A meter can replacement usually involves inspecting the current equipment. It also includes coordinating with the utility company to disconnect power.
Next, the old meter can is removed. A new meter can is then installed. Any required inspections are completed.
Finally, electrical service is restored. Most replacements are completed in a single day once the utility disconnect is scheduled.
Replacing a meter can requires both a licensed electrician and the utility company. Since the electric meter must be removed before work begins, homeowners should expect a brief power outage during replacement. Understanding the process can help you know what to expect and why each step is important.
Quick Takeaways
• Meter can replacement begins with a professional inspection.
• The utility company disconnects power before work starts.
• A licensed electrician removes and replaces the damaged meter can.
• Many projects require permits and electrical inspections.
• The utility company reinstalls the electric meter and restores power.
• Most meter can replacements are completed in one day.
Why Would a Meter Can Need to Be Replaced?
A meter can protects the electrical connections between your home and the utility company’s electrical system. If it becomes damaged, it may no longer provide a safe connection.
Common reasons a meter can needs replacement include:
- Rust and corrosion
- Burned or loose meter connections
- Water damage inside the enclosure
- Storm or impact damage
- Electrical service upgrades
- Failed electrical inspections
- Outdated or unsafe equipment
Replacing a damaged meter can early can help prevent larger electrical problems and unexpected power outages.
What Happens During Meter Can Replacement?
Meter can replacement begins with an inspection of the existing equipment. The utility company then disconnects power and removes the electric meter.
A licensed electrician installs the new meter can. They complete any required inspections. Once approved, the utility company reinstalls the meter. Then they restore power.
Step 1: Inspect the Existing Meter Can
The electrician begins by inspecting the existing meter can and surrounding electrical equipment.
During the inspection, they will:
- Confirm the meter can needs replacement.
- Look for corrosion, overheating, or physical damage.
- Check the service entrance cable and other connected equipment.
- Determine whether additional repairs or upgrades are needed.
This inspection also helps identify any code issues that should be corrected during the replacement.
Step 2: Schedule the Utility Disconnect
Before work can begin, the utility company must disconnect electrical service.
The utility removes the electric meter and temporarily shuts off power to the home. This allows the electrician to work safely on equipment that normally carries incoming utility power.
Homeowners should never attempt to remove an electric meter themselves.
Step 3: Remove the Old Meter Can
Once power has been disconnected, the electrician removes the damaged meter can.
This includes:
- Disconnecting the wiring
- Removing the old enclosure
- Inspecting the surrounding electrical connections
- Looking for hidden damage that may also require repair
If additional problems are found, the electrician will discuss the recommended repairs before continuing.
Step 4: Install the New Meter Can
The new meter can is then installed and securely fastened to the home.
The electrician reconnects the wiring, installs the new meter socket, and verifies that every connection is properly tightened.
If any worn or damaged components are discovered during the installation, they are replaced at this stage.
Step 5: Complete the Required Inspection
Some cities and utility companies require an electrical inspection before power can be restored.
The inspector verifies that the new meter can meets current electrical codes and has been installed correctly.
Once the work passes inspection, the project can move to the final step.
Step 6: Restore Electrical Service
After approval, the utility company returns to reinstall the electric meter.
Power is restored to the home, and the electrician performs final testing to confirm the electrical system is operating properly.
At this point, the replacement is complete.
How Long Does Meter Can Replacement Take?
Most meter can replacements are completed in one day. The replacement often takes only a few hours. Scheduling, permits, inspections, and unexpected repairs can affect the total timeline.
Several factors influence how long the project takes, including:
- Utility company scheduling
- Local inspection requirements
- Weather conditions
- Additional electrical repairs
- Electrical service upgrades
Your electrician can provide a more accurate timeline after inspecting the existing equipment.
Will My Power Be Turned Off?
Yes. A temporary power outage is a normal part of meter can replacement.
Since the electric meter must be removed before the work begins, electrical service will be disconnected until the new meter can has been installed and approved.
Most homeowners are without power for only a few hours.
Before your appointment, it’s a good idea to:
- Charge phones and laptops.
- Save important computer work.
- Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed.
- Plan for any medical equipment that requires electricity.
Can the Electrical Meter Be Reused?
In most cases, yes.
The utility company usually inspects the existing electric meter and reinstalls it after the new meter can is installed.
However, if the meter has been damaged or no longer meets the utility company’s requirements, it may be replaced at the same time.
Why You Should Never Replace a Meter Can Yourself
A meter can connects directly to incoming utility power.
Even if the main breaker inside your home is turned off, dangerous voltage may still be present.
Replacing a meter can also requires:
- Specialized tools
- Electrical experience
- Utility coordination
- Permits and inspections
- Knowledge of current electrical codes
Attempting the work yourself can result in serious injury, equipment damage, or additional repair costs.
FAQ
How long does meter can replacement take?
Most replacements are completed in one day, although utility scheduling and inspections can affect the timeline.
Does the utility company replace the meter can?
Usually not. The homeowner typically owns the meter can, and a licensed electrician performs the replacement. The utility company disconnects and restores power.
Who pays for meter can replacement?
In most cases, homeowners are responsible for replacing a damaged meter can because they usually own the equipment.
Will I lose power during the replacement?
Yes. A temporary power outage is needed while the utility company removes the electric meter. The electrician will then replace the meter can.
Can a damaged meter can be repaired?
Minor issues may sometimes be repaired, but severe corrosion, overheating, or physical damage usually requires complete replacement.
Does replacing a meter can require a permit?
Often, yes. Permit and inspection requirements vary by city and utility company.
Upgrade Your Meter Can Before Small Problems Become Big Repairs
A damaged meter can can create safety hazards, increase the risk of power outages, and delay future electrical upgrades. Right Touch Electrical provides professional meter can replacement services throughout Houston and surrounding areas. We coordinate with the utility company, replace damaged meter cans, complete code-compliant installations, and restore safe electrical service.
Learn more about our Meter Can Replacement services or contact Right Touch Electrical today for service backed by quality with a master’s touch.
