GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
This chapter provides you with general requirements for the metering equipment that you need in order to have your service energized. Your meter base needs to meet the following criteria for our meter to properly connect.

No meter base will be energized until our crews can see that the inside breaker box has a permanent metal cover installed and secured. (This may be waived if there is an external main disconnect switch installled.)

Your meter base and other equipment installation must meet the requirements of your local electrical inspector. If you have specific questions regarding your meter installation please contact your local electric inspection agency (see page 4).

Meter bases may not be covered by any stucture, unless it can be moved without the use of tools to allow full access to the meter.

SERVICE RATING OPTIONS
As stated in SECTION A - GENERAL INFORMATION, Central Lincoln’s metering equipment requirements for single-family residential structures (not apartments or condominiums) are based upon the following single-phase service ratings [and the customer must select which amperage rating is required for the project]:

You are responsible for providing and installing all equipment other than:

METER BASE REQUIREMENTS
The meter base you purchase and install must meet the following general requirements. (Specific requirements for 200 and 400 amp services, and for outbuildings, are listed later in this chapter.)

Your meter base must be:

200 AMP SERVICE
The 120/240 volt, 200 ampere service is the most common service installed by CLPUD. Typically it’s installed in homes with a living area of less than 2500 square feet. However, depending upon what type of equipment you are installing you may want a larger service. It is your responsibility to determine your electrical requirements and to notify CLPUD of the size of service you would like.

Meter bases for 200 amp services shall also:

The center knockout should not be used on underground because of the bending radius of the cable.

If your outbuilding or ancillary service will be used for commercial purposes (i.e. a professional shop, dairy barn, illuminated sign, multifamily/community well) you will have additional requirements. If this is the case please refer to the Central Lincoln Electric Service Handbook for Non-Residential Services.

GROUNDING REQUIREMENTS
All meter bases and conduit shall be bonded and grounded in accordance with the NEC. New construction shall have a "UFER" ground installation poured in the footings and be inspected by the building official. It is your responsibility to coordinate this installation with the proper authorities and receive their approval.

CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS
The following clearances are required around all meter installations. It is your responsibility to provide and maintain these clearances.

400 AMP SERVICE
The meter base required for a 120/240 volt, 400 ampere service is a "Class 320" meter base (see Figure D-4). It is larger than the 200 amp meter base, but it is still a self-contained meter base (it doesn’t require instrument transformers). It can be installed on residences where the continuous current rating is 320 amps or less. If your structure will require more than 320 amps continuous, you are required to install an instrument transformer (CT or PT) service.

Class 320 meter bases for 400 amp services shall, in addition to the meter base requirements listed above;

• Be rated for 120/240 volts and 320 amps continuous.
• Contain four meter-jaws and one connection point for the neutral conductor.
• Contain a Class 320 manual bypass (see Figure D-4).
• For underground meter bases we recommend:
  - 3 inch schedule 40 or 80 PVC or steel conduit through a knockout in the bottom left corner of the enclosure.
  - Have a least 8-1/2 inches of clearance between the bottom of the lugs and bottom of the enclosure (see Figure D-4).
• All meter bases will be unenergized until the inside breaker box has a permanent metal cover installed. Central Lincoln crews must be able to see that the breaker box cover is installed and secure.

400 AMP CT SERVICE
CT services are also known as "instrument transformers". You may request a 120/240 volt, 400 amp CT service, available at an additional charge. This service requires a different meter base (see Figure D-6). It also requires additional equipment (CT enclosure, conduit, CT mounting bracket, etc.). Contact our nearest service office (see SECTION A - GENERAL INFORMATION) and ask to speak to the meter department.

Phase	Service Amperage	CT’s	Dimensions
		No. of Transf.	W	H	D
1	401-800A	2	24"	24"	11"’
3	201-400A	3	36"	36"	11"

SERVICES OVER 400 AMPS
120/240 volt services over 400 amps require CT metering. Please contact your nearest service office and ask to speak to the meter department for more information.