[floreleq]

Hey everyone,

I purchased a meter/breaker combo box, Square D Model Number: RC816F200CH

I'd share pics/links but I'm too new here.

My question: there is a ground lug in the meter (line) side of the combo box.

And on the meter (line) side there's a sticker that says, "to comply with FMG specification the 'Ground wire shall be securely fastened to the ground terminal lug in the line compartment with no breaks in the wire."

The way the meter/breaker combo box is structured, the only way I can tell to send wire from line side to load side is through the small side compartment on the left (which is usually where the electrical company inserts their cables for an underground service).

So my question is: where does the #6 ground wire attach to and what path does it take to exit the box to eventually attach to the ground rod?

I'm thinking the ground wire attaches to the ground lug on the breaker/load side of the combo box, and just goes down out of one of the bottom knockouts etc etc.

But the ground lug in the meter box with the disclaimer label has me a bit confused.

Also, whenever I've seen other install a meter box that's a SEPARATE unit from the breaker box, I see the ground wire attached to a ground lug in the meter box, and then the wire goes right out the bottom of the meter box and to the ground rod.

Thanks.

 

[floreleq]

EDIT: this meter/breaker box combo is being installed on a pedestal SEPARATE from the house itself.

 

[surferdude2]

I have always contacted the PoCo when having to ground the service side of a meter base install. They will/should provide a detailed drawing of their requirements. Many times they provided any odd fitting that they required and I had to furnish all else. On some installs, they even furnished the meter base. So... it all depends.

This is separate and apart from the Ground Electrode Conductor you are required to supply to your main panel.

 

[floreleq]

Thanks surferdude.

"This is separate and apart from the Ground Electrode Conductor you are required to supply to your main panel."

Yeah that was basically my main question.

I'm wondering if you know, as far as best practices go, if it's best to attach the #6 ground wire (that connects to the ground rods) to one of the "ground" lugs typically found in the breaker box right next to the neutral lug, or if it's best to attach it on one of the neutral bars on the left and right side (the bar with the numerous small screws in it)?

My understanding is that I can connect it to either, but I'm assuming that, when I finally run the main power cables (the big thicker ones) to the house, that that bigger ground lug (next to the neutral lug) is bigger than one of the slots in the neutral bars, so maybe I should avoid attaching the #6 ground wire to the ground lug, as that'll probably need to be used for the bigger ground run to the house?

 

[seharper]

I would prefer to put grounds on the ground bar. Keeping grounds and neutrals separate is always worthwhile, both for measuring current flow on the N-G bond, and so you don't run out of lugs.

Check the sticker, are you sure the normal ground lugs won't accept #6?

You shouldn't need to do anything inside the utility side of the meter-main with grounding. The entire box is made of metal. If you ground your half of the box, it grounds the utility half. You could not prevent this if you wanted to.

 

[AllanJ]

The "line" side of the meter box is covered and sealed by the power company technician before he leaves. Either he installs the $6 ground wire in quesiton or that lug is left vacant.

When there is a separate compartment perhaps holding a main breaker below the meter,, the #6 wire you install on the neutral bus bar there and going to the ground rod is the grounding electrode conductor, not separate from the grounding electrode conductor. It must be a continuous length or have only qualifying permanent splices.