Looking for some input/idea's how to do this. I need to get it done ASAP. I NEED POWER..

 

[Dagny]

Nice if you can put it on gable end to avoid a mast.

 

[zmaxmotorsports]

How about a picture of the building and where you'd like to mount it?

 

[Whynot52]

First you will need to find out from power company what their specifications are. Here I was required a minimum of 12' clearance from ground to weather head for pedestrian only traffic (15' for drive traffic) and they required meter base center between 4-5 feet from ground. Once that was established i mounted my (power company supplied) meter base on the shop wall that was facing the power pole already in the yard. I fixed the base directly through the wall into one of my 6'x6' post then used a 2" conduit to connect to a 200a main panel that I mounted next to the base. Measured off my rigid 2" conduit for my weather head and mounted it on top of the meter base and fastened it up the wall into that 6x6 post also (check to see if your jurisdiction has strapping space requirements) ....from there you just pull your wires and done.

 

[dirtrunner0519]

Here is the side of the building were i would like to mount it. Currently the eve is 25' above grade.

 

[nsula_country]

Like WhyNot52 did is about textbook. Unistrut works wonders in this application. WhyNot52's building was wood pole barn and used a vertical support. Yours appears to be steel frame, this will not work. Attach unistrut to red iron and if required to the metal with bolts and washers. Use silicone to seal.

Thought about attaching pic of mine, but it comes in underground...

You mentioned ASAP. You can get your work in in a day. Then it's usually a waiting game for the POCO.

CT

 

[nsula_country]

First you will need to find out from power company what their specifications are. Here I was required a minimum of 12' clearance from ground to weather head for pedestrian only traffic (15' for drive traffic) and they required meter base center between 4-5 feet from ground. Once that was established i mounted my (power company supplied) meter base on the shop wall that was facing the power pole already in the yard. I fixed the base directly through the wall into one of my 6'x6' post then used a 2" conduit to connect to a 200a main panel that I mounted next to the base. Measured off my rigid 2" conduit for my weather head and mounted it on top of the meter base and fastened it up the wall into that 6x6 post also (check to see if your jurisdiction has strapping space requirements) ....from there you just pull your wires and done.

I have to ask... Why did you place your load center outside? Did code/insurance dictate an external disconnect and you chose not to install an unfused disco? Just curious...

CT

 

[dirtrunner0519]

I have to ask... Why did you place your load center outside? Did code/insurance dictate an external disconnect and you chose not to install an unfused disco? Just curious...

CT

Note quite sure what you are asking but i will try to answer.

The panel for the house is in a Mechanical Room inside the house, this is the main feed from the service provider. I asked for a meter spot and they said that the location i want it at is acceptable.

This panel feeds the house via 3" 2/0 underground conduit.

As for as clearance requirements i have read, and will re-read what they are looking for. Strapping at 24" min, 12' overhead clear for walking 18' for vehicle, this is from top of grade per their design requirements.

 

[Whynot52]

I have to ask... Why did you place your load center outside? Did code/insurance dictate an external disconnect and you chose not to install an unfused disco? Just curious...

CT

Local requirements for disconnect outside...the meter is “technically” a disconnect but can carry up to a $500 fee if used as one (locally)...so the main outside is pretty much a large over priced disconnect that I could utilized the space with 220 breakers. It’s actually a 200a Main with lugs on bus outside then jumps to a 100a main inside. I have my 220’s outside and 110’s inside...

 

[dirtrunner0519]

I will have a 320A service with 200A going to the house leaving the garage with 120A. This should be enough for me to run everything i want.

 

[Bert_]

I will have a 320A service with 200A going to the house leaving the garage with 120A. This should be enough for me to run everything i want.

Does your utility not allow 2-200a main breakers on a 320a self contained meter? Unless they don't allow it I would run the two 200's, it will cost almost the same amount.

 

[dirtrunner0519]

Not sure, they consider anything above 320A to be commercial, thus we limit the power to 320A.