ECN Forum Forums Code Related Discussion NEC & other Code issues Service Cable

Is the code silent on the length of service cable from meter to disconnect?

Yes. There is no length specified.

Usually falls on the AHJ.

I once had an inspector tell me, as far as code goes, I could wrap SE all the way around the house as long as I maintained proper distance from doors and windows.

I can run long lengths on the outside of a house but as soon as I enter into the dwelling I must hit the panel/disconnect ASAP. Where I am they only want 3' or less.
This is because it's unfused. If the disconnect is outside they want it as close as possible to the meter. Same reason - unfused. I wired an addition a few months ago and had to move the meter - I tried to get the AHJ to let have 7' of SE cable inside the basement. Just enough to reach from new meter location to existing panel. NO go. Had to set an enclosed breaker then re-feed the existing panel with 4 wire and treat it as a sub. separating the grounds and neutrals.

Unless there is a local amendment they can only ask for that they can not enforce it.

As has been mentioned you can wrap the house with service entrance conductors before you get to the disconnect.

Yes - that may be... But we all know that
Sometimes it's easier to do it as they want
They all fall back on that sentence in the front of the code book ;subject to the authority having jurisdiction. As I see this it's not they want anything crazy and it does limit the amount of unfused cable. I try and pick my fights now-a-days and this one is not worth the fight. I could fight it and they will hold up releasing the service to the POCO, thus holding up the project. I feel this would be a dis-service to the customer. Just my thoughts on this

Well we just had an inspector, that said it has to be as near as possible, we had 3 ft entering the building, so i guess not all New Jersey inspectors, are not up to speed.