ECN Forum Forums General Topics of the Trade General Discussion Area Fifth terminal

Can someone out there explain to me the term fifth terminal with respect to meter sockets.

Why would you need it or not ?

Depending on the month around my neck of the woods, you may need it or not.

I am in the maintenance end of the trade and
try to stay current on residential as much as possible.

Our utility (PECO) requires a 5th jaw to meter an existing 120 volt service, and also to meter a single phase 208/120 service supplied from a 3 phase system. Although I don't know how it functions, according to our utility co. drawings, it provides a neutral connection to the meter. Your utility company should have an installation guide book which will include drawings.
Maybe someone else here can explain the function.

We use the fifth jaw for digital meters its a piece of #10 connected directly to the neutral.

According to my PoCo on single phase its for a 120V pick-up for some meters they use, I didnt pursue whether thay were digital on not could well be.