Need a meter socket and 200 Amp Panel Recommendations

[Junkman]

I am rehabbing a 1960s 1,300-square-foot split-level home. I want to upgrade the electrical service and install a 200-amp underground service. The meter socket requires a bypass; according to Eversource, the local electrical supplier. At the local supply house, the cost is $505.99, and the brand is Milbank. They also quoted a CH Main Breaker panel (BRP40B200) at $313.01. I have always used Square D QO panels in previous homes, and I really like the product. I think that they don't want my business because I am not an electrician. Any suggestions on brands and where to buy them? I am also going to need arc fault / GFIC breakers. I have been reading as many questions and answers on these forums as possible, and I want to get it right the first time because I will be living in this home. I wired the home I built 40 years ago, and it wasn't difficult, but I took my time to ensure I got it right. I understand the codes have changed, and I want to do this correctly. Your help is greatly appreciated. I know that I will have additional questions as I learn and travel this road.

 

[mm08822]

Start with the POCO electric service specs. Go online and find their listing of acceptable meter pans. Should be a PDF file you can download with all the details.

Does your locale require the exterior disconnect yet? If yes, look for meter/mains as a single enclosure and also as 2 separate enclosures. Price it both ways if so. Just make sure you satisfy POCO requirements.

I doubt there is any further POCO specs for a separate main panel. That usually only happens when there is a meter main requirement. If SQ D QO floats your boat, then go for it.

Big Orange has the CH panel for a few $ less so shop around once you have catalog #s...

 

[mm08822]

Connecticut Builders and Contractors | Eversource

Find important information to help keep your construction projects on track with Eversource.

www.eversource.com

 

[wyliesdiesels]

Eaton BR is junk. Eaton CH is way better

 

[Junkman]

What would be the recommendation of a Square D panel? Do 200-amp panels come in various breaker counts, or are they all 40 breakers for a 200-amp panel?

Start with the POCO electric service specs. Go online and find their listing of acceptable meter pans. Should be a PDF file you can download with all the details.

Does your locale require the exterior disconnect yet? If yes, look for meter/mains as a single enclosure and also as 2 separate enclosures. Price it both ways if so. Just make sure you satisfy POCO requirements.

I doubt their is any further POCO specs for a separate main panel. That usually only happens when there is a meter main requirement. If SQ D floats your boat, then go for it.

Presently they are not requiring the exterior disconnect however, I was told that some of the towns are starting to require it. I will have to check on our town, because if it is required, that meter socket costs $1457.66! The number is MILB U5140-RXL-200BL W/MB UG W/BY.

 

[mm08822]

What would be the recommendation of a Square D panel? Do 200-amp panels come in various breaker counts, or are they all 40 breakers for a 200-amp panel?

40, 42, 50, 60ish circuit panels available.. maybe even more. I wouldn't do anything less than 40 space as your main panel.

 

[Bert_]

They require a lever bypass or just a horn bypass? Makes a big difference in cost.

Qo is fine. CH with the tan handles is a tiny bit better in my opinion. I normally install Siemens these days. Any of them will be more than fine for residential

 

[larry4406]

The OP says he needs a "bypass". What is this?

I am familiar only with the outside disconnect requirement.

Then @Bert_ mentions a "lever bypass or just a horn bypass"

 

[mm08822]

The OP says he needs a "bypass". What is this?

I am familiar only with the outside disconnect requirement.

Then @Bert_ mentions a "lever bypass or just a horn bypass"

A lever bypass is a movable lever inside the meter pan that permits removal of the meter under load without causing a disconnect.

Horn bypasses require 2 jumpers manually installed before meter removal.

Almost doubles the cost of a meter pan.

 

[larry4406]

A lever bypass is a movable lever inside the meter pan that permits removal of the meter under load without causing a disconnect.

Horn bypasses require 2 jumpers manually installed before meter removal.

Still puzzled on what value/service this provides.

Sounds like it aides meter removal vs deenergizing the structure for first responders.

 

[Bert_]

Still puzzled on what value/service this provides.

Sounds like it aides meter removal vs deenergizing the structure for first responders.

It's a utility company thing. It's all inside the meter socket, you don't have access to it. Easier to change meter. I've never needed a lever bypass for residential.

 

[Stuart in MN]

Milbank products are decent. I think they sell regionally so people in other parts of the country may not be familiar with the brand.

 

[larry4406]

It's a utility company thing. It's all inside the meter socket, you don't have access to it. Easier to change meter. I've never needed a lever bypass for residential.

So I assume the OP would still need to provide an external disconnect.

 

[JohnX14]

The purpose of the bypass is to allow the poco to remove and replace the meter without interrupting power to the building. Required on all commercial services here, as well as any meter for common areas to a residential 2 familyu or multi-family.

Eaton BR is not junk. CH is higher quaity, on par with QO. JMO. I use a lot of BR panels and breakers.

 

[mm08822]

So I assume the OP would still need to provide an external disconnect.

Still required if CT now requires it.

Lever bypass is only for POCO use, been a feature for decades.

 

[micromind]

Often new panels can be bought on Ebay for considerably less than anywhere else.

For resi, I like Square D QO too, it's about all I install anymore. Yes, it's expensive but I've seen fewer problems with it than any other brand.

 

[nh_yota]

Milbank meter pans with lever bypass are very common around here - the electric co-op required one when my parents upgraded to 200A service a few years ago. Eaton BR is similar to Square D Homeline and Eaton CH is similar to Square D QO.

 

[larry4406]

In my area, once you get approval for the new meter service, the power company gives us the meter can. We show up with the approved work order, present it, and walk out the door with the meter can THEY provide.

Then we provide the disconnect, SER, main panel, etc.

 

[mm08822]

Every POCO is different, that's why you need their service requirements manual/procedures.

 

[micromind]

In my area, once you get approval for the new meter service, the power company gives us the meter can. We show up with the approved work order, present it, and walk out the door with the meter can THEY provide.

Then we provide the disconnect, SER, main panel, etc.

This is as it should be. Then there are no questions about whether or not it's the right equipment.

Around here the PUCO has a list of manufacturers and model numbers that we can use. It's almost as good as them supplying it.

 

[larry4406]

This is as it should be. Then there are no questions about whether or not it's the right equipment.

Around here the PUCO has a list of manufacturers and model numbers that we can use. It's almost as good as them supplying it.

It’s buried in their fee which I’m fine with. No questions ever if it’s correct.

 

[mm08822]

This is as it should be. Then there are no questions about whether or not it's the right equipment.

Around here the PUCO has a list of manufacturers and model numbers that we can use. It's almost as good as them supplying it.

Unless of course if their pick-up location is a PIA and has ridiculous hours.

 

[PCustoms]

Every POCO is different, that's why you need their service requirements manual/procedures.

Same advice he got in his other thread.

Around here the manual is readily available and I've found them open to questions (don't call at an obviously busy time)

 

[75gmck25]

Buy a Square D QO 32/40 space 200 amp panel, and then call the electric company to find out the process for the 200 amp upgrade. The new meter pan usually comes from the POCO, so you just install what they provide.

If you pay an electrician it will be at least $2,000-$2,500 for the complete job, including permit.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

So I assume the OP would still need to provide an external disconnect.

A level bypass does not replace the requirement for a main disconnect. The lever bypass is for PoCo use only. Its not accessible to anyone else

 

[larry4406]

A level bypass does not replace the requirement for a main disconnect. The lever bypass is for PoCo use only. Its not accessible to anyone else

I had a feeling this was the case.

I wanted to make sure that the OP didn’t confuse it with the perhaps need for an external disconnect.

 

[Dagny]

Depends on the code your state is using.

 

[Dagny]

I haven't seen a milbank meter socket since way before the china flu. There was some part they couldn't get at first then the code change to meter mains and I think that's all they make now.

 

[Dagny]

I have been installing Cutler Hammer panels since they were made in Milwaukee, cadmium plated copper buss bars were rock solid.

One summer in the 80's they made some Al. buss and quickly changed back to copper. Eaton seems committed to quality but now they have silver over the copper. They will outlast anyone who is already born.

 

[Codyboy]

So I assume the OP would still need to provide an external disconnect.

Yes of course.
A bypass is in no way no how a means of disconnect.
Pull the lid off , flip up the lever to bypass and pull the meter. The service will stay on and not be metered.
The way the mechanism works is basically a clamp on the meter jaws. With the lever up a slide bar raises into place to make the connection and the clamping part on the jaws release.
I don't know if all PoCos 320 cans have a bypass but ours do, and are the only ones allowed to have it.
Self contained 200A and 100A are required to be the standard meter base and no bypass. Reason being is the PoCo here uses a ring type meter base and there's no way to use a lever bypass with it.

 

[Junkman]

I was told that there is a code change coming, but it hasn't been implemented in CT as of yet. It is to have a service disconnect at the meter for the fire department to shut down the electrical service in the event of a fire. I checked the cost of a dual disconnect and meter socket, and the price was about $1200 for a 200-amp service. Since this is coming, I was thinking about adding an outside disconnect alongside the meter socket. What are your thoughts on this? Also, can a disconnect designed to be outside be installed inside, on the back side of the meter socket? I know that I will need to separate the grounds and neutrals in my main panel if I add the disconnect.

 

[mm08822]

I was told that there is a code change coming, but it hasn't been implemented in CT as of yet. It is to have a service disconnect at the meter for the fire department to shut down the electrical service in the event of a fire. I checked the cost of a dual disconnect and meter socket, and the price was about $1200 for a 200 amp service. Since this is coming I was thinking about adding an outside disconnect alongside of the meter socket. What are your thoughts on this?

Ummmm, why are you starting another thread..............https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/threads/need-a-meter-socket-and-200-amp-panel-recommendations.555202/#post-11529114

 

[Junkman]

Residential Total Rehab, new electrical service, plumbing, insulation, walls, etc.

 

[mngundog]

Won't everything be Grandfathered in? Great code by the way, pull this lever to disarm my security system.

 

[Junkman]

I will be grandfathered in if I get the new service this year. I was told it would take effect in our area in 2027.

 

[duneslider]

Is this not a normal thing everywhere? Here where the service hits the house is a box with a meter and a disconnect and then most people have a subpanel inside with all the breakers. Its been that way in my area as long as I can remember, I've never seen a residential location that wasn't this way.

And yes, as kids we would sneak around and shut people's power off, and then get chased by the cops, and get in trouble...
Some people did start putting a lock on the box so you couldn't open it. People get way more bent nowadays about this sort of thing so I don't see it happening as much as when I was a kid.

 

[mm08822]

Is this not a normal thing everywhere? Here where the service hits the house is a box with a meter and a disconnect and then most people have a subpanel inside with all the breakers. Its been that way in my area as long as I can remember, I've never seen a residential location that wasn't this way.

And yes, as kids we would sneak around and shut people's power off, and then get chased by the cops, and get in trouble...
Some people did start putting a lock on the box so you couldn't open it. People get way more bent nowadays about this sort of thing so I don't see it happening as much as when I was a kid.

No not everywhere.

 

[mm08822]

Won't everything be Grandfathered in? Great code by the way, pull this lever to disarm my security system.

Nothing left to grandfather if it's an entirely new service.

Only thing OP can do is beat the timing of the code adoption.

Put a lock on the disco or buy a battery backup for the alarm.

 

[PCustoms]

Ummmm, why are you starting another thread..............https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/threads/need-a-meter-socket-and-200-amp-panel-recommendations.555202/#post-11529114

Won't everything be Grandfathered in? Great code by the way, pull this lever to disarm my security system.

@Junkman I'd ask this to be consolidated to your other thread.

IMHO, it's not needed today and won't be needed as long as you're done before the change, but dona meter/main as it's an easy solution if you're changing the meter pan.

If an external disconnect is required, no, you cannot mount it inside

 

[wyliesdiesels]

Won't everything be Grandfathered in? Great code by the way, pull this lever to disarm my security system.

yes grandfathered if he gets the new service installed,

thats why legit intrusion alarms have battery backups and power failure monitoring...