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Posted By: electure Meters on Nipples - 01/28/06 02:21 AM
Sent in by L K

Quote
1) Meters are mounted on raceway, with no access.


[Linked Image]


2)This Al rigid was in cement


[Linked Image]


[This message has been edited by electure (edited 01-27-2006).]
Posted By: mxslick Re: Meters on Nipples - 01/28/06 08:43 PM
Geez, with the title of this thread I was thinking it would be somewhat salacious.... [Linked Image]

At first, I didn't get the no-access part, but after closer look, I realized what was wrong. I was thinking it was the restricted overhead space, but finally noticed the gutter behind the meter cans!

And after blowing up the pic, it looks like the meters are mounted to the back of the gutter?! Does that mean that cover is accessible IF you cut open that exterior wall?

Surprised that the POCO set those meters....

edited typo and again for spelling

[This message has been edited by mxslick (edited 01-28-2006).]

[This message has been edited by mxslick (edited 01-28-2006).]
Posted By: LK Re: Meters on Nipples - 01/28/06 09:21 PM
"Surprised that the POCO set those meters...."

No surprise at all, POCO does not install the meters they just inspect, your installation, this job was done by a weekend wonder, no permit, no inspections, so now the owner ends up, paying twice for the work.
Posted By: Celtic Re: Meters on Nipples - 01/28/06 09:22 PM
Who is the guy doing a poor Vanna White impression?

I'd like to buy a vowel, please.


********
That IS some crap work.
Shouldn't the panels/meters be on something non-combustible?
Posted By: NJwirenut Re: Meters on Nipples - 01/28/06 09:31 PM
This type of install was pretty common here in NJ (PSE+G-land).

The gutter is specifically made for those meter sockets to mount onto. Wiring eneters the back of the meters through a large rectangular cutout. The meter pans often have the barrel locks on them, making for a real PITA when ripping one of these services out.

Have redone several of these services in the last year, and the meters get moved to the outside of the house where they belong....
Posted By: LK Re: Meters on Nipples - 01/28/06 11:35 PM
NJwirenut,

These meters, were put in with nipples, and the gutter access to the rear.
Posted By: mamills Re: Meters on Nipples - 01/29/06 01:43 AM
On a different matter here, isn't there supposed to be a main disco for each of these panels, since it appears that there are more than six circuit breaker disconnects in the "first floor" panel (and probably the same in the other panel as well)?

Mike (mamills)
Posted By: Elviscat Re: Meters on Nipples - 02/01/06 05:13 AM
Celtic, it's fairly common practice to mount panels and meters on a plywood backer mounted to concrete, if there's a fault in the panel powerful enough to blow through the sheet metal and light the plywood on fire I think that a non-flammable backer wouldn't help all that much

-Will
Posted By: HotLine1 Re: Meters on Nipples - 02/01/06 10:18 PM
Yes, this was a common type install here in NJ; some of the 'old timers' would install a chase nipple in the back of the meter pan; others would use the 'oval' hole that PSE&G provided. I've seen 'multi' installs; three on the troff; a nipple, and three more adjacent. That's when conductor capacity was determined by a piece of 2x4 and a hammer.

The "troff" and the meter pans were supplied by PSE&G, to the EC; the meter was 'set' by PSE&G people. The majority of this type were 'wire terminal' meters; NOT plug-in, like we use today. Doing a service change/upgrade requires an adaptor device from PSE&G; plug-in on back; 4 conductors coming out the bottom (to connect to the old meter) and a tab to hold the meter in place.

I did not work in JCP&L areas, so I can't say for sure if they used this device also.

As to the plywood; we used to have to paint it with 'fire retardant black paint'

MIKE:
As to a 'main'.....judging by the new look of the panels, someone butched this up from the original....Probably in it's first original life, it was the 6 switch rule...now..whatever fits, or the top left cb (red) may be a backfed 'main' LES??????

John
Posted By: LK Re: Meters on Nipples - 02/02/06 08:00 AM
"The majority of this type were 'wire terminal' meters;"

Yes they did a number on this job, the meter is wire terminal meter, and yes the panel was a midnight install, no need for six switch rule, when there is no inspection.
Posted By: HotLine1 Re: Meters on Nipples - 02/02/06 10:30 PM
Les:
Thank you!
OK, another special by midnight electric.

Did you rip it out??

John
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