User: Volt-Amps, Location: Indianapolis
Asked on: Tuesday, March 18, 2025 at 3:26 am EDT
Answered on: Tuesday, March 18, 2025 at 3:27 am EDT
Question: Hello, allHoping to clarify this on this forum:- New service from utility to power a big building- It's one residential building that consists of 4 sections- Main Distribution panel is within 5 feet on the service conductors point of entrance to building- But MDP is not metered, rather has (4) breakers that feed (4) meter banks to cover the (4) building sections- Considering MDP is not metered, do I need to concrete encase the feeders going to each meter bank?- Also, do I need to add a disconnect for each meter bank or can I go straight to the meters as shown?Please see attached PDF (incomplete design)
Okay, I've reviewed your description and the attached PDF. Here's a breakdown of the code implications and best practices based on the information provided
Regarding Concrete Encasement:
NEC 230.6(1) - Service Conductors Considered Outside
Since the main distribution panel (MDP) is located within 5 feet of where the service conductors enter the building, those service conductors entering the building are considered to be outside the building. Therefore the feeders downstream of the MDP that feed the meter banks would be considered distribution conductors/feeder conductors as opposed to service conductors.
Feeder Requirements
Since these conductors are feeders as opposed to service conductors, they are not required to be concrete encased.
Proper Sizing & Protection
Ensure conductors are properly sized based on the load calculations for each section and are protected by appropriate overcurrent devices (breakers in the MDP).
Regarding Disconnects at Meter Banks
NEC 230.71 - Maximum Number of Disconnects
The NEC permits a maximum of six service disconnecting means for each service. However, in your case, the service disconnect is the main breaker in the MDP. The feeds to the meter banks are feeders, not service conductors.
NEC 225.31 Disconnecting Means
This section of the NEC deals with the requirements for disconnecting means for outbuildings or other structures. While each section isn't a physically separate building, you might be required to have disconnecting means at each meter bank depending on the interpretation of the AHJ.
NEC 408.36(A) Overcurrent Protection
This code section applies because you are feeding a panelboard (meter bank) with a feeder. Requires overcurrent protection at the panelboard.
Considerations
Ease of Maintenance
Having a disconnect at each meter bank makes maintenance and troubleshooting much safer and easier. It allows for isolating power to a section without affecting the other sections.
AHJ Interpretation
Your Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) has the final say. They may require a disconnect at each meter bank for safety reasons.
Recommendation
Consult with the AHJ
The most important step is to discuss your design with the local electrical inspector or AHJ before proceeding. Explain your setup and ask for their interpretation of the disconnect requirements at the meter banks.
Consider Adding Disconnects
Even if not strictly required, adding a fused disconnect switch or circuit breaker at each meter bank is a good practice. It improves safety, simplifies maintenance, and provides a point of overcurrent protection at each section.
General Recommendations and Comments on the Incomplete Design (Based on PDF)
Load Calculations
Absolutely critical. You must perform accurate load calculations for each section and for the overall building to determine the correct service size, feeder sizes, and overcurrent protection. Include calculations for both demand load and connected load.
Service Entrance Size
Ensure the service entrance conductors and the MDP are sized appropriately for the total calculated load of the building. Consider future expansion.
Coordination Study
For a large building, a coordination study is highly recommended to ensure that overcurrent devices (breakers) will trip in the correct sequence, minimizing outages and preventing damage.
Grounding and Bonding
Pay close attention to grounding and bonding requirements, especially for multiple buildings/sections. Ensure proper grounding electrode systems and bonding of metallic components.
Short Circuit Study
A short circuit study is recommended for this project.
Main Breaker/Disconnect in MDP
Make sure your main breaker in the MDP is appropriately rated and serves as the service disconnecting means.
Metering
Coordinate closely with the utility company regarding metering requirements. They may have specific requirements for meter location, enclosure types, and disconnects.
Accessibility
Ensure all equipment (MDP, meter banks, disconnects) is readily accessible for maintenance and inspection.
Cable Type and Installation
Ensure the cable types used for feeders are suitable for the installation environment (e.g., wet, dry, exposed). Follow proper installation methods, including appropriate supports and clearances.
In summary
Concrete Encasement
Not required since the conductors from the MDP to the meter banks are classified as feeders.2.
Disconnects at Meter Banks
Not specifically required by the NEC in all cases, but* highly recommended and potentially required by the AHJ. Consult with the AHJ.
Crucially: Get your complete design reviewed and approved by a qualified electrical engineer and your local AHJ before proceeding with any installation. This is essential for safety and code compliance. Flag for review