Buried LB

[sameguy]

As far as an option to do it differently, at this point, you could always take the meter off the house and mount it on a rack away from the basement wall.

It doesn't need to be on the house anyway.

With it moved away from the house you could 90 up into the meter and 90'd out of a meter/main straight back through the existing hole.

That service wouldn't fly in my area anyway.
We're only allowed 3' after the meter before we hit the 1st OCPD.

The Service conductors are beyond what's allowed in our area.

JAP>

3' wow, in N.Y. We can wrap the house in it, after penetrating we are then limited to distance, body having jurisdiction/power co. approval if more is needed.

 

[jusme123]

As far as an option to do it differently, at this point, you could always take the meter off the house and mount it on a rack away from the basement wall.

It doesn't need to be on the house anyway.

With it moved away from the house you could 90 up into the meter and 90'd out of a meter/main straight back through the existing hole.

That service wouldn't fly in my area anyway.
We're only allowed 3' after the meter before we hit the 1st OCPD.

The Service conductors are beyond what's allowed in our area.

JAP>

does the 3 feet start after you penetrate the exterior wall?

 

[jap]

does the 3 feet start after you penetrate the exterior wall?

No.
3' from the load side lugs of the meter.

Some AHJ around here will let you fudge somewhat but never more than 5 or 6' max.

JAP>

 

[oldsparky52]

I should have read all the posts before I posted.

 

[oldsparky52]

No.
3' from the load side lugs of the meter.

To the line side lugs of the disconnect? If so, that's like saying they (meter and SD) must be side by side or back to back.

ETA that I don't think back to back or side by side requirements are a bad thing.

 

[infinity]

That service wouldn't fly in my area anyway.
We're only allowed 3' after the meter before we hit the 1st OCPD.

The Service conductors are beyond what's allowed in our area.

JAP>

Why only 3'? The NEC allows the SEC's to be of unlimited length when outside of the building.

 

[Coppersmith]

The NEC allows the SEC's to be of unlimited length when outside of the building.

Can you provide a code section? I was wanting to run 20 feet on the outside of a house from a meter to an LB that turns into the back of the interior panel. I was thinking I would need a fused disco next to the meter but would be happy to avoid it.

 

[jap]

Why only 3'? The NEC allows the SEC's to be of unlimited length when outside of the building.

It's a local thing not a code requirement.

It more or less puts the Meter and Service disconnect side by side or back to back.
Up until not long ago it was copper only beyond the load side of the meter base also.

JAP>

 

[LarryFine]

Can you provide a code section? I was wanting to run 20 feet on the outside of a house from a meter to an LB that turns into the back of the interior panel. I was thinking I would need a fused disco next to the meter but would be happy to avoid it.

That's perfectly compliant without an exterior disco, as long as you have no local codes to the contrary.

Your M/B panel would more than qualify as "nearest the point of entry."

 

[k947]

Thanks for all of the information and guidance

 

[readydave8]

It's a local thing not a code requirement.

It more or less puts the Meter and Service disconnect side by side or back to back.
Up until not long ago it was copper only beyond the load side of the meter base also.

JAP>

I'm curious is that a written rule?

 

[GoldDigger]

I'm curious is that a written rule?

And did it date back to the first round of problems with Al wiring in residential and was never reviewed after that?

 

[jap]

And did it date back to the first round of problems with Al wiring in residential and was never reviewed after that?

That's exactly the case.

Jap>

 

[Another C10]

What might be the difference between the LB and the "box" that would cause one to be allowed and the other not? Any idea?

It would make sense to me at least that anything with a cover needs to be accessible. I would never bury below grade an LB or underground pull box.

 

[Another C10]

Listed boxes and handhole enclosures shall be permitted where covered by gravel, light aggregate, or noncohesive granulated soil if their location is effectively identified and accessible for excavation

who got that exception approved ... that must be a 1 in a 1000 type situation. cant imagine what though ... great find regardless.

 

[readydave8]

I'm curious is that a written rule?

still curious

 

[sameguy]

Air ports, use concrete markers for buried boxes.

 

[electrofelon]

still curious

It's a local thing not a code requirement.

It more or less puts the Meter and Service disconnect side by side or back to back.
Up until not long ago it was copper only beyond the load side of the meter base also.

JAP>

Me too. Can your provide the jurisdiction? Is it a city amendment?

 

[electrofelon]

Can you provide a code section? I was wanting to run 20 feet on the outside of a house from a meter to an LB that turns into the back of the interior panel. I was thinking I would need a fused disco next to the meter but would be happy to avoid it.

No we cannot. Can you provide a code section saying we can't?

 

[Coppersmith]

No we cannot. Can you provide a code section saying we can't?

No, but I spoke with the electrical inspector and he (rightly or wrongly) said a disconnect is required for the above situation. I think he is wrong, but I'm not fighting this battle.