5 Steps on How to Remove Electric Meter

5 Steps on How to Remove Electric Meter

Featured picture: Electric Meter

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In the case of house enchancment initiatives, electrical work could be intimidating. Nevertheless, eradicating an electrical meter is a comparatively easy activity that the majority householders can full themselves. By following a couple of security precautions and utilizing the suitable instruments, you possibly can safely take away your electrical meter and save your self the price of hiring an electrician.

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Earlier than you start, it is vital to know the dangers concerned with working with electrical energy. All the time ensure that the ability to your own home is turned off on the principal breaker. As soon as the ability is off, you possibly can start eradicating the electrical meter. First, take away the screws that maintain the meter in place. Subsequent, rigorously disconnect the wires which might be linked to the meter. As soon as the wires are disconnected, you possibly can take away the meter from the wall.

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As soon as the electrical meter is eliminated, you possibly can set up a brand new one. To do that, merely reverse the steps that you just took to take away the previous meter. First, join the wires to the brand new meter. Subsequent, screw the meter into place. Lastly, flip the ability again on on the principal breaker. For those who adopted these steps appropriately, your new electrical meter needs to be up and working.

Security Precautions

Earlier than making an attempt to take away an electrical meter, it’s essential to prioritize security by adhering to the next precautions:

1. De-energize the Circuit

That is probably the most important security measure. Earlier than any work is completed on the meter, the circuit it serves have to be turned off and de-energized. That is sometimes achieved by finding the circuit breaker or fuse field for the precise circuit and flipping the corresponding swap or eradicating the fuse. Ensure that the ability is totally off through the use of a non-contact voltage tester to substantiate that there isn’t any electrical energy current on the circuit.

Warning: By no means try and take away or work on an electrical meter whereas it’s nonetheless energized. Electrical energy could be extraordinarily harmful and trigger extreme damage or loss of life.

Further Suggestions:

Tip Purpose
Put on acceptable protecting gear (insulated gloves, security glasses) To guard towards potential electrical shock or particles
Work on a dry, non-conductive floor To forestall electrical conduction and potential shock
Have a professional electrician help if uncertain about any step To make sure security and correct execution of the duty

Finding the Electrical Meter

Earlier than you possibly can take away your electrical meter, you could first find it. The meter is usually positioned exterior your own home on a wall or in a meter field. It is very important word that the placement of the electrical meter can fluctuate relying on the age and design of your own home. In case you are unable to find your electrical meter, you possibly can contact your native utility firm for help.

Exterior Electrical Meter Areas

Location Description
On a wall The meter is mounted on a wall exterior your own home, normally close to the entrance or aspect door.
In a meter field The meter is enclosed in a steel or plastic field that’s mounted on a wall or submit.
On a pedestal The meter is mounted on a pedestal that’s positioned within the floor.

Inside Electrical Meter Areas

Location Description
In a basement or crawlspace The meter is positioned in a basement or crawlspace, normally close to the primary electrical panel.
In a utility room The meter is positioned in a utility room, which is usually a small room that homes {the electrical} and plumbing techniques.
In a storage The meter is positioned in a storage, normally close to the primary electrical panel.

Making ready the Work Space

1. Collect Needed Instruments and Supplies

* Screwdriver(s) (flathead and Phillips)
* Voltage tester
* Electrical tape
* Gloves
* Security glasses

2. Safe the Work Space

* Flip off the primary electrical breaker to the home or condominium.
* Confirm that the ability is off utilizing a voltage tester.
* Clear the work space of any obstacles or flammable supplies.

3. Establish and Label Wires

* Find {the electrical} meter and establish the wires linked to it.
* Use electrical tape or labels to mark every wire with its corresponding circuit or gadget.

Wire Shade Circuit/System
Black Sizzling wire from principal panel
Crimson First department circuit
Blue Second department circuit
Yellow Third department circuit
White Impartial wire
Inexperienced or naked Floor wire

* Word that wire colours could fluctuate relying in your electrical system. Confirm the precise colours utilized in your own home by consulting a professional electrician or referring to your own home’s electrical schematic.

Disconnecting the Electrical Service

Earlier than you possibly can take away the electrical meter, you could first disconnect the electrical service. This could solely be achieved by a professional electrician.

To disconnect the electrical service, the electrician will first must find the primary electrical panel. That is normally positioned within the basement, storage, or utility room. As soon as the primary electrical panel has been positioned, the electrician might want to flip off the primary breaker. This may lower off all energy to the home.

As soon as the primary breaker has been turned off, the electrician might want to take away the duvet from {the electrical} panel. This may expose the wires and terminals. The electrician will then must disconnect the wires which might be linked to the electrical meter. As soon as the wires have been disconnected, the electrical meter could be eliminated.

Security Precautions

It is very important take security precautions when disconnecting the electrical service. These precautions embody:

  • By no means try and disconnect the electrical service your self until you’re a certified electrician.
  • All the time flip off the primary breaker earlier than you disconnect any wires.
  • Watch out to not contact any uncovered wires or terminals.
  • In case you are uncertain about any of the steps concerned in disconnecting the electrical service, contact a professional electrician for help.

Eradicating the Electrical Meter

As soon as the electrical service has been disconnected, the electrical meter could be eliminated. To take away the electrical meter, the electrician might want to:

  1. Unscrew the screws which might be holding the meter in place.
  2. Rigorously raise the meter off of the mounting bracket.
  3. Disconnect the wires which might be linked to the meter.

As soon as the electrical meter has been eliminated, it may be disposed of in response to native laws.

Further Info

Along with the knowledge supplied above, listed below are some further issues to remember when disconnecting the electrical service and eradicating the electrical meter:

Merchandise Description
Electrical Meter Removing Charge Some utility firms cost a price for eradicating an electrical meter.
Electrical Meter Disposal Electrical meters include hazardous supplies and needs to be disposed of in response to native laws.

Eradicating the Meter Base

The meter base is the housing that comprises the meter and its connections. It’s sometimes mounted on the aspect of a constructing and linked to the electrical utility’s energy traces. Earlier than you possibly can take away the meter, you could first take away the meter base.

To take away the meter base, observe these steps:

1. **Flip off the ability to the meter base.** This may be achieved on the principal breaker or fuse field inside your own home.

2. **Take away the duvet from the meter base.** The duvet is usually held in place by screws or bolts.

3. **Disconnect the wires from the meter.** The wires are sometimes linked to the meter with screws or bolts.

4. **Take away the meter from the meter base.** The meter is usually held in place by screws or bolts.

5. **Take away the meter base from the wall.** The meter base is usually held in place by screws or bolts. If the meter base is mounted on a pipe, you could want to make use of a pipe wrench to take away it.

Dismantling the Meter

As soon as the meter has been disconnected from the circuit, you possibly can start dismantling it. Begin by eradicating the screws that maintain the meter in place inside the enclosure, after which proceed with the next steps:

Step 1: Take away the duvet

Use a screwdriver to take away the screws that maintain the duvet in place, after which raise the duvet off.

Step 2: Disconnect the wires

Use a pair of pliers to disconnect the wires from the terminals on the meter. Watch out to not contact the naked ends of the wires, as this might trigger {an electrical} shock.

Step 3: Take away the meter

As soon as the wires have been disconnected, you possibly can take away the meter from the enclosure. Watch out to not drop the meter, as this might injury it.

Step 4: Examine the meter

As soon as the meter has been eliminated, examine it for any injury. If the meter is broken, it يجب استبداله. If the meter is just not broken, you possibly can proceed with the following step.

Step 5: Clear the meter

Use a comfortable material to wash the meter. Watch out to not use any harsh chemical substances, as this might injury the meter.

Step 6: Reinstall the meter

As soon as the meter has been cleaned, you possibly can reinstall it within the enclosure. You’ll want to join the wires to the proper terminals, after which tighten the screws that maintain the meter in place.

Instruments and supplies you will want

Security Precautions

  • Screwdriver
  • Wrench
  • Pliers
  • Electrical tape
  • Flip off the ability to the meter base earlier than you start working.
  • Put on gloves and security glasses.
  • Watch out to not contact any stay wires.
Terminal Wire Shade
Line 1 Black
Line 2 Crimson
Impartial White
Floor Inexperienced or Naked Copper

Figuring out Meter Wiring

Earlier than disconnecting any wires, it is essential to establish them precisely. This may be certain that you reconnect them appropriately later and stop any electrical hazards.

1. Flip Off Energy at Major Breaker

Earlier than continuing, be certain that the primary electrical breaker is turned off to chop off energy provide to the meter.

2. Take away Meter Cowl

Find the screws or latches holding the meter cowl in place and punctiliously take away it.

3. Word Wire Colours and Positions

Observe the wiring contained in the meter and word the colours and positions of the wires linked to the meter terminals. Usually, black wires point out a scorching (stay) connection, purple signifies one other scorching connection (in some instances), white signifies impartial, and inexperienced or naked copper signifies grounding.

4. Take Footage or Make a Diagram

Take clear footage or sketch a diagram of the wiring association to function a reference when reconnecting.

5. Test for A number of Meter Sockets (Non-obligatory)

In some installations, there could also be a number of meter sockets. If so, establish which socket corresponds to the meter you are eradicating.

6. Test for Anti-Tampering Gadgets (Non-obligatory)

Some meters could have anti-tampering units put in. Find and take away any such units rigorously.

7. Troubleshooting Widespread Wiring Configurations

Wiring Configuration Description
Single-Section, 2-Wire Service Two wires linked to the meter, sometimes black and white, representing scorching and impartial.
Single-Section, 3-Wire Service Three wires linked, black, white, and inexperienced or naked copper, representing scorching, impartial, and floor.
Two-Section, 3-Wire Service Three pairs of wires linked, every pair consisting of a black and white wire, representing two scorching phases and a impartial.
Two-Section, 4-Wire Service Three pairs of wires linked, every pair consisting of a black and white wire, plus a further inexperienced or naked copper wire for grounding.
Three-Section, 3-Wire Service Three teams of wires linked, every group consisting of a black, purple, and white wire, representing three scorching phases.
Three-Section, 4-Wire Service Three teams of wires linked, every group consisting of a black, purple, and white wire, plus a further inexperienced or naked copper wire for grounding.

Eradicating the Meter from the Base

As soon as the ability has been turned off and the meter has been disconnected from the wires, you possibly can take away it from the bottom. To do that, merely observe these steps:

  1. Find the screws that maintain the meter to the bottom. There’ll sometimes be two screws, one on either side of the meter.
  2. Take away the screws. Use a screwdriver to loosen the screws till they are often eliminated by hand.
  3. Gently raise the meter off of the bottom. Watch out to not drop the meter or injury the wires.
  4. Set the meter apart in a protected place.

Suggestions for Eradicating the Meter from the Base

  • If the screws are rusted or troublesome to take away, you possibly can attempt utilizing a penetrating oil to loosen them.
  • In case you are having problem eradicating the meter from the bottom, you possibly can attempt gently prying it off with a flat-head screwdriver.
  • You’ll want to put on gloves when eradicating the meter, because the wires could also be sharp.

Security Precautions

* All the time flip off the ability earlier than engaged on any electrical gear.
* By no means contact naked wires along with your arms.
* In case you are not comfy engaged on electrical gear, name a professional electrician for help.

Correctly Disposing of the Previous Meter

Upon getting eliminated the previous meter, it is very important eliminate it correctly. Electrical meters include mercury, which is a hazardous materials that may be dangerous to the setting and human well being. Mercury can leach into the soil and groundwater, and it may also be vaporized into the air if the meter is just not disposed of correctly.

There are a couple of alternative ways to eliminate an previous electrical meter.

1. Contact your native utility firm. Many utility firms supply free or low-cost packages to recycle previous meters.

2. Take the meter to a hazardous waste disposal facility. These amenities are specifically geared up to deal with hazardous supplies, and they’re going to eliminate the meter in a protected and environmentally pleasant method.

3. Mail the meter to a recycling firm. There are a variety of firms focusing on recycling previous electrical meters. You could find an inventory of those firms on-line.

When you find yourself packaging the previous meter for disposal, make sure to wrap it in plastic or bubble wrap to stop it from breaking. You must also label the package deal clearly with the phrases “hazardous waste.” This may assist to make sure that the meter is disposed of correctly.

By following these steps, you possibly can assist to guard the setting and human well being.

Disposal Methodology Description
Contact your native utility firm Many utility firms supply free or low-cost packages to recycle previous meters.
Take the meter to a hazardous waste disposal facility These amenities are specifically geared up to deal with hazardous supplies, and they’re going to eliminate the meter in a protected and environmentally pleasant method.
Mail the meter to a recycling firm There are a variety of firms focusing on recycling previous electrical meters. You could find an inventory of those firms on-line.

Reconnecting the Electrical Service

As soon as the electrical meter has been eliminated, you will have to reconnect the electrical service. This needs to be achieved by a professional electrician to make sure that it’s achieved safely and appropriately. The electrician might want to join the wires from the primary breaker panel to the electrical meter after which activate the primary breaker. As soon as the electrical service is reconnected, you must test to ensure that all the home equipment and lights in your house are working correctly.

10. Reconnecting the Electrical Service

To reconnect the electrical service, you will have the next instruments and supplies:

  • Screwdriver
  • Electrical tape
  • Wire nuts
  • Voltmeter

Upon getting gathered the required instruments and supplies, you possibly can observe these steps to reconnect the electrical service:

Step Description
1 Flip off the primary breaker.
2 Disconnect the wires from the electrical meter.
3 Join the wires from the primary breaker panel to the electrical meter.
4 Activate the primary breaker.
5 Test to ensure that all the home equipment and lights in your house are working correctly.

How To Take away Electrical Meter

Earlier than you start, it is vital to notice that eradicating an electrical meter could be harmful for those who wouldn’t have the right coaching. In case you are not comfy working with electrical energy, it’s best to rent a professional electrician to do the job for you.

To take away an electrical meter, you will have the next instruments:

  • A Phillips head screwdriver
  • A flat head screwdriver
  • A pair of pliers
  • A voltage tester

Upon getting gathered your instruments, observe these steps to take away the electrical meter:

  1. Flip off the ability to the meter on the principal breaker or fuse field.
  2. Use a voltage tester to confirm that the ability is off.
  3. Take away the screws that maintain the meter in place.
  4. Disconnect the wires from the meter.
  5. Take away the meter from the wall.

Upon getting eliminated the electrical meter, you possibly can set up a brand new one by following the steps in reverse order.

Folks Additionally Ask:

How do I do know if my electrical meter is damaged?

There are a couple of indicators that will point out that your electrical meter is damaged. These embody:

  • The meter is just not registering any energy utilization.
  • The meter is displaying an error code.
  • The meter is making an odd noise.
  • The meter is bodily broken.

Can I take away my electrical meter myself?

Sure, you possibly can take away your electrical meter your self, however it is very important word that this may be harmful for those who wouldn’t have the right coaching. In case you are not comfy working with electrical energy, it’s best to rent a professional electrician to do the job for you.

How a lot does it price to take away an electrical meter?

The associated fee to take away an electrical meter will fluctuate relying on the complexity of the job and the electrician you rent. Nevertheless, you possibly can anticipate to pay between $50 and $100 for this service.