3. Q. What kind of meter socket do I need? 

A. In almost all circumstances, the electric utility supplying the power, will determine what kind of meter socket can be used in their service area.  The utility company typically will specify the approved meter socket by manufacturer and the manufacturer’s catalog/part number.  If no manufacturer’s catalog/part number is specified, the utility will typically publish a list of minimum meter socket specifications that must be adhered to.  Guest should ALWAYS check with their electric utility for approval, before purchasing or installing a meter socket.

4. Q. What kind of specifications are typically specified by the utility?

 A. There can be many, but some of the more common specifications are:

• Overhead or Underground – This is where the utility cable will be coming from, and the meter socket must be made to accept the specified wire feed.
• Horn Bypass – Each lug on the Line side & the Load side will have a tab on the lugs. The tabs are used for the utility to connect “jumper” wires from the incoming lug connections to the outgoing lug connections, which allows power to continue to flow to the home when the meter is removed.
• Lever Bypass – Allows power to continue to flow to the home when the meter is removed. Instead of using “jumper” cables, there is a lever bypass assembly inside the meter socket that is used. The utility flips the lever inside the meter socket which engages a set of blades connecting power from the incoming side to the outgoing side, allowing power to flow to the home when the meter is removed.
• No Bypass – Means no bypass is required. When the meter/globe is removed from the meter socket, power will not flow into the home.
• Ring or Ringless Cover – Ringed covers come with an aluminum/tin band that allows the utility to lock the meter/globe in place, by sealing the lock with a utility seal to help prevent tampering. Ringless covers have no aluminum/tin band, and the meter/globe is held in place when the cover is installed.