Power Co survey today

[lowrider2]

I had power company do a survey of my property to bring in 400 amp service for the shop/hanger I'm building and the new house that will follow. Both are all electric so they recommend the 400 amp service. I can come up with more than 100 amps in both the shop and house. My plan is to set the meter pedestal with two 200 amp disconnects (breakers) to feed the house and shop.

Can I just mount the 400 or 320 amp meter pedestal with offsets to two 200 amp exterior disconnects, one on either side and then into the house and shop with 2 runs of 4/0 Alum cable to 2 200 amp panels, one at each location? If so, what is the best way to do it and what equipment is needed at the pedestal?

 

[dadsEH]

You had the experts there and didnt ask?

 

[dw1]

I had power company do a survey of my property to bring in 400 amp service for the shop/hanger I'm building and the new house that will follow. Both are all electric so they recommend the 400 amp service. I can come up with more than 100 amps in both the shop and house. My plan is to set the meter pedestal with two 200 amp disconnects (breakers) to feed the house and shop.

Can I just mount the 400 or 320 amp meter pedestal with offsets to two 200 amp exterior disconnects, one on either side and then into the house and shop with 2 runs of 4/0 Alum cable to 2 200 amp panels, one at each location? If so, what is the best way to do it and what equipment is needed at the pedestal?

Your Power Co. should tell you what brand of equipment that they accept. Milbank makes a Meter/Main combo, all in one unit, they do have a 400/320 that has 2-200 amp breakers in it like you are describing.

 

[bandit067]

Our Power Co here gives us our meter bases. I installed the 400 amp panel and purchased two 200 amp disconnects from Amazon, and installed them on each side of the meter base panel in order to feed two shops. Think I also used some 4/0 tri plex from Lowes to connect. Your 400 amp panel should have two lugs for each leg to do exactly what your doing. Be sure to use NO Ox grease on all aluminum connections.

Your electrical inspector can give exact requirements, but a 2 inch PVC connector three or four inches long should work between panel and disconnects. You prolly will need a ground rod driven if you don t already have one close by.

 

[lowrider2]

The power company rep gave me the name of two local electrical supply companies and said they were familiar with what is being used in the area.

While I have no reason to not trust those firms, I believe there are other sources available both locally and online and maybe even cheaper. The "off the top of my head" estimate for new service is $6K to $11K and I should get a final cost within a week. Needless to say I wasn't happy with that range so I'm hoping to save some money on my side of the meter if possible. I know pricing varies wildly on electrical equipment so I'm just looking for some ideas that will fit NEC and not kill my budget.

Thanks Bandit! That's a good start!

 

[lowrider2]

Will this work with two 200 amp disconnects?


Cooper B-Line 324 N 400A, 1P, 4 Jaw, Meter Socket
324 N

UPC:
782051622102
Technical Bulletin
$319.38 EA

 

[lowrider2]

Got the estimate for 220' of distribution, transformer and so on...$13,348 then after my "all electric" discount...price is now $6,674. Sound fair?

Meter pedestal and two 200 amp breakers and 8 spaces for circuits will be about $865 including a 20 amp breaker and one weather tight recep. and box.