RESIDENTIAL SERVICE
REQUIREMENTS
CHAPTER 5 - METER
REQUIREMENTS
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
This chapter provides you with general requirements for the metering equipment that
you need in order to have your service energized. Your meter base needs to meet the
following criteria for our meter to properly connect.
Your meter base and other equipment installation must meet the
requirements of your local electrical inspector. If you have specific questions regarding
your meter installation please contact your local electric inspection agency (see list).
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SERVICE
RATING OPTIONS
As stated in Chapter One, CLPUD’s metering equipment requirements for single-family
residential structures (not apartments or condominiums) are based upon the
following single-phase service ratings [and the customer must select which amperage
rating is required for the project]:
| Ampere Rating |
Voltage |
| 200 Amp |
120/240 |
| 400 Amp |
120/240 |
| over 400
Amps* |
120/240 |
| *
If you need a service over 400 amps or a three phase service, please contact your nearest
service office (see appendix). Those services will be addressed individually and are not
covered in this handbook. |
You are responsible for providing and installing all equipment other
than:
The meter.
The service line from CLPUD’s
facilitates to the point of attachment.
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METER BASE
REQUIREMENTS
The meter base you purchase and install shall meet the following general requirements.
Specific requirements for 200 and 400 amp services, and for outbuildings, are listed later
in this chapter.
Your meter base must be:
UL (Underwriters Laboratory)
approved.
Rated for exterior use, and be
rain-tight according to NEMA-3R.
Must have all unused openings
tightly sealed from the inside of the base.
Must be plumb and securely
fastened to the supporting structure.
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200 AMP SERVICES
The 120/240 volt, 200 ampere service is the most common
service installed by CLPUD. Typically it’s installed in homes with a living area of
less than 2500 square feet. However, depending upon what type of equipment you are
installing you may want a larger service. It is your responsibility to determine your
electrical requirements and to notify CLPUD of the size of service you would like.
Meter bases for 200 amp services shall also:
Be rated for 120/240 volts and 200
amps.
Contain four meter- jaws and one
connection point for the neutral conductor.
Be at least 4-1/4 inches deep, 11
inches wide, and 14 inches high (see Figures 24 and 25).
Accept 2 inch PVC (preferred) or 2
½ inch rigid steel conduit.
Have lugs (electrical connectors)
that are marked to accept 4/0 aluminum conductors.
The center knockout should not be used on underground because of the
bending radius of the cable.
If your outbuilding or ancillary service will be used for commercial
purposes (i.e. a professional shop, dairy barn, illuminated sign, multifamily/community
well) you will have additional requirements. If this is the case please refer to the CLPUD
Electric Service Handbook for Non-Residential Services.
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GROUNDING
REQUIREMENTS
All meter bases and conduit shall be bonded and grounded in accordance with the NEC.
Beginning in 1996, new construction shall have a "UFER" ground installation
poured in the footings and be inspected by the building official. It is your
responsibility to coordinate this installation with the proper authorities and receive
their approval.
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CLEARANCE
REQUIREMENTS
The following clearances are required around all meter installations. It is your
responsibility to provide and maintain these clearances.
The center of the meter shall be
between 5 and 6 feet above finished grade (except meter pedestals).
A working space of 36 inches wide
by 42 inches deep is required around the meter see Figure 23). This working space is to be
kept clear of any obstructions including landscaping.
There shall be a minimum
horizontal clearance of 36 inches between the center of the electric meter and gas meters.
If a recessed meter base is
installed, a clearance of 18 inches is required from the
meter center to the closest portion of the wall.
If a flush or recessed meter base
is installed, the siding or finished surface of the structure shall not overlap the cover
of the meter base.
Recessed meter base will not be
recessed more than 6 inches.
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400 AMP SERVICES
The meter base required for a 120/240 volt, 400 ampere service
is called a "Class 320" meter base (see Figure 26). It is larger than the 200
amp meter base, but it is still a self-contained meter base (it doesn’t require
instrument transformers). It can be installed on residences where the continuous current
rating is 320 amps or less. If your structure will require more than 320 amps continuous,
you are required to install an instrument transformer (CT or PT) service.
Class 320 meter bases for 400 amp services shall, in addition to the
meter base requirements listed in this Chapter;
Be rated for 120/240 volts and 320
amps continuous.
Contain four meter-jaws and one
connection point for the neutral conductor.
Contain a Class 320 manual bypass
(see Figure 26).
For underground meter bases we
recommend:
- 3 inch schedule 40 or 80 PVC or steel conduit through a knockout in the bottom
left corner of the enclosure.
- Have a least 8-1/2 inches of clearance between the bottom of the lugs and bottom
of the enclosure (see Figure 26).
All meter bases will be
unenergized until the inside breaker box has a permanent metal cover installed.
CLPUD crews must be able to see that the breaker box cover is installed and secure.
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400 AMP CT SERVICE
CT services are also known as "instrument
transformers". You may request a 120/240 volt, 400 amp CT service, available at an
additional charge. This service requires a different meter base (see Figure 27). It also
requires additional equipment (CT enclosure, conduit, CT mounting bracket, etc.). Contact
our nearest service office (see Offices)
and ask to speak to the meter department.
| Phase |
Service
Amperage |
CT’s |
Dimensions |
| No. of Transf. |
W |
H |
D |
| 1 |
401-800A |
2 |
24" |
24" |
11"’ |
| 3 |
201-400A |
3 |
36" |
36" |
11" |
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SERVICES OVER 400 AMPS
120/240 volt services over 400 amps require CT metering. Please contact your nearest
service office (see Offices) for more
information and ask to speak to the meter department.
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