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No, each size service needs its own meter base.
The point of connection will be at the utility meter base, Whether the service is installed from a pole (overhead) or underground. In an overhead installation, the conductors may physically attach to the house at points other than the meter base, but they will always end up at the meter base.
A meter socket adapter is used when solar energy is required to be fed back to the grid from a home owners solar array system. The adapter is on the line side of the service between the utility meter and the utility meter base. A meter base surge protector is a device to stop surging from lightning strikesfrom the grid from entering your home. This device is also connected to the line side of the service between your utility meter and the utility meter base.
Ground the meter base only if it's a duplex. Otherwise, ground at the main switch or panel.
No. The meter is a base unit.
No, you cannot put but one set of wires in a meter base. The way to go about this, is to mount an outside panel beside your meter base. Panel sized to existing house service, equipped with two main breakers. One to re-feed the house panel the other to feed your shop.
No the service wires need to be upgrade to 3/0 copper or 250 mcm aluminum. This will require a power company to disconnect so you can upgrade the service. These wires are always hot unless the power company disconnects from their source. Do it right pull a permit and upgradeAdditional information:Some meter base boxes include a shutoff/breaker. If you are only looking for additional space inside the breaker panel, and do not upgrade to a higher amperage breaker inside the meter base, you actually CAN use the same wire, provided that it is long enough to reach into the new breaker panel. The breaker of the meter base protects from the over-current condition.If you have the shutoff in the meter base, you will obviously be able to disconnect service while you perform the necessary changes. While you are working on the service, lock-out the meter base access to prevent anyone from turning the power back on.It is still recommended that you pull a permit and work with a qualified electrician.
Answer for USA, Canada and countries running a 60 Hz supply service.The wires from the utility connection will be connected to the top terminals jaws of the meter base. The bottom of the meter base terminal jaws will be connected to the top of the first over current device. This will be the service distribution's disconnect switch. The neutral will pass through the meter base with no grounding connection and continue on to the distribution's neutral terminal point.
Number 2 American Wire Gauge
Actually the base unit is the meter. A centimeter is 1/100 of a meter.
You need 2 ground rods of 8' in length. One under the meter base and another one 6' to either side of the meter base. Drive them into the ground with just enough sticking up to connect the ground wire.
meter.