Routing wire outside..

[HeloMech]

Is it alright and will it be ok with the power company if I run wire from my main panel in the garage through the outside wall using the existing hole to the meter? my main panel is about a foots distance to the meter outside. I'd like to go right from the panel box along the same path through the wall and out into the meter box. Once the wire enters the meter box, run down through an unused hole in the meter box and into the ground. Does this make sense and will it pass?

 

[Aceman]

Do NOT go through the meterbase.

 

[HeloMech]

Explain... If I shouldn't do it I might as well know why.

 

[cadunkle]

Subpanel must be wired through a breaker in the main panel. Do not bond ground/neutral at subpanel. Do not run both panels straight off the meter base.

 

[HeloMech]

I meant the main panel box for the house. I'm wanting to know if I can you the meter box as a pass through to the outside without having to cut a hole in the brick. I'm not going to touch any wires in the meter box.

 

[kert]

I meant the main panel box for the house. I'm wanting to know if I can you the meter box as a pass through to the outside without having to cut a hole in the brick. I'm not going to touch any wires in the meter box.

Most of the time meter bases are sealed with a tag to prevent you from anybody but the POCO from having access. I would think they would be reluctant to allow you to use the meter base for any other purpose.

 

[hidollartoys]

Code does not allow the use of a "panel" as a raceway. The question would be.... Is the meter base enclosure considered a "panel"? The safe position would be to consider the base as a "panel".

I too feel the POCO would frown on the meter base being used as a raceway.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

DON'T use a meter base or pull box next to a meter main as a raceway. For one, they are sealed with serial numbered tags by the PoCo. And depending on the temp. rating of the service wire, if you run wire through the conduit/****** that your service wires run through, all those wires must be rated @ the same temp. rating! So if your service wires are rated @ a 60C deg. ampacity, then any new wire, regardless of its temp. rating, must be rated @ a 60C deg ampacity. The other derating factor that applies to older wire(60C and 75C deg) is when "more than 3 current carrying conductors are in a raceway or cable". So you would have to limit the max ampacity of all those wires!