[restos]

Hi, residential new construction, I have two 125 amp panels, one on first floor mech room and other on second floor utility room. I plan on meter pedestal with underground service to mech room. How or what is best way to feed both panels? Don't want a sub panel set up.. Comments or suggestions please... Thanks

[donf]

NEC only allows one single entrance point.

If a home is large enough, then you may be able to convince the Local Authority Having Jurisdiction to grant you a variance for the second panelboard.

The real problem is a safety issue. If any one is working on the electricity and does not know that there are two cut off switches, they could get electrocuted. Not to mention firefighters. They tend to turn off all power in the home before they will enter the residence with fire hoses.

The burden will be on you to either supply a Main Disconnect Switch to cut off all power or to provide clear, permanent signage indicating the locations of both panelboards.

Personally, you would be much smarter if you went with the secondary panelboard.

[tkrussell]

You may have one meter and two panels, however, this is commonly done with 400 Amp services and two 200 amp panels.

You state two 125 amp panels. There is no 250 amp meters.

What size service entrance will this home have?

[restos]

Well originally the utility had a small pedestal (non meter box with lock) specific for this building. Building got torn down and new residential structure now. I'm going to replace old ped for a new ped with meter and main breaker along with phone/cable for underground service to new structure. Power company rep gave me the okay for pedestal. My understanding is the service entrance can be more amps than panels are? Not sure there... Guy I had doing the job got shipped to Iraq. He was doing this on his weekends. I'm not in any hurry. But none the less here I am in the middle of this job.

[tkrussell]

Here is a 200 amp pedestal meter with a 200 Amp Main Breaker and space for two 2 pole breakers, up to 125 amps each.

This is a ringless meter, ringed is available also.

You need to consult with your utility to be sure this is acceptable.

http://www.milbankmfg.com/Products/C...DF/5706TTF.pdf

[restos]

Cool! That pedestal is exactly what I'm looking for. Actually the 2 125 amp panels aren't terminated yet. Most of the rough wire is in and that's about it. So would it be best to upgrade to 200 amp panels or stick with what I got? Since I've got 2 panels that means two pairs of service wires entering building? Is that 1 conduit or 2 then?