Meter 200CL, 225 amp service?

[Paul MacLean]

On a 1997 large house yesterday I found a meter marked 200CL and the service entrance panel was rated for 225 amps with a 225 amp main breaker.

Is this a problem? If so what would you say?

Thanks!

[crusty]

What size is the service Paul? The meter is in front of the main breaker isn't it?

st

[Jim Katen]

Originally posted by Paul MacLean

On a 1997 large house yesterday I found a meter marked 200CL and the service entrance panel was rated for 225 amps with a 225 amp main breaker.

Is this a problem? If so what would you say?

Thanks!

It depends on the size of the SEC. If it's rated for 225 amps (3-0 copper or 250kcmil aluminum), I'd say it's fine for a 225-amp service. If the SEC is too small, then I'd say that the main breaker's too big.

Remember that a class 200 electric meter is actually rated for a maximum load of 250 amps. The "200" designation is 80% of its maximum capacity, often called its "continuous rating" because it's rated to pass 80% of its full load "continuously."

It's the same thing with Class 320 meters. They're usually installed in 400-amp services.

- Jim Katen, Oregon

[Paul MacLean]

Katen said "Remember that a class 200 electric meter is actually rated for a maximum load of 250 amps. The "200" designation is 80% of its maximum capacity, often called its "continuous rating" because it's rated to pass 80% of its full load "continuously."

That's exactly what I was looking for. The SEC and main breaker supported 225 amp service, but I didn't know about the meter ratings.

[Brian G]

Don't see many of those around here. 225 amps is as big as they get before getting into commercial class.

[Jim Katen]

Originally posted by Brian G.

Don't see many of those around here. 225 amps is as big as they get before getting into commercial class.

Really? What about the class 320 meters? They're common as dirt around here.

- Jim Katen, Oregon