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    parttime's Avatar
    parttime Posts: 1,440, Reputation: 113
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    #1

    Aug 12, 2010, 05:00 AM
    back to back meter base and breaker panel
    Hi, I want to mount meter base and breaker panel back to back, running the cable through the back of the meter into the back of the breaker panel. Breaker box will mount on a 2X4 exterior wall, and I would connect the two boxes with 1 1/2 nipple. Is there a problem with this idea? I'll be talking with inspector later today, just curious about what people here say. Thanks
    tkrussell's Avatar
    tkrussell Posts: 9,659, Reputation: 725
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    #2

    Aug 12, 2010, 07:41 AM
    No problem using a nipple betwwen each box. Using PVC Schedlue 40 with the proper male adapters and locknuts should be fine.

    If you use metal, there will bonding of the metla nipple that will be required.

    Let us know if you will be using metal.
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    parttime Posts: 1,440, Reputation: 113
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    #3

    Aug 12, 2010, 08:00 AM

    Thanks tk, pvc sounds easier. With metal is that just a ground wire connected to the lock nut on the nipple? Would the 1 1/2" size be right?
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    tkrussell Posts: 9,659, Reputation: 725
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    #4

    Aug 12, 2010, 08:09 AM
    A metal raceway containing service entrance conductors needs to be bonded, and typically is done with a bonding bushing, a metal bushing, with an insulated throat,that has a wire lug on the side of it.

    Beats me if 1.5" conduit is correct.

    No where in your posts do you mention wire size, insulation type, or amperage, so I can determine conduit size.
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    parttime Posts: 1,440, Reputation: 113
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    #5

    Aug 12, 2010, 08:12 AM

    Sorry, it's a 200amp service, using 4/0 alum. Cable
    tkrussell's Avatar
    tkrussell Posts: 9,659, Reputation: 725
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    #6

    Aug 12, 2010, 08:20 AM
    OK, then assuming each conductor has XHHW insulation, 3- #4/0 XHHW will fit in a 1.5" PVC conduit.

    Electricians will always use 2 inch, just because.

    We rarely use 1.5" of anything.
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    parttime Posts: 1,440, Reputation: 113
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    #7

    Aug 12, 2010, 08:28 AM

    2" it'll be then. Hooking the boxes like this I can completely remove the outer jacket from the meter to the main breaker?
    tkrussell's Avatar
    tkrussell Posts: 9,659, Reputation: 725
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    #8

    Aug 12, 2010, 09:15 AM
    I saw you mentioned cable. I did wonder about that.

    When SE cable is used we use two cable connectors, and not conduit.

    When we use conduit, we use 3 individual XHHW conductors off a reel.

    If you use conduit, then you can pass the cable through the conduit as is.

    I get that this nipple will not be too long.
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    parttime Posts: 1,440, Reputation: 113
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    #9

    Aug 12, 2010, 09:27 AM

    It is SE style U cable. For that short of run I was wanting to just use the conductors minus the outer jacket. As for the nipple being to long, I can cut it to any length to match the thickness of the wall can't I?
    tkrussell's Avatar
    tkrussell Posts: 9,659, Reputation: 725
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    #10

    Aug 12, 2010, 01:12 PM
    Since the meter and panel are back to back, the nipple is not very long. Just leave the SE cable alone and run it through the nip.
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