Originally Posted By: dvalley This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Timothy,
There?s no issue with this installation. Multi-family homes usually have a single service drop which splits inside exterior middle panel and is divided (distributed) amongst the units.
Example: On a two family home, if a SE cable of 100 amps is entering the center panel, then each unit would get evenly distributed into 50 or 60 amps to each meter area. 200 amp SE would divide into 100 per meter.
As far as the ground rod on the outside, if I fail to locate a second ground wire inside the home at the water main piping, then I recommend an additional ground be installed either at the water main (as close as possible to the foundation) or eight feet away from the existing ground outside.
Always disclaim the length of any ground rod as you obviously can?t see the length of any buried rod. I distinctly remember pulling on a rod (at a new construction inspection) and I easily pulled the rod right out of the ground. It was approx.18? long. The GC had told me that he was utilizing this rod on a temporary basis?.Ya ?OK. Nice try.
There was a question in that thread as to having two meters on one property and then it went into service cables traveling through one property to service another.
The meter issue is quite common however there was quite a debate over interpretation of a specific code. I think 230.2 addresses the issue.
The service entrance cables (SEC) are not permitted to pass through one home in order to service another. (230.3)
For instance, the SEC cannot travel through the attic space of unit #1 in order to service unit #2.
As for the configuration in your picture, it all looks good to me. Even with only one grounding electrode system (GES). However, if there is another building connected by the same service, that building requires its own GES.
-- Jeff Pope
JPI Home Inspection Service
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Is this a trick question? 'Cuz I don’t see a problem. They even put the wire on the correct side of the clamp