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Topic: Meter Center Configuration - Is this available?

User: designer82, Location: Boston

Asked on: Thursday, March 20, 2025 at 1:01 pm EDT
Answered on: Thursday, March 20, 2025 at 1:01 pm EDT

Question: I need the configuration shown below, where one side is rated 800A (w/ ct & meter) for commercial side of mixed-use building, other side residential.From experience, do you know if they have something like this available?

Yes, absolutely. What you're describing is a very common requirement for mixed-use buildings and there are definitely solutions available. You're looking for a Meter Center or a Multi-Tenant Metering Panelboard/Switchboard.

Here's a breakdown of what you're looking for and what to consider

What it is:
A Meter Center or Multi-Tenant Metering Panelboard/Switchboard is an electrical distribution enclosure designed to house multiple meter sockets (typically revenue-grade meters used by the utility to determine energy usage and bill each tenant separately). They are specifically designed for multi-tenant buildings, shopping centers, or any situation where multiple electrical services need to be metered individually.

Key Features



Compartmentalization

The enclosure is typically divided into separate compartments, one for each meter socket. This ensures separation and prevents tampering.

Bus Bar System

A central bus bar system (typically copper or aluminum) distributes the power to each meter socket. Your 800A side would have a larger bus bar section dedicated to it.


CT Compartment

Since you mentioned a CT (Current Transformer) for the 800A commercial side, there will be a separate compartment designed to house the CTs, making them accessible for maintenance without disturbing the rest of the metering.

Main Breaker/Disconnect (Optional)

Depending on local utility requirements and the building's overall electrical design, a main breaker or disconnect might be integrated within the meter center to isolate the entire panel. Your setup will likely have a Main Breaker/Disconnect on the commercial side.


Meter Sockets

Standard meter sockets are designed to accept the utility company's revenue-grade meters.

Residential Breaker Sections

The "residential" side will have standard breaker spaces to feed individual apartments or dwelling units.


UL Listing

Crucially, these meter centers must be UL Listed to meet safety standards and code requirements.

NEMA Rating

The enclosure will have a NEMA rating (e.g., NEMA 3R for outdoor use, NEMA 1 for indoor use) to protect against environmental factors.


Short Circuit Current Rating (SCCR)

This is crucial to ensure the panel can withstand fault currents. Make sure the SCCR of the panel is greater than the available fault current at the installation location.

Utility Approval

The utility company has strict requirements for metering equipment. You
must coordinate with the utility and get their approval on the meter center's specifications before ordering.

Common Manufacturers



Eaton

Cutlar-Hammer/Eaton makes a wide range of metering equipment, including multi-tenant solutions.

Siemens

Siemens is another major manufacturer with competitive Meter Center offerings.


Square D (Schneider Electric)

Square D has a robust line of Meter Centers designed for commercial and residential applications.

Milbank

Milbank specializes in meter mounting equipment and enclosures.


GE

GE is a provider of electrical equipment, including meter centers.

Key Considerations for Your Situation


Utility Requirements

This is the most important step. Contact your local utility company immediately. They will have specific requirements for metering equipment, including socket type, CT specifications (ratio and accuracy class), disconnect requirements, enclosure type, and placement rules. They may even have a list of approved manufacturers.2.

Amperage and Number of Residential Circuits

Determine the total amperage needed for the commercial side (800A as you stated) and the number of circuits needed for all the residential units. This will dictate the size of the meter center and the bus bar ratings.3.

Location (Indoor/Outdoor)

Will the meter center be installed indoors or outdoors? This will determine the NEMA rating needed for the enclosure. Outdoor installations require a weather-resistant enclosure (NEMA 3R or higher).4.

Voltage

What is the voltage of the service (e.g., 120/240V, 120/208V, 277/480V)? This will impact the selection of the meter sockets and breakers.5.

Available Fault Current

Calculate the available fault current at the service entrance. The meter center's SCCR must be higher than this value. This is critical for safety.6.

Space Requirements

Consider the physical space available for the meter center. These can be quite large, especially for high-amperage services and numerous residential circuits.7.

Accessibility

Ensure the meter center is easily accessible for meter reading and maintenance by both the utility and building personnel.8.

Future Expansion

Consider if you might need to add more circuits or meters in the future. Oversizing the meter center slightly now can save you significant costs later.9.

Cost

Meter centers can be expensive, especially for high-amperage services and complex configurations. Get quotes from multiple manufacturers and distributors.10.

Local Electrical Codes

Make sure you are following all applicable local electrical codes for the installation.

How to Find a Solution


Contact a Qualified Electrical Contractor

A licensed electrical contractor with experience in commercial and multi-tenant installations is essential. They can help you determine your needs, coordinate with the utility, and install the meter center correctly.2.

Consult with Electrical Equipment Distributors

Electrical distributors (e.g., Graybar, Rexel, CED) can provide you with catalogs, pricing, and technical information on different meter centers from various manufacturers.3.

Provide Details to Manufacturers

Once you have your utility requirements and load calculations, contact manufacturers directly or through their representatives. They can help you configure a meter center that meets your specific needs.

Example Scenario

Let's say you have an 800A, 120/240V service for the commercial side and need to meter 10 residential apartments, each with a 100A service. You would need to specify a meter center with: An 800A section with CTs and a meter socket for the commercial tenant. Ten 100A meter sockets and breaker sections for the residential units. A suitable NEMA rating based on the installation location (indoor or outdoor). An SCCR rating that exceeds the available fault current. Utility-approved meter sockets and CTs.

In summary,
yes, solutions like this are readily available. Coordinate with your local utility company first*, then work with a qualified electrical contractor and distributor to select and install the appropriate meter center for your mixed-use building. Be prepared to provide detailed specifications and drawings to ensure compliance and safety. Flag for review

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