Bay Meter Rotary Switch Wiring Question

[mtwinn]

Hello Everyone.

New member here. I currently have a 8 position rotary switch in my meter box with 12 wires coming into the box from the ER. 10 wires out of the 12 are used. I am in the process of upgrading to a 10 position rotary switch and wondering what the minimum number of wires is needed for the upgrade. Will the 12 wires be enough to run the 10 position switch or do I need to more wires? I supposed I can just run new 19 wires and be ready for any future function upgrades, but I am starting out and would prefer to save money and not incur cost unless necessary. From what I understand, I would need 1 wire each for 24V, neutral, ground and each of the 9 functions so that totals 12 wires. Is this correct or is there anything else I would need to send back to the ER that I am missing?

This forum is awesome. TIA.

 

[Keno]

If you have 2 spare wires, you can add 2 more functions in most cases

 

[mtwinn]

If you have 2 spare wires, you can add 2 more functions in most cases

Thanks Keno. When would this not be possible?

 

[Keno]

Probably not many times it won't be possible, if you need more than 1 wire per function you can take 1 wire back to the ER and split from there. So, probably possible in every situation.

 

[OurTown]

Need a wire for the motor starter.

 

[Keno]

Need a wire for the motor starter.

I would assume they already have a motor starter wire for HP. If another is needed for a procon or similar, can still use 1 wire back to the ER and then split off from there to solenoids and relays/mx-8. Pretty sure can make 1 wire work in almost all situations to avoid cost and time of running new wires

 

[TMoliver]

The way I see it if any wires are broken of burned you will lose services . the 10 position switch needs 9 wires for services , 1 for motor starter and 2 for power or a total of 12. Good luck

 

[Dan kamsickas]

The other thing to consider is some equipment use the timed hot wire to shut off the weep when the bay is "on" so you may need another wire for that.

 

[mtwinn]

The other thing to consider is some equipment use the timed hot wire to shut off the weep when the bay is "on" so you may need another wire for that.

I do have a weep system but I'll have to check again to see if there's a wire used for the shut off.