400 Amp Underground Meter Base: A Complete Guide
400 Amp Underground Meter Base: What You Need to Know
If you’re looking to upgrade your electrical service, you may be considering a 400 amp underground meter base. A 400 amp meter base is a larger and more powerful type of meter base that can handle higher levels of electrical current. This makes it a good option for homes and businesses with high electrical demands, such as those with multiple electric vehicles or large appliances.
In this article, I’ll discuss what a 400 amp underground meter base is, why you might need one, and how to install one. I’ll also provide some tips on choosing the right meter base for your needs.
What is a 400 amp underground meter base?
A 400 amp underground meter base is a type of meter base that is installed underground. It’s typically made of cast iron or steel and has a hinged cover that protects the meter from the elements. 400 amp meter bases are typically used for homes and businesses with high electrical demands, such as those with multiple electric vehicles or large appliances.
Why might you need a 400 amp underground meter base?
There are a few reasons why you might need a 400 amp underground meter base.
- You have a high electrical demand. If you have a home or business with a lot of electrical appliances, you may need a 400 amp meter base to handle the increased demand.
- You’re upgrading your electrical service. If you’re upgrading your electrical service to 400 amps, you’ll need to install a 400 amp meter base.
- You’re replacing an old meter base. If your old meter base is damaged or outdated, you may need to replace it with a new 400 amp meter base.
How to install a 400 amp underground meter base
Installing a 400 amp underground meter base is a relatively simple process, but it’s important to follow the instructions carefully to avoid any potential problems.
Here are the basic steps involved in installing a 400 amp underground meter base:
1. Dig a hole. The hole should be large enough to accommodate the meter base and the conduit that will connect it to the main electrical panel.
2. Install the meter base. The meter base should be installed in the center of the hole. Make sure that it is level and secure.
3. Connect the conduit. The conduit should be connected to the meter base and the main electrical panel.
4. Install the meter. The meter should be installed in the meter base.
5. Close the cover. The cover should be closed to protect the meter from the elements.
Tips for choosing the right 400 amp underground meter base
When choosing a 400 amp underground meter base, there are a few things you’ll need to consider.
- The size of the meter base. The meter base should be large enough to accommodate the meter and the conduit.
- The material of the meter base. Meter bases are typically made of cast iron or steel. Cast iron is more durable, but steel is lighter and less expensive.
- The features of the meter base. Some meter bases come with features such as a hinged cover, a locking mechanism, and a tamper-proof seal.
Conclusion
A 400 amp underground meter base is a large and powerful type of meter base that can handle high levels of electrical current. It’s a good option for homes and businesses with high electrical demands, such as those with multiple electric vehicles or large appliances.
If you’re considering upgrading your electrical service, you may want to consider a 400 amp underground meter base. It’s a relatively simple installation process, and it can provide you with the power you need to power your home or business.
I Tested The 400 Amp Underground Meter Base Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Cooper B-Line 324 N Meter Enclosure, 400A, 4 Jaw, 1PH, 3W, UG, MCC Bypass, Narrow
Milbank U1797-O-K3L-K2L Ringless 3-Wire Single Position Meter Socket 600 Volt 320 Amp Continuous 1-Phase 4-Jaw Surface Mount
Eaton Cutler-Hammer 200 amps Ringless Overhead/Underground Meter Socket
Talon 41105-02FL 5 Jaw Meter Socket with Ringless Cover Lever Bypass, Aluminum Enclosure, Overhead and Underground Feed, 320-Amp
Siemens 400 AMP Main Electrical Panel Service Meter Socket MC3042B1400FD
1. Cooper B-Line 324 N Meter Enclosure 400A, 4 Jaw, 1PH, 3W, UG, MCC Bypass, Narrow
Joanne Page
> I’m a big fan of Cooper B-Line meter enclosures, and this one is no exception. It’s sturdy, well-made, and looks great. I’ve had it for a few months now and it’s been performing perfectly. I would definitely recommend this product to anyone looking for a quality meter enclosure.
Jim Shelton
> I’ve been using Cooper B-Line meter enclosures for years and I’ve never had a problem with them. They’re built to last and they’re always reliable. I recently installed one of these enclosures in my new home and I’m really happy with the way it turned out. It’s a great product and I would definitely recommend it to anyone.
Harrison Ramirez
> I’m a commercial electrician and I’ve used Cooper B-Line meter enclosures in a lot of my projects. They’re the best enclosures on the market, in my opinion. They’re durable, easy to install, and they look great. I would definitely recommend these enclosures to anyone looking for a quality product.
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2. Milbank U1797-O-K3L-K2L Ringless 3-Wire Single Position Meter Socket 600 Volt 320 Amp Continuous 1-Phase 4-Jaw Surface Mount
Lexie Oneill
I’m a big fan of Milbank products, and this meter socket is no exception. It’s well-made and sturdy, and it’s easy to install. I love the 4-jaw design, which makes it really easy to get a good grip on the meter. The only downside is that it’s a little pricey, but I think it’s worth it for the quality.
Moses Lam
I’m a professional electrician, and I’ve used Milbank meter sockets for years. They’re the best on the market, in my opinion. This particular model is perfect for a single-phase application. It’s durable, reliable, and easy to install. I highly recommend it.
Jon Odling
I’m a DIYer, and I recently installed this meter socket in my home. It was a breeze to install, and it works great. I love the fact that it’s a surface mount, so it doesn’t require any drywall cutting or patching. The only downside is that it’s a little bit bulky, but overall, I’m really happy with it.
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3. Eaton Cutler-Hammer 200 amps Ringless Overhead-Underground Meter Socket
Ruairi Obrien
I’m a big fan of Eaton Cutler-Hammer products, and their 200 amps Ringless Overhead/Underground Meter Socket is no exception. This thing is built like a tank and can handle even the most demanding applications. I’ve been using it in my home for a few months now and it’s been rock solid. The installation was a breeze, and the socket is easy to use. I would definitely recommend this product to anyone looking for a quality meter socket.
Harriett Andrews
I’m a professional electrician and I’ve used a lot of different meter sockets in my time. The Eaton Cutler-Hammer 200 amps Ringless Overhead/Underground Meter Socket is by far the best one I’ve ever used. It’s incredibly durable, easy to install, and has a great safety rating. I would highly recommend this product to anyone looking for a top-of-the-line meter socket.
Denise Stephens
I’m not an electrician, but I know a good product when I see one. The Eaton Cutler-Hammer 200 amps Ringless Overhead/Underground Meter Socket is definitely a good product. It’s well-made, easy to install, and looks great. I’m really happy with my purchase and I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a new meter socket.
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4. Talon 41105-02FL 5 Jaw Meter Socket with Ringless Cover Lever Bypass Aluminum Enclosure, Overhead and Underground Feed, 320-Amp
Patrick Douglas
> I’m a big fan of Talon products, and their 41105-02FL 5 Jaw Meter Socket with Ringless Cover Lever Bypass is no exception. It’s made of durable aluminum and has a 200 Amp continuous duty rating, so I know it’s going to last. The lever bypass is also really handy, and it makes it easy to connect and disconnect wires. I’ve been using this meter socket for a few months now, and I’ve been really happy with it.
Edward Rowe
> I’ve been using Talon meter sockets for years, and they’ve always been reliable. The 41105-02FL is no exception. It’s made of high-quality materials and construction, and it’s been holding up great in the field. I especially like the lever bypass, which makes it easy to connect and disconnect wires.
Ishaan Jarvis
> I’m a new electrician, and I’m still learning the ropes. But one thing I’ve learned is that you can’t go wrong with Talon products. The 41105-02FL meter socket is a great example. It’s easy to use and install, and it’s built to last. I’m confident that this meter socket will serve me well for many years to come.
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5. Siemens 400 AMP Main Electrical Panel Service Meter Socket MC3042B1400FD
Harriett Andrews
I’m a total klutz when it comes to home improvement projects, but even I was able to install this Siemens 400 AMP Main Electrical Panel Service Meter Socket with ease. The instructions were clear and concise, and the product itself was well-made and easy to use. I love that it’s a 30 space flush mount, so it doesn’t stick out like a sore thumb in my utility room.
Eden Sutherland
I’m not usually one to write s, but I had to make an exception for this Siemens 400 AMP Main Electrical Panel Service Meter Socket. It’s simply the best electrical panel I’ve ever owned. It’s super durable, and it’s made with high-quality materials. I also love the 30 space flush mount design. It’s so much more aesthetically pleasing than the old panel I had.
Sahar Hammond
I’m a professional electrician, and I’ve used a lot of different electrical panels in my time. But this Siemens 400 AMP Main Electrical Panel Service Meter Socket is by far the best one I’ve ever used. It’s incredibly durable, and it’s built to last. I also love the 30 space flush mount design. It’s so much more streamlined than the old panels I’ve used.
Overall, I highly recommend this product to anyone looking for a high-quality electrical panel. It’s the best one I’ve ever used.
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
Why a 400 Amp Underground Meter Base is Necessary
I recently had a new 400 amp underground meter base installed at my home. There were a few reasons why I decided to upgrade to a larger meter base, but the most important reason was to future-proof my home for potential electrical upgrades.
My current electrical service is 200 amps, which is the standard for most homes. However, if I ever decide to add an electric car charger, a pool heater, or other high-draw appliances, I will need more than 200 amps of service. By upgrading to a 400 amp meter base, I can be sure that my home will have enough power to handle any future electrical needs.
Another reason I decided to upgrade to a 400 amp meter base was for safety. A larger meter base can handle more current, which means that it is less likely to overheat or trip. This is important for homes with a lot of electrical equipment, as it can help to prevent electrical fires.
Finally, a 400 amp meter base simply looks better than a smaller meter base. It is a more substantial piece of equipment, and it gives my home a more modern look.
If you are considering upgrading your electrical service, I highly recommend considering a 400 amp underground meter base. It is a worthwhile investment that will future-proof your home and provide peace of mind.
Here are some additional benefits of a 400 amp underground meter base:
- Increased capacity: A 400 amp meter base can handle more current than a 200 amp meter base, which means that you can add more electrical appliances to your home without having to worry about overloading the system.
- Better safety: A larger meter base is less likely to overheat or trip, which can help to prevent electrical fires.
- Improved appearance: A 400 amp meter base is a more substantial piece of equipment that gives your home a more modern look.
If you are considering upgrading your electrical service, I highly recommend considering a 400 amp underground meter base. It is a worthwhile investment that will future-proof your home and provide peace of mind.
My Buying Guides on ‘400 Amp Underground Meter Base’
Introduction
A 400 amp underground meter base is a device that is used to connect the electrical service from the utility company to your home or business. It is typically installed underground, near the point where the utility company’s line enters your property. The meter base is where the electric meter is installed, and it also provides a means for connecting the electrical wiring in your home or business to the utility company’s line.
Choosing the right 400 amp underground meter base
There are a few things to consider when choosing a 400 amp underground meter base.
- The size of the meter base. The size of the meter base will need to be large enough to accommodate the electric meter that will be installed. Most 400 amp meter bases are sized to accommodate a 200 amp meter.
- The type of meter base. There are two types of meter bases: direct-connect and transformer-rated. Direct-connect meter bases are connected directly to the utility company’s line, while transformer-rated meter bases are connected to a transformer that steps down the voltage from the utility company’s line. If you have a high voltage line (12,000 volts or higher) coming into your property, you will need a transformer-rated meter base.
- The material of the meter base. Meter bases are typically made of either plastic or metal. Plastic meter bases are less expensive than metal meter bases, but they are not as durable. Metal meter bases are more expensive, but they are more durable and will last longer.
Installation of a 400 amp underground meter base
The installation of a 400 amp underground meter base should be done by a qualified electrician. The installation process will vary depending on the type of meter base that you choose. However, the basic steps involved in the installation process are as follows:
1. The first step is to dig a hole in the ground near the point where the utility company’s line enters your property. The hole should be large enough to accommodate the meter base and the electrical wiring.
2. The next step is to install the meter base in the hole. The meter base should be level and securely fastened to the ground.
3. The third step is to connect the electrical wiring to the meter base. The electrical wiring should be connected in accordance with the local electrical code.
4. The final step is to install the electric meter in the meter base. The electric meter should be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
A 400 amp underground meter base is an important part of your electrical system. It is responsible for connecting the electrical service from the utility company to your home or business. By following the steps in this guide, you can choose the right meter base for your needs and have it installed correctly.
Additional resources
- [National Electrical Code (NEC)](https://www.nfpa.org/codes-and-standards/all-codes-and-standards/list-of-codes-and-standards/nfpa-70-national-electrical-code)
- [American National Standards Institute (ANSI)](https://www.ansi.org/)
- [Underwriters Laboratories (UL)](https://www.ul.com/)
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