meter inside ag bld?

[trbomax]

At the present,my meter/service entrance on the barn is outside (exterior of the building). If we add the 4 stalls and small arena area this summer,the meter could end up being on an inside wall,in the arena area. The power is underground, so no issues there. The question would be ,does the meter need to be outside the building,or is inside OK as long as it is in its own separate area? I'm thinkin not but that will make me build around it, causing need for 2 sheeted exterior walls.

 

[Norcal]

A inside meter may be against your PoCo regs.

 

[Tscott]

Here, inside is a big no no. Even if it's possible to read the meter easily you still have all sorts of problems. If the secondary wire fails and need to be replaced you risk having to dig under the building to replace (even if in conduit, the fault can damage the conduit). If the building ever catches fire, the fire department usually wants the meter pulled to make sure nothing inside is live. In your case they would not be able to get to it safely. I'm pretty sure it will be against power company rules, but I you could at least ask.

I would suggest moving the meter.

Tom

 

[Roots]

Don't do it.

 

[nehog]

Yes, just ask your provider! Some are OK with it, most are not. Realize that if they can't access the meter at any time, they'll estimate and that can result in a billing surprise! They will also probably want an outdoor, accessible disconnect. Is there a distribution box nearby? If not, then safety says not--in case of emergency they may need to disconnect power without access to the inside (fire or gas leak for example.)

 

[trbomax]

It is a digital meter that nobody reads,it transmits the reading somehow. I also know that it can be disconected w/o a site visit,thats why I figured it may be ok.Ill stop by thier shop next time I go to town and ask.

 

[Grumpy365]

It is a digital meter that nobody reads,it transmits the reading somehow. I also know that it can be disconected w/o a site visit,thats why I figured it may be ok.Ill stop by thier shop next time I go to town and ask.

I have a digital meter, and the local power company said inside is a NO GO.

 

[nehog]

It is a digital meter that nobody reads,it transmits the reading somehow. I also know that it can be disconected w/o a site visit,thats why I figured it may be ok.Ill stop by thier shop next time I go to town and ask.

Nope, that is not what I was saying. The fire department must be able to disconnect, at the site, without contacting the provider. Basically they need to be able to come on site, and cut power instantly in the case of an emergency.

 

[trbomax]

Nope, that is not what I was saying. The fire department must be able to disconnect, at the site, without contacting the provider. Basically they need to be able to come on site, and cut power instantly in the case of an emergency.

OK,I see what your saying now. I guess it will be a "no" and I'm going to have to build around it,leaveing a 3' or so slot in the side of the building for them to get at it.I can just run the roof right over the slot and the concrete would be there too. The "slot" would be 14' deep , the depth of the new stalls.