A Form 2S meter is probably the most common type of electric meter used for single-phase, three-wire services. You’ll often find it in homes and small businesses. Wiring this meter base correctly is important to make sure it works properly and measures energy accurately. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help utility personnel wire a Form 2S meter base. Meter technicians, powerline technicians, and even electricians have used this method to help them get the job done right the first time.
Disclaimer
This guide is for informational purposes only. Always consult with the utility or a licensed electrician before performing any electrical work and ensure compliance with local electrical codes and utility company regulations. The author and publisher assume no responsibility for any damages or injuries resulting from the use of this guide.
What is a Form 2S Meter?
The Form 2S meter is designed to work with single-phase, three-wire services. This type of electrical system has:
- Two hot wires (Line 1 and Line 2): These carry electricity from the power source.
- One neutral wire: This completes the circuit and provides a return path for the current. It also carries the unbalanced portion of the load.
The meter measures the electricity used by detecting the current draw and voltage on the service. Proper wiring ensures accurate readings, which helps manage energy costs effectively.
Tools and Materials You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to wire the meter:
For a selection of reliable tools used by trusted by professionals, visit our Tools for Meter Techs page. There you will find tools that thousands of meter techs rely on to ensure safe and efficient installations.
- Form 2S meter
- Meter socket (here is a link to meter sockets others have used)
- Wire cutters and strippers
- Screwdrivers, or allen wrenches
- Electrical tape might be needed
- Safety gear, like insulated gloves and safety glasses, or goggles
- Multimeter (to test voltage and connections)
Wiring the Meter: Step-by-Step
- Turn Off the Power
- Before starting, turn off the power to the service panel. Also, make sure power coming in from the utility is off. Double-check with a multimeter to ensure there’s no voltage.
- Check the Meter Socket
- Make sure the meter socket matches the Form 2S meter. It should have four terminals: two for the incoming lines (line-side) and two for the outgoing lines (load-side).
- Identify the Wires
- Find the incoming wires from the utility company (Line 1 and Line 2, and neutral).
- Locate the outgoing wires that go to the customer’s panel (Line 1, Line 2, and neutral).
- Connect the Line Wires
- Attach the utility’s Line 1 and Line 2 wires to the top (line-side) terminals of the meter socket. Tighten the connections securely to avoid problems like overheating.
- Attach the utility’s neutral to the neutral bus in the meter base.
- Connect the Load Wires
- Connect the outgoing Line 1 and Line 2 wires to the bottom (load-side) terminals of the socket.
- Attach the customer’s neutral wire to the neutral bus in the meter base.
- Insert the Meter
- Carefully slide the Form 2S meter into the socket. Make sure the meter’s blades fit snugly into the terminal slots.
- Secure the Cover
- Put the cover on the meter socket to keep the connections safe from weather and damage.
- Turn the Power Back On and Test
- Call the utility to restore power and use a multimeter to check the voltage between Line 1 and Line 2, as well as between each line and the neutral.
- In a normal installation, the line to line voltage should be around 240v and the line to neutral voltage should be around 120v.
- Ensure the meter is working and recording energy correctly.
Safety Tips
- Always wear safety gear and PPE when working with electricity.
- If you’re unsure about anything, ask an electrician or contact your utility provider for help.
- Do not attempt to work on any live voltage unless you are trained and qualified.
- Follow local electrical codes and rules from your utility company. Compliance avoids penalties and ensures a safe installation.
- If you’re unsure about anything, ask an electrician or contact your utility provider for help. Seeking expert advice shows responsibility and professionalism.
Final Thoughts
Wiring a Form 2S meter isn’t hard if you know the basics and follow these steps. By making secure connections and following safety guidelines, you can ensure the meter works reliably and provides accurate energy readings for your home or business. By making secure connections and following safety guidelines, you can ensure the meter works reliably and provides accurate energy readings for your home or business. If you are looking for a wiring diagram, others have found our Form 2s Meter Wiring Diagram useful.