I helped a buddy install a 200A service on a camping lot he bought. I also wired in the classic "100A" RV panel with 50/30/20A outlets. (all to code, permitted and inspected)Here's the rub, since this was only a camping site and the closest transformer is close to being overloaded (according to power co), the electric co. has "limited" our feed to 7000 watts max load. Oddly, they had no problem with us running that 7K to a 200A panel.Right now the voltage is great even when we're running both our RV's with three AC's off it. I have read some things suggesting the meter will do something if draw too much.I know what a SM is. My question is, since it is metered by a Smart Meter, what happens if we exceed 7KW?

Is it a demand type meter in which the power company will charge you extra if you exceed the demand they set?

TenOC wrote:Is it a demand type meter in which the power company will charge you extra if you exceed the demand they set?They never said anything about that and I don't *think* the bill is structured to show that but I will ask my buddy about it. Thanks,Scott

You need to ask the PoCo how they would handle that....SM's can't throttle voltage or create brownouts. In S&B homes large draw appliances like a/c and water heater can be fitted with relays so the PoCo can shut them down during peak demand.In your case I would think the 2 options are to shut your power off, or raise the kWh rate when you exceed the limit. 7000w is only about 60a, so with 3 a/c's going and maybe a HW heater or microwave, you are almost there.Interesting article about smart meter's in the PNW.FWIW, those pole transformers are like roman candles when they blow, hope it's far enough down the road where it can't get your rubber roof....

It's my understanding that if you have a load limiter, when you exceed the max limit it simply shuts you off and then stays off and doesn't auto-reset. There is supposedly some kind of button on the meter and you're supposed to shut off all your heavy draw loads and then pull the button on the meter and push it back it in to restore power. That's all I know and can't find more on the internet. I wonder if it's instantaneous or has a delay of some sort?Maybe he could benefit from a demand controller of some sort to shut off non-essential loads in a priority sequence? I made my own for our TT to shut the electric heaters off while kitchen appliances, hair dryer, etc. are turned on. 7KW isn't all that low. Is this a larger 50 amp RV with electric heating and 2 or 3 AC units? Voltage may be good now but what about mid-summer with customers on the same transformer all running AC units? Yes, odd that the poco had no issue with a 200 amp service and then decided to choke him off at 7KW. I'd be wanting a reduced rate if they didn't say anything up front. At least the larger wire helps with voltage drop.Perhaps you could find some info. on the Mike Holt forum.

Is 7 kW really not enough? I would ignore the restriction and live normal. Deal with the issue if it actually festers into something. Otherwise they can replace the transformer.If this is a 50 amp RV check that the loads are balanced. Such as if he has two A/Cs check that one is on each side of the panel in the RV.

Smart meter? | Good Sam Community

BurbMan
Explorer II
Mar 29, 2018
You need to ask the PoCo how they would handle that....SM's can't throttle voltage or create brownouts. In S&B homes large draw appliances like a/c and water heater can be fitted with relays so the PoCo can shut them down during peak demand.

In your case I would think the 2 options are to shut your power off, or raise the kWh rate when you exceed the limit. 7000w is only about 60a, so with 3 a/c's going and maybe a HW heater or microwave, you are almost there.

Interesting article about smart meter's in the PNW.

FWIW, those pole transformers are like roman candles when they blow, hope it's far enough down the road where it can't get your rubber roof....
ScottG
Nomad
Mar 29, 2018
TenOC wrote:
Is it a demand type meter in which the power company will charge you extra if you exceed the demand they set?

They never said anything about that and I don't *think* the bill is structured to show that but I will ask my buddy about it.

Thanks,
Scott
TenOC
Nomad
Mar 29, 2018
Is it a demand type meter in which the power company will charge you extra if you exceed the demand they set?

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