Thread: Power meter

Inspected a house today that had put an addition on the rear of the house. The addition, screen porch, enclosed the power meter which was at one time located outside. Electrically, I do not see a problem but how about the guy that comes around and wants to read the meter and cannot because of the screened porch and no access.

Thanks,

Jim

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That would put the service entrance conductors "inside the structure" and would require the raceway the service entrance conductors are in to be encased in 2" of concrete. I.e., those would not longer be "considered outside the building" unless the conductors met the following:
- 230.6 Conductors Considered Outside the Building.
- - Conductors shall be considered outside of a building or other structure under any of the following conditions:
- - - (1) Where installed under not less than 50 mm (2 in.) of concrete beneath a building or other structure
- - - (2) Where installed within a building or other structure in a raceway that is encased in concrete or brick not less than 50 mm (2 in.) thick
- - - (3) Where installed in any vault that meets the construction requirements of Article 450, Part III
- - - (4) Where installed in conduit and under not less than 450 mm (18 in.) of earth beneath a building or other structure

Not sure how practical it would be to do what would be necessary to make those conductors again "considered outside the building", but my guess would be "impractical".

Jerry, wonder if there was a poured slab over the conductors going to the power meter?

Jim

Re. reading the meter. The utility co. will either (a) Estimate the readings, based on prior use and then make annual adjustments by an arranged inspection. (b) Homeowner provides a key to the utility co. for the reader's use to gain access or (c) Have the owner read the meter - there may be a provision on the back of the current bill to do so (with annual physical 'official' reads and adjustments). Of course if/when the property changes hands or becomes vacant the utility co. reads the meter and forwards any amended bill to the previous occupant.

I've had each one of those scenarios in properties I have owned and is fairly common. Most of the meters in my area, including mine (gas and electric) are now computerized and the read is done via satelite - no visits to the house, necessary.

ip

I actually know someone who did the exact same thing. They built a screened porch around the power meter. Unfortunately for him he was late on his utility bill and now he cant get his power cut back on until he moves the meter!

Originally Posted by JIM MURPHY

Jerry, wonder if there was a poured slab over the conductors going to the power meter?

Jim

I considered that, but then there is: the riser going up to the meter and the service entrance conductors from the meter to the main service disconnect. Those would need the same protection.

Originally Posted by Ray Thornburg

I actually know someone who did the exact same thing. They built a screened porch around the power meter. Unfortunately for him he was late on his utility bill and now he cant get his power cut back on until he moves the meter!

Ray;
How do you cut something back on?

LOL ....That's how we say it here in South Carolina.... we say things like cut the lights on, crack the winder, and ya'll and reckon as in Reckin why he didn't show up for church today?

Originally Posted by Ray Thornburg

LOL ....That's how we say it here in South Carolina.... we say things like cut the lights on, crack the winder, and ya'll and reckon as in Reckin why he didn't show up for church today?

I reckined ya'll left the winder ajar when ya'll cut the light off, now cut it back on...Southern California talk. Have a good one.