Replies

1. 
   [email protected] | May 11, 2011 05:57pm | #1

   Not sure.

   But, I think the code requires a feeder disconnect at or near the meter feed.  And, the meter is not a disconnect. 

1. 
   DanH | May 11, 2011 06:58pm | #2

   Depends a lot on local rules and poco requirements, I believe.  In some jurisdictions no separate disconnect is required if the panel is within N feet of the service entrance, in others none is required if the panel is outside (which is quite common in the south) or in an unlocked shed or whatnot, in others a disconnect is required, and I suspect that in some an actual breaker is required.

   And, of course, all this confuses the issue of where the ground and neutral should be bonded.

2. 
   DanH | May 11, 2011 07:03pm | #3

   Re routing the wire, it depends to a degree on the size of the service.  With a 200A or larger service, even if you can get jacketed cable that large you won't be able to bend it, so it's probably best to use conduit.  You also need to use conduit (or some other "approved protective means") any time the wire is exposed to possible damage, which would basically be any exposed wiring below the ceiling joist level, and, above the joists, any wiring not tucked tightly into the eave angle.

3. 
   [email protected] | May 12, 2011 07:34pm | #4

   Checked the code: You need a disconnect at the service.

   I looked in the International Residential Code last night. 

   IRC E3601.6  Service Disconnect Required  Means shall be provided to disconnect all conductors in a building or other structure from the service entrance conductors. 

   IRC E3601.6.1  Marking of Service Equipment and Disconnects.  Service disconnects shall be permanently marked as a service disconnect.  Service equipment shall be listed for the purpose.  Individual meter socket enclosures shall not be considered service equipment. 

   IRC E3601.6.2  Service disconnect location.  The service disconnecting means shall be installed at a readily accessible location either outside of a building, or inside nearest the point of entrance of entrance of the service conductors.  Service disconnecting means shall not be intalled in bathrooms.  Each occupant shall have access to the disconnect serving the dwelling unit in which they reside. 

   So, you need to install a disconnect adjacent to the meter panel, if there isn't on there already. 

   I would think that the coductors need to be protected, either by proper enclosure in the wall, or conduit. 

4. 
   gfretwell | May 16, 2011 07:00pm | #5

   This is the commentary from the NEC handbook.

   No maximum distance is specified from the point of entrance of service conductors to a readily accessible location for the installation of a service disconnecting means. The authority enforcing this Code has the responsibility for, and is charged with, making the decision on how far inside the building the service-entrance conductors are allowed to travel to the service disconnecting means. The length of service-entrance conductors should be kept to a minimum inside buildings, because power utilities provide limited overcurrent protection. In the event of a fault, the service conductors could ignite nearby combustible materials.

   Some local jurisdictions have ordinances that allow service-entrance conductors to run within the building up to a specified length to terminate at the disconnecting means. The authority having jurisdiction may permit service conductors to bypass fuel storage tanks or gas meters and the like, permitting the service disconnecting means to be located in a readily accessible location.

   However, if the authority judges the distance as being excessive, the disconnecting means may be required to be located on the outside of the building or near the building at a readily accessible location that is not necessarily nearest the point of entrance of the conductors. See also 230.6 and Exhibit 230.15 for conductors considered to be outside a building.