Electric Meters, Fuses, and Circuit Breakers

Electric Meters

To ensure the safe and efficient operation of electric meters, BGE offers several safety tips to customers. If you are planning a renovation or new construction project, please share these safety tips with your contractor or builder.

BGE must have access to the meter in order to read, test or maintain it; or remove and replace as necessary.
There should be a minimum of three feet clear space around the meter box at all times.
No permanent obstructions - such as trees, bushes, cabinets or walls – should be placed in front of the meter.
In buildings served with electricity, safety codes require all metal objects to be connected/bonded to the “earth ground”.
It is important that you contact a licensed electrician to perform the work necessary to obtain the bonding required by national codes.
If metering equipment is to be installed within three feet of an area subject to vehicle traffic (driveway, alley, garage, etc.), you will be required, at your expense, to provide protection for the equipment – typically a concrete-filled steel bollard or bollards. Learn more about how to protect your natural gas meter.

Fuses and Circuit Breakers
Fuses and circuit breakers are important pieces of equipment that protect your home or business by making sure that the electricity does not exceed safe levels.

When a fuse blows or a breaker is tripped, disconnect the appliances that stopped working when the power went out. Replace a blown fuse with a new one of the proper size and amperage. Do not replace a fuse with one of a larger size. This may cause a fire in your house wiring.

When a fuse blows or trips a circuit breaker, flip it all the way off and then flip it back in line with the other breaker switches. If the fuse continues to blow or a breaker keeps tripping, call a qualified electrician immediately.