[RE-wrenches] Class 320 meter main combos, new requirements

[August Goers]

Hi William,

Yes, we have run into this for the past couple of years since the 2020 NEC
went into effect 1/1/2023 in CA. At first we thought it was PG&E that had
the requirement, but then found out it was the NEC and I believe PG&E will
enforce it as well. There was misinformation from electricians who thought
that the old "California 4" type panel with two 200 A main breakers was no
longer allowed by PG&E. In fact, they are still allowed, but just need to
have the 2020 NEC-compliant separate disconnect partiations.

This is the Siemens brochure with more information:
https://s3.amazonaws.com/dcc-data-extract/new-delta/asset/Compas/daily/Compas/Marketing%20Flyer/SIE_FL_230-71_MeterMain.pdf?100822

Best,

August




On Thu, Mar 27, 2025 at 4:22 PM William Miller via RE-wrenches <
re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote:

> Friends:
>
>
>
> I have ordered a Class 320 Meter/Main/Combo.  My vendor informs me there
> are new codes that apply to these cans, specifically in 230.71(B), cited
> below:
>
>
>
> *(B) Two to Six Service Disconnecting Means. *Two to six service
>
> disconnects shall be permitted for each service permitted by
>
> 230.2 or for each set of service-entrance conductors permitted
>
> by 230.40, Exception No. 1, 3, 4, or 5. The two to six service
>
> disconnecting means shall he permitted to consist of a combination
>
> of any of the following:
>
> (1) Separate enclosures with a main service disconnecting
>
> means in each enclosure
>
> (2) Panelboards with a main service disconnecting means in
>
> each panelboard enclosure
>
> (3) Switchboard(s) where there is only one service disconnect
>
> in each separate vertical section where there are
>
> barriers separating each vertical section
>
> (4) Service disconnects in switchgear or metering centers
>
> where each disconnect is located in a separate compartment
>
>
>
>
>
> Here is an analysis, apparently from Siemens:
>
>
>
>
>
> Apparently there are factory partitions required now and some models have
> them and some do not.  Of course the one I specified, advocated for and
> that is cheaper does not have the partition.  I don’t want to order the
> wrong one so I am looking for verification I am understanding this
> correctly.
>
>
>
> Have any of you run up against this when ordering these devices or having
> them approved?
>
>
>
> Thanks in advance for any input!
>
>
>
> William Miller
>
>
>
> Miller Solar
>
> 17395 Oak Road, Atascadero, CA 93422
>
> 805-438-5600
>
> www.millersolar.com
>
> CA Lic. 773985
>
>
>
>
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