service entrance neutral

[brandond]

Hi, is it more common to cut the neutral along with the other service conductors in the meter box and then bond the neutral to the box and run to the panel, or is it more common to keep the neutral in one piece (one length) and just cut and pull the line conductors? I have been seen both ways a lot lately, also if you cut and bond the neutral to the meter can, you probably would no longer require a grounding bushing, is this correct?

[Eddy Current]

in the meter box and then bond the neutral to the box
?? The neutral and the ground are connected only in the panel or main disconnect. (looking for the code that says that)
By "bond the neutral" do you mean securing it on the lugs in the middle of the meter base?

keep the neutral in one piece (one length) and just cut and pull the line conductors?
I've always cut the neutral and secured it on the lugs provided. I've seen some old installations where the neutral was just skinned but it was still run under the lugs. 6-310 says the neutral shall be without joints except in a meter box ...ect but so far I can't find a code that says you have to cut it.

also if you cut and bond the neutral to the meter can, you probably would no longer require a grounding bushing, is this correct?
As long as you join the ground and the neutral in the panel than yes the meter base and conduit will be bonded.(10-300) The problem is I'm pretty sure you have to connect the neutral and ground at the main first. (still looking.....)

[hoochiebob]

Interesting question, as you are in an area that the CEC and the local utility has a say in the installation.
Either way is acceptable as long as the neutral is grounded as below:
From my experience with the inspection authority(in BC):
10-204(1)(b) "The grounding connection made on the supply side of the service disconnecting means either in the service box(combination panel) or other service equipment(fused disconnect, et al). the meter is not defined as service equipment.
Rule 10-606(1)(d) states that standard locknuts and bushings are not acceptable for bonding at service equipment.
The "neutral" that runs from the meter to the service is actually called a "grounded conductor".Rule 10-624(2) requires that conductor to be bonded to the meter box(usually done by design).It also allows the grounded conductor to be used to ground the service equipment(ie to connect to bond bushing on conduit)


Crap,now I'm getting confused:hmmmm2:

[brandond]

Thanks for the input, it clears things up abit. I had been looking at a "skinned" neutral that was just run through the lugs, and not cut, I guess the main question should have been how often or popular is this method? I have been seeing it on quite a few installations that are from around 20-30 years old with this method used.