Question about Eaton combo panel (electrical meter + main breaker)

[aunsafe2015]

My house has an Eaton brand panel installed outside that houses both the electrical meter and a main breaker, which then has wiring running through my crawl space to feed my main breaker panel (technically a sub panel) in my garage. Attached are pictures of the outdoor "combo" panel. Mine is almost the same as this one available at Home Depot: https://www.homedepot.com/p/Eaton-B...RC-Meter-Breaker-Panel-MBE48B200BTF/307425128. EXCEPT that mine only has the main 200 amp breaker -- mine does not have any slots for extra breakers.

Two questions:

1) Is there a simple (and safe) way to modify mine so that it DOES have the extra breaker slots? Or would I need to simply replace my entire panel with a model that has the breaker slots, such as the Home Depot one linked above?

2) Do they make interlock kits for these "combo" style panels?

Many thanks.

 

[Norcal]

No code compliant way to modify the meter can, but I would avoid the BR at all costs, they are the bottom of the line panels, the "Yugo" of the electrical industry, which is why I call them "Zinsco II".

Eaton CH 200 Amp 8-Circuit Meter Breaker Outdoor Surface Mount CMB88B200BTS - The Home Depot

Eaton's residential meter breakers are service entrance equipment systems that consist of a single meter socket and load center distribution section. This type of configuration is also known as All-in-Ones.

www.homedepot.com

I would use a Eaton CH, if had to change the panel, but need to check with your PoCo, to see what they will accept/allow, the BR panel linked is a EUSERC panel which is required by a lot of West Coast utilities, but might not be OK back east.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

What is the model number on the panel? Look at the label on the cover

Q1 is NO

Q2 is no since you have no space for another double pole breaker.

How about an interlock on the subpanel?

 

[Bert_]

What is your goal?

 

[Terry D]

If the compartment under the meter has feed through lugs, you may be able to add a small exterior panel nippled to the side of your meter main

 

[wyliesdiesels]

If the compartment under the meter has feed through lugs, you may be able to add a small exterior panel nippled to the side of your meter main

Negative on that. That is the PoCos lateral feed into the meter. There should be a meter seal on that section

 

[Terry D]

Negative on that. That is the PoCos lateral feed into the meter. There should be a meter next to the

Yeah, guess I didnt look at that right

 

[aunsafe2015]

What is the model number on the panel? Look at the label on the cover

Q1 is NO

Q2 is no since you have no space for another double pole breaker.

How about an interlock on the subpanel?

Interlock on subpanel was my original plan but then I wondered if doing it at the combo panel would be easier. Sounds like the answer is "no." hah.

What is your goal?

Interlock + generator. Sounds like trying to get it into my subpanel (i.e., the one with all of the breakers) is going to be the better route.

 

[Norcal]

If the subpanel is a main lug how is a interlock going to work? The OP has not disclosed if the panel is a main lug or main breaker model.

 

[Bert_]

Add a main to your sub panel if it doesn't have one, most are convertible. Put your interlock there.

 

[yatg]

Open the panel up and see what you're working with.

 

[Norcal]

Post a photo of what you have.