What Is a Meter-Main Combination?
Many communities in St. Charles County, including St. Charles, O’Fallon, St. Peters and Wentzville, currently enforce the 2020 National Electrical Code with applicable local amendments.
The 2020 NEC introduced an exterior emergency-disconnect requirement for new electrical services serving one- and two-family homes. This gives first responders a way to shut off power from outside before entering the home during an emergency.
A meter-main combination is one common way to meet this requirement.
How Does a Meter-Main Combination Work?
A meter-main combination places the electrical meter and main service disconnect together in one exterior enclosure.
The meter measures the electricity entering the home. The main disconnect allows you to shut off power to the home from outside. When the main service disconnect is located outside, the electrical panel inside the home generally functions as a downstream panel.
What Is Included in a Meter-Main Combination?
A typical meter-main combination includes:
Meter Socket
The meter socket holds the electrical meter the utility company uses to measure the electricity entering the home. It is enclosed to protect the equipment from weather and other outdoor conditions.
Main Service Disconnect
The main disconnect allows outside personnel to shut off electricity to the home. This provides safer and faster access for first responders, electricians, and utility personnel.
Circuit Breaker Section
Depending on the equipment, the unit may contain space for circuit breakers that distribute electricity to the home or other connected electrical systems.
Weather-Resistant Enclosure
The components are housed in an exterior enclosure designed to protect the electrical equipment and help meet applicable safety requirements.
Utility Connections
The meter-main combination connects the utility’s electrical service to the home’s electrical system.
Does Every Home Need a Meter-Main Combination?
Not necessarily.
The requirements depend on:
- The municipality or county where the home is located
- The electrical code currently enforced in that jurisdiction
- Local code amendments
- Utility-company requirements
- Whether the project involves new service, a service replacement or an electrical-service upgrade
Existing homes are not automatically required to replace their current equipment simply because a newer electrical code has been adopted. However, updated requirements may apply when you replace or upgrade the electrical service.
Do You Need an Exterior Electrical Disconnect?
Loveland Home Solutions can evaluate your current electrical service, determine which local requirements apply, and explain your options before beginning a panel replacement or service upgrade.
We serve homeowners throughout St. Charles County, St. Louis County, and the surrounding Greater St. Louis area.
Planning an electrical-panel replacement or service upgrade? Contact Loveland Home Solutions to schedule an evaluation.