Looking for a Utility Meter Socket Extension Box/Panel

mtautoken
mtautoken Registered Users Posts: 7 ✭
in PV Installers Forum - NEC, Wiring, Installation #1
Many building dept's. will not allow your inverter overcurrent protection device to exceed 20% of the panels rating.

My panel does not allow very easy access to doing a hot tap or line side tap.

I have had two people tell me that they have seen a box/panel that will plug into the meter socket, then the meter plugs into it. Allowing easy access to a line tap.

Does anyone know where I can get one of these box/panels from?


Ken
· Share on Twitter

Comments

  • dwh
    dwh Solar Expert Posts: 1,341 ✭✭✭
    #2
    Re: Looking for a Utility Meter Socket Extension Box/Panel
    mtautoken wrote: »
    Many building dept's. will not allow your inverter overcurrent protection device to exceed 20% of the panels rating.

    That 20% rule is part of the NEC.
    My panel does not allow very easy access to doing a hot tap or line side tap.

    Few do.

    I have had two people tell me that they have seen a box/panel that will plug into the meter socket, then the meter plugs into it. Allowing easy access to a line tap.

    Does anyone know where I can get one of these box/panels from?


    Ken


    Yes, but it's not a tap, it's a transfer switch:

    http://www.generlink.com/about_generlink.cfm
    · Share on Twitter
  • mtautoken
    mtautoken Registered Users Posts: 7 ✭
    #3
    Re: Looking for a Utility Meter Socket Extension Box/Panel

    Iv'e seen that Generater link. Some installers in the Central Valley are using something to accomplish this task, according to the Fresno City building dept. I'm going by there today, I will see if they have a cut sheet on what ever it is they are using.

    Thanks for your reply
    · Share on Twitter
  • System2
    System2 Posts: 6,290 admin
    #4
    Re: Looking for a Utility Meter Socket Extension Box/Panel

    I've seen a picture of a device which plugs into the existing meter socket....then the meter plugs into it. It has lugs on it so you can tap in and has a knockout to take it out. Anyone seen something like this? Trying to find a part number and manufacturer. I heard one of the large installers is having someone manufacture them for them.
    · Share on Twitter
  • dwh
    dwh Solar Expert Posts: 1,341 ✭✭✭
    #5
    Re: Looking for a Utility Meter Socket Extension Box/Panel

    I'm pretty good at searching the net. Never found this item. I'm also a journeyman with 12 years in the trade and I've never seen anything like it - other than the generator connect listed above.

    In my searching around though, I have found this interesting little doohickey:

    http://www.milbankmfg.com/products/Catalogs/CatalogFiles/PDF/K4977LoadTapConnector.pdf#tap

    It's basically a replacement for the lay-in top piece on the lug that some meter sockets use. Might work for a solar feed in if the meter socket->bus bar wires are big enough.

    If our hosts were to contact Milbank, they might get them interested in working out a good solution for line-side tap. Maybe even work up a special "solar" service entrance.
    · Share on Twitter

Categories