Eradicating an electrical meter is a comparatively easy activity that may be accomplished in a couple of minutes. Nevertheless, it is very important take security precautions and comply with the right steps to keep away from any electrical hazards. On this article, we’ll present step-by-step directions on the best way to take away an electrical meter safely and effectively.
Earlier than you start, it is very important collect the mandatory instruments and supplies. You have to a screwdriver, a pair of pliers, and a non-conductive materials corresponding to a rubber mat or a chunk of cardboard. Additionally, you will want to show off the facility to the meter earlier than you start engaged on it. This may be completed by flipping the primary breaker in your house’s electrical panel to the “off” place. As soon as the facility is off, you’ll be able to proceed to take away the meter.
To take away the meter, first use the screwdriver to take away the screws that maintain the meter in place. As soon as the screws are eliminated, fastidiously elevate the meter up and off the mounting bracket. Watch out to not contact any of {the electrical} wires or terminals on the meter. As soon as the meter is eliminated, you’ll be able to disconnect the wires from the terminals utilizing the pliers. Make sure you cap the wires with electrical tape to forestall any electrical hazards.
Figuring out the Meter’s Location
Earlier than making an attempt to take away an electrical meter, it’s essential to precisely find it. The meter’s place varies relying on the constructing’s development and the native utility firm’s rules. Nevertheless, there are some widespread locations the place electrical meters are sometimes put in:
Outdoors the Constructing
Electrical meters are sometimes mounted on the outside wall of the constructing, close to the service entrance. Search for a small, metallic field with dials or a digital show.
Basement or Crawlspace
In some circumstances, electrical meters are positioned within the basement or crawlspace of the constructing. Verify for a devoted electrical panel or a small, metallic field with wires resulting in it.
Storage or Utility Closet
Often, electrical meters are put in within the storage or a utility closet inside the constructing. Scan these areas for a small, metallic field or a devoted electrical panel.
For extra exact steering, discuss with the constructing’s electrical blueprints or contact your native utility firm for help in finding the electrical meter.
| Location | Frequent Options |
|---|---|
| Exterior Wall | Close to service entrance, metallic field with dials or digital show |
| Basement/Crawlspace | Devoted electrical panel, small metallic field with wires |
| Storage/Utility Closet | Small metallic field, devoted electrical panel |
Disconnecting Energy from the Circuit Breaker
Earlier than starting any electrical work, it’s essential to make sure that the facility provide to the electrical meter is disconnected. This may be achieved by following these steps:
1. Establish the Circuit Breaker Panel
Find {the electrical} panel inside your house or constructing. The panel sometimes homes circuit breakers or fuses that management {the electrical} circuits of the property.
2. Discover the Meter’s Circuit Breaker
Contained in the panel, establish the circuit breaker particularly related to the electrical meter. This breaker could also be labeled “Meter” or have a corresponding quantity assigned to it. Seek the advice of the panel’s diagram or seek the advice of with a certified electrician if essential.
3. Flip Off the Circuit Breaker
As soon as the meter’s circuit breaker has been recognized, fastidiously flip the breaker to the “Off” place. Use warning whereas performing this motion, guaranteeing that your arms are dry and you aren’t touching any metallic objects. The breaker ought to snap firmly into the “Off” place, indicating that the facility provide to the electrical meter has been efficiently disconnected.
| Step | Motion |
|---|---|
| 1. | Find {the electrical} panel |
| 2. | Establish the meter’s circuit breaker |
| 3. | Flip the breaker to the “Off” place |
Eradicating the Meter Socket
Eradicating the meter socket requires cautious consideration to security and correct electrical procedures. Comply with these detailed steps to securely disconnect the meter socket:
- Shut off the primary breaker: Find the primary electrical panel and switch off the primary breaker. This can minimize off all energy to the home.
- Confirm the facility is off: Use a non-contact voltage tester to substantiate that there is no such thing as a voltage current within the wires related to the meter socket.
- Take away the meter: Take away the screws securing the meter to the meter socket and punctiliously elevate the meter away. Set the meter apart in a protected place.
- Disconnect the wiring: Use a wrench to loosen the screws on the terminals the place the wires connect with the meter socket. Take away the wires from the terminals and cap them off utilizing electrical tape.
- Take away the screws and the socket: Take away the screws securing the meter socket to the home. Fastidiously pull the meter socket right away from the home to detach it.
- Examine the wiring and connections: Earlier than reinstalling the meter socket, examine the wiring and connections to make sure that they’re in good situation. Tighten any unfastened screws and substitute any broken wires or elements.
- Remount the meter socket: Align the meter socket with the mounting bracket and safe it in place utilizing the screws you eliminated earlier.
- Reconnect the wiring: Join the wires again to the terminals within the meter socket and tighten the screws securely. Use electrical tape to insulate the connections.
- Set up the meter: Fastidiously place the meter again into the meter socket and safe it utilizing the screws supplied.
- Activate the primary breaker: Return to {the electrical} panel and activate the primary breaker to revive energy to the home.
| Device | Description |
|---|---|
| Screwdriver | Used for eradicating and tightening screws |
| Wrench | Used for loosening and tightening nuts and bolts |
| Electrical tape | Used for insulating connections |
| Non-contact voltage tester | Used for verifying that there is no such thing as a voltage current |
Inspecting the Meter and Socket
Visible Examination
Completely examine the meter and socket for any seen harm or abnormalities. Search for any unfastened connections, damaged wires, or bodily harm to the meter or socket. In the event you discover any seen indicators of harm, don’t proceed with the elimination and speak to a certified electrician instantly.
Meter Readings
Report the readings on the meter earlier than disconnecting it. This can function a reference level for guaranteeing the right functioning of the meter after it’s reinstalled.
Socket Inspection
Fastidiously study the meter socket for any indicators of corrosion, rust, or overheating. Be sure that the contacts inside the socket are clear and freed from any particles. Any broken or compromised contacts can result in electrical issues and ought to be addressed by an expert electrician.
Wiring Inspection
Examine the wires related to the meter and socket for any harm or unfastened connections. Be sure that the wires are correctly secured and insulated. Free or broken wires can pose a security hazard.
Fuse or Circuit Breaker
Find the fuse or circuit breaker that controls the facility to the meter. If the fuse is blown or the circuit breaker is tripped, don’t proceed with the elimination. Contact an electrician to research the underlying trigger and restore the difficulty.
Voltage Verify
Utilizing a voltmeter, fastidiously examine the voltage ranges on the meter socket. This can enable you to decide if the facility continues to be reside and whether or not it’s protected to disconnect the meter.
Security Precautions
At all times put on correct private protecting tools (PPE) when engaged on electrical tools. This contains rubber gloves, security glasses, and insulated instruments. Be sure that the facility to the meter is turned off earlier than continuing with any elimination procedures.
| PPE Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Rubber Gloves | Shield arms from electrical shock |
| Security Glasses | Shield eyes from flying particles or sparks |
| Insulated Instruments | Stop electrical present from reaching the consumer |
Reconnecting the Meter Wires
Earlier than reconnecting the meter wires, be certain that the primary breaker continues to be off. Then, fastidiously comply with these steps:
1. Establish the Incoming and Outgoing Wires
Find the 2 pairs of wires: one pair coming from the utility firm (incoming wires) and the opposite pair going to your house (outgoing wires). The incoming wires ought to be labeled “Line” or “In,” whereas the outgoing wires ought to be labeled “Load” or “Out.” A multimeter can be utilized to establish the wires, if essential.
2. Join the Incoming Wires
Join the incoming black wire to the corresponding terminal on the meter marked “Line 1” or “In 1.” Equally, join the incoming white wire to “Line 2” or “In 2.”
3. Join the Impartial Wires
Join the outgoing white wires (each from the house and the meter) collectively utilizing a wire nut.
4. Join the Floor Wires
Join the outgoing inexperienced (or naked copper) wires (each from the house and the meter) collectively utilizing a wire nut.
5. Safe the Wires
Use electrical tape to safe all wire connections.
6. Activate the Principal Breaker
Fastidiously activate the primary breaker to revive energy to your house.
7. Verify the Meter Studying
Monitor the meter studying to make sure it’s functioning accurately.
8. Double-Verify Connections
After turning on the facility, completely examine the meter wires and connections for any indicators of harm, overheating, or unfastened connections. Tighten any unfastened screws or terminals and substitute any broken wires instantly.
| Step | Motion |
|---|---|
| 1 | Flip off the primary breaker. |
| 2 | Find the incoming and outgoing wires. |
| 3 | Join the incoming black wire to “Line 1” on the meter. |
| 4 | Join the incoming white wire to “Line 2” on the meter. |
| 5 | Join the outgoing white wires collectively utilizing a wire nut. |
| 6 | Join the outgoing inexperienced wires collectively utilizing a wire nut. |
| 7 | Safe the wires with electrical tape. |
| 8 | Activate the primary breaker. |
| 9 | Verify the meter studying. |
| 10 | Double-check the connections. |
Changing the Meter Socket
Changing the meter socket is a extra concerned process that requires further security precautions and specialised information.
**9. Changing the Meter Socket:**
**Supplies:**
- New meter socket
- Electrical tape
- Non-contact voltage tester
- Screwdriver
- Wrench
- Insulating gloves
Steps:
- Security First: At all times put on insulating gloves and be certain that the facility is turned off on the fundamental breaker or service entrance.
- Take away the Previous Socket: Fastidiously take away the screws or bolts holding the previous meter socket in place. Pull the socket straight out of the wall, however don’t disconnect any wires.
- Put together the New Socket: Align the brand new meter socket with the wires coming from the wall and mark the screw holes. Drill pilot holes if essential.
- Set up the New Socket: Insert the brand new meter socket into the wall and safe it with the screws or bolts.
- Reconnect the Wires: Establish the suitable wires based mostly on their colour coding and amperage ranking. Join every wire to the corresponding terminal on the brand new socket utilizing a screwdriver.
- Safe the Wires: Wrap electrical tape round every wire connection to forestall arcing or brief circuits.
- Take a look at the Connection: Use a non-contact voltage tester to confirm that there is no such thing as a reside voltage current on the socket.
- Reinstall the Meter: Place the electrical meter again into the brand new socket and safe it in keeping with the producer’s directions.
- Flip Energy Again On: Restore energy on the fundamental breaker or service entrance. Verify if the meter is functioning accurately and recording electrical energy utilization.
Restoring Energy and Testing
As soon as the electrical meter has been eliminated, it is vital to revive energy to the property and check the meter to make sure it is functioning accurately.
Restoring Energy
To revive energy:
- Flip off the primary breaker or fuse on the electrical panel.
- Reinstall the meter into the socket and tighten the screws.
- Flip the primary breaker or fuse again on.
Testing the Meter
To check the meter:
- Activate a light-weight or equipment to attract energy.
- Verify the show on the meter to make sure it is working and registering utilization.
| Voltage Measurement | Frequency Measurement |
|---|---|
| 120 volts | 60 Hertz |
If the meter just isn’t functioning correctly, repeat the elimination and reinstallation course of. If the issue persists, contact a certified electrician.
The right way to Take away an Electrical Meter
Eradicating an electrical meter is a comparatively easy course of, however it is very important take security precautions to keep away from damage or harm to the meter. Listed below are the steps on the best way to take away an electrical meter:
- Flip off the facility. Earlier than you begin, flip off the facility to the meter by turning off the primary breaker or fuse.
- Take away the meter cowl. Find the screws that maintain the meter cowl in place and take away them. Fastidiously elevate the quilt off the meter.
- Disconnect the wires. The wires that join the meter to {the electrical} panel are sometimes held in place by screws. Loosen the screws and disconnect the wires.
- Take away the meter. As soon as the wires are disconnected, you’ll be able to take away the meter from the panel. Watch out to not drop the meter, as it’s fragile.
- Set up the brand new meter. In case you are changing the meter, set up the brand new meter within the reverse order of the elimination course of.
- Activate the facility. As soon as the brand new meter is put in, activate the facility to the meter by turning on the primary breaker or fuse.
Folks Additionally Ask
How can I inform if my electrical meter is broken?
There are just a few indicators that will point out your electrical meter is broken. These embrace:
- The meter is cracked or damaged.
- The meter just isn’t displaying a studying.
- The meter is making a noise.
- The meter just isn’t responding to modifications in electrical energy utilization.
Can I take away my electrical meter myself?
Sure, you’ll be able to take away your electrical meter your self, however it is very important take security precautions to keep away from damage or harm to the meter. In case you are not comfy eradicating the meter your self, you’ll be able to contact a certified electrician to do it for you.
How a lot does it value to exchange an electrical meter?
The associated fee to exchange an electrical meter varies relying on the kind of meter and the situation of your house. Nevertheless, you’ll be able to sometimes count on to pay between $100 and $200 for a brand new meter.
