On May 10, 6:55*am, "RBM" wrote:
"Hat" wrote in message

...

I have installed CB sub-panels many a times with no problem because I
can disconnect the live wires at the main panel. *In the old house I
am fixing, I need to replace the all-fuse MAIN panel with a new CB
panel. *Do I need to contact the power company to disconnect the
juice, or is there another way of doing it? *I do not want to mess
with the 240 volt supply because it may hurt a bit (i.e., kill me).
BTW: how do certified electricians go about disconnecting *the live
wires before doing a similar job? *Thanks

As others have said, you can pull the meter, if the particular utility
company you're dealing with doesn't have a lock on it. This will work
provided you are not going to increase the amperage of the current service.
If your new main is going to be of higher amperage then what's existing,
you'll probably have to replace the meter box and standpipe as well. In some
areas, I suppose, the utility company kills power for you. In NY, where I
am, the electricians cut and rebug the service connections.

I had my main breaker crap out on me. I cut the seal, pulled the
meter, replaced the main, and then plugged the meter back in. I
called the poco aftewards and told them why I had to do it. They sent
a guy out to put a new seal on. No prob. The type of neighborhood
your old house is in may affect your results though.