Dave Hahn
10-10-2007, 04:55 PM
OK, I'm seeing this panel type with more frequency and am not sure I'm representing things properly or using the correct terminology.
Usually a meter box is naturally locked (w/utility lock) and on this panel type I typically can't see what I see here, but instead would only see what's accessible from the service equipment side.
So what I usually get to see are four #1 AWG copper conductors connected to a 200-Amp "quad-pole" (terminology?) main service disconnect. But with access to the meter box here, I now see that there's 4/0 AWG aluminum conductors attached to the meter AND THEN the four #1's from the meter to the disconnect (see photos).
Assumptions:
(i) #1 CU has a 150-amp capacity. 4/0 AL has a 200-amp capacity.
(ii) I'm required by SOP to report service amperage and service entry conductor type.
QUESTION(S):
Without being able to see what I see in this case, I'd say that the service "capacity" (not required to report) was 300-amps (?) because of the double #1 CU, but that the service amperage was 200-amp due to the disconnect, and the SEC type was CU.
But in fact, isn't the "capacity" 200-amp due to the 4/0 AL, the service amperage still is 200-amp due to the disconnect, and the SEC type is AL ??
If the SEC is the 4/0 AL, which I normally wouldn't see in a lateral, what do I call the four #1 CU ??
Dave
Usually a meter box is naturally locked (w/utility lock) and on this panel type I typically can't see what I see here, but instead would only see what's accessible from the service equipment side.
So what I usually get to see are four #1 AWG copper conductors connected to a 200-Amp "quad-pole" (terminology?) main service disconnect. But with access to the meter box here, I now see that there's 4/0 AWG aluminum conductors attached to the meter AND THEN the four #1's from the meter to the disconnect (see photos).
Assumptions:
(i) #1 CU has a 150-amp capacity. 4/0 AL has a 200-amp capacity.
(ii) I'm required by SOP to report service amperage and service entry conductor type.
QUESTION(S):
Without being able to see what I see in this case, I'd say that the service "capacity" (not required to report) was 300-amps (?) because of the double #1 CU, but that the service amperage was 200-amp due to the disconnect, and the SEC type was CU.
But in fact, isn't the "capacity" 200-amp due to the 4/0 AL, the service amperage still is 200-amp due to the disconnect, and the SEC type is AL ??
If the SEC is the 4/0 AL, which I normally wouldn't see in a lateral, what do I call the four #1 CU ??
Dave