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Can I have an exterior 200A meter and disconnect with the 200A main panel in the interior some 20-30 ft. away? It has to meet California residential code.

I'm trying to avoid the cost of an exterior main panel in addition to a 200A interior sub-panel.

If so, what products should I look for for the exterior? I was thinking "meter socket with disconnect" but I can only find exterior panels.

Here is an elevation plan: enter image description here

I currently have a 100A exterior panel at the meter which I need to upgrade to 200A but my contractor recommends having a panel in the interior hallway for convenience.

I can't add the panel close to the meter in the interior because of house configuration. It will have to be 20-30ft away.

Thanks.

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  • A NEMA 3R panel outside with a breaker would work there are a bunch of them I recommend one with extra positions so later if another sub to an out building is desirable it would be easy to add.
    – Ed Beal
    Jun 26, 2019 at 16:12
  • Hello, and welcome to Home Improvement. Good question: keep 'em coming. And, you should probably take our tour so you'll know how best to participate here.
    – Daniel Griscom
    Jun 26, 2019 at 16:55
  • I've got this setup on my house, the meter base it separate from the main breaker, they are just next to each other, and then there is a feeder from the disconnect/breaker to the actual panel inside (80+ feet away). What you're looking for seems to be called "Outdoor Circuit Breaker Enclosure".
    – PhilippNagel
    Jun 26, 2019 at 17:22

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I believe the Google words you are looking for are meter main or meter main combination.

As long as the wiring in your house is downstream of a main breaker (not merely disconnect), that is fine. Remember since all the power from your service runs through it, you get to apply the 310.15(B)(7) derate of 83%; your wire only needs to be rated for 166A, not 200A.

This Article 310.15(B)(7) derate calculation replaces a table called 310.15(B)(7), and you will see that table all over the Web. The table is completely useless, and should be disregarded.

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