Electric distribution to home and shop.

[countrybumpkin]

I'm fixing to start building the new shop here at out new home, the transformer is a pole mounted about 100 foot from the house it's under ground from pole to a house mounted meter base. The new shop is gong to be about 100 foot on the other side of the pole mounted transformer. I'm looking for thoughts, ideas, pics, ect of what others have done or would have done different. My thoughts as of know is looking at having a new meter base mounted on pole and split off from it with two 200 amp services one would be existing service to house and other would be a new 200 amp to shop, also in the mix I was thinking of a transfer switch after meter for future back up generator.

 

[aczlan]

I would install a meter base/breaker panel such as: http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1v/R-100142031/h_d2/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10053
(200 amp outdoor meter base with a 4 space breaker panel) and use an interlock such as: http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1v/R-100674080/h_d2/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10053 (GE generator interlock for that panel) to connect the generator to the house electrical system.
That panel (IIRC) has 200 amp feed through lugs on the bottom.
If you are going to run a 200 amp feed to your barn, you might need an 8 space panel (most 200 amp breakers seem to need 4 spaces) to add that in too.
You will probbaly need to re-wire your main panel to split the neutrals and grounds, then possibly run a 4th wire from the pole to the house panel (you have to have 2 hots, a neutral and a ground from the main panel to any sub panels per the 2011 revision of the NEC).

Aaron Z

 

[buickanddeere]

A reliance controls feed through 200amp transfer switch at the utility pole . A separate supply from the transfer switch to each breaker panel.

 

[Dishpointer]

I'm planning on building our house next spring and have been planning this very thing as I also want a shop in the future. I'm going underground from the road to a pedestal transformer (1100 feet) then to a 320 amp meter socket that has double lugs so I can split off 200 amps to each building. I would contact your power company and see what they have to say/reccomend because here, I can only use approved equipment that the power company specifies.

 

[MossRoad]

You're probably going to have to put a main service disconnect under the meter and your house and barn will be sub panels of that main panel.

 

[MossRoad]

Oops... Like someone already said... Hahaha

 

[buickanddeere]

TWB2012DR Panel/Link - Reliance Controls Corporation

 

[Tractor Seabee]

A big factor here is what is your budget to do all this:
-how big a generator for essential loads to you need/want?
-Where are those essential Loads and which panel?
-Permanant generator install and where it will be located? Shelter, crankcase heater or water jacket heater if low outdoor temps expected. (17.5 KW is the largest portable on the market (that is what I use)

Lots of variables that can change the price and increase/decrease the code requirements that also affect price..

Maintenance: Portable you can take to service/repair or replace easy. Permanent repairs are done on site or major evolution to remove and haul to service.

A plot plan and the above answers can get you some better ideas here. We have some professional electricians in the Forum, I am just a better informed DIYer than most but have my limitations. Codes and their enforcement vary a lot around the country, so what I can do you may net be able to do. Power companies have their codes and in addition company policies both with variables you could'nt believe.

Ron

 

[MossRoad]

My guess is you won't be allowed to pole mount a meter base and main panel and run circuits from a pole. You most likely will be required to install something like a 'farm service' that is constructed of pressure treated lumber and mount the meter base, main panel and any other accessories to that pressure treated structure. Then you run circuits from that main panel to your house and shop. At least, that's what's required here if you want to service two or more buildings from one location not located within a building. You may want to check on that.

I'd just save the money for all those changes and run a circuit from the house to the shop. It will be far less expensive and won't leave an empty meter base or a siding patch on the side of your house.

 

[buickanddeere]

Install a new meter base and the Reliance transfer switch at the pole. Just cap the now unused meter base at the house. Auto start generators recommended would be Air Cooled Series | Cummins or KOHLER Generators | 20RESAL with Automatic Transfer Switch | Generators | Products | Home Generators. Generac is much improved from years ago with the direct drive units instead of the vertical shaft belt driven gen sets.