Important Information for Commercial & Agriculture Members

October 9, 2017

To:       Commercial/Agriculture members
From:   Glades Electric Cooperative, Inc.

RE:      K base meter cans

Effective immediately, GEC will no longer connect or energize any new installation that has a “K base” meter can as the metering point for services over 200A.  This is covered in GEC Policy 417 as stated below:

“For large single-phase installations of over 200 amperes and for three-phase installations, the

Cooperative shall specify the type of metering equipment required before installation of same.”

A single phase 200A or less service shall have an approved meter can installed for a metering location. As stated above, three-phase installations, and installations above 200A, shall be agreed upon by the member and GEC.  This may include either a 320A metering point or an instrument transformer metering point (Current Transformers [CT] and/or Potential Transformers [PT] of metering accuracy).

In the event that an existing “K base” metering point fails for any reason, the member must contact GEC before initiating repairs. This will help eliminate any delay in repair/replacement of the member’s equipment. This will be handled on a case-by-case basis depending on the type/size of service and the most cost-effective way to meter the existing service point.

GEC’s reasons for prohibiting the “K base” meter:

  • Adapters installed to facilitate use of a 320A meter mounted in a K base meter can may not fulfill the demand requirements of 400A, or greater, services.
  • A 320A meter base has a bypass, allowing the meter to be pulled without an outage or the danger of flash-over.
  • To service/test the K base meter, power must be disconnected, resulting in a temporary outage for the member.
  • To reduce GEC’s necessity to stock additional metering equipment, facilitating standardization.

Contact GEC Chief Operations Officer, Travis Turner at 863-946-6205 or tturner@gladeselectric.com with any questions.