Pulling an electric meter is a deceptively complex task that requires a thorough understanding of electrical safety protocols and the specific procedures involved. The consequences of mishandling an electric meter can be severe, including electrical shocks, fires, and even death. Therefore, it is crucial to approach this task with the utmost caution and to follow all safety guidelines carefully.
Before attempting to pull an electric meter, it is essential to gather the necessary tools and equipment. This includes a non-conductive voltage tester, a pair of insulated gloves, a flat-head screwdriver, and a pair of pliers. It is also important to wear appropriate safety gear, such as safety glasses and long sleeves, to protect yourself from potential hazards. Once you have assembled your tools and gear, you can begin the process of pulling the electric meter.
To begin, turn off the main breaker in your electrical panel. This will cut off the power supply to your home and prevent you from being shocked while working on the meter. Next, locate the electric meter and remove the screws that hold it in place. Carefully lift the meter off of the wall and disconnect the wires that are connected to it. Once the meter is disconnected, you can remove it from the wall and take it to a safe location for further inspection or repair.
Identifying the Electric Meter
Electric meters are essential devices that measure and record electricity consumption in your home or business. Knowing how to locate and identify your electric meter is crucial for various reasons, such as reading your energy usage, troubleshooting power outages, or performing maintenance tasks.
There are typically two main types of electric meters: analog and digital. Analog meters have dials and pointers that indicate electricity consumption, while digital meters display the usage data electronically.
Location of the Electric Meter
The location of your electric meter may vary depending on your property and local regulations. However, it is usually found in one of the following places:
- Outside your home: On an exterior wall or near the service entrance
- Basement: In a utility room or near the electrical panel
- Garage: Attached to a wall or the ceiling
- Utility room: A dedicated space for electrical equipment, including the meter
Gathering the Necessary Tools
Before embarking on the task of pulling an electric meter, it is crucial to gather the necessary equipment to ensure a safe and efficient process.
Safety Gear:
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Insulated Gloves | Protect hands from electrical shocks |
| Safety Glasses | Shield eyes from flying debris |
| Hard Hat | Provide protection from falling objects |
Tools:
- Meter Puller: A specialized tool designed specifically for pulling electric meters.
- Insulated Screwdriver: A screwdriver with an insulated handle for electrical work.
- Wrench: A tool for loosening and tightening bolts and nuts.
- Electrical Tape: Used for insulating exposed wires and connections.
- Wire Cutters: For cutting electrical wires.
- Voltage Tester: A device for detecting the presence of voltage in wires.
- Flashlight: For illuminating the work area in low-light conditions.
Additional Materials:
In addition to the tools listed above, it is recommended to have the following materials on hand:
- Measuring Tape: For measuring distances and clearances.
- Level: For ensuring that the meter is installed level.
- Chalk or Pencil: For marking locations and measurements.
Disconnecting the Power Supply
Before you can pull an electric meter, you need to disconnect the power supply. This is a crucial step that requires utmost caution to prevent accidents and injury. To disconnect the power supply safely, follow these steps meticulously:
- Identify the Main Power Panel: Locate the main power panel or breaker box, which typically resides in a garage, basement, or utility closet. It houses the electrical breakers that control the power supply to different areas of your home.
- Turn Off the Main Breaker: Once you have identified the main power panel, locate the main breaker, which is usually the largest breaker in the panel. Flip the breaker to the “OFF” position, which will cut off the electricity to your entire home.
- Verify Power Disconnection: To ensure that the power is fully disconnected, go to a few outlets and light switches and confirm that they are indeed not working. This step is essential to ensure your safety during subsequent procedures.
Caution: Do not attempt to disconnect the power supply if you are not comfortable doing so. If you have any doubts, contact a qualified electrician for assistance.
Safety Tip: Always wear rubber-soled shoes and insulated gloves when working with electricity.
Once the power supply is disconnected, you can proceed to pull the electric meter, following the subsequent steps carefully.
Removing the Meter Enclosure
To remove the meter enclosure, follow these steps:
- Locate the meter enclosure. The meter enclosure is typically located on the exterior of your home or business, near the electrical service panel.
- Turn off the power to the meter. This can be done by flipping the main breaker in your electrical service panel to the “OFF” position.
- Remove the cover of the meter enclosure. The cover is typically held in place by screws or bolts. Use a screwdriver or wrench to remove the fasteners and lift the cover off.
- Disconnect the wires from the meter. The wires are typically connected to the meter using terminals or screws. Use a screwdriver or wrench to loosen the terminals or screws and disconnect the wires.
- Remove the meter. The meter is typically held in place by screws or bolts. Use a screwdriver or wrench to remove the fasteners and lift the meter out of the enclosure.
- Install the new meter. Insert the new meter into the enclosure and secure it with the screws or bolts. Connect the wires to the new meter using the terminals or screws.
- Replace the cover of the meter enclosure. Secure the cover with the screws or bolts.
- Turn on the power to the meter. Flip the main breaker in your electrical service panel to the “ON” position.
Disconnecting the Wires from the Meter
The wires that connect to the meter are typically color-coded. The following table shows the typical color coding for meter wires:
Wire Color Description Black Hot wire Red Hot wire White Neutral wire Green Ground wire When disconnecting the wires from the meter, be sure to note which color wire is connected to which terminal on the meter. This will help you to reconnect the wires correctly when you install the new meter.
Disconnecting the Meter Wires
The next step in pulling an electric meter is to disconnect the wires connecting the meter to the service entrance panel. To do this safely, you will need to follow these steps:
1. Turn off the main breaker in the service entrance panel to cut off power to the meter.
2. Locate the wires that are connected to the meter. These wires will be typically black, red, and white, and they will be connected to terminals on the meter.
3. Using a pair of insulated pliers, loosen the screws that are holding the wires in place. Do not touch the bare wires with your hands.
4. Once the screws are loose, carefully pull the wires away from the terminals. Be sure to support the wires so that they do not fall and cause a short circuit.
5. Double-check that all of the wires have been disconnected from the meter. To do this, use a non-contact voltage tester to ensure that there is no power running through the wires. If there is still power, turn off the main breaker again and check the connections. Once you are sure that all of the wires have been disconnected, you can proceed to the next step.| Terminal | Wire Color | Description |
|—|—|—|
| A | Black | Hot wire from service entrance panel |
| B | Red | Hot wire to load |
| C | White | Neutral wire |
| D | Green or bare | Ground wire |Safety Precautions
Before working on any electrical equipment, always ensure that the power is turned off and the circuit is locked out or tagged out. Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) such as safety glasses, gloves, and non-conductive clothing.
Removing the Electric Meter
1. Turn Off the Main Breaker
Locate the main electrical panel and turn off the main breaker. This will cut off power to the entire house.
2. Remove the Meter Cover
Use a screwdriver to remove the screws holding the meter cover in place. Carefully lift the cover off.
3. Disconnect the Service Wires
Inside the meter box, locate the service wires that connect to the terminals on the meter. Use a wrench to loosen the nuts that hold the wires in place, and then disconnect the wires.
4. Disconnect the Load Wires
In a similar manner, disconnect the load wires that connect to the meter terminals from the other side of the circuit.
5. Remove the Meter
Once the service and load wires are disconnected, the meter can be removed. Gently pull the meter out of the box.
6. Check the Wiring and Terminals
Before installing a new meter, it is important to inspect the wiring and terminals for any damage or corrosion. If any issues are found, they should be addressed before connecting the new meter.
Wiring Inspection Terminal Inspection - Check for loose connections
- Look for frayed or damaged insulation
- Ensure wires are properly sized for the load
- Check for signs of overheating or arcing
- Make sure terminals are tight and clean
- Ensure terminals are the correct type for the wire gauge
Installing the New Meter
Once the old meter has been disconnected, the new meter can be installed. Follow these steps to install the new meter:
- 1. Mount the meter base.
- 2. Install the new meter.
- 3. Connect the wires.
- 4. Seal the meter.
- 5. Turn on the power.
- 6. Check the meter.
- 7. Read the meter.
- Turn off the main power to the house at the circuit breaker box.
- Open the meter box and locate the wires that were disconnected.
- Match the wires by color and reconnect them to the corresponding terminals on the meter. Use wire nuts to secure the connections.
- Tighten the wire nuts until they are snug.
- Close the meter box and turn on the main power to the house.
- Check that the meter is working properly.
The meter base is the metal plate that the meter will be mounted on. It should be mounted on a level surface, and it should be the same height as the old meter base. Use the screws that came with the new meter base to mount it to the wall.
The new meter should be installed in the same orientation as the old meter. There will be four screws that hold the meter in place. Tighten the screws until the meter is snug.
Connect the wires from the new meter to the wires from the service entrance. The wires should be connected in the same way that they were connected to the old meter. Use wire nuts to secure the connections, and make sure that the connections are tight.
Once the wires are connected, the meter should be sealed. The seal prevents the meter from being tampered with. There will be a small hole in the meter base for the seal. Insert the seal through the hole, and then tighten the seal until it is snug.
Once the meter is sealed, the power can be turned on. The power should be turned on at the main breaker or fuse.
Once the power is on, the meter should be checked to make sure that it is working properly. The meter should be registering the correct amount of power usage.
The meter should be read regularly to keep track of your energy usage. The meter will have a display that shows the amount of power that has been used. The display will usually show the amount of power used in kilowatt-hours (kWh). A typical residential electric bill will charge you a certain amount per kilowatt-hour, so it’s important to keep track of your energy usage so that you can budget accordingly.
Reconnecting the Meter Wires
Once the electric meter has been pulled, the wires need to be reconnected. This is a simple procedure, but it is important to follow the steps carefully to avoid any electrical hazards.
To reconnect the meter wires, follow these steps:
Here is a table summarizing the steps for reconnecting the meter wires:
Step Description 1 Turn off the main power to the house. 2 Open the meter box and locate the wires that were disconnected. 3 Match the wires by color and reconnect them to the corresponding terminals on the meter. 4 Tighten the wire nuts until they are snug. 5 Close the meter box and turn on the main power to the house. 6 Check that the meter is working properly. If you are not comfortable reconnecting the meter wires yourself, you can call an electrician to do it for you.
Closing the Meter Enclosure
9. Closing the Meter Enclosure
Once the meter has been removed, the meter enclosure must be closed to protect the remaining electrical equipment from the elements and unauthorized access. Follow these steps to close the meter enclosure:
a. Inspect the enclosure:
Before closing the enclosure, inspect it for any damage or missing parts. Ensure that the hinges, latches, and screws are all intact.
b. Align the enclosure:
Align the enclosure over the opening in the wall or panel. Ensure that it is properly aligned and will fit snugly.
c. Secure the enclosure:
Secure the enclosure to the wall or panel using the appropriate screws or bolts. Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for the proper tightening torque.
d. Close the door:
Close the door of the enclosure and secure it with the latch or lock. Ensure that the door closes securely and does not have any gaps.
e. Inspect the closure:
Inspect the closed enclosure to ensure that it is secure and weathertight. Check that there are no gaps or openings where moisture or pests can enter.
Component Inspection Points Hinges Check for damage, wear, or binding. Latches Ensure they engage properly and secure the door. Screws Verify that they are adequately tightened and not loose. Door Inspect for proper alignment, fit, and closure. Gaskets Check for any gaps or tears that may compromise weathertightness. Restoring the Power Supply
1. Inspect the Wiring
After the meter has been pulled, inspect the wires to ensure they are in good condition. Look for any signs of damage, such as cuts, frays, or burn marks. If any wires appear damaged, it is important to replace them before restoring power.
2. Reconnect the Main Breaker
Once the wiring has been inspected, the main breaker can be reconnected. This is typically done by flipping the breaker switch to the “on” position. If the breaker does not stay on, it may be necessary to reset it by flipping it to the “off” position and then back to the “on” position.
3. Inspect the Electrical Panel
After the main breaker has been reconnected, inspect the electrical panel to ensure that all of the other breakers are in the “off” position. This will prevent any unexpected power surges when the power is restored.
4. Turn on the Appliance
Once the electrical panel has been inspected, the appliance that was being serviced can be turned on. If the appliance does not turn on, there may be a problem with the appliance itself or with the wiring. If this is the case, it is important to consult with a qualified electrician to diagnose and repair the issue.
5. Check for Leaks
After the power has been restored, it is important to check for any gas or water leaks. This can be done by smelling for gas or listening for the sound of running water. If any leaks are detected, it is important to turn off the gas or water supply and contact a qualified technician to repair the leak.
6. Test the Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
After the power has been restored, it is important to test the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure that they are working properly. This can be done by pressing the test button on each detector. If the detector does not sound an alarm, it may need to be replaced.
7. Reset Clocks and Appliances
After the power has been restored, it may be necessary to reset the clocks and appliances that were affected by the power outage. This can be done by manually setting the time and date on each device.
8. Check for Damage
After the power has been restored, it is important to check for any damage to the home or appliances. This may include looking for signs of water damage, fire damage, or electrical damage. If any damage is detected, it is important to contact a qualified technician to repair the damage.
9. Call the Utility Company
After the power has been restored, it is important to contact the utility company to inform them that the power has been restored. This will allow the utility company to update their records and ensure that the power is being billed correctly.
10. Troubleshooting Common Problems
If there are any problems restoring power after the meter has been pulled, there are a few common troubleshooting tips that can be tried:
Problem Solution The main breaker will not stay on. Reset the breaker by flipping it to the “off” position and then back to the “on” position. If the breaker still will not stay on, there may be a problem with the wiring or the appliance that was being serviced. The appliance will not turn on. Inspect the wiring to ensure that it is connected properly. If the wiring is connected properly, there may be a problem with the appliance itself. Consult with a qualified electrician to diagnose and repair the issue. There is a gas or water leak. Turn off the gas or water supply and contact a qualified technician to repair the leak. The smoke or carbon monoxide detectors are not working properly. Test the detectors by pressing the test button. If the detector does not sound an alarm, it may need to be replaced. How to Pull an Electric Meter
Pulling an electric meter is a task that requires the proper tools and safety precautions. Before attempting to pull an electric meter, it is important to contact your local utility company to notify them of your intentions. They may have specific requirements or procedures that need to be followed.
Once you have received authorization from the utility company, you can begin the process of pulling the meter. First, you will need to gather the necessary tools, which include a non-contact voltage tester, a flathead screwdriver, a pair of lineman’s pliers, and a pair of safety glasses. It is also important to wear appropriate clothing, such as long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, and gloves.
Once you are properly equipped, you can begin the process of pulling the meter. First, turn off the main breaker or disconnect switch to the meter. This will cut off the power to the meter and make it safe to work on.
Next, use the non-contact voltage tester to check for any residual voltage on the meter. If there is any voltage present, do not proceed any further. Contact your utility company for assistance.
Once you have verified that the meter is safe to work on, you can begin removing the screws that hold the meter in place. There will typically be two or four screws, depending on the type of meter.
Once the screws are removed, you can carefully pull the meter away from the wall. Be careful not to damage the wires or connectors behind the meter.
Once the meter is removed, you can disconnect the wires from the meter. There will typically be two or four wires, depending on the type of meter. Be careful not to touch the bare wires with your hands.
Once the wires are disconnected, you can remove the meter from the service panel. Be careful not to drop the meter, as it can be damaged if dropped.
People Also Ask
How much does it cost to pull an electric meter?
The cost to pull an electric meter will vary depending on the utility company and the type of meter. However, you can expect to pay between $50 and $100 for the service.
Can I pull an electric meter myself?
Yes, you can pull an electric meter yourself, but it is important to have the proper tools and safety precautions. If you are not comfortable working with electricity, it is best to contact a qualified electrician.
What happens if I pull an electric meter without authorization?
Pulling an electric meter without authorization is a serious offense. You may be charged with a crime and/or fined. It is important to always contact your utility company before pulling an electric meter.
