[mbaldwin]

Hi,
I am upgrading my service to 200 amp and I need to start with a disconnect, due to the fact my breaker panel is about 40 feet from the meter. I was looking for any recommendations on brands or models to go with or avoid. Home Depot has a GE Model # *TG4324R for $294. I do not mind paying that much if I need to, but was looking for different options.

Thanks,
Michael

 

[TarheelTerp]

I am upgrading my service to 200 amp...
and I need to start with a disconnect

Maybe. Maybe you need to start with a new meter pan.

Start by asking which of the several meter/main combinations
that YOUR poco accepts and will connect to.

I'm a fan of Cutler Hammer and having a copper bus.

 

[J. V.]

Use a meter main as shown above. It is a meter, a disconnect and a load center (panel) all in one.
You can then install your new 200 amp MLO panel inside.
A meter main gives you a few slots for breakers outside too!

 

[mbaldwin]

Thanks,
the town will provide the meter base, and I do not want a disconnect outside.

Michael

 

[TarheelTerp]

...I do not want a disconnect outside

Where do you plan to mount the fused disconnect you started with?

 

[mbaldwin]

On the inside of the wall from the meter, as close as I can get it depending on where the wires need to exit the meter and enter the disconnect. I would like the wires to come through the back, so if the meter base, and disconnect have rear knockouts, I'll have them lined up that way.

Thanks,
Michael

 

[rrolleston]

A main breaker trailer panel would work so you can use the feed through lugs to feed your other breaker panel with a four wire feed.

 

[mbaldwin]

Thanks for the suggestion. Do you happen to know a brand and model I can take a look at? I think i know what your talking about, but have not seen one before. I have seen panels with just through lugs on them, I removed several of those in my last house, but I have not seen one with a main breaker as well.

Thanks,
Michael

 

[rrolleston]

Search PW0816B1200TC. Last one I bought was from home depot's web page.

 

[mbaldwin]

thanks, looks like it will do the trick, and for much less than a dedicated fused disconnect.

I did not come across this while browsing HD's site, but the search brought it up.

Michael

 

[Speedy Petey]

I would go to a supply house. HD or Lowes will only have one or two disconnects, if that.
A real supply house will give you more options.

 

[rrolleston]

thanks, looks like it will do the trick, and for much less than a dedicated fused disconnect.

I did not come across this while browsing HD's site, but the search brought it up.

Michael

I found it when I needed one and they seemed a little high at the supply house. It was over $200 at my local supply house but you could also check the local supply houses to see when they have like Speedy Petey mentioned. About the only thing I buy at the big box stores is breaker panels because they are usually cheaper and sometimes have package deals that include breakers.

 

[mbaldwin]

yeah, I will chekc the electrical supply store, but HD wants 105 for the panel, so that is not bad.

Thanks very much for the assistance, I'll be back with other questions, I am sure.

 

[J. V.]

Why are you using a disconnect inside when you could just install a breaker panel.
You would need no disconnect then.

 

[rrolleston]

Why are you using a disconnect inside when you could just install a breaker panel.
You would need no disconnect then.

I think since his breaker panel is 40 feet away and he needs a disconnect closer.

I was actually at lowes today since they have lower prices on breaker panels than the supply house and see they actually stock some siemens 200 amp breaker disconnects with feed though lugs. So that may be another option. But all stores are different in what they stock.