Meter bases..

[HeloMech]

Can I run a second panel box from a meter base? Are there 2 hook ups from a meter base? I'm trying to get a few answers now and feel stupid than when I call the electrician and ask him. I'm trying to decide if I should just have a new meter put in for my detached shop.

 

[theoldwizard1]

I think it depended on the power company and the local codes/inspector. They do make a dual lug conversion (I think that is what it is called) for meter bases.

 

[CNGsaves]

Depends on local and state codes.

Here is KS if you pursue buying a meter box or meter, they think you're trying to undermine the world economy!!! I was just checking on what I might do in garage to submeter (ie in anticipation of adding subpanel after burying conduit from the house), and learned that meters and meter boxes could ONLY be bought by PoCo under direction of electrician!! Thus, PoCo owns the meter and meter box, and local wholesale supplier controls any sales of meter boxes/meters (ie for PoCo).

Compare to Oklahoma, where Home Depot sells ANY meter box you might want, and just pop in the old meter if it matches!!

 

[T_Raven]

I've been reading up on upgrading the panel in my house to 200A and the sub panel in my shop to 100A. I need to have an inspector come tell me if the service to the house can handle the upgrade. So that's something to consider also. Mine is under ground so I'm hoping it can handle the upgrade. I don't know anything about running two panels off one meter base though.

Some times a second meter is the best option, but I know some places charge an extra fee every month which could eventually eat up any money saved over another option. You should get in touch with an inspector and tell them what you want and ask what your options are and if the service to the meter can handle what you want.

 

[HeloMech]

New meter will cost around $10 a month minimum fee. I just figure with the cost of wire now that the 15 feet from my house to the shop would be a great deal cheaper than the 200 feet out to the transformer at the street.

 

[Speedy Petey]

Can I run a second panel box from a meter base? Are there 2 hook ups from a meter base? I'm trying to get a few answers now and feel stupid than when I call the electrician and ask him. I'm trying to decide if I should just have a new meter put in for my detached shop.

The answer to your question is almost certainly no. I have never seen a typical residential meter pan with dual lugs and have never seen a "conversion" kit either.
You'll either need a commercial meter pan, a second meter pan and riser (if allowed) or a new dual meter pan.

 

[Speedy Petey]

They do make a dual lug conversion (I think that is what it is called) for meter bases.

Do you have a link to one? As stated above, I have never seen one for a fixed lug resi pan.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Do you have a link to one? As stated above, I have never seen one for a fixed lug resi pan.

Lugs Direct

 

[Speedy Petey]

Lugs Direct

Umm...no. Good try though.

I meant proper lugs to convert a residential single meter pan to dual lugs.

 

[CJCar]

Here's how I did mine:

Existing install was 200A meter base outside, 3 conductor SER cable to a 200A disconnect inside, then 4 conductor SER to the original 200A panel. The meter was previously moved due to an addition, hence the disconnect. Ground conductor is ran from the disconnect to the ground rod and cold water pipe.

To add a second 200A panel in the basement, with a 100A sub panel in the garage, I intercepted the 200A SER feeding the original panel, ran it to a 12x12x8 junction box, and from there picked up the original 200A SER and added a second one for the new panel. The SER conductors were spliced using 3 hole taps.

My memory is hazy, but NEC allows this as the 200A disconnect is my over current protection and the point of bonding.

In my case I already had 200A service. This was not a service upgrade, but rather just distribution.

I am not a licensed electrician, but work for a commercial electrical contractor. I presented what I was trying to do to my some of the more seasoned guys in the shop and this was the most cost effective way to accomplish it. Permits and inspection were done.

Chris

 

[Aceman]

Depending on your local codes, you might be able to use a 400 amp meterbase(they come with dual lugs) or replace your meterbase with a metermain combo.

With the metermain you will need to run 4 wires to your existing house panel and seperate neutrals/grounds as well as move your grounding electrode conductors out to your new metermain.

 

[Norcal]

Depending on your local codes, you might be able to use a 400 amp meterbase(they come with dual lugs) or replace your meterbase with a metermain combo.

With the metermain you will need to run 4 wires to your existing house panel and seperate neutrals/grounds as well as move your grounding electrode conductors out to your new metermain.

Don't forget grouping the disconnects.

 

[Aceman]

Don't forget grouping the disconnects.

That's why I mentioned local codes.

Some places will allow you to put the second service disconnect at the other structure. I haven't tried it here, we've always put another disconnect next to the meterbase as best as I can remember.

 

[gayler]

Why not run from the meter to a subpanel with two breakers? Run one 100A, or whatever is needed, to the house and another breaker for the shop. This is the way it is at my house.