Hi, Do I need to inform the electrical company if I need to turn off the power in order to change the panel from Fuses to Breakers?
My electrician says I don't have to, he can just take out the meter and this will cause the Power to be off. The problem is that I think there is a seal on the meter and the electrical company will not like it that he took the seal off. Any electrician out there with Advice? Or someone experienced?
I appreicate your reply,
Thank you
2006-07-12 14:51:57 · 12 answers · asked by Michelle 1 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
You dont have to tell them what you are doing. I upgraded my service, wasnt a problem...
2006-07-12 14:54:56 · answer #1 · answered by microsvc 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yea he'll have to take the meter ring off if its the screw in type that doesn't need a key he can just cut the little wire clip off an unscrew it an put it back on when hes through or he can cut hl&p or center points lines coming in to the whether head an that will kill the power and then he can kurny them back together after hes finished an tape it up real good with friction tape an then regular electric tape.he can use a fiberglass latter to work with the hot wires an as long as he don't touch anything thats grounded he can work off this latter with hot wires with out getting shocked.this way he won't have to cut the ring off.work with one hot at a time an tape the ends then you can change the panel while its dead!--sometimes its better not to tell the light co. to cut the power off cause they may want a permit pulled an only a master electrician can do that .big bucks then!!!if your electrician knows what hes doing let him but like i said if it has a lock ring on meter that requirs a key i would use the other method by cutting the service lines one at a time an when finished kurny an tape them back up let your electrician read this mail he should understand everything i'm talking about.
2006-07-12 22:22:24 · answer #2 · answered by monte s 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes there is a seal on the meter outside (if he is a licensed electrician he can change the seal). You do not have to call the power company to turn your main off in the house. A liscenced electrian can open your panel and change breakers any time,
in some states if a electrician removes or replaces the meter he will call the the power company to come out to verify his work..
5 years ago I had a Electrician up grade my panel and replace my meter he took care of all that stuff it was part of his bid cost.
2006-07-12 21:59:44 · answer #3 · answered by zqx357 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In the state of West Virginia the only person allowed to remove a power company seal, is the power company. You must notify them and set up a schedule with them. Be sure that your electrician is licensed. I am a master electrician, been doing this work for 30 years.
2006-07-13 06:35:09 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
In my "neck of the woods" if you dont inform the Power Company, they get REAL RILED UP about that!!
Your electrician has a "right" to tell them, or since you are the home owner, YOU had better inform them, or they may charge you a penalty, and accuse you of stealing electricity!
Besides upgrading your electric service, I would figure you would need a new drop cable, since your upgrading from a 60 amp, to either a 100 amp or 200 amp, you would need a thicker wire to hold more amperage...
I am wondering who you got for an electrician and if he has credentials, if he doesnt install a new service line...
I wish you well..
Jesse
2006-07-12 22:01:58 · answer #5 · answered by x 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
first off yes you need to tell the power co. what your doing. breaking the seal on the meter will get you cut off and fined.the power co can temp disco you for the work to be done then come back and reco you.your panel should be changed inside the house. get yourself a better electrician b4 this guy burns your house down!
2006-07-12 21:59:22 · answer #6 · answered by eyescrazychris 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The seal is meant for proof of non-illegal taping of electricity by your electrical company. Once broken, it is a violation and you may be subjected to a fine, a penalty or disconnection. You have to contact your electrical company to get their authorisation for their authorised installer to do it.
2006-07-12 22:01:24 · answer #7 · answered by Nice Guy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It would be a good idea to notify them before your next scheduled meter reading (it would be on your bill). They can put a new seal on the meter.
2006-07-12 21:55:14 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
electric company wont care
make sure this guy is a licensed electrician
2006-07-12 21:55:21 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, unless he has some seals.. You must inform the elect co of such work being done...Dont let this guy get you in trouble..The elect Co. must remove that meter, it belongs to them NOT YOU...
2006-07-12 21:58:28 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If the electrician is licensed, he's authorized to do what he told you. But you were smart to ask for more info.
2006-07-12 21:57:21 · answer #11 · answered by quietwalker 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋