Is Rust on An Electrical Meter Dangerous?
Most people know that there’s a big gray box outside of their home that delivers power from the electrical company to their homes. However, as long as the lights stay on and all of their outlets work, they tend not to think about it.
Sometimes, that gray box (called a meter can, but you may also have heard it called a meter base, a meter socket, or a junction box) shows signs of weathering, such as rusty spots from rain or other moisture. Can it be dangerous?
The short answer is yes, rusted meter cans can cause serious electrical hazards if the damage remains untreated. These can range from minor annoyances like flickering lights to power failures and even home fires.
Let’s take a look at how rusted meter cans can cause electrical hazards, signs that your home’s electrical systems might be damaged, and what you should do if you find any ugly discolorations on your home’s meter base.
How a Rusty Meter Box Causes Electrical Hazards
When most people think of rust, they think of the ugly orange discoloration, but it can cause greater problems than just ruined aesthetics. As these ugly orange spots spread, they thin the metal, which makes the box less secure. Water, insects, tiny creatures, and more can get inside the housing and into the meter to damage components.
In the case of electrical boxes, the biggest issue is moisture. At the very least, it’ll mess with the electrical supply and lead to flickering lights or inconsistent power to appliances. In later stages, it can lead to overheating in your home’s wiring and potentially start a major house fire.
This is of particular concern to residents of Florida and other places near oceans, as increased humidity and extra salt in the air from evaporated seawater mean rusted meter cans are far more likely than in places that are further away from the ocean.
Will My Power Company Repair My Meter Box?
It’s important to note that although the meter itself is owned by your power company, the big gray box that it’s stored in is considered part of the house itself and is therefore your property. This means that any maintenance or repairs are the responsibility of the homeowner, not the power company.
If the box is severely rusted and presents a danger, the electric company will likely put a red tag on it, instruct you to get a new box, and shut off power to your home until you do so. This is why proper maintenance of the meter’s storage box is critical for homeowners who don’t want to wake up in the dark one morning.
Signs Your Home’s Meter Box is Damaged
There are a few major warning signs that something is wrong with your home’s electrical system. If any of these apply to you, the box should be the first place you check:
- Flickering lights
- Appliances not receiving a consistent level of power
- Frequently tripped breakers in unexpected situations
- Orange or reddish brown discoloration on the box itself
- Water stains, dampness, or condensation inside the electrical box
- Rusty spots or corrosion on components connected to the meter
- Weird smells or visible spark
- Unexplained rise in energy bills
If any of these apply to your home, you’ll want to contact a certified electrician to evaluate the situation, fix it, and check the rest of your home for signs of damage. Even if the spot seems small, it’s worth getting checked out, especially as you may have another unrelated issue causing problems that could be even more dangerous.
Can I Remove the Ugly Orange Spots or Do I Need a Full Replacement?
Sometimes, the damage can be repaired without having to get the entire unit replaced, although it depends on the extent of the damage. If it’s a small, surface-level area of discoloration on the outside of the box only and the internal components are undamaged, you can attempt home repairs.
You can scrub it down with a wire brush, use sandpaper to level it off, add a layer of primer, and finish it with a rust-resistant paint or sealant to keep moisture out. In most cases, this is usually enough to prevent further damage and keep your home’s meter protected from the elements.
However, you’ll always want to consult a professional electrician first. If the internal components are damaged or if enough moisture has already been let in, you might just be sealing that moisture in. You could go through all that time and effort just to have to replace it anyway, or, even worse, your home could catch on fire.
Prevention Techniques
There are a few proactive steps you can take to prevent damage to your home’s meter can, including:
- Using sealant
- Professional installation
- Regular inspections from licensed electricians
- Weather stripping around key areas
- Manage humidity in the home to prevent condensation
Solve All of Your Electrical Problems With Mr. Sparky of Gainsville
A rusted electrical meter presents multiple electrical hazards and can result in damage to your home’s electrical system, including skyrocketing power bills, short circuits, power failure, or even a house fire.
If you’re in Gainesville, Florida, or the surrounding area and your home’s electrical box is rusted or not producing power the way it should, don’t put up with any malarky, call Mr. Sparky!
At Mr. Sparky of Gainesville, our experts can inspect your home’s meter can, handle all repairs or replacements, and check your home’s electrical systems for damage. Don’t wait until it’s too late, give us a call at 352-642-0633 or click the “Book Now” link at the top of this page to set your home’s meter can or electrical system inspection today!
