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Topic: Main disconnect is within 5 feet of entering building but meter bank is 50 feet away inside building - Do I need to concrete-encase?

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

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