How To Install Electric Meter Base

Make sure that clearances around the meter socket area are in line with recommended guidelines.

How to install electric meter base.

Cut about 3 4 inch of the insulation off and remove it to uncover the copper wires. Electric house meters can only be installed by power companies. The power company is responsible for bringing power to the site for installing the meter in the socket provided by the customer and for ener gizing the service. 480v delta or 277 480v wye 200 amp below service self contained metering with meter disconnect figure 16.

Meter installation from pad mount transformer usi ng bushing type ct s figure 14b. The neutral bar is identified by a white marking or white electrical tape on the outer sheath. There is also a connection lug for the grounding wire which is bonded to the center neutral bus bar. Anatomy of an electric meter.

Installing new electric service is a joint project between the customer and the power company. American electric power company meter and service guide 4 figure 14. Electrical meter boxes can be installed outdoors or indoors. Inside a standard household electric meter box there is a center neutral bus bar with wire connection lugs at each and two hot bus bars each with wire connections lugs at each end.

The customer is responsible for obtaining permits and inspec. The electrical meter is part of a meter loop which also contains a weatherhead and breaker box. Meter loops must be built and installed to specifications set by the power company. Ground rods need to be installed in the ground outside in a spot where they can be hammered 8 feet 2 4 m into the ground.

Install the neutral wire in the middle of the socket or to the neutral bar marked on the meter base. The placement of this assembly must be correct and allow the utility company access when they require it. There is no requirement for how close or far from a building they should go but be sure to pick a spot that is convenient to get to and where you will have space to. Homeowners however can install the meter base.

The nec or national electric code specifies that any electrical installation must comply with the residential code of the state where the installation is taking place. Before starting the installation there are some steps that have to be followed. Assemble the meter loop piping and base socket adhering to the regulations put in place by the supplying utility.