400 amp service question
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RoyKing
Platinum Member
It is the county or town/city that sets the codes, all are based on some year of NEC rulebook. Most places run 2 to 7 years behind on which book they use.
The power co and the town come together, like one can't get a pad while next county can only get pad, same electric company.
What you want is too keep the cost down, Amazon has lots of this stuff so you can see choices and cost. Those 200amp trailer box's I spec are as cheap as you'll get plus leave room for lots of expansion
I'll bet you will have a hard time beating $260.00 plus tubing
The power co and the town come together, like one can't get a pad while next county can only get pad, same electric company.
What you want is too keep the cost down, Amazon has lots of this stuff so you can see choices and cost. Those 200amp trailer box's I spec are as cheap as you'll get plus leave room for lots of expansion
I'll bet you will have a hard time beating $260.00 plus tubing
dstig1
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It seems rather arbitrary that the inspector wants you to run to the house first, then back to where you started.
My setup is similar to what I think you are trying to do. High voltage line buried from the road up the hill to the shop. Pad transformer there. Short run to 400A meter on the shop, then power runs to the house. I was going to feed directly from the meter to the house but they required a disconnect on the outside of the shop for the house run for some reason. It isn't in the NEC but it is in the Wisc code, so that was that. Silly waste of a disconnect IMO, but at least they didn't make me do something dumb like double it back like they want you to do. Ask him if you can just put a disconnect on the shop and the side of the house and then only make one run. There has to be a better solution than what he said. I used something called a "Farm panel" (around here) on the shop to feed the house. Just an outdoor panel with a couple breakers that was relatively inexpensive compared to some other options.
My setup is similar to what I think you are trying to do. High voltage line buried from the road up the hill to the shop. Pad transformer there. Short run to 400A meter on the shop, then power runs to the house. I was going to feed directly from the meter to the house but they required a disconnect on the outside of the shop for the house run for some reason. It isn't in the NEC but it is in the Wisc code, so that was that. Silly waste of a disconnect IMO, but at least they didn't make me do something dumb like double it back like they want you to do. Ask him if you can just put a disconnect on the shop and the side of the house and then only make one run. There has to be a better solution than what he said. I used something called a "Farm panel" (around here) on the shop to feed the house. Just an outdoor panel with a couple breakers that was relatively inexpensive compared to some other options.
GSVette
Gold Member
My 400 amp service runs from a power junction at my gate approximately 150’ to the transformer and then another 75’ to a dual lug meter base set on side of shop building. 200amps to shop and 200amps to house site.
This was per NEC and Washington Residential Electrical code ( which is mostly the same as NEC)
This was per NEC and Washington Residential Electrical code ( which is mostly the same as NEC)
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workinonit
Elite Member
In SC, all counties and municipalities abide by state code at a minimum. Most munis and some counties carry things a bit further. Disconnects have become the norm and are a good idea, especially if you are incorporating a standby generator. The disconnects are there primarily for the fire depts.
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Steppenwolfe
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I get to determine where the pad and transformer goes. And no.... wifey won't allow it any closer to the house. Behind the shop is perfect, I just need to get the inspector on board.
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Steppenwolfe
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EXACTLY WHAT I WANT TO DO.... I can't find anything in the NEC that says the meter and disconnect must be on the house. Man... I hate to question this guy's opinion right out of the gate.
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Steppenwolfe
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Yes... looked at those panels. I would rather go the dual disconnects and two panel route.
dstig1
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Maybe you could push him on the extra voltage drop and need to upsize conductors for the round trip that you wouldn't (Shouldn't) need to do if you ran direct? Check state codes to see if there is anything in there as that is what got me. A call to the state electrical inspector office might help you with some ammunition to argue with. There are times to just go along with the inspectors unreasonable demands and times to fight it. Obviously you make your call, but this is one that would push me to fight as it is not just silly but an actual BAD idea. 2x the run for no reason, and then the shop with all the big motor loads is at the end of that? no thanks.
Diggin It
Super Star Member
Pull yer pantz up. Tell the wifey unit 'The pad's goin' yonder. You can plant flowers around it and use the money we save to buy shoes'.