Do you want to know how to remove the electric meter tamper tag legally? As you know, there is a penalty for cutting lock off electric meter. Before performing this task, ask for the permission of your utility provider and get your permit.
Some states are pretty serious when it comes to the electric meter lock tag. Fortunately, you don’t have to pay charges or get penalized for removing electric meter tamper tag if you do it the proper way. This tutorial will eliminate any inconvenience on your part.
Table of Contents
What You Need for Electric Meter Tamper Tag Removal
Before proceeding with the tutorial, you must have the electric meter tag removal tool. Having the right items will make it safer and easier for you.
1. Permit
If you don’t want to face any charges, you’d better get a permit first before removing the electric meter tamper tag. You will need to take an oral examination to obtain a permit in some areas. This process ensures that you know what you will do, especially if you are not an electrician.
For other municipalities, they only give permits to master electricians. These electricians have trained for ten years under other master electricians. If you can’t get the permit, ask the power company to do the work.
2. Wire cutters and a pair of gloves
The easiest way to remove your electric meter tamper tag is using a wire cutter. Aside from wire cutters, you will also need a pair of gloves as a precautionary measure. The best type of gloves you can wear is rubber-insulated gloves. They can protect you from voltage and electric shock.
What to Do to Remove Electric Meter Seal
Step 1: Get permission from the utility company
Ask for the permission of the company which you buy electricity from. Talk nicely and explain why you have to remove electric meter tag. Be honest as much as possible so that the power company can also help you with your concern. If they think you have a valid reason, they will ask you to proceed to the next step.
Step 2: Get a permit
You will need a permit first before you can do the removal. Ask the company’s rep how you will get a permit, or you can also check the website of your power provider or local government. Once you have the needed permit, you can now remove the tamper tag.
Step 3: Shut down the electric power in your house
If you intend to remove the electric meter, this step is crucial. It will help you prevent any fire from breaking out or getting electrocuted. Switch off your circuit breakers, including the Service Disconnect Switch, and remove all the fuses. Check if the meter has stopped moving or spinning.
Step 4: Remove the tamper tag by cutting it with wire cutters
Wear a pair of thick rubber gloves to protect your hands from the sharp edges of the wire. Also, this step will save you from getting electrocuted in case there is still electricity running in your meter. Once you are protected, cut the tamper tag with wire cutters.
Put an insulating mat under your feet if you plan to pull out the electric meter. Concrete and earth can conduct electricity. If you are not a professional, it would be better to leave this task to the power company.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is it legal to remove plastic lock on electric meter?
If you don’t have a permit, it is illegal to remove plastic lock on electric meter. There are tamper tags that have sensors. Once the meter has been altered, signals will be sent to your power company. As much as possible, never mess with your tamper tags, especially if you have not been permitted to do so.
2. What charges can I face if I cut my electric meter tamper tag without permission?
The power provider may ask you for a replacement lock once they find out that you cut the tamper tags. This violation will cost you $20 to $30 plus an installation fee of up to $150. Some municipalities may ask for fines that range from $150 to $3,500, depending on the severity of your infraction.
Conclusion
Does knowing how to remove the electric meter tamper tag help you? Wherever you live, never cut your tamper tag without any permission. Not only may you get penalized and face serious charges, but you may also accidentally burn your house or suffer from electric shock.
If you have friends who want to remove their electric meter tamper tags, you can share this post with them. We also love to know your ideas on how to take lock off electric meter. Leave a comment below.
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