Timber And Wood In Index

Question: Power meters: original question: http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20070531155328aajl3by?

(Posted by: Serpentine5 on 2007-06-13 00:26:28)

Ok, I have searched the internet and cannot find any info on this.... I did come across this question, and after reading it and the replies.... I have to ask. I have worked in the electrical industry doing residential electrical, but have never messed with the meter itself. I understand that I can remove the meter, and place a jumper across the two poles and put the meter back in and it will allow power to get by without metering all of electricty consumed in my house. My only issue is, what size wire do I use to jump the poles? I dont want to allow too much power to bypass without being metered, but I dont want to put too small of a wire in to where it is ineffective. Also, since electricity only flows in one direction (path of least resistance) I dont want to burn up the jumper wire or cause the meter to malfunction. Anyone have any insight to this?

Posted by: fordman on 2007-06-13, 01:06:36

Wait a minute. what you are thinking about is very illegal and the power companies will prosecute you. A jumper is just that, if you jump both legs, then the meter won't see any current and will only register the minimum current. If you jumper one leg, then the meter will only measure the current on the other or unjumped leg. This is dangerous, since it is not fused, did I mention illegal? You also will have to break the seal on the meter base, which will alert the electric company when they come out and read the meter, broken seal, lower use per month?? Doesn't take a heavyweight to figure that one out. Bottom line is don't do it. It is not worth going to prison for some free electricity. You can do some research on power factor meters and then use them to correct the power factor of your large energy using devices. By correcting the phase relationship, you will reduce the current draw and save some money legally.

Posted by: tigger on 2007-06-16, 20:37:20

IF YOU DO THIS BE VERY-VERY CAREFULL TO BE UNGROUNDED, THIS IS VERY DANGERIOUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 440 VOLTS MINIMUM AT THE JUNCTION, FRY YOU TO ASHES IN QUICK TIME!!!!!!!! PLEASE TELL US THAT THIS IS A JOKE ,PLEASE??????????? BE SURE TO MAKE OUT YOUR WILL FIRST!!!!!!!!! BAD IDEA #1 &2!!!!!!!