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can you move electric meter outside

by Viviane Kuhlman I Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago

The good news is that it is possible to move your electric meter outside your home. If you are relocating to an outdoor meter cabinet, the electricity distribution company they will have to dig up outside your home to reroute the cable. Your electricity supplier should be able to provide guidance on the process.

Simple moves on the same base or within a few feet will not take long, roughly three to four hours. Larger moves onto a new wall or transitioning a box from inside to outside will take 8 to 12 hours to complete.Feb 1, 2022

Full Answer

Can an electric meter be moved?

Electric meters are seldom moved once installed, but renovations and other factors might force you to relocate the meter. Moving the meter involves disconnecting power from the utility company, disconnecting the cables that run into your electrical panel and dismounting the meter assembly.

How much does it cost to replace an outside electric meter?

But on the off chance that your outside electric meter needs a complete replacement, be prepared to pay even more. On average, the cost to replace an outside electric meter is around $1,200. If this is a larger move, then you might need to hire an electrician near you (after calling the electric company first).

Where does the power go from an electric meter?

The cables at the bottom of the electric meter lead off into this and then the power runs around the rest of the circuits in your home. The cables supplying the fuse board do have a maximum length of 3M.

Can my energy supplier move my meter?

Only your current supplier can move your meter. This means if you want another supplier to do it you have to switch your supply to them first. This will change your prices for gas and electricity, so check that it’s worth it overall before you switch.

Can a Power meter be moved?

Things You'll Need Electric meters are seldom moved once installed, but renovations and other factors might force you to relocate the meter. Moving the meter involves disconnecting power from the utility company, disconnecting the cables that run into your electrical panel and dismounting the meter assembly.

How much does it cost to move electric meter UK?

Either way, the solution is to move the meter. But what's the cost to move an electric meter in the UK? Depending on factors outlined in this guide, electricity supplier or electricity distribution company engineers will charge between £70 and £1100, with an average of £550, and will take up to six hours.

Who is responsible for moving an electric meter?

If you want to move the meter less than 3 metres from its current location, this can be done by your electricity provider. However, if you wish to move it over 3 metres, you will need to contact your electricity distributor.

How much is it to move an electrical box?

Cost to Upgrade and Move an Electrical BoxAmpsAverage CostUpgrade from 60 to 100 Amps$850 – $1,100Upgrade from 100 to 200 Amps$1,300 – $1,600Upgrade from 200 to 400 Amps$2,000 – $4,000Nov 28, 2021

How Much Does It Cost to Move an Electric Meter by Distance?

Moving your electric meter a few inches on its existing baseboard typically won’t cost you anything. However, you’ll need to call your electricity provider to see if this slight adjustment is possible, as some providers have a limit on how much you can move before you get charged.

Moving an Electric Meter Cost Factor Breakdown

Beyond the actual move, you’ll need to consider labor costs, any repairs for the walls, and whether you need a new base or not.

Complete Replacement or Simple Move

Because you already have an existing electric meter, you don’t have to worry about the extra costs associated with a replacement. But on the off chance that your outside electric meter needs a complete replacement, be prepared to pay even more. On average, the cost to replace an outside electric meter is around $1,200.

Labor

If this is a larger move, then you might need to hire an electrician near you (after calling the electric company first). Electricians will charge $50 to $250 per hour on average. This comes down to the individual contractor, so it’s always best to get three quotes before finalizing your decision.

Wall Repairs

You might damage the wall while removing the base of the electric meter. If so, you need to address those repairs immediately. Depending on the severity of the damage, the cost to repair a wall costs $360 to $1,200 per HomeAdvisor. This is on top of the cost of a handyperson, which sits around $60 to $125 per hour.

New Electric Meter Base

Ideally, you’ll reinstall your old meter base at its new location. But if the electric meter breaks during the move, then you’ll need to tack on an extra $150 to the final cost.

Upgrading to 200-Amp Service

The average cost to upgrade to a 200-amp service is around $1,375. Most homes come with a 100- to 150-amp service. However, more people are upgrading to this higher-end service to accommodate more appliances and devices—especially if you work from home.

What is the job of moving an electric meter?

Relocating an electric meter is a task that requires electrical training, experience and knowledge of applicable electrical codes. Refer the task to an electrician if you do not possess these qualifications.

How to remove a meter from a meter box?

Cut the meter tag/seal on the meter box, using diagonal pliers. Open the meter box or remove the metal bracket running around the meter if there is one. Grip the meter with both hands and pull the meter toward you while slowly shaking it up and down to remove it. Place the meter in a safe location.

What is an electric meter?

Electric meters are devices installed by utility companies to measure electricity consumption. Electrical cable coming from the utility pole runs directly into the electric meter which records the volume of electricity flowing through it in terms of kilowatt hours.

Can i move an electric meter?

I would like to move the meter from front of house to side less than ten feet in distance...the underground conduit i dug up, already runs from side to meter in front...the overhead wire is already tethered to side which would be directly above new location...There would not be any new wiring just a shortening up of the existing wire....Is it required to have a professional move the meter ...Again everything other than disconnecting and reconnecting and bit of conduit is all that needs to be done...

Comments (6)

Work like moving services almost always requires a permit and an inspection.

What to do if your energy supplier can't move your meter?

If your energy supplier can’t move your meter. You must contact your local electricity distributor and gas transporter to do the work. They’ll usually charge at least £400 for the work, but it could be over £1,000 - it depends on how much work needs to be done.

Can you move a meter to another supplier?

Prices vary, so you should also get prices from other suppliers and compare them. Only your current supplier can move your meter. This means if you want another supplier to do it you have to switch your supply to them first.

Can you move a gas meter yourself?

Who can move your meter depends on the work that’s involved. You can’t move the meter yourself - it’s illegal.

Why do I need to move my gas meter?

Why would I need to move my gas or electricity meter? The most likely reason you’d need to move a gas meter is if you’re undertaking building work or extending your home, which might involve knocking down a wall that the meter is attached to or removing the cupboard it sits in. The same applies to electricity meters.

Is a smart meter a traditional meter?

It doesn’t matter whether your meter is a traditional meter or a smart meter; any type of meter can be moved. Although a smart meter presents the information about your usage and spend on a smart display and uses its network connection to send that information to your supplier, it still uses (more or less) traditional meters.

Can you move a gas meter yourself?

You cannot move your meter yourself. Not only is it dangerous (for instance, the gas supply would need to be turned off throughout the process in case of accidents), but it’s illegal for anyone but a licensed professional to change the position of a meter.

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