Replacing meter base abd moving main breaker panel

[044runner]

I am replacing an old fused panel that is on the outside of the house with a 200 amp breaker main, and putting in a new meter base. I will be using 4/0 SER.
The new panel will be about 50 ft from the meter into a utility room and will run through the attic space, do I need to put this in conduit? If so what size.

Also the utility co wants a 200 amp meter base with a safety disconnect, any recommendations for brand and model # would be appreciated.

Thanks
044runner

[suemarkp]

This is usually not allowed. Under the NEC, and most other codes, there is a very limited distance inside the building that service conductors may go before hitting the main disconnect device. The disconnect must contain a fuse or breaker, and not just a lever in the meter can. In most areas, you can go 3 to 15 feet inside the house before hitting this disconnect.

But you also said SER. SER is 4 conductors, and is used after the main disconnect. SEU is 3 conductors and is used between the meter and the main disconnect. SO perhaps you need to clarify further what you're trying to do. Is it meter only (no main breaker in the meter enclosure) then 50' to the main disconnect? If so, the SEU for this must remain outside for most of that distance. If you put a fused disconnect right next to the meter and then run SER through the attic, then there is no distance limitation.

As to whether that needs conduit is another local interpretation. SE cables must be protected from physical damage. What is subject to damage and how you mitigate it are typically local inspector calls. Running it in sch 80 PVC, EMT, or rigid metal conduit will certainly work, but you should use individual THWN wires instead of SER cable in that case -- easier to pull, cheaper, and the conduit can be smaller.

[junkcollector]

Sounds to me like he's gonna use a meter main and then use SER to hit is panel (subpanel) inside.

[Ohm1]

Also the utility co wants a 200 amp meter base with a safety disconnect, any recommendations for brand and model # would be appreciated.

If the POCO wants you to use a specific type of Meter, then call them, they will have a list.

[044runner]

Thanks for your help, I will be using a meter main, then on to the utility room to the panel with SER (unless there is a better alternative to SER.)
Thanks again Paula

[Wgoodrich]

I suspect we are having some communication gaps. If what you are calling a meter main is a meter with a main breaker in it that will shut off the whole house then this will be your main service rated panel built into the meter or having a meter then a weatherproof fused disconnect next to the meter. This set up would make the panel inside a subpanel controlled by the main service disconnect outside requiring the SER four wire cable you spoke of.

If you are passing through the attic not being nearest point of entrance, the above discription is required having a main service rated disconnect outside making that panel inside to be a slave of that main outside disconnect.

You would use a 3 wire SEU type cable only if there is no main fused or breaker or disconnect.

Hope this helps

Wg

[044runner]

OK, lets see if I get it right this time....
Meter main with a disconnect, (or weatherproof fused disconnect next to meter>>>> SER thru the attic to subpanel in the utility room

Thanks again for your help!

[Wgoodrich]

Yes, a breaker or fused disconnect next to the meter makes your panel inside a nonservice rated panel aka sub panel thus requiring 3 wires found in an SER cable.

Good Luck

Wg