Electric meter locks are locks used to secure your electric meters from being tampered with. There are multiple ways in which one can tamper with the electric meter, i.e., either by changing the readouts or by cutting off connections. The locks are also important to ensure safety, since the electric meters are a source of high electricity voltage. But can those locks be removed? And if they can be removed, then how? In this article we will enlist the ways to remove the electric meter lock.
Method To Remove Electric Meter Lock
There are two types of electric meters, namely analog meters, and digital meters. Most of the meters used today are digital meters. The reading of electricity meters helps calculate the electricity bills without any hassle. There is a lot of electricity flowing through these electric meters, thus it is necessary that they are locked, for safety reasons.
Total Time: 25 minutes
1. Using Screws
Inside every barrel lock, there is a plunger. The plunger is spring-loaded and thus, keeps the ball bearings the barrel lock on the electric meter in place. So, now you take the two-inch drywall screw, and put it down the barrel lock, such that it fits perfectly into the plunger.
Once the screw is halfway through the lock, make sure you feel it properly latching onto the plunger. Make sure you push the screw hard enough. After latching the screw onto the plunger, pull it out with force.
Make sure you don’t pull it out completely, you just pull it out qt quarter length. This releases the plunger from the springs, loosens the ball-bearing and thus, unlocks the barrel lock.
2. Call Power Company
Before you try to experiment and try to open the lock by yourself, the primary plan of action should be to contact your local power utility company or the electric board. The contact details of the same are available on google.
3. Remove Electric Power
The electric meter although small is something that houses a huge amount of electricity. So it is important that you are really careful while unlocking the electric meter. It is important to make sure that all the electronics in your house are turned off.
It is also important to make sure that you turn off your main switch from the electrical panel before going ahead and unlocking the electric meter. Also keep a generator ready, in case you plan on having the power cut off for longer period.
4. Disconnect High-Voltage Feed
Like stated above, once you have turned off the main electrical switch make sure you disconnect the high-voltage feed from the main transformer. Make sure you are wearing thick rubber gloves and rubber slippers before you do this. It is preferable that the people from the power company do it. This step removes all the electric supply.
5. Cut The Thin Security Tag Wire That Holds The Meter Base Closed
Once you have disconnected everything, then comes the next step. You must cut the thin security tag wire that holds the meter base closed. You need to get a new tag and number with a replacement for your electric meter from the power company after this step.
6. Open Meter Base Box
Grasp the meter box with both hands and just pull it out towards you. Let the person from the power utility company examine the meter for any kind of damage.
Tools:
- 2-Inch Drywall Screw
- Rubber Gloves
- Slippers
- A Pair Of Pliers
Materials: NA
FAQ
1. How To Detach Electric Meter Lock Ring?
To remove a meter lock, one can use an angle grinder with a cut-off wheel. Be careful to not cut off the valve and cut off only the lock body. One can also use a 2inch drywall screw to remove the meter lock ring as mentioned in the steps above.
2. How Do You Detach A Tamper Tag?
To remove tamper tags use a high-powered magnet. Place the magnet on a flat surface and lay the tag on top of it. Once you hear a click, the tag has been removed. One doesn’t always need to remove the security tags.
3. Is It Legal To Detach A Tag From Meter?
It isn’t exactly illegal, but one shouldn’t be removing electric meters without authorization. It can be confusing and dangerous. Also, most of the utility services require permission of some sort.
Final Talk
As long as you are able to do things safely, you can try both the methods mentioned above. The first one is quick and hassle-free but doesn’t guarantee the unlocking of the electric meter’s lock unless you actually do it correctly. While the second one actually guarantees you safety, the opening of the lock, and limited damage. But the 2nd one is costly. Whatever you choose, just choose wisely.
An electric meter may typically only be removed by a certified electrician or an authorized utility employee. Additionally, almost all utilities will request authorization before you break seals and remove meters.