How to Convert an Old Meter Base to a Pull Box

Whether you can convert an old meter base into a pull box depends on where you live. It is a matter of local building and zoning codes. If there is any gray area in local codes, it will come down to a judgment decision by the building inspector. A pull box is a junction box that is set near where long conduits have been laid to make it easy to pull wires. Some municipalities encourage the use of old meter bases for pull boxes as the meters are often conveniently situated near long conduits, though there are concerns that it cannot easily be secured.

Instructions

- 1
  Call your local building department. It has sole authority over whether the conversion can be done. If you do not live in a municipality, call the county or parish department of building and zoning.
- 2
  Schedule a pre-inspection if your building department allows it. In some cases, whether it is allowed depends on where your meter base is. If it cannot be adequately secured from children, the inspector may deny the request even though it is not completely banned.
- 3
  Follow the instructions the building inspector gives you. In most cases, for existing structures, the building department will require a certified electrical contractor to perform the conversion.
- 4
  Check with your local electric utility company. In some cases, it prefers to do the conversion itself. Before agreeing to that, check to see what fee it will charge and compare it to the price you would pay for an electrical contractor.
- 5
  Schedule the conversion with the contractor or utility company. When the conversion is complete, let the building inspector know so he can do a final inspection.

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