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Joined: Oct 2000
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From the Email Box: 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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In one word? YES!
IMHO, BTW
-Virgil
-Virgil Residential/Commercial Inspector 5 Star Inspections Member IAEI
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Virgil, Ok, 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? Bill
Bill
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Lift your GEC, see if it sparks ( do so without introducing 220V thru your system, or isolate it from such ...
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Anonymous
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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?
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Joined: Oct 2000
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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
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Anonymous
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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.
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Joined: May 2001
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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.
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Anonymous
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>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).]
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Welcome Bill Wes.. 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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