Thinking Outside The Box - The Electric Meter Box

Thinking outside the box - the electric meter box.

While the electric meter is owned by the electric company, it still must be inspected during a home inspection.  Lots of things can be happening.  This is one that stuck out!

The legal seal was broken.  The electric company does not like that!  That can be considered mischief, and some companies charge a hefty fine.

Often seen, as the soil has settled around the house the conduit containing the buried electric service cables has been pulled down as well.  Water that can get in there is not welcome.

And, similarly, as the soil has settled it has pulled the box off the house.

Again, it should be fitted tightly against the siding.

But the only way to do that is to open the box!

Only the electric company can do that, and they will, IF they are called about the problem.

Since the basement was recently finished in this house, contractors are always suspect when the legal seal is broken.  So this broken legal seal finding must go on the report, including a dated photo!  My clients don't want to begin their new electric account with a fine!

My recommendation:  be sure the electric meter is thoroughly examined during a home inspection.  The home inspector has no juice as to what happens thereafter, but reporting anything unusual is important.