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I feel this is a no-brainer (in that I should probably get someone more qualified in to do this) but I thought I'd ask some opinions.

I've just moved into a new place and one of the rooms is just big enough for me, my desk and my computer. It's my cave and I love it.

Only problem is, the mains breaker and the electrical meter are at the door and in a position that I'm likely to damage them accidentally one day...or just through wear and tear by passing by them frequently.

Is it an easy enough job to move the breaker and the meter up a bit, or should I just get someone in? I can wire plugs, fit sockets to the wall and that sort of thing - but this might just be a step too far.

And what sort of effort would it take a professional? Should it take him long / be expensive?

SDsolar
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Spedge
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4 Answers4

7

I'll give the same answer I give to most electrical questions like this, call a professional.

Unless you have the knowledge and ability to handle any and all possible complications, this is a job well suited for a trained licensed professional.

EDIT:

As Mike B points out, there are also permit and other legal issues involved here.

Tester101
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7

Don't even think about doing this kind of job yourself. This is definitely a job for pros only. In most areas, the ONLY one authorized to break a meter seal is the power company itself. To change a meter location requires the power service to be turned completely off by them as well. Once the meter housing and main panel are installed in the new location, it usually requires a write off inspection from licensed Master Electrician or the local building inspector. The power company will not reconnect without one of these sign-offs.

shirlock homes
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You are correct. This is a no-brainer - esp. here in California. You would never do this kind of work without coordination with the electric company.

If you call them and explain that you have a situation that can cause an accident that affected the meter or any other safety issue involving their equipment I'd be willing to bet they will be there within a single day to see what is happening.

More importantly, you don't own all that equipment - especially the meter.

Best advice is to get the professionals involved at the earliest opportunity.

All work of this type must be performed by a licensed electrician, here. Other places may differ on that last point. I remember that in Alaska I could do my own electrical work without the license.

Where I live (PG&E territory) the company would need to do a temporary disconnect for this kind of work.
It is a formal process, as described here:

Electric Service Temporary Disconnect (PDF)

SDsolar
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-1

The only two cases where some professional intervention is required are

  • if you decide to access the meter terminal block and the block is sealed - breaking the seal can cause legal trouble later
  • if any changes to the wiring need approval in your jurisdiction or if you rent the apartment and don't know how the landlord feels about rewirings.

Having said that, the job is quite easy - you need to just lengthen the wires paying attention to the following:

  • all connections must be super tight - every loose wire connection can overheat under load and can cause a fire
  • you can't connect copper and aluminiul wires directly - use terminal blocks for that
  • pay extra attention to not confuse wires and to not connect them improperly - in some cases you won't notice confusing non-phase wires until an electric shock hazard situation occurs
  • new wires should have right cross-section - it should be at the least the same as of existing wires you lengthen.
sharptooth
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