I have a Siemens MC30 meter combo panel. I need to separate the meter from the service panel to allow a whole house generator transfer switch between the two. The only way I know to attack this is to
- install a new, separate meter
- turn off electrical service
- replace the service panel
- install the transfer switch
- pass the inspection
- restore service, which may well involve running new underground service cables.
Does anybody have any ideas which avoid moving the service entry location to the meter (and avoiding rerunning connectors to the transformer pad) and minimizing the down time?
Best Answer
Will this be an automatic transfer switch or a manual one? If manual, you might be able to relocate a couple of breakers to make room for a mechanical interlock, there are many available and are code legal. They prevent the main breaker and the generator breaker being turned on at the same time. If a portable generator, you'll need a generator inlet to connect to. If a permanently installed generator, it'd be hardwired to the generator breaker. This assumes it's not a split bus panel, in which case, this wouldn't work AND BE DANGEROUS.
If an ATS... IF and this is a big IF! I couldn't find detailed images of your meter panel combo, but IF (THE BIG IF!) the feed from the meter is wires and not a bus, it might be possible to run conduit to the ATS and rewire it to put it "in front" of the breakers. Technically then the breaker part of the meter/ breaker combo becomes a sub-panel and you'll have to isolate the grounds from the neutrals, which might require some re-wiring.
What you're attempting is a pretty big deal, and my advice is only a suggestion. Probably Harp will weigh in with one of his "novels" and give better advice than me, but this is a starting point.
As much as I hate to say this on a DIY site, you may need to call a pro.