Rules for installing an electricity meter on a pole

Installing a meter on a pole is a new requirement from electricity suppliers for owners of private homes, summer cottages, and gardening associations. They justify this by the ease of checking readings without involving residents. However, removing the meter from the premises requires compliance with established installation regulations. The cost of this service consists of several components.

Electricity company employees cannot force meter installation. They can only recommend it, citing its ease of checking readings and its role in combating electricity theft. The final decision rests with the owner.

Installation rules

To ensure proper and high-quality installation of the device on the pole, it's essential to strictly adhere to the established rules. Remember these to avoid any problems during operation:

1. The meter must be installed in a special cabinet that protects the device from moisture and sudden temperature changes during the off-season.
2. The post to which you plan to attach the box must be very strong and rigid.
3. Insulate or secure the cable at potential damage sites.
4. Select the type of meter that can be installed outdoors.
5. Submit an application to the organization for installation.

For each model, the temperature ranges required for proper operation are specified in the technical data sheet. A cabinet is necessary for several reasons:

• Protect your device from theft and vandalism by selecting reliable fastenings and a strong lock;
• moisture protection;
• thermal protection.

When inspecting a pole for equipment installation, check the structure for strength and rigidity. It should also be securely anchored to the ground.

Installation procedure

Once the installation location has been approved by the electricity supplier, installation can begin. Installation must comply with the Electrical Installation Code. The installation height of the appliance above ground level must be between 80 and 170 cm. Sometimes, installation as low as 40 cm is permitted.

Sometimes, energy company specialists mount electricity meters on poles at a height of over two meters, citing vandalism protection. However, reading the meters at such a height would be inconvenient, especially for the homeowners themselves.

If you have the necessary skills and experience, you can do the installation yourself. However, it's best to consult a professional electrician. Installation must be performed in a specific order:

1. Disconnect the power from the grid line in accordance with established rules.
2. Install the cabinet and counter at the selected height, securing them securely.
3. Connect the input electrical circuit first to the circuit breaker, and only then directly to the meter.
4. Install grounding to protect electrical appliances in the home in the event of a short circuit or phase failure.
5. Connect the planned number of input machines to the output.
6. Test run to check if installation was successful.

Once installation is complete, you can call a representative from the energy company. They will seal the meter and register it.

Interesting!

Working with electricity requires strict adherence to safety precautions, as the safety of those around you depends on it. Furthermore, proper connections are crucial for the proper operation of electrical appliances.

The cost of installing a meter on a pole

The installation cost is influenced by the experience and qualifications of the technician, the cost of materials, and the type and complexity of the work. The price of the work depends on the technical specifications:

• maximum power value;
• location of the metering unit;
• connection type: direct and transformer;
• possibility of multi-tariff metering;
• the presence of a box and automatic machines in the package.

Some contractors offer discounts, for example, for multiple orders or large volumes of work. You'll agree on the final cost of electrical installation work with the contractor.