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Question Summary
can a square d electric panels bus bars be replaced or does it need a whole new box. The electric company meter, the digital read out does not show, the circuit light is not on and when you bang the meter sparks and light come on and off in the house and on the meter.Answer Summary
My name is ***** ***** would be glad to assist. AssuredElectrical : The meter base and all connections are the homeowners responsibility. AssuredElectrical : Most older homes have a separate meter base than the panel.
Answered in 1 minute by:
1/16/2012
AssuredElectrical, Master Electrician
Category: Electrical
Satisfied Customers: 4,241
Experience: Contractor-42+ Years in the ElectricalTrade
VerifiedAssuredElectrical :
Hi, Welcome to Just Answer. My name is XXXXX XXXXX would be glad to assist.
AssuredElectrical :
If you bang the meter and it causes power on and off, the issue is in the meter base. Either the connections have corroded and loose or the socket connections.
AssuredElectrical :
As far as buss bars, you would need to find a complete interior the same make as yours for that.
Customer:
What your saying is that the meter from the electric company has bad connectivity. It does all the thingsyou stated when you bang it. Is it there responsibility to replace this meter or is it mine? The electric company said they can disconnect the power to make a safe condition until I can get it fixed. If it is theres then they need to fix it.
AssuredElectrical :
Nobody sells the parts separately. Only complete units or complete panels.
AssuredElectrical :
The meter base and all connections are the homeowners responsibility. The meter only is the power companies
AssuredElectrical :
I have seen too many times, the stabs on the meter base burn out. Need a good electrcian with a new meter base ready.
Customer:
Follow what you are saying on the buss bars and having to replace the entire box. Exterior boxes are not that easy to find. Now the meter base is seperate from my power box. It was installed by the electric company with the meter when they ran the lines from the service pole.
AssuredElectrical :
Most older homes have a separate meter base than the panel. Now you get combo units that have both in the same box connections
AssuredElectrical :
The entire panel is comprised of the internal parts that are UL listed. You have to find the exact panel for parts to replace.
Customer:
Can you still purchase just the meter box?
AssuredElectrical :
Yes, they sell them at Home Depot and Lowes even
AssuredElectrical :
Years ago, the power company gave them to electrical contractors. That went away a long time back
AssuredElectrical :
Maybe some very rural areas may still do it,not sure
Customer:
I can understand that. WHy would they give you something for free when they can sell it to you. I will check the "box" stores and check availability then call the electric company for a power shut off and an electrician to install it. I am on the right path, correct.
AssuredElectrical :
Yes, that is what you need.
AssuredElectrical :
proper sequence
Customer:
Thank you so very much for your time. You have made what I thought was a very difficult problem understandable to a layman. Again, thanks. I now feel that having this little bit of knowledge provided by you will help me explain my situation in a somewhat intelligent manner thus aleviating someone trying to get over on me for their own financial gain. Again, thank you very much.
AssuredElectrical :
You are very welcome. Glad to be of service. If your are satisfied with my
assistance to your questions , please do click the Accept for my time.
You can come back to this page anytime
AssuredElectrical, Master Electrician
Category: Electrical
Satisfied Customers: 4,241
Experience: Contractor-42+ Years in the ElectricalTrade
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