Panel Locations for 400 AMP service

[bozobozo]

I am currently evaluating proposals for installation of a 400A service for my new home. I specified that I wanted one 200A panel in the garage near the meter base and the other 200A located in the basement about midpoint of the house (about 70' from the meter base). Since the house will be over 110 ft long, I thought the second panel location would help to minimize voltage drop an greatly facilitate wiring the far end of the house. One of the bidding contractors tells me "You can no longer run a panel feed more than 10 ft. from the meter base on the inside of a dwelling". The house will be in Bethel Township PA. Does anyone know if this is correct?

 

[Builder Bob]

Install a disconnect on the exterior by the meter then run the feeders where ever you wanted to...... also, rememebr that 2" of concrete is considered outsode the building.... the only thing the electrical code states is that the point of disconnect must be the closest to the point of entry. Therefore underground laterals could run under a slab for hundreds of feet before entering a building and a disconnect would be placed there...... manufacturing plants this is a common occurance.

However, your local ordiances may have requirments that are more restrictive than the code requirements

 

[Daddy-0-]

110 foot long house??? This sounds interesting.

 

[Dennis]

I agree with Bob. Some areas have a local amendment on how far you can go inside a unit without a service disconnect-overcurrent protection. There are two sections that you would be violating. One is that the 2 -200 amp main panels must be grouped together 230.72(A) and the other would be art. 230.70(A)(1)- readily accessible and located as near as possible to the point of entrance into the building.

 

[bozobozo]

Ok - I will check with the local folks to be sure. But if I understand, as long as we install an exterior disconnect near the meter base, we should be ok (unless local code is more restrictive) correct?

 

[Dennis]

That is correct. Once you have 2 service disconnects grouped either outside or directly inside then you can go any distance to the other panels. Those other panels are now sub panels while the one outside are service panels/disconnects.

I like to install either a combination meter main panel or have a 400 amp base with 2- 200 amp main breaker 12 circuit feed thru panels. This helps for future wiring to pools, garages etc.

 

[jar546]

Both Bethel Townships have UCC amendments. Which County is this in? There are 2 Bethel Townships

 

[bozobozo]

Lebanon County, bethel township, fredericksburg PA 17026

 

[bozobozo]

I checked today, as long as I use a disconnect, I'm good to go! thanks to all