Pettrix
Platinum Member
Why is it Code to put the panel outside the house?
The fire department must be able to access the panel to shut down power and circuits. You can put a padlock on it but of course, they would just cut it in an emergency.
Why is it Code to put the panel outside the house?
But not in the same conduit as the power cable.I would also run at least a cat5e wire for internet
Yank the meter head and the power is off.But they don't need the whole panel outside to do that. All they need is Service Disconnect switch/breaker.
Meter >>> SDS >>> Main panel.
A falling tree/limb hit the incoming power on two different friend's houses. Each time it ripped the weatherhead and panel off the wall. Better to have that stuff sparking outside than in.But they don't need the whole panel outside to do that. All they need is Service Disconnect switch/breaker.
If you have meter > disconnect > panel, the service disconnect is considered the main and everything else after that is considered a sub-panel, and the neutral and grounds have to be isolated.But they don't need the whole panel outside to do that. All they need is Service Disconnect switch/breaker.
Meter >>> SDS >>> Main panel.
The cost of conduit and boxes is so small compared to trenching and backfill that I'd put everything in up front. Larger electrical PVC conduit for main power service, smaller for CAT 5/6 or alarm system, etc. I'd also put 1" water schedule 40 PVC even if you think you will never, never, never need it.
Funny how sometimes down the road you do need it. I'd terminate everything with boxes on each end so you could pull future wires through in case you think of something new.
I confess I have not priced conduit lately. So I have no clue on the cost of that. But I will know this summer ... I have a few thousand feet to run .... yikes!Have you priced conduit lately. It’s not exactly what I would call insignificant.