The electric meter box is a key part of your home electrical system. If it’s not functioning properly, a variety of electrical problems can occur. Electric meters can last for several decades. But when one starts to fail, a replacement can avoid serious electrical damage and safety issues.

If your circuit breaker keeps turning off, lights flicker, or you see burn marks on the equipment, it might mean your meter box has too much power going through it. Sometimes, new rules about electricity mean you need to update your box. As the homeowner, it’s your job to take care of, fix, or replace the electric meter box. Fortunately, an outdoor meter box takes about a day or less to replace (the average is 4 to 8 hours).

Can I DIY an Electric Meter Box Replacement?

Only a licensed electrician should do this kind of work. Fixing this can be very dangerous. Certified technicians have insurance in case something goes wrong. Replacing this important part needs advanced electrical skills. It might also need some rewiring. An electrical technician can manage any work needed alongside meter box replacement. They’ll also help select the right type and strength of the unit.

How Is a Meter Box Replaced?

First, the power must be completely shut off in your house or building. Electrical cables must be disconnected from the structure, which is done by the utility company. The glass meter is then removed from the meter socket, and the socket is unscrewed from the mounting on the side of your house; the cable connected to the socket is cut next.

First, the technician makes the existing cable hole in the wall bigger. Then, they drill through the rim joist. After that, they attach the new electrical cable to the new meter socket and push it through the wall. On the outside wall, above the socket, they install a PVC weather head and conduit. They secure the conduit with PVC cement and fasten it with U-shaped plastic clips. Next, the utility company marks where underground lines are. Copper ground rods are then put into the ground, and wires are connected. Finally, the meter is installed.

We understand how complex this may seem, but you can trust Service Today for all your electric meter and mast installation needs.

Cost of Electric Meter Box Replacement

The total cost of replacement is influenced by many factors. These include:

• Location: According to Angi, it can cost from $785 to $2,176 to replace your exterior meter box in New York City, while in Sacramento, you may spend $466 to $2,149; in Atlanta, the cost ranges from $284 to $1,329.
• Equipment: A 100-amp or 150-amp unit typically costs $50 to $200, a 200-amp one $100 to $350, and a 400-amp unit around $400 to $600.
• Additional Parts: Connectors, fittings, and fasteners usually amount to under $100, but are required for a successful installation.
• Permits: Permits for electrical panel work generally range from $50 to $300. Fines for not having the proper permit can be quite costly.
• Labor: Electricians can charge from $50 to $100 per hour, driving the total labor cost to as high as $2,000. Also consider the cost of warranties and additional work such as subpanel and/or service entrance cable installation.

Factors Affecting the Longevity of Electric Meter Boxes

Electric meter boxes can last for many years, but some things can make them wear out faster. How long the meter works well depends on what the electrical enclosure is made of, how much weather it’s exposed to, and how much it’s used every day. Meter boxes are often made of polycarbonate or steel. Each of these materials is good at resisting rust and weather in different ways. If you have an old meter box that holds both the electricity meter and gas meter, these combined boxes tend to wear out faster and need to be checked more often.

As homes today use more electricity – especially with electric vehicles, smart home systems, and solar power setups – the electric meter needs to keep up with these new technologies. An old 100 amp meter panel might not be enough for homes that use a lot of energy. You might need to change to a 200 amp meter base with main breaker. Having a trained electrician check your meter box regularly can help find problems before they become dangerous hazards.

Modern Electric Meter Technology and Its Advantages

More people are choosing smart meters because they save energy and give better data. These devices let both the utility company and the homeowner see how much energy is being used right now. This information can help homeowners use less energy, lower their bills, and help make a better power supply. Unlike old meters, smart meters can spot problems like power surges, short circuits, and weird changes in electric current. They tell the homeowner and power company about these problems right away.

Changing to smart meters can make meter installation easier too. Smart meters have fewer moving parts, so they need less fixing over time. They work with different setups, including 200 amp meter base disconnect systems, which is good for homes that use a lot of energy. Also, smart meters make it easier to manage energy use and avoid overloads. This helps stop circuit breakers from turning off too much or the whole system from breaking down.

Enhancing Electrical Safety and Avoiding Potential Hazards

People often forget how replacing an electric meter box affects overall electrical safety. The meter box is important for keeping the electric current in your home’s wiring safe. If the box is broken or exposed to weather, it can cause dangerous problems like electrical fires and short circuits. For homes with extra energy systems, like solar power or natural gas, making sure the meter box is safe and works with these systems is even more important.

Besides the meter, things like fuses, surge protectors, and switches in the electrical panel need to be checked often. Over time, even small parts like screws and connectors can rust, which can affect how well the system works. A licensed electrician will check these parts when they do the installation, and replace any worn or broken parts to make sure your electrical system is safe.

For people living where storms are common or electrical problems happen a lot, getting a meter box with better surge protection can keep your home safer. Current transformers and other safety devices can help handle high voltage and stop expensive damage to your appliances and electrical setup.

Cost vs. Value: Is It Worth the Investment?

The price of putting in a new electric meter box might seem high, but it’s a good investment for keeping your home safe and working well for a long time. The cost changes based on things like the type of electric meter housing, how much power it can handle (like going from a 100 amp meter panel to a 200 amp dual meter panel), and how hard it is to install. But spending this money now can save you money later by using less energy, lowering your power bills, and making it less likely you’ll need expensive fixes in the future.

If your current meter box is old, getting a newer one can also make your home worth more when you sell it. People buying a house might like having a modern electric panel with smart meter technology, especially if they want to add things that save energy like solar power or electric vehicle chargers.

For businesses, especially ones that use a lot of energy, making sure the electricity meter and related systems are up-to-date can stop expensive shutdowns and help with customer service. In factories, having strong electrical enclosures and reliable power systems is even more important, so replacing meter boxes is crucial for keeping things running smoothly.

Schedule Electric Meter Box Replacement with Service Today

We urge you to never tamper with your electric meter. It can violate regulations and put you in extreme danger. Contact an electrician if you suspect something is wrong with your meter, circuit breakers, electrical appliances, or wiring. Our licensed technicians install electric meters, service cables, meter bases/panels, galvanized conduits, grounding connections, support brackets, ground rods, and more. To get started, request a service appointment online or call (888) 586-2135 today!