Meter box - mounting height.

[Ken Amelin]

is there a code requirement for height of meter boxes above grade?

[Elizabeth Chambers]

Heh, your kidding around right? If not then I would call that out for being too close to a water source (the hose bib), unsafe because children can acsess it, ext,ect,ext. You don't need a code to call that out as unsafe and dangerous.

But the conductors that are improperly entering that box do not look like service entrance conductors to me. I think this must be a joke.

[Jerry Peck]

is there a code requirement for height of meter boxes above grade?

Minimum height is two things:

1) NEC: "above ground" - that looks like it may be partially not "above ground", and that includes the bottom of the box and the fittings that enter the meter box, not just the box itself (unless those fittings are listed as suitable for direct burial, which I doubt).

2) FEMA: above flood elevation BFE or DFE), what is the flood elevation requirement?

3) & 4) (I know I said "two things"): common sense and stupidity (just not enforceable)

In the semi-frozen not-quite-north, I would also be concerned about being encased in snow load depth and melting snow, but I don't recall that being a code thing either, that falls under 3) & 4).

[Gunnar Alquist]

In my area, the utility company has specific requirements in addition to the code.

Looking at the PG&E Greenbook, it looks like the minimum meter height is 48" above the ground or standing surface (but, I sometimes have difficulty reading codes).

[Jeff Euriech]

Some general information:

https://www.sceg.com/docs/librariesprovider5/default-document-library/electricserviceandmeterinstallations.pdf Page 27

https://www.we-energies.com/contractors/builderdeveloper/meter_installation_guidelines.htm

https://www.duquesnelight.com/working-with-us/construction-and-renovation/meter-installation-process

http://www.ouc.com/docs/development-services-documents/electric_service_metering_install_req.pdf?sfvrsn=2

[Ken Amelin]

Heh, your kidding around right? If not then I would call that out for being too close to a water source (the hose bib), unsafe because children can acsess it, ext,ect,ext. You don't need a code to call that out as unsafe and dangerous.

But the conductors that are improperly entering that box do not look like service entrance conductors to me. I think this must be a joke.

It's not a joke. It's real. I made the recommendation to contact a licensed electrician to review and relocate "if required", but It is only "required" if there is a code or regulation in regards to it. That's was the reason for the question.

[Gunnar Alquist]

It's not a joke. It's real. I made the recommendation to contact a licensed electrician to review and relocate "if required", but It is only "required" if there is a code or regulation in regards to it. That's was the reason for the question.

I just thought of something else. The installation instructions for the meter panel might have some specific requirements.

I still think this falls on the utility company.

[Gunnar Alquist]

Found a thread on Mike Holt's site that has a similar discussion.

http://forums.mikeholt.com/showthread.php?t=89467

Looks like utility for Cape Cod is provided by Eversource or Nstar. When I search for Nstar, I get the Eversource webpage.

The meter height requirements are on p. 78 in their document:
https://www.eversource.com/content/docs/default-source/pdfs/ema-information_requirements_for_electric_service.pdf

[Jerry Peck]

In my area, the utility company has specific requirements in addition to the code.

Looking at the PG&E Greenbook, it looks like the minimum meter height is 48" above the ground or standing surface (but, I sometimes have difficulty reading codes).


Some general information:

https://www.sceg.com/docs/librariesprovider5/default-document-library/electricserviceandmeterinstallations.pdf Page 27

https://www.we-energies.com/contractors/builderdeveloper/meter_installation_guidelines.htm

https://www.duquesnelight.com/working-with-us/construction-and-renovation/meter-installation-process

http://www.ouc.com/docs/development-services-documents/electric_service_metering_install_req.pdf?sfvrsn=2

Me bad ... really bad this time :( - I should have acknowledged that the utility company will have their requirements which apply to the meter height (as well as other service factors). :redface:

[Gunnar Alquist]

Me bad ... really bad this time :( - I should have acknowledged that the utility company will have their requirements which apply to the meter height (as well as other service factors). :redface:

yeah, well... Took me a while to remember too.

[Jim Robinson]

Heh, your kidding around right? If not then I would call that out for being too close to a water source (the hose bib), unsafe because children can acsess it, ext,ect,ext. You don't need a code to call that out as unsafe and dangerous.

But the conductors that are improperly entering that box do not look like service entrance conductors to me. I think this must be a joke.

I think you are looking at CATV wiring. The hose bib shouldn't be a factor any more than heavy rain would be at that location. If it was directly above it possibly a factor.

[Elizabeth Chambers]

I think you are looking at CATV wiring. The hose bib shouldn't be a factor any more than heavy rain would be at that location. If it was directly above it possibly a factor.

Actually Jim, I was refering to the small wire entering the meter box on the upper right. I do know what CATV wiring looks like.

[Jim Port]

Heh, your kidding around right? If not then I would call that out for being too close to a water source (the hose bib), unsafe because children can acsess it, ext,ect,ext. You don't need a code to call that out as unsafe and dangerous.

But the conductors that are improperly entering that box do not look like service entrance conductors to me. I think this must be a joke.

Kids can access even properly installed meter sockets. Do you call them out too?

The socket is rated for the environment it is used in which includes rain. Why is the hose bibb an issue?

[Elizabeth Chambers]

Apparently. it isn't and I was incorrect in saying it was an issue.

[Jerry Peck]

Apparently. it isn't and I was incorrect in saying it was an issue.

Elizabeth,

Not so fast on the retreat ... depends on what the "issue" is.

One issue left unresolved and open, and likely is present, is the height not being compliant with the requirements of the utility company - that height being based on safety of/for their workers.

That is something each home inspector should have knowledge of/have information on and at their disposal - what is required in their sera.

And not just the electric utilities, but also for gas utilities for gas meters and gas tanks (above ground and buried).

[John Kogel]

I guess standards are lower in your area, Ken. ;)

Thanks for sharing.

[Jerry Peck]

I guess standards are lower in your area, Ken. ;)

Good one John.

Maybe they employ meter readers who are height-challenged? :)

Or maybe have acrophobia? :(