Utility meter pedestal for providing pre-construction power from underground service
View Patent ↗An electric utility meter pedestal with provision for providing pre-construction power from underground service comprising an elongate support for a double compartment meter housing the upper portion of which accommodates a standard utility meter and the lower portion of which provides secure access to a pre-construction 110-volt duplex outlet and a breaker switch for that outlet. Access to the duplex outlet is made secure by virtue of an outer cover panel which can be put in place to fully cover and limit access to the outlet after the construction of the building has been complete. The 20 amp duplex outlet therefore provides 110 volt 20 amp service to workmen using tools during the construction phase as well as a convenient outdoor outlet for the homeowner after construction is complete.
1. An electric utility meter pedestal to provide pre-construction power comprising:
an elongate support member for attachment to a building foundation;
an elongate, generally rectangular, metal housing having a rear panel and full length parallel side panels; attached to the support member, said metal housing having separate upper and lower interior compartments;
the upper interior compartment being configured to receive an electric utility meter with a face on display;
the lower interior compartment extending to the bottom of said housing;
each of said upper and lower compartments having separate outer metal covers that interfit with one another to fully close the housing when installed thereon;
the upper compartment cover having an opening for the face of a meter when installed within the upper compartment;
said lower compartment having mounted therein a service disconnect switch for controlling power from the meter, and a single pole switch controlling 20 amp, 110 volt power;
an inner panel attachable to said housing and sized to cover the entirety of the lower compartment; said inner panel carrying a 110 volt duplex outlet on the face thereof; said outlet being wired into the single pole switch in the lower compartment; said inner panel having formed therein openings to provide user access to the service disconnect switch and the single pole switch when the inner panel is installed on the housing and
the outer cover for the lower compartment being adapted for placement over the inner panel and the entirety of the lower compartment to conceal and control access to said outlet and single pole switch.
2. An electric utility meter pedestal as defined in claim 1 wherein said lower compartment outer cover includes means to prevent unauthorized removal.
3. An electric utility meter pedestal as defined in claim 1 further including a conduit of insulative material attached to said elongate support member for conveying underground power cables to said meter housing upper compartment.