ECN Forum Forums General Topics of the Trade General Discussion Area New Service or Sub feed?

Question from 'Kimberly'

I've asked for more details. I think this is an interesting topic to discuss here.

Bill

It depends on the total calculated load of both dwellings. Your electrician should be able to figure this for you. For example: If the existing dwelling is 2000 sq.ft. and total electric I would guess a sub feed to another dwelling of any size would not be a good idea. You simply need to calculate the total load of both dwellings to determine if 200A service is adequate. The only reason I can think of that would definitely prohibit a second service is if the dwellings were to be connected and not have proper fire separation.

Down here (SoCA), you have to give the other dwelling a seperate address to have SCE provide another meter.
(I'm also interested in the details)

See the 1999 NEC, Section 230-40, Exception No. 3.

I think that, load aside, the decision to go with a new service or sub-feed brings up some interesting questions when there may be common utilities being used or coming from the first house. ie; a water pipe.

Bill

Joe,

Didn't see your post.
If that method was used, what would you do about a water line that runs from the first house to the second structure? How would bonding work so as not to create parallel paths?

Bill

There may be no definitive answer, only practical opinions. I, also wonder about the second address. Is this property sub-divided? Will it be possible to sell this home in the future? Or rent it out to someone? From a practical standpoint, I like the separate service, as long as the PoCo permits it.

Bill,
How is 2 services on one property with a common water line any different than 2 buildings next door to each other on a common water line?
Don(resqcapt19)

To bond or not to bond. That is the Question.

That pesky service disconnect neutral - GEC bond! I REALLY like some of the UK designs.

To Kimberly,

Sounds like the power company and local inspection in your area will allow the second meter but don't require it. IF your existing 200 Amp service load calculation with the new dwelling added to it is workable (your electrician does this calculation, ask for a copy and talk through it with him/her), then the choice boils down to how much the different installations cost, and how much you want to buy. The electrician may not want to take the time to do this, if so, talk to another.

Al

Don,

Normally houses (or structures) next to one another would be out on a 'branch' of the water main, wouldn't they? I was thinking about the service being bonded to the waterline out at the 2nd structure and it then running back through the first House. The waterline at the 1st house is bonded to service neutral also. Wouldn't there be current flow on the waterpipe all the time? One thing I'm thinking of is someone doing any plumbing work could be in danger, especially if one of the service neutrals went bad and no one knew about it.

Also, wouldn't/couldn't there be some difference in potential from this waterline to other conductive objects in contact with earth?

Bill

[This message has been edited by Bill Addiss (edited 11-08-2001).]