Electrical disconnect requirements...?

Question

I am an electrician and have a side job removing a timed meter that shuts off power to the panel controlling heating and cooling during peak hours. The system is a 200 amp meter back to back with the lighting and outlet panel, with a line feed to a second meter and timer back to back with the heating / cooling panel. The customer wants the lighting panel, which is very outdated, and the timed disconnect removed. This means the meter and panel will now be about 2 and a half feet apart. I plan to pipe out the side of the meter and LB into the back of the panel, but I couldn't find the distance requiring a disconnect in the codebook. I think it's four feet, but of course I need to be sure. Electricians, please answer.

This is in Indiana, if that helps. I will be able to check with the power company Monday morning, but I know there is a set amount of distance, whether it is national or state, I don't know...

Answer 1

It's hard to envision your setup without a picture, but I think NEC Art. 240.21(B) answers your question. The idea is to limit the length of unprotected feeders. A tap may be a maximum of 10 feet under certain conditions and under other conditions may be a maximum of 25 feet. You really should read this section to be sure, but it sounds like as long as you are under 10 feet in your case, you'll be alright.

Answer 2

You should check with the power company for any work on the supply side of the panel. A lot of states have laws requiring you either to consult them first or have it inspected, and some companies are free to change the requirements at their whim (I used to work in New Mexico, and PNM required 3" rigid from the weatherhead to the meter no matter what size the service was).

Answer 3

If you're in conduit, there should be
no problem with a 30" service run.

Answer 4

check with your State elect code