Houston’s hot, humid, and stormy weather can seriously affect your electrical meter can. Constant moisture, extreme heat, and frequent lightning storms can corrode components, loosen wiring, and cause dangerous power interruptions.
This article explains how Houston weather impacts meter cans. It covers what damage to look for, how to prevent it, and when to call a licensed electrician for help.
What Is an Electrical Meter Can (and Why It Matters)
An electrical meter can, also known as a meter socket or meter box, is the box that holds your electric meter. This is where power from the service drop enters your home. It acts as the connection point between your electrical system and the power line supplied by CenterPoint Energy or another local utility.
The meter can protects wiring, maintains proper grounding, and ensures safe energy measurement. In most Houston homes, the homeowner owns the meter can, while the utility company owns the meter itself. If your meter can is damaged, you must repair or replace it before the utility can restore power.
How Houston Weather Affects Electrical Meter Cans
The Houston area experiences year-round humidity, heat, and storms that can all weaken or damage meter cans over time.
Humidity and Moisture Exposure
High humidity promotes corrosion inside the meter socket. Over time, moisture builds up, rust forms, and electrical connections oxidize. When this happens, resistance increases, causing poor conductivity and potential short circuits.
Heavy Rain and Flooding
Frequent rain and flood-prone areas create another hazard. Water can enter through small gaps or conduit openings, leading to rust and internal arcing. In severe cases, flooding may fill the meter box, making it unsafe until it’s inspected and cleared by a licensed electrician.
Extreme Heat and UV Exposure
Prolonged heat causes metal expansion and weakens internal fittings. UV rays degrade insulation and plastic parts inside the can. This combination leads to loose connections, warped covers, and eventual system failure—especially in homes without shaded or protected meter boxes.
Lightning and Power Surges
During Houston’s storm season, lightning strikes and grid surges are common. These can burn terminals, melt wiring, and damage the main service connection. Without proper surge protection, a single event can ruin both the meter and the can, cutting power until repairs are made.
Signs of Weather Damage in Your Electrical Meter Can
Weather damage is easy to miss at first but grows worse with time. Common signs include:
- Rust or corrosion on the metal enclosure
- Loose or melted wiring
- Cracked or warped meter cover
- Tripped breakers or flickering lights
- Buzzing, sparking, or unusual heat near the meter
If you see any of these issues, contact a licensed electrician before more serious damage occurs.
Why Ignoring Meter Can Damage Is Dangerous
Ignoring a damaged meter can increases risk for your electrical system and your safety.
- Power outages or full service disconnection
- Fire and shock hazards from exposed wiring
- Possible insurance or code compliance issues
- Utility refusal to reconnect power until the can is replaced
Even minor corrosion can lead to major failures when water and electricity mix.
Preventing Weather Damage to Your Meter Can
Routine maintenance helps prevent costly electrical repairs later.
- Schedule annual inspections with a licensed electrician in Houston
- Seal conduit openings and meter bases properly
- Ensure good drainage around the mounting area
- Use UV-resistant or weather-rated enclosures
- Replace outdated or rusted meter cans with new models that meet local electrical codes
When to Replace a Damaged Meter Can
A damaged or outdated meter can should be replaced when:
- Rust has penetrated through the metal
- Internal terminals are loose or burned
- Breakers trip repeatedly
- Power cannot be restored by the utility due to unsafe conditions
- The can is over 25 years old and no longer code-compliant
Replacement ensures your home’s electrical service remains safe and stable, especially during Houston’s storm and heat cycles.
Key Takeaways
- Houston’s humidity, rain, and heat all accelerate corrosion and wear in meter cans.
- Damaged cans can cause outages, fires, and safety hazards.
- Annual inspections and code-compliant upgrades prevent electrical issues.
- Trust licensed professionals to handle repairs safely and efficiently.
FAQs
Who is responsible for the electrical meter can in Houston?
Homeowners are responsible for maintaining or replacing the meter can, while the utility company owns and services the meter itself.
How often should a meter can be inspected?
At least once a year, and after major storms or flooding.
Can humidity cause an electrical short?
Yes. Moisture buildup can corrode terminals, increasing resistance and leading to shorts.
Do I need a licensed electrician to replace my meter can?
Yes. Only a licensed electrician can install or replace a meter can according to Houston-area electrical codes.
Call Right Touch Electrical for Meter Can Replacement in Houston, TX
If your meter can is corroded, damaged, or no longer passes inspection, call Right Touch Electrical. Our licensed electricians serve Houston and surrounding areas, replacing and repairing customer-owned equipment such as meter cans and sockets.
We coordinate with CenterPoint Energy to ensure service is restored safely and efficiently. Every installation meets local code requirements and withstands Houston’s demanding weather conditions.
At Right Touch Electrical, every job is completed with quality with a master’s touch.