Minimum Height for Electric Service Meter

Electric Service Meter
Electrical Question: What is the minimum height for mounting an electric service?

• Is there a minimum height for mounting of service meter on side of house.
• New underground service and the new service/meter is 43″ to top of can.
• My understanding is all panels should be mounted 60″-72″ above finished grade.

This electrical wiring question came from Anthony, in White Pine, Tennessee.

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical wiring question Anthony.

Installing an Electric Service

Application: Installing an Electric Service.
Skill Level: Advanced – Best installed by a Licensed Electrical Contractor or a Certified Master Electrician.
Tools Required: Electricians pouch of hand tools and the various power tools necessary for the specific method of electrical service installation.
Estimated Time: Depends on the type of panel, the location, and available access to the project area.
Precaution: This is an extensive project. Working in an electric panel has possible arc flash hazards and should be performed by a Licensed Electrical Contractor.
Notice: Installing an Electrical Service Panel should be done according to local and national electrical codes with a permit and be inspected.

Mounting the Electric Service Meter

• • The Minimum Height for an Electric Service Meter is actually specified by the local electric utility provider or the power company.
  • The NEC National Electrical Code does not specify a minimum height for a service meter, however the typical minimum height for mounting a service meter on side of a house is 5 to 6 feet above the finished grade or level ground.

More about Electrical Services

Home Electrical Codes for Services

Basic House Wiring Circuits

House Wiring Circuits and Circuit Breakers

This article looks at common 120 volt and 240 volt house wiring circuits and the circuit breakers that are installed identifying the types and amperage sizes used in most homes.
Electrical Panel Circuit Listing

Underground Electrical Codes

» You Can Avoid Costly Mistakes! « Here's How to Do It: Wire It Right with the help of my Illustrated Wiring Book Great for any Home Wiring Project. Complete Guide to Home Electrical Wiring Perfect for Homeowners, Students, Handyman, Handywomen, and Electricians Includes: Wiring GFCI Outlets Wiring Home Electric Circuits 120 Volt and 240 Volt Outlet Circuits Wiring Light Switches Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Electric Range Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Dryer Cord and Dryer Outlet How to Troubleshoot and Repair Electrical Wiring Wiring Methods for Upgrading Electrical Wiring NEC Codes for Home Electrical Wiring ....and much more.

Be Careful and Be Safe - Never Work on Energized Circuits!
Consult your Local Building Department about Permits and Inspections for all Electric Wiring Projects.

More articles about Electric Meter, Electrical Code NEC, Electrical Wiring and Home Electrical Wiring:
« Previous	Next »
Installing a Workshop Panel for a Welder	Ceiling Fan Rotation for Energy Savings

Home Electrical Wiring and Electrical Repairs Please Note: Unless otherwise posted, please refer to the following Guidelines when working on Electrical Projects: Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced - Electrical Repairs and Circuit Wiring is Best Performed by a Certified Electrician or Licensed Electrical Contractor. Electrical Tools Required: Basic Electricians Pouch of Hand Tools, a Voltage Tester and a Multi Meter. Estimated Time: Depends on personal level experience, ability to work with tools, work with electrical wiring, and the available access to the project area. Precaution: Identify the project circuit, turn it OFF and Tag it with a Note before working with the wiring. Important: Modifying existing electrical circuits or installing additional electrical wiring should be done according to local and National Electrical Codes, with a permit and be inspected.

STAY CONNECTED

ELECTRICAL NEWS UPDATES