Let’s talk about that little round power meter that hangs on the back or side of your house. Electrical power meters are an essential part of our homes, yet they are the ones that cost you so much money each month. In recent years, we’ve collaborated closely with Epcor and Fortis to address issues with power meter sockets. These are the metal boxes accommodating the power meters, which can become defective due to various reasons, be it nature or human error.
Today, I received a call from Calgary. A concerned woman informed me that her elderly mother in Edmonton needed our assistance. Her mom witnessed one of these meters explode in her yard, leaving her with only half the normal power after the Epcor trouble truck departed. Without fully functional electrical power from the meter, she was unable to use essential appliances, such as the stove or dryer, which was quite inconvenient for an elderly person living alone.
In Edmonton, Epcor has been replacing old glass dial meters with new smart meters. Electrical power meter installations enable remote consumption calculation. However, a problem arises during this transition. The individuals who manually read the old power meters are no longer needed. Consequently, a potential issue emerges when replacing the meters. The internal parts of the old meter sockets may have become brittle over time, requiring repairs for the supply authority to restore power.
Another concern arises when the earth around your house settles or shifts. This is especially relevant for homes supplied with underground conductors after 1966. These conductors connect to the power grid and are buried between 30″ and 45″ deep. They are protected by a conduit leading to the meter socket. Proper installation involves an “S Loop” directly below the meter to prevent wire pull-down as the ground settles. Failure to install this loop can strain connections, eventually compromising the function of your home’s electrical power meters.
Additionally, settling may cause the conduit to be pulled along with the wires, exposing energized conductors – a serious safety concern. Electrical power meters are a critical component of your home’s safety. As a responsible homeowner, it’s crucial to maintain this equipment. If you observe issues with the electrical system affecting the power meter, contact Robart Electrical Services promptly for necessary repairs.
