Electrical SubMeter Wiring Help - Please.

Jasondt2001 · 01-05-2009, 08:48 PM

I would like to run a picture and some ideas off of you guys. I've wired a barn, added a subpanel with breakers and a 50' run at this place and have LOVED doing it. I've read and watched ANYTHING and EVERYTHING I can electrical from books, to bugging my poor electrician to death

Here's the scenario:

2 houses, one a mobile home/trailer. One has direct feed from PGandE and a meter.
There is 1 dual pole 50 amp breaker with neutral and ground running to mobile home as of now. The mobile is powered and doing well.
They would like to submeter the mobile.
From what I've read it seems simple, cut the juice to the 50 amp breakers make sure line is dead, and put meter & housing in between using only the hot wires.

Am I correct?

I've included a 'sketch' of what I want to do... Hopefully this will help someone help me

As you see in the 'panel connections blow up' I'm still trying to see where the input from the master house and the exit to the mobile home will be.

I assume "A" is the input FROM the master house, and "B" is the outgoing to the trailer itself.
Yet - you all know what happens when you assume

- Jason

Obviously, for myself and the people that live there safety is my primary concern. I will kill all power before attempting to install the power meter and double and triple check my work before I put the power back on.

I just need some reassurance that this is the correct way to go about it.
Also, do I need to ground the box, or does the neutral need to go inside the meter box?

chris75 · 01-05-2009, 08:50 PM

Call your power company & an electricain.

Jasondt2001 · 01-05-2009, 08:52 PM

umm, did you even read my post? With all due respect sir, I'm ADDING a subpanel and obviously trying to do it with the least possible expense.
I'd love for maybe some more insight or tips, I'd sure appreciate it.

Jasondt2001 · 01-05-2009, 08:52 PM

The HOUSE has already a healthy PGE Drop w/ meter and box all good and sound.

chris75 · 01-05-2009, 08:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jasondt2001

The HOUSE has already a healthy PGE Drop w/ meter and box all good and sound.

So your going to be billing the people renting your trailer? First thing to do is see if sub-metering is even legal in your area, 2nd thing, buy a product thats made for sub-metering.

Jasondt2001 · 01-05-2009, 08:57 PM

Yes Sir, they will be.
I think I know what you're getting at... I do see a problem with it - I've already explained this to them... It will be ALL of it to the 1 meter PG&E has at THEIR House... they'll have to subtract the difference and bill accordingly.
They are fine with that.

chris75 · 01-05-2009, 08:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jasondt2001

Yes Sir, they will be.
I think I know what you're getting at... I do see a problem with it - I've already explained this to them... It will be ALL of it to the 1 meter PG&E has at THEIR House... they'll have to subtract the difference and bill accordingly.
They are fine with that.

Where are you living in the trailer or the house? You have me confused.

Jasondt2001 · 01-05-2009, 09:00 PM

I'm sorry Chris. I'm helping someone who owns the property. They live in the house.
They want to sub meter the trailer for a tenant.

chris75 · 01-05-2009, 09:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jasondt2001

I'm sorry Chris. I'm helping someone who owns the property. They live in the house.
They want to sub meter the trailer for a tenant.

Yikes... You might find this site interesting... http://www.cslb.ca.gov/Journeymen/Jo...nsequences.asp

Jasondt2001 · 01-05-2009, 09:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chris75

Yikes...

Am I askin for trouble? Is my diagram going to burn their house down?

chris75 · 01-05-2009, 09:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jasondt2001

Am I askin for trouble? Is my diagram going to burn their house down?

Maybe? How would I know? You dont have a license to perform the work. End of story.

Jasondt2001 · 01-05-2009, 09:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chris75

Maybe? How would I know? You dont have a license to perform the work. End of story.

That sir is why they make great forums such as this, for INFO. You've given me nothing but the run around but I thank you for your time

chris75 · 01-05-2009, 09:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jasondt2001

That sir is why they make great forums such as this, for INFO. You've given me nothing but the run around but I thank you for your time

If you say so...

At least read the link I posted.

Jasondt2001 · 01-05-2009, 09:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chris75

If you say so...

At least read the link I posted.

I just read your edit - Thank you for the link.

I think I may have come across wrong, not intentionally of course.
Thanks for the link, I read through it.

I am in NO way acting as a contractor for profit. I've done all the work for him as the guy's my best friend. I've never received any type of payment except maybe for lunch on the day I'm there.
He's NOT being charged for this or any other service I've performed as of late or in the future.
This is honestly a friend trying to help a friend. Nothing more.

AndrewF · 01-05-2009, 09:29 PM

Wow, for a DIY forum this thread took a turn in the wrong direction with some uncalled for posts.

Jason, if they want to bill the "renter" and dont want to have PG&E put in a second meter, there are a number of third party products out there that can keep track of usage "down" the line.

Take a look at: http://www.metersusa.com/Watt-Hour-Meters/index.htm