NEWS
EXPLORING UTILITY METERED POWER AND THE PEDESTALS THAT PROTECT IT
Date Posted: August 27, 2024
Residential housing and commercial business parks are all run on a complex network of electricity. In many parts of the United States, this network is run through underground wiring connected and controlled by metered service pedestals. StrongBox offers many types of electrical meter pedestals to help keep utility networks flowing smoothly and safely.
Commercial Metering
Commercial metering involves the measurement of electricity consumption at a very large scale. Unlike the electrical meter on the side of your house, commercial service pedestals are built to handle the large electrical load of entire housing developments or industrial parks. They can also be used to measure the electrical consumption of a complex sprinkler system or EV charging station.
Each use case requires a unique electrical configuration that is decided upon by the utility delivering the power. StrongBox has decades of experience working with specifying engineers, contractors, and local utilities to design commercial service pedestals for each of these applications.
Utility Standards
While there are some widely used standards for electrical metering in the U.S., each region or utility may have their own regulations and specifications for metered enclosures. StrongBox strives to provide solutions for the most common of these electrical specifications.
Electric Utility Service Equipment Requirements Committee (EUSERC)
The Electric Utility Service Equipment Requirements Committee or EUSERC is one of the largest and most well-known electrical committees in the United States. The purpose of EUSERC is to organize and standardize electric service requirements among utility members. Over eighty utilities across fourteen states are EUSERC members.
Even though EUSERC’s membership is predominantly focused in the western US, the committee’s influence spreads far beyond its fourteen member states. The standards set by EUSERC are also adopted by many non-member utilities and municipalities across the country. There are also many utilities that use EUSERC requirements as a starting point and make small adjustments to fit their specific needs.
Because these standards are so widely recognized, StrongBox has ensured its flagship service pedestals are EUSERC compliant meeting 308, 308A and 309 specifications. Adhering to these standards helps ensure that StrongBox metered products meet or exceed industry expectations.
Configurations for Meter Pedestals
There are multiple things to consider when choosing a meter pedestal. Specifics like the location of the pedestal, use case, and electrical load required can impact the options available. StrongBox offers a wide range of meter sizes and standard electrical configurations that are ideal for any DOT, lighting, commercial, residential, or irrigation application. For large projects and highly specified jobs, StrongBox also works directly with utilities and specifiers to provide unique electrical configurations.
Amperage
Amperage is the “rate” that a current is flowing through the circuit. The more electricity you need, the larger the number of amps is required to maintain the flow of electricity. It is important to consider both the current and future needs of the electrical meter to ensure sufficient amperage. If the usage outgrows the amperage capacity, the meter could overheat, resulting in damage to components.
Phases
Phase refers to the load distribution of the electricity. There are two popular configurations that are used in most applications.
- Single-Phase electric meters change the supply of power simultaneously as the electrical load increases or decreases. This three-wire set up uses two-phase wires to carry the electrical load and a third neutral wire as the returning path. Because of the dynamic power reductions, it leads to an efficient way to transmit electricity.
- Three-Phase meters include individual electric services running independently. This set up uses three conductor wires and a single neutral wire for power connections. The greater number of phases in the supply systems creates a smoother voltage flow. Three-phase meters do not require excessive conducting material making them a more cost-effective and economical solution up front.
Ampere interrupting Capacity (AIC) Ratings
Ampere interrupting capacity (AIC) applies to protective interrupting devices such as circuit breakers and fuses. This is the maximum current that devices can safely distribute. This fail-safe system is important to ensure longevity of the equipment and safety of the personnel working on the components. The rating range can vary from 5,000 (five thousand) all the way up to 200,000 (two hundred thousand).
Circuit Breaker Positions
Circuit breakers ensure the current runs within a normal range by controlling the on-and-off state of the circuit. This is to prevent damage to the equipment or wires when an overload occurs. These often have status indicators that show the current position of the breaker such as “closed” or “opened”.
Circuit Breakers operate at 80-percent of its rated capacity and trip when this limit is exceeded. When calculating the number of breaker positions required for your application, be sure to allow for this 80 percent limit.
Stainless Steel Service Pedestals for Utilities
Once you’ve specified the electrical configurations required for your application, you should consider how you will protect these important components. Enclosed meter pedestals don’t just house electrical components, they protect meter systems from vandalism, unauthorized tampering and inclement weather.
Due to its natural corrosion resistance and lasting durability, stainless steel has become a popular choice for electrical service pedestals.
Benefits of Utilizing Weather Resistant Stainless-Steel Enclosures
If not properly protected, utility meters can be subjected to a wide range of rain, ice and blistering heat. This threatens the reliability and safety of the electrical controls and can shorten the lifespan of the system overall. Stainless steel electrical enclosures are a superior choice for housing electrical meters and controls due to their durability in a wide range of weather conditions.
Corrosion Resistance
One of the most significant characteristics of stainless steel is its resistance to rust and corrosion. Even in the salty, humid air of coastal communities, stainless steel stands strong and won’t degrade over time like carbon steel enclosures. Stainless steel is comprised with a minimum of 11% chromium, this alloy creates a protective layer on the surface of the metal, resisting the oxidization process that causes rust. More importantly, this “protective layer” does not degrade or scratch off like paint or other coatings.
Enhanced Durability
Stainless steel is an extremely durable material that can withstand wide temperature fluctuations, harsh weather and even accidental impacts. Unlike inferior materials that will crack and degrade over time, stainless steel maintains its integrity for decades. Stainless steel is even durable against common solvents and cleaners, making it easy to clean and deter vandalism.
Temperature Regulation
Excessive heat can be devastating for electrical components. When exposed to direct sunlight and high temperatures, some enclosures can absorb and trap heat, wreaking havoc on the enclosed electronics. However, the high chromium content in stainless steel allows the metal to reflect sunlight and dissipate heat effectively, keeping electronics cool
Aesthetic
Stainless steel is widely popular for its aesthetic looks and reflective finish, allowing it to blend into any environment. Unlike painted metal that will fade and scratch overtime, stainless steel requires little to no maintenance and the appearance will never fade.
StrongBox Metered Service Pedestals
StrongBox manufactures multiple styles of NEMA 3R rated stainless steel meter pedestals. Each designed to meet EUSERC standards, our service pedestals can accommodate a wide range of electrical configurations and are ideal for applications across the United States. StrongBox service pedestals are equipped with water shedding drainage channels and padlock provisions to ensure a watertight and vandal resistant enclosure.
The MPS service pedestal was designed to handle a wide range of applications from street lighting to irrigation. The swing side top allows for full exposure of the meter compartment and ample room for testing and maintenance. Separate landing lug and customer compartments offer space for auxiliary components and up to 26 circuit breakers. This EUSERC 308 compliant pedestal can be paired with our SB-1852 enclosure to additional storage space and battery backup systems.
Commercial Service Pedestal (CSP)
StrongBox’s CSP is the ideal solution for transportation and lower voltage applications. The compact footprint of the CSP packs a big punch with separate utility, customer and landing lug compartments and allowances for up to 16 circuit breakers. The swing side top locks open for safety and includes provisions for a pad lock. This pedestal is EUSERC 308, Caltrans Type III-BF, and Caltrans Spec ES-2E compliant.
For separate billing of metered power distribution, StrongBox offers a dual meter pedestal that is EUSERC 308A and Caltrans Type III-CF compliant. The top cover lifts up 180+ degrees and locks open for safety, allowing for full exposure of both meter sockets. The customer section below includes space for up to 16 circuits per meter. Un-metered configurations are also available for specific applications.
Metered Enclosure (SB-24SS/240V)
This EUSERC 309 compliant dual compartment metered enclosure has front and back door access for the utility with ample space for meter socket and additional controls. The front section houses a 100-amp rated commercial meter socket with test blocks and bypass provisions easily viewable with the extra-large window. The back section includes a 12-inch-deep storage section with a removable stainless-steel backboard for easy controller mounting. A separate customer section at the base of the enclosure houses a 100 amp load center for up to 8 circuits.
Ideal for remote locations and event applications where electricity is metered upstream. Electrical components are easily accessible with front entry capabilities housing up to 16 circuit breakers.
Request a Quote for a Service Pedestal
If you are looking for a long lasting and reliable meter pedestal to protect your electronic components, StrongBox enclosures are the ideal solution. StrongBox works with utilities and specifiers across the U.S. to create electrical metering solutions for any application. Interested in working with StrongBox on your next utility project? Contact us for a custom quote today!
Accessories
We provide a variety of accessories to enhance the functionality of your meter pedestal. From time clocks and photocells to contact blocks and branch breakers, StrongBox has everything to complete your custom utility application.
The robust QuickPadTM mounting system is designed for easy installation of any StrongBox enclosure or pedestal. Whether installing a brand-new system or replacing an existing enclosure, the quickpad™ system cuts down on labor and materials with no concrete required. Simply place the support base underground, securing it with dirt or stone. The heavy-duty base and accompanying pad are fastened together and to the pedestal with concealed, stainless steel hardware. This creates one solid system that is completely secure, corrosion and vandal resistant
To learn more about our products or to request a quote, don’t hesitate to contact us online or call 800-729-1314 to speak to our dedicated customer service team.
