The meter is an important piece of electrical equipment in the home, and it is important to know how to connect wires to it correctly. The meter measures electricity usage and then sends the readings to the power company for billing purposes. It also allows the utility company to disconnect power from your house if there is an overload or a problem.
Electric meters come in a variety of styles and have several different types of measuring devices inside them. Older models feature dials and a rotating wheel, while newer models have digital displays. Depending on the type of meter you have, you might need to read it yourself or have the utility company do it for you.
How to Connect Wires to the Electric Meter
There are a few basic steps to connecting an electric meter to a circuit breaker panel. Each connection requires a specific type of wire or cable and must be connected to the proper terminals on the meter. These connections are usually made by a trained electrician or utility technician.
First, the meter base needs to be removed from the meter box. This involves removing the protective sheath around it, which protects the metal base from damage during removal. It is very important that you wear safety glasses while working on your meter base.
After removing the sheath, locate the ground rod lug on the meter base and place it on an uninsulated ground wire that you will run to the electric panel. Once you have a ground wire, strip a half inch of insulation off the other end and attach it to the ground rod lug on the meter. This will complete the ground circuit to the breaker panel and increase protection from lightning strikes.
Next, the load side of the meter needs to be wired to the breaker panel. These wires are typically marked with white tape. Once again, the technician strips and connects these wires to the top and bottom load terminals on the meter’s hot bus bars. The technician then tugs on these wires to ensure that they are secure.
The meter also needs to be wired to the neutral bus bar in the meter box. The technician connects the two ends of the neutral wire to the top and bottom neutral terminals on the neutral bus bar, and then tightens the screws firmly with a screwdriver.
Before you begin any wiring project, check with your local code officials and acquire any permits that might be required. This is to ensure that you comply with all electrical codes in your area.
You will need a pair of work gloves, pliers, and screwdrivers to connect the wires. You will also need a hammer and wood or metal chisel to cut the meter.
Before you begin your wiring project, check with your local code officials to determine the appropriate wire or cable to use. This will ensure that you comply with all electrical codes in the area and avoid any accidents or injuries.
