Guidelines for Meter Base Installation

  1. Meter base locations must be approved by Boone Electric Cooperative (BEC).
  2. Meter base must be installed at eye level.
  3. Member/Contractor will supply conduit from meter base to 24″ below ground surface at final grade. This is to be 2″ schedule 40 electrical conduit for 200 amp services and 2 ½” schedule 40 electrical conduit for 400 amp services. In addition, a sweeping 90 must be supplied. BEC will install conduit.
  4. Member secondary wire will be connected to the bottom meter base lugs and exit from the bottom or the back of the meter base.
  5. Meter base must be installed on the side of structure closest to the transformer or secondary box from which power will be received.
  6. No meter base will be supplied until any and all permits from governing agencies have been received.
  7. All installations are subject to BEC engineering guidelines and appropriate governing safety codes, including but not limited to the NESC and NEC.

If installation does not comply with any of the above criteria:

Installation may be subject to inspection failure by Boone County planning and zoning, City of Columbia protective inspections or out of county Boone Electric inspections. The member or contractor may be required to relocate and re-install the meter base at their expense. The member/contractor will be required to:

  • Pay a minimum of $400 to cover additional expense incurred by BEC
  • Provide open ditch for wire installation that is inspected and approved to BEC construction standards
  • Provide 2” or 2 ½” schedule 40 electrical conduit for driveway crossing

Any questions may be directed to the Boone Electric Cooperative Engineering Department at 573-449-4181.

Example of what NOT to do.

Improper Meter Handling

Any work where the meter needs to be de-energized can only be performed by Boone Electric employees. Electric meters are not considered service equipment nor are they a means for a consumer to disconnect service. Meters are the sole property of Boone Electric Cooperative and pose a hazardous situation to anyone not properly trained to work around energized equipment. Boone Electric Cooperative will not be liable for any injury or death that results from removal and tampering with a meter. Remember to call Boone Electric’s Engineering Department before you work to coordinate your plans with Boone Electric. A homeowner will be billed 2 times the average monthly bill over the past 12 months or $300 (whichever is higher) if a meter is found to be tampered with which includes a broken meter seal.