On Mar 12, 3:56?am, Bud-- wrote:
Big Al wrote:
"HeyBub" wrote in message
...

Big Al wrote:

Sort of wanted to get it off without damaging it Need to put it
back on after I replace the switch in the box below it.

We had exactly the same project. Of course we didn't need no stinkin'
inspections or permits.*

In my town (Houston), call the light company. Their standard is to remove
the ring within six hours after the call. When done with the work, call

them

back. They'll replace the ring within 48 hours.

Evidently (I don't know for sure), the power company records the reading

at

ring-removal time and again at ring-replacement time - just to keep you
honest.

This meter is on a house built in 1949. I'm trying to do some upgrades
without opening a large can of worms. The meter and boxes are mounted on
wood and the riser has wood blocks between it and the brick wall. All
rotten. Might try to just cut the wires to the weather head, make the
repairs and reconnect the wires. Was going to remove the meter to kill power
so I could replace the cut off switch and fuse box. (Plug fuses.) Don't want
to get into rewiring the house. My problem is, what if I have to replace the
wires coming out of the meter box. They are a bit short. No way I can get in
there without removing the meter.

Consider that these are service wires. Aside from shock hazard there is
a major hazard from high current in a short circuit. There is probably
5,000-10,000 Amps available for a short circuit - that can make large
screwdrivers disappear, depositing melted steel and vaporized copper on
you. And there is minimal fusing on the utility side. Special rules
apply to installing service wires because of the hazard. Those rules
apply through the service disconnect.

Working in a meter socket with the top powered is very hazardous.
Resplicing cut service wires at the weatherhead is also hazardous. You
particularly don't want an aluminum ladder. The utility will use a
'hi-press' splice - a sleeve with the wires inserted in each end. The
sleeve is then compressed at high presure which cold-welds the metals
resulting in a very reliable connection. You probably don't have access
to this equipment.

Contact the utility and see what is involved in having them cut the
wires at the weatherhead and reconnect them. The work may have to be
inspected. In some areas that may require an electrician. Having the
utility cut and reconnect the wires is by far the best idea. They would
also remove the ring. The utility may take a very dim view of you
removing the ring without contacting them - it suggests theft.

--
bud--- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

I have pulled a few meters, Whats one to do when a fuse falls apart in
the main, cant work with it powered on. Pulled meter, did my thing
replaced meter, called power company.

they said no trouble as long as you let them know. this was before the
remote reading meters.

I think they lose a lot of security, but the manpower savings well
they basically dont care........

DO TALK TO POWER COMPANY BEFORE PROCEEDING!