Results 1 to 17 of 17
  1. #1
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Cape Cod, Massachusetts
    Posts
    614

    Default Meter box - mounting height.

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

    Similar Threads:
    ***IMPORTANT*** You Need To Register To View Images ***IMPORTANT*** You Need To Register To View Images
    Inspection Referral
    Ken Amelin
    Cape Cod's Best Inspection Services
    www.midcapehomeinspection.com

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Mar 2017
    Location
    California
    Posts
    163

    Default Re: Meter box - mounting height.

    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.


  3. #3
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Fletcher, NC
    Posts
    28,032

    Default Re: Meter box - mounting height.

    Quote Originally Posted by Ken Amelin View Post
    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).

    Jerry Peck
    Construction/Litigation/Code Consultant - Retired
    www.AskCodeMan.com

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Santa Rosa, CA
    Posts
    3,154

    Default Re: Meter box - mounting height.

    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).

    Last edited by Gunnar Alquist; 07-19-2018 at 09:18 PM.
    Department of Redundancy Department
    Supreme Emperor of Hyperbole
    http://www.FullCircleInspect.com/

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Peoria Arizona
    Posts
    79

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Cape Cod, Massachusetts
    Posts
    614

    Default Re: Meter box - mounting height.

    Quote Originally Posted by Elizabeth Chambers View Post
    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.

    Ken Amelin
    Cape Cod's Best Inspection Services
    www.midcapehomeinspection.com

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Santa Rosa, CA
    Posts
    3,154

    Default Re: Meter box - mounting height.

    Quote Originally Posted by Ken Amelin View Post
    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.

    Department of Redundancy Department
    Supreme Emperor of Hyperbole
    http://www.FullCircleInspect.com/

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Santa Rosa, CA
    Posts
    3,154

    Default Re: Meter box - mounting height.

    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/d...ic_service.pdf

    Department of Redundancy Department
    Supreme Emperor of Hyperbole
    http://www.FullCircleInspect.com/

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Fletcher, NC
    Posts
    28,032

    Default Re: Meter box - mounting height.

    Quote Originally Posted by Gunnar Alquist View Post
    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).
    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).

    Jerry Peck
    Construction/Litigation/Code Consultant - Retired
    www.AskCodeMan.com

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Santa Rosa, CA
    Posts
    3,154

    Default Re: Meter box - mounting height.

    Quote Originally Posted by Jerry Peck View Post
    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).
    yeah, well... Took me a while to remember too.

    Department of Redundancy Department
    Supreme Emperor of Hyperbole
    http://www.FullCircleInspect.com/

  11. #11
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    New Mexico
    Posts
    1,352

    Default Re: Meter box - mounting height.

    Quote Originally Posted by Elizabeth Chambers View Post
    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.

    Jim Robinson
    New Mexico, USA

  12. #12
    Join Date
    Mar 2017
    Location
    California
    Posts
    163

    Default Re: Meter box - mounting height.

    Quote Originally Posted by Jim Robinson View Post
    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.


  13. #13
    Join Date
    Aug 2008
    Location
    Maryland
    Posts
    1,970

    Default Re: Meter box - mounting height.

    Quote Originally Posted by Elizabeth Chambers View Post
    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?

    All answers based on unamended National Electrical codes.

  14. #14
    Join Date
    Mar 2017
    Location
    California
    Posts
    163

    Default Re: Meter box - mounting height.

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


  15. #15
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Fletcher, NC
    Posts
    28,032

    Default Re: Meter box - mounting height.

    Quote Originally Posted by Elizabeth Chambers View Post
    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).

    Jerry Peck
    Construction/Litigation/Code Consultant - Retired
    www.AskCodeMan.com

  16. #16
    Join Date
    Feb 2009
    Location
    Southern Vancouver Island
    Posts
    4,607

    Default Re: Meter box - mounting height.

    I guess standards are lower in your area, Ken.

    Thanks for sharing.

    John Kogel, RHI, BC HI Lic #47455
    www.allsafehome.ca

  17. #17
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Fletcher, NC
    Posts
    28,032

    Default Re: Meter box - mounting height.

    Quote Originally Posted by John Kogel View Post
    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?

    Jerry Peck
    Construction/Litigation/Code Consultant - Retired
    www.AskCodeMan.com

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •