Thread: Meter Base

What size service breaker is this (pictured) meter base rated for?

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Looks like an old 100 AMP. However, the size of the wire from the meter to the service disconnect may further limit capacity.

Looks like that says "cx200", which I thought indicated a 200 amp meter.

Which, of course, is only a meter rating, not a service rating. Service entrance conductor size would limit that as well.

The meter may well be rated for 200 AMPs - a lot of meters are. The meter base, however, doesn't have the bending space necessary for anything much larger than a #4, maybe a #2 (which will get you to 125 AMPs if copper). However, a lot of the small square meter cans are rated for 100 AMPs Newer ones the same size MIGHT be rated for 125 AMPs -depends on the age and manufacturer.

Originally Posted by Jerry Peck

Looks like that says "cx200", which I thought indicated a 200 amp meter.

Which, of course, is only a meter rating, not a service rating. Service entrance conductor size would limit that as well.

Yeah Jerry that is what I thought too but I also know the shape such as Bill pointed out indicates it's rating or should I say capacity. The only thing I had to go on with this one was the size of the box and the main breaker. I could not see the SC (in runway) or get to the panel as it was blocked by a water softener and the wall/floor were wet.

Thanks for your help guys!

The enclosure does not look big enough for 200 amp wiring (3/0 xhhw)
Tony Dolce
Meade Electric
Affordable Phoenix Electrical Contractor, Meade Electric Expert Electrical Repairs And Installations In Phoenix

The enclosure does not look big enough for 200 amp wiring (3/0 xhhw)
Tony Dolce
Meade Electric
Affordable Phoenix Electrical Contractor, Meade Electric Expert Electrical Repairs And Installations In Phoenix

Originally Posted by Tony Dolce

The enclosure does not look big enough for 200 amp wiring (3/0 xhhw)

Standard residential service entrance conductors for 200A would be 2/0cu or 4/0al.

Just a note to H-I's. The "CL200" or whatever it says on the meter is almost always completely irrelevant. The meter itself is pretty much never a determining factor as far as service size goes.
The POCO's own the meter and will use whatever they need to. Most plug-in style meters will be CL200 meters regardless of service size.
Since the POCO owns, maintains and replaces the meter itself at their discretion it is my opinion that it is a non-issue as far as inspections go.

Originally Posted by Mark Schniers

What size service breaker is this (pictured) meter base rated for?

The meter base can fool you. This place has an old 60 amp style base, but they managed to pull #3 copper conductors thru and upgraded to 100 amps.