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#127296 05/20/01 03:05 AM
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 4,116
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From the Email Box:
Quote
My residential electric meter "creeps" even though I shut the main power panel off. My electric company replaced the meter but the new meter creeps also. The electric company techs say they have not seen this before and referred the problem back to there supervisor a couple of weeks ago. Could this meter creep be the cause of high electrical bills I have been experiencing?

Bill Wesley


Bill
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#127297 05/20/01 11:13 AM
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 2,236
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In one word? YES!

IMHO, BTW

-Virgil


-Virgil
Residential/Commercial Inspector
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#127298 05/20/01 11:57 AM
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 4,116
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Virgil,

Ok, [Linked Image]
I agree that the meter creeping is what's causing the high bills.


Let me ask a slightly different question on his behalf. Has anyone seen this happen before or know of any possible causes?

Back aways I had asked something similar. It was in a situation where there was current on the Neutral from an external source.

Anybody out there got any ideas?

[Linked Image]
Bill


Bill
#127299 05/20/01 05:17 PM
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 5,392
S
Member
Lift your GEC, see if it sparks ( do so without introducing 220V thru your system, or isolate it from such ... [Linked Image]

#127300 05/21/01 03:57 PM
A
Anonymous
Unregistered
I have not seen a case like this.

My speculation is dielectric breakdown in the service entrance cable, possibly even a physical penetration.

How about some zinc oxide grease smeared between the poles on the main circuit breaker?

What is new and what is old in this installation?

How many watts is it drawing?

Will an ammeter detect the curent flow?

#127301 05/21/01 10:03 PM
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 4,116
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I have the impression that the question is from a Homeowner looking for possible answers. Therefore the tests may not be within their capabilities.

I can swear that I have seen this situation before too. But It was several years ago and I don't remember details except possibly also finding current on the Neutral with the meter pulled.

Ideas?


Bill
#127302 05/21/01 10:16 PM
A
Anonymous
Unregistered
Scott already told us that the meter measures only energy (KWH) consumed.

I wouldn't want to be first to disbelieve him.

Tell the utility to put plastic caps over the load side meter plugs and re-install.
If the meter doesn't move, there is a short somewhere between the can and the main breaker.

If the meter still moves, tell Scott!

Replacing the service entrance cable is the most likely solution, unless the main breaker is contaminated.

#127303 05/23/01 11:29 AM
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 1
B
Junior Member
The utility company covered the load side meter lugs with plastic caps today and replaced the meter. The meter still creeps!!

An ampmeter test did not show any current draw. Several other test were made between the meter and the utilities distribution transformer with no trouble indidcated.

A recording volt meter will be put on the meter for the next three days and the problem will be referred to the utilities staff.

#127304 05/23/01 01:50 PM
A
Anonymous
Unregistered
>The utility company covered the load side meter lugs with plastic caps today and replaced the meter. The meter still creeps!!

Hey, Scotttttttttttttttttttttt!

>An ammeter test did not show any current draw.
Obviously a paranormal disturbance.
This thread should have been titled "My meter gives me the creeps".


Seriously, is there something in the area generating a tremendous magnetic flux?

Did they try a gaussmeter?



[This message has been edited by Dspark (edited 05-23-2001).]

#127305 05/23/01 02:52 PM
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 5,392
S
Member
Welcome Bill Wes..
[Linked Image]
this is something!,,,,,,,

The utility company covered the load side meter lugs with plastic caps today and replaced the meter. The meter still creeps!!

ok, we have isolated to the line side of the meter here.
as to the caps, does your meter have a 5th lug? , and if so was this capped?

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