Meter base repair and service entrance repair come up most after storms, falling limbs, rust or water damage, or as part of a panel upgrade. Because the utility has to disconnect and reconnect service, these jobs always involve coordinating with them.
Who owns what where power enters the house
The meter base, or meter socket, is the box on the outside wall that holds the meter. Inside are jaws the meter plugs into and lugs for the incoming and outgoing conductors. Over time, jaws loosen and burn, lugs corrode, and water gets in through failed seals. A bad meter base can cause flickering, heat at the meter or a partial power outage.
Overhead services have a mast, a rigid metal pipe rising above the roof that supports the service drop at the weatherhead. A falling limb or ice load can bend it or pull it loose, and roof flashing around it can leak. Other homes use service entrance cable run down the wall, which can crack and let water in. These parts are what an electrician repairs or replaces.
What usually leads to this repair
- A storm or falling tree bent the mast or pulled the service drop loose.
- The meter base is rusted through, cracked or pulling away from the wall.
- A panel upgrade needs a larger meter base.
- The utility left a notice about damaged customer-owned equipment.
- Water is leaking in where the mast passes through the roof.
Things to watch for outside
- A mast leaning, bent or pulled away from the roof or fascia.
- Service drop wires sagging lower than they used to.
- Burn marks, melted plastic or rust around the meter.
- Flickering or half the house losing power in wind or rain.
- Cracked or peeling jacket on service entrance cable.
How the utility and electrician split the job
The electrician inspects the service equipment, determines what needs repair and typically handles the permit. Work is then scheduled around a utility disconnect: the utility pulls the meter or cuts the drop, the electrician replaces the damaged meter base, mast or cable, and after inspection the utility reconnects. After storm damage, the utility may require the customer side to be fixed before restoring power. Emergency help may be available depending on provider participation.
- Meter base jaws, lugs and seals
- Mast height, straightness, straps and roof flashing
- Weatherhead condition and drip loops
- Service entrance conductor size and insulation
- Grounding electrode conductor at the meter or panel
Safety first. Stay away from downed or sagging service wires and keep kids and pets clear. Treat any wire on the ground as live. Never pull the meter, cut a seal or try to straighten a mast yourself; those conductors can't be shut off from inside the house. Report downed lines to your electric utility first, then call to line up an electrician for the customer-owned side.
How it usually works
Call and describe the damage
Call to connect with a local electrician, and mention whether the utility has already been out or left a tag.
Inspect the service
The electrician checks the meter base, mast, weatherhead and entrance conductors and explains what's yours to fix.
Coordinate with the utility
The disconnect and reconnect are scheduled with your electric utility, and a permit is pulled if required.
Repair and reconnect
Damaged parts are replaced, the work is inspected, and the utility restores service.
In Murfreesboro and Middle Tennessee homes
Spring and fall storms, occasional ice storms and the big trees in many Middle Tennessee yards are behind a lot of mast damage. Rural properties around Rutherford County often have long service drops, detached shops with their own meters, and more exposure to wind. In Murfreesboro's newer subdivisions, underground service is common, so problems there lean toward corrosion or water in the meter base rather than a bent mast. For storm-related symptoms, see storm and lightning damage.
Related electrical problems
Seeing one of these at home? Each guide explains likely causes and what's safe to check before you call about meter base & service mast repair.