Maybe different subpanel question.

[Raisedonadeere]

I have done several subpanel installations and got them right using much information I learned on this site, thanks to all who share information of this kind. But nothing I have read seems to fit what I need to do now.

I live in a new manufactured home about one year now and am building garage, equipment sheds, shop, and a she shed all needing power. I am running 240V to each. My main power comes underground from a utility pole about 130' underground to a meter on a 6"x6" pole about 6' from the house. That in turn feeds a 200 amp 60 slot distribution panel in the house that looks just like any other house except the neutrals are unbonded to ground. The meter base ("box" )has a separate user section with slots for 8 single pole breakers, or 4 double pole. The builder powered the 240v sewer pump from this meter box rather than the house panel like the two AC units are. I mounted a 120v plug on the meter pole and also a 50amp RV plug which uses a double pole breaker. I also mounted a SquareD surge protector through one of the knockouts at the bottom of the box. so I am running out of entry knockouts and breaker slots.

I have one double pole position left and need three for now with perhaps another two more in the future.

The geometry allows me to conduit every additional circuit I need into a subpanel mounted on the same pole as the meter box (back to back but on opposite side of the pole) and feed it from the one remaining double pole slot in the meter box.

Are there considerations for this exterior subpanel that are different than the ones I have installed which were in a separate building or on opposite ends of a house but in the same house?

Would I unbond the neutral the same way and would I need to establish a ground system even though the panel is only 4' of wire from the main panel. This sub panel would feed panels in the buildings I am powering.

Is it even allowed to install a subpanel on the same pole with the meter box, fed by the meter box?

Maybe my question is rather just to find out if this subpanel on a meter pole involves a whole new bunch of rules concerning disconnects to each building and grounding etc. Any guidance will be appreciated. None of the electrical books I have cover the combo meter box/distribution center on a pole scenario I am dealing with.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

.........I have one double pole position left and need three for now with perhaps another two more in the future.

The geometry allows me to conduit every additional circuit I need into a subpanel mounted on the same pole as the meter box (back to back but on opposite side of the pole) and feed it from the one remaining double pole slot in the meter box.

Are there considerations for this exterior subpanel that are different than the ones I have installed which were in a separate building or on opposite ends of a house but in the same house?

yes it needs to be 3R rated.

Would I unbond the neutral the same way

yes. Only the main service panel should have a bonded neutral. you will also need a ground bar.

and would I need to establish a ground system even though the panel is only 4' of wire from the main panel. This sub panel would feed panels in the buildings I am powering.

NO, need to connect to the GES- grounding electrode system since its in the same place as the main.

Is it even allowed to install a subpanel on the same pole with the meter box, fed by the meter box?

yeah no restriction for that.

Maybe my question is rather just to find out if this subpanel on a meter pole involves a whole new bunch of rules concerning disconnects to each building and grounding etc. Any guidance will be appreciated. None of the electrical books I have cover the combo meter box/distribution center on a pole scenario I am dealing with.

shouldn't be any issues with NEC.

I would check with your AJ to make sure they dont have any written amendments that further restrict what is allowed by the NEC.

 

[Raisedonadeere]

I hope by 3R rated you are referring to the outdoor statement I see on my Square D 100 Amp panel. I will research that further.

Thanks so much for reading my long post. I just wanted to make sure I covered whatever about this set up that would be a game changer. I have never been around any power other than what came straight into the house from the meter on the outside wall.

I love that I can work with my buildings with out accessing my breakers from inside the house. this was an unexpected bonus in my build.