An electric meter pan is also known as an electric meter box. This box holds the meter socket, where the meter is plugged up too. Three terminal plugs are contained inside the socket. These lugs hold the electrical cables that come from the service drop. The process of upgrading electric meter pans, and installing meter pans is a difficult one. This is a task that is best suited for an experienced, licensed electrician. You will need to have had good electrical training to safely and correctly service these pans and sockets.
Why Upgrade/Install a New Meter Pan?
There are various reasons why you would find yourself in need of an upgrade/installation of a new meter pan. The components being the primary one. For example, meter cans often need replacing when the jaws on the inside become defective. This can be avoided with regular maintenance, helping remedy fatigued jaws.
The screws on your panel and meter will become loose over time. This happens because of the heat that is produced by the flow of electricity. This head will cause contractions and expansions. Tightening the screws a couple of times a year can help prevent some serious problems. So, it is important to consider having a professional electrician come out and service your meter pan once a year, at least.
A meter socket is a major component of the electrical system in your home. It is often located outside the house, mounted on the wall. The way they are designed, they often have a life span of over 30 years. However, many factors can degrade the socket and its performance. For starters, if the initial installation of the socket wasn’t up to standard, it may not have the strength or life span expected of it by the electrical system or the homeowner. Other factors include environmental contaminants, excessive moisture, frequent meter changes, overloading fuses, short-circuiting, storm damage, and sometimes vandalism.
Smart Panels
Old electric meter technology dates back to the time of Thomas Edison, but it is important to note that it wasn’t the most efficient way of calculating power usage. Many details were denied with the older tech that would allow for a cut in costs. The only information the older panels give us is the total amount of power used within each month.
However, there is the new tech that takes a step in the right direction to change the information we receive. It almost instantly transmits information to you and the utility company, making the bill more accurate. There is much more information that this new digital meter can give you.
Professional Electric, of New Orleans, is skilled and trained in upgrading electric meters. They are experienced in installing meter pan onto newer and older homes. It is important to leave this kind of job to professionals, as it is not safe to operate with live wires unless you know what to do. So, picking someone who knows the risks, how to avoid them, and safely install/upgrade your electrical meter pan/socket is vital to the safety of your home and family.