Section 3: Metering

Section 3.1 General

Section 3.1.1 1 Main Meter for Service of Same Type

The District will furnish and install only one main watt-hour meter to register all energy of the same type of service supplied to Customer at any individual premises, unless accuracy of measurement, engineering, safety reasons, rates, or legal provisions require the installation of more than one meter except as provided for in Section 3.1.6 below. There may be Customer expense for additional requested meters.

Section 3.1.2 Customer Provides Meter Mounting Equipment

The Customer is required to purchase, install and maintain appropriate metermounting equipment in accordance with the requirements of the latest edition of these Requirements.

Section 3.1.3 Meter Mounting Equipment Defined

Meter-mounting equipment includes meter sockets, pedestal supports with concrete pad as required, current transformer cabinet, switchgear, landing pads, weatherhead, conductors, conduits, and supports as appropriate for the service. See Section 3.6 for additional details.

Section 3.1.4 Series Metering Not Allowed

Meter shall be located to directly measure Customer load. Series (subtractive) metering will not be allowed unless specifically approved by the District.

Section 3.1.5 Failure To Install Meter-Mounting Equipment

Failure to install meter-mounting equipment by Customer/Contractor meeting these requirements may lead to the delay of service until these requirements are met.

Section 3.1.6 Individual Meters Required

The District requires the installation of individual electric meters on all units in multi-occupancy residential and general power buildings and mobile home parks.

Section 3.1.7 Adding New Meters to Existing Service

New meters may be added to the existing service subject to the ampacity limitations of the service entrance conductors or service equipment. If the added loads served from the new meters require rewiring, then all (new and existing) meters shall be located in accordance with the District’s current meter location policy

Section 3.1.8 Demand Metering

Demand metering shall be installed on services in accordance with current District Rate Schedules and on all reactive metered accounts.

Section 3.1.9 Reactive Metering

Reactive metering shall also be installed on motor loads exceeding 50 horsepower or when the District determines the power factor of the load would be less than 95% lagging.

Section 3.1.10 Customer Monitoring

For customers who request to monitor and/or control energy use or demand, the District shall provide meter K, Y, and Z pulse signals as available via a District owned and operated optical isolator relay. Customer monitoring will be provided on a cost basis.

Section 3.1.11 Grounding of Metering Equipment

All metering equipment shall be bonded to ground rods installed at the location.

Section 3.2 Meter Locations

Section 3.2.1 General

In general, all electric meters must be located outdoors at the point closest to the service drop or lateral termination except as defined below. This policy applies to all new installations and rewire work where the meter and/or service equipment is involved. All meters shall be located and mounted in devices in accordance with the requirements of this manual, and acceptable to the District.

Meters shall not be enclosed or the installation modified in such a way so as to impede safe and convenient access to the meter and associated equipment. Nothing shall hinder or prevent the inspection, removal or installation of meters and other metering equipment, meter rings, meter seals or other locking devices.

Section 3.2.2 Location of District Facilities

The District shall determine the location of the remote metering pedestal, service entrance, service pole, or other metering equipment prior to installation. Customers who install wiring or equipment without an approved location from a District Representative shall be at risk of having to change the service location to conform to the requirements of the District. This requirement applies to all new installations and future modifications or repair work where the meter and/or service equipment is involved.

Section 3.2.3 Location Not at Rear of Residence

Residential meters may be located remotely or attached to the residence as shown on Drawing #12. Meters shall not be located at the rear of houses or buildings without pre-approval from a District Representative and safe and unrestricted access is provided at all times from an alley or street along the property line directly behind or on either side of the house or building. (See Electrical Requirements Drawing - #12)

Section 3.2.4 Meter on Outside Building Line

Installation of meters on buildings shall be on the outside lines of the building and shall be grouped in such a manner that a single service drop may serve all meters.

Section 3.2.5 Meters Shall Not Be Enclosed

Meters shall not be enclosed in garages, carports, breezeways, porches, or such locations where subsequent additions, rewiring, or remodeling could enclose the meter.

Section 3.2.6 Meters Shall Be Grouped

Individual meters associated with a single structure or facility shall be grouped at locations approved by the appropriate District representative. The number of meter centers in an apartment building shall not exceed 1 for 3 floors without District approval.

Section 3.2.7 Safe Meter Location Required

The Customer shall furnish a location to install the metering equipment that is acceptable to the District, not subject to excessive grade, and that will provide longterm, safe access to District employees, be free from vibration, corrosive atmosphere, abnormal temperatures, dust, water, etc.

Section 3.2.8 Meters Shall Be Readily Removable

All meters shall be readily removable (i.e.: not plastered in or built in). The surface of the meter base shall not be recessed behind the exterior wall surface. A meter installed in any alley or driveway must be flush mounted on the wall and protected adequately to prevent damage from vehicular traffic. See Drawing #2.

Section 3.2.12 Manufactured and Mobile Home Service Location

The National Electrical Code distinguishes between Mobile homes and Manufactured homes for the purpose of service equipment (NEC 550-32).

Section 3.3 Mounting Heights and Clearances

Section 3.3.1 Drawings

Meter mounting heights and clearances are shown on Drawings #7, 8, 10, 11, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 24, 25, 26 and 27.

Section 3.3.2 General

The Customer shall maintain clear access to and clearance in front of meters and metering equipment for District employees at all times for readings, testing, changing, removing, inspecting and servicing such equipment. The clear space in front of the meter equipment shall be a minimum of 36 inches deep, and as wide as the equipment or 36 inches, whichever is greater; and to a minimum height of 6 feet and 6 inches or the top of the equipment, if greater.

All meters shall be surface or flush mounted and not recessed. A minimum side and overhead clearance of 18 inches shall be maintained from the center of the meter opening, or any of the openings contained in a multiple meter socket.

Clearance, clear access, and working space shall be free of obstructions such as: piping, ventilating ducts, tanks, steps, rubbish, storage shelves, drums, pumps, air conditioning equipment, decks, chimneys, down spouts, building projections, and other equipment.

Section 3.3.3 Single Socket Meters

Except as otherwise stipulated by the District, individual meter sockets shall be mounted such that the center of the meter opening is between 5 feet and 0 inches and 6 feet and 0 inches above grade. (See drawings 4, 5, 7, 8 and 11)

Section 3.3.4 Single Meter Pedestals

Underground supplied individual meter pedestals shall be mounted such that the center of the meter opening is between 3 feet and 4 feet above grade. (See Drawings #14, 15, 16, and 17). Each meter pedestal shall be fed independently from District facilities.

Section 3.3.5 Multiple Meter Sockets

Multiple meter sockets shall be arranged so that the minimum vertical distance between meter openings is 10 inches and the minimum horizontal distance is 8 inches. Vertically grouped multiple meters shall be installed such that the top meter(s) are not more than 6 feet from the center of the meter opening to grade, nor the bottom meter(s) less than 3 feet from the center of the meter opening to grade. (See Drawing #24).

Section 3.3.6 C.T. Meters Mounting Height

Current transformer-rated test switches, phase shifting transformers, and recorders shall not be less than 36 inches above finished grade or floor immediately below the socket with the reference point at the bottom of the device in question

Section 3.3.7 Protect Meters From Hazards

Meter sockets and enclosures shall not be elevated to avoid hazards but must be protected from pedestrian and vehicular traffic or parking hazards by Customer. (See Drawing #35 regarding guard posts).

Section 3.3.8 Meters More Than 6′ Above Grade

If, as a result of an action of the Customer that causes the meter to become more than 6 feet above grade and in the opinion of the District it is feasible and preferable to lower the metering equipment to a location between 5 feet and 6 feet above grade, the metering equipment shall be lowered at the Customer’s expense. With approval of a District representative, a permanent meter access platform and steps with a skidfree surface may be installed by the Customer that meets or exceeds the current local Uniform Building Code (UBC). Installation and maintenance will be at the Customer’s expense. After construction, the center of the meter must be between 5 feet and 6 feet above the surface of the platform as shown on Drawing #13.

Section 3.3.9 Platforms for Flood Areas

In flood areas, the bottom of the meter device must be raised a minimum of 3’ above the highest water line on record. If necessary to raise a meter more than 6 feet above grade, a permanent platform and steps with a skid-free surface shall be installed by the Customer that meets or exceeds the current local UBC and maintained at the Customer’s expense. A platform constructed 3 feet or more above grade must have a secure handrail installed on the steps and platform that meets or exceeds the local UBC. After the platform is constructed, the center of the meter must be between 5 feet and 6 feet above the platform surface. A District Representative must be consulted for approval prior to construction. (See Electrical Service Requirements - Drawing # 13)

Section 3.4 Access To Meter Equipment

Section 3.4.1 Meters Not Enclosed

Section 3.4.2 Paths to Meters Clear

All pathways providing access to any meter shall be a minimum of 3 feet in width and shall be kept clear of all obstacles and safety hazards, including, but not limited to, landscaping, brush, debris, obstructions, holes, aggressive or dangerous animals, etc.

Section 3.4.3 Walkway Over Open Ditch

Any pathway on the Customer’s property that encounters an open ditch of any type over 2 feet wide shall have a flat, solid, and structurally stable walkway, 2 feet wide with a skid-free surface spanning the entire width of the ditch. All walkways over open ditches must provide a minimum of 1-foot clearance above any water or hazard in the ditch and must not sag more than 1 inch the entire length of the walkway when subjected to a weight of 300 pounds per square foot.

Section 3.4.4 Walkway With Handrail Over Open Ditch

Any walkway on the Customer’s property constructed over an open ditch with a width and depth of 3 feet or more shall have a structurally sound handrail along the entire length of the walkway that will not flex more than 1/2 inches when subjected to a side load of 40 pounds per square foot along the entire length of the handrail.

Working space provisions of the NEC, the current issue, shall be adhered to at the time of installation.

Section 3.5 Security Requirements

Section 3.5.1 Metered and Unmetered Conductors, Same Wireway

Metered and unmetered conductors shall not be installed in the same wireways, pull box, enclosure, etc., except for the conductors being metered from the terminal point to the point of exit at metering enclosures.

Section 3.5.2 Sealing Provisions of Service Equipment

Adequate provisions must be made for the sealing and security of meter, unmetered service equipment, and circuits. Covers and provisions for sealing of all unmetered service equipment, pull boxes, troughs, wireways, busways, etc., shall be provided by the Customer. Unmetered disconnects shall be sealed by the District and accessed only by the District and the Fire Department. Breakers and fuses will not be allowed in unmetered circuits except for flat rate service as specified elsewhere.

Section 3.5.3 Single Sealing Hasp for Covers

All meter base covers shall be equipped with 1 or more securely fastened hasp or stud for padlocking and sealing by the District. Depending on the cover size, nonsealable fasteners may be used to mechanically secure the cover in addition to the single sealing hasp. Covers that secure more than 1 meter shall not be allowed by the District.

Section 3.5.4 Unused Hubs or Openings Closed

Unused hubs or openings shall not be left open. Hubs shall be closed with a blank hub and knockouts with knockout closures, locked in place from the inside. Open, unused breakout, or knockout in meter sockets shall not be allowed.

Section 3.5.5 Watertight Meter Equipment

Raceway or conduit connections at top of meter device shall be watertight and the bottom knockouts closed as detailed in Section 3.5.4.

Section 3.6 Customer Furnished Meter-Mounting Equipment

Section 3.6.1 Socket Forms Allowed

Socket forms allowed or arrangements to provide correct metering for the various systems used in the District are illustrated in Drawing #18

Section 3.6.2 Line-Side Installation of Meter Sockets

Individual meter sockets shall be installed on the line side, ahead of Customer service equipment except as provided for elsewhere

Section 3.6.3 Meters To Be Top Connected

The supply conductors to a self-contained socket shall be connected to the top terminals, and the load supply conductors shall be connected to the bottom terminals. (See Drawings #19, 20, 21, 22, and 23).

Section 3.6.4 Cable Lugs Rated for Conductor

Customer/Contractor shall provide appropriate cable lugs for the termination of District-maintained conductors. When aluminum conductors are used, the meter socket must be listed or approved and clearly marked by the manufacturer that it is acceptable for aluminum conductor.

Section 3.6.5 Oxide Inhibitor Used on Aluminum Conductor

When aluminum service entrance conductors are used in the meter device, the wire should be thoroughly cleaned with a wire brush and then liberally coated with oxide inhibitor.

Section 3.6.6 Meter Base Bonding

The neutral service conductor may be bonded to the meter base using the grounding screw or bonding terminal. The neutral service conductor may be continuous from the weatherhead to the switch box. (See Drawing #20).

Section 3.6.7 Automatic Circuit Closing Devices

Automatic circuit closing devices are not permitted in meter sockets.

Section 3.6.8 Surface Mounting of Meter Sockets

All meter socket equipment shall be surface mounted or flush mounted, not recessed.

Section 3.6.9 Meter Socket Cover Retaining Rings

Meter socket covers may be ringless or ring type. Meter retaining rings shall be screw type. Other types are not acceptable.

Section 3.6.10 Plumb and Rigid Mounting

Meter socket mounting must be plumb and rigidly supported to prevent movement, sway and vibration and able to withstand forces of the installation or removal of the meter. Meter sockets not mounted to a permanent structure must be supported in a manner approved by the District. Refer to Section 3.6.29 and Drawings #14, 15, 16, 17, and 26 for a preferred meter socket support.

Section 3.6.11 Bolt-In Meters

Bolt-in-meter bases, such as the Duncan 400, will not be allowed on any new service

Section 3.6.12 Circular Cast or Drawn Sockets

Circular cast or drawn sockets may be used for temporary services only. (See Drawings #9 and #10 for Temporary Services).

Section 3.6.13 Five-Terminal Sockets Are Required for 120/208

Five-terminal sockets are required for 120/208-volt single-phase services rated up to 200 amperes. The fifth terminal shall be at the nine o’clock position. A #10 AWG wire from the neutral grounded conductor shall be connected to the fifth terminal. (See Drawing #18, socket type “B”).

Section 3.6.14 Box or Trough Sockets

Box or trough sockets may be used in place of circular cast or drawn sockets and are required on 120/208 Volt, three-wire and three-phase services. This type of socket shall be limited to self-contained installations with service entrance conductors that do not exceed #2 AWG copper or #1/0 aluminum and the NEC current rating does not exceed 100 amperes. This type of socket shall also be used for instrument meter services but shall be a minimum of 4 inches deep. The exterior face of the meter base shall not be recessed behind the exterior wall surface.

Section 3.6.15 Seven-Terminal Meter Socket

Up to 200-ampere three-phase services require a self-contained seven-terminal Lever bypass socket unless the source transformer does not serve, nor is intended to serve, other loads. The neutral tap must be connected to the terminal second from the right on the bottom or load side. The socket shall include a grounding electrode bonding clamp. (See Drawing #21).

Section 3.6.16 High Leg Connection

The high voltage-to-ground phase conductor of a four-wire, delta, three-phase service, shall always be connected to the right-hand terminal, top, and bottom. (See Drawing # 21).

Section 3.6.17 Residential Single Phase, 400 Amps or Less

Residential single-phase services rated 400 amperes or less, shall be self-contained metering.

Section 3.6.18 Bypass Meter Bases

Lever and block or shunt type bypasses will be allowed and encouraged for all self-contained meter installations. Automatic bypasses are not allowed. See Section 3.6.7.

Section 3.6.19 Single-Phase Greater Than 400 Amp

Six-terminal sockets with room for test switches are required for single-phase services rated above 400 amperes (2 current transformers located in C.T. enclosure). (See Drawings #25 and 26).

Section 3.6.20 Single-Phase General Power or Industrial Services Greater Than 320 Amps

Single-phase general power or industrial services rated over 320 amperes shall be CT metered.

Section 3.6.21 No Network or Three-Phase Class 320 Locations

Class 320-meter sockets shall not be permitted on any network (120-208 single Phase) or three-phase meter installations. Class 320 single-phase sockets are not permitted on non-residential service of more than 320-amp rating unless approved by the WA State Electrical Inspector

Section 3.6.22 Three Phase Greater Than 200 Amp

Above 200 ampere three-phase requires 1 13-terminal meter base with room for test switch. (See Drawings #27 and 28).

Section 3.6.23 Combined Fuse/Meter Equipment

Where Customer disconnects and/or fuses are combined with the meter equipment, the cover for the meter and the cover for Customer access to the switch/fuse and load side wiring shall be separated such that District meter and line-side service compartments may be secured and sealed separately from Customer side. On such combination units, internal barriers shall be permanently installed to prevent access to meters and unmetered wiring via Customer compartments. On multi-meter equipment, the line-side cable terminal compartments shall have sealable and lockable covers separate from meter covers.

Section 3.6.25 Ground Rod Required

Every pedestal-mounted meter shall have at least 1 ground rod at the meter location with a minimum #6 copper ground wire connecting the ground rod(s) to the meter base. 2 ground rods are required at the service panel location. (See Drawings #14, 15, 16, and 17).

Section 3.6.26 Meter Pedestal on Same Lot as Customer Served

When a remote meter pedestal is utilized, it shall be located on the same lot as the Customer being served.

Section 3.6.27 Parking Area Protection

When a meter pedestal is located in a parking area, it must be so located that parked vehicles will not restrict meter accessibility nor meter pedestal be damaged by vehicular traffic.

Section 3.6.28 Transformer-Meter Pedestal Clearance

The meter pedestal shall not be closer than 5 feet to the side or 10 feet from the front of a padmount transformer without prior approval of the District. (See Drawings #14, 15, 16, and 17).

Section 3.6.29 Meter Pedestal Support

An assembled meter pedestal, which is composed of a meter socket and conduit or raceways, must be secured in a minimum 36 inches x 36 inches x 4 inches concrete slab. (See Drawings #14, 16, and 17) and supported by any 1 of the following:
1. A single 1 inch x 4 inches galvanized steel channel
2. Two pieces of heavy-duty, 1-5/8 inches x 1-5/8 inches galvanized, uni-strut.
3. Two pieces of 2-inch galvanized rigid conduit.
4. Two pieces of 2-inch x 2-inch galvanized angle iron.
A one-piece, metal sleeve mobile home base assembly must be set a minimum of 2 feet in the ground and secured in a minimum 36 inches x 36 inches x 4 inches concrete slab (see Drawing #15).

The customer is responsible for maintaining the pedestal in plumb (vertical) position and to fulfill all other maintenance requirements. (See Section 3.6. 32)

Section 3.6.30 C.T. Pedestal Support

An assembled C.T. pedestal, which is composed of a C.T. can, meter socket, and conduit or raceways, must be secured in a minimum 48 inches x 36 inches x 4 inches concrete slab. (See Drawing #26) and supported by any one of the following:
1. Two pieces of heavy duty, 1-5/8 inches x 1-5/8 inches back to back, galvanized unistrut.
2. Two pieces of 2’ galvanized rigid conduit.

The Customer is responsible for maintaining the C.T. pedestal in plumb (vertical) position and to fulfill all other maintenance requirements. (See Section 3.6.32)

Section 3.6.31 Meter Socket Maintenance by Customers

It is the responsibility of Customer/Building Owner to maintain, repair, and replace the meter mounting (socket) equipment in order to keep such equipment in a safe, secure, and useable condition. This shall include any and all maintenance that is discovered by the District during authorized activities including, but not limited to, meter testing, meter maintenance, meter change-out, meter disconnect or connect. When such equipment is subject to vandalism or damage, it is the responsibility of Customer/Building Owner to remedy the situation by protective measures or by changing meter location.

Section 3.6.32 the District Will Perform Emergency Repair

The District will perform emergency repair in an attempt to maintain or restore service and to protect the public safety. In the event that the hazard posed by the equipment is critical to safe operation, immediate disconnection of service may be necessary until corrections are made by the Customer/Building Owner. The District will notify Customer/Building Owner and the Inspection Authority when an unsafe meter socket and/or service equipment problem is found. The District will allow a reasonable time, normally not to exceed 30 days, for the repair or replacement of meter socket equipment, subject to the hazard involved. The District emphasizes the need for the responsible Building Owner to minimize safety hazards to all concerned by maintaining meter socket equipment and service compartments in a safe and good working order.