Electrical Meter Base Replacement in Cornelia, GA

Homeowners often assume they are responsible for the electrical panel and other components of the electrical system within their household. While the electric meter found outside the home belongs to the utility company, the base it sits on is the responsibility of the homeowner. This base holds the meter and protects it from the elements. In addition, it functions to pass power from the utility company to the panel. When this base malfunctions, the entire electrical system within the home is affected. 

When Might This Electrical Meter Base Need Replaced?

There are a number of reasons a homeowner might need an Electrical Meter Base Replacement in Cornelia, GA. Homeowners might find the base is no longer up to code and will need to be updated. When the homeowner requests an electrical panel upgrade, the electrician might recommend they also replace the base. The same holds when the home undergoes renovations. 

At times, this base sustains damage and must be replaced. This is often the result of a weather event. However, at times, the problem lies in the wiring. The base contains wires used to bring electricity into the home and lugs. The wires connect to the lugs. If the lugs become loose over time, this can lead to the wires overloading and burning up. 

Corrosion serves as another reason the base may need replacement. This corrosion comes with age. It’s best to have the meter base replaced, as the corrosion leads to an electrical hazard. 

Signs the Meter Base Needs to be Replaced

If lights begin to flicker in the home, call electricians in Cornelia, GA to learn if the meter base is the issue. At times, a homeowner learns they have a problem with this base when they lose power to a portion of the home. Appliances that refuse to turn on serve as a sign that the meter base is failing. 

Never delay in having these problems investigated. If faulty wiring is causing the issues the homeowner is experiencing, there is a fire hazard. Call for service right away. Do the same if the meter base feels hot to the touch. This is a sign something is wrong within the base and needs to be fixed. 

Replacing the Meter Base

When replacing a meter base, the electrician must ensure it complies with all installation specifications. If the electrician doesn’t comply with these specifications, the home may only have partial power when the work is done. Furthermore, the base may not connect to the electrical grid. 

The job could involve numerous tasks. For example, the electrician may need to splice underground feed connections, which requires excavation work. They might need to update the wiring in the home to comply with the new meter base or relocate wires. The landscape could need to be altered to accommodate the new base, and this is often beyond the scope of the homeowner. 

Furthermore, the electrician knows which type of meter base to use for each project. They know where it must be mounted and whether surrounding homes may be affected by the work. They will take the necessary steps to handle complications such as these. 

Installing a Smart Meter

Many homeowners today move to smart meters. These meters use metering infrastructure software to determine how much electricity the home is using and when. They allow the utility to read the meter remotely rather than sending an employee out to complete this task. In addition, the smart meter allows the utility provider to respond to outages faster.

If the meter base in the home is being replaced, ask about a smart meter if one has not been installed. Doing so allows for advanced billing and payment. In addition, this type of meter allows for more energy-management options. 

Many utility providers have already installed these meters for customers. Speak with the electrician to learn whether an electrical meter replacement in Cornelia, GA is needed. Quite a few homeowners will find this task has been completed for them, so they have one less thing to worry about. 

Always call an electrician when work is needed on an electrical meter or meter base. This is not a task for a homeowner. In fact, contact an electrician and ask if they will do a free inspection of the existing meter and base. Many companies offer this service at no charge, so it never hurts to ask. If they find problems with either device, they can make the necessary repairs. It’s always best to know the electrical system in the home is operating as intended and an electrician can ensure this is the case. 

About Mountain NRG Electrical Contractors:

The licensed and certified electricians employed by Mountain NRG are professionally trained and extensively experienced. This allows us to complete any job needed by homeowners, businesses, and industrial complexes.