How to tell how much electricity is coming into the meter?

Buying & Selling Real Estate
9yFollow

How to tell how much electricity is coming into the meter?

Henry Holt
College Station, TX · Member since 2015 · 5 posts · 0 votes

I am reading J Scott's Book, The Book on Estimating Rehab Costs, and I am on the electricity section.  My question surrounds the electric meter. 

J Scott discusses examining the service coming into the house, as well as the ability of the breaker box to handle that service. 

When looking at the electric meter, does CL200 and 240V indicate that the service coming into the meter is 200 amps and 240 volts? 

Or, do those numbers represent just what the meter can handle, and not necessarily what is coming into the house?

See meter below.  Disregard the red box.  Thanks!

0Reply
117 views

Most Popular Reply

Eli Molloy
Civil Engineer · Missoula, MT · Member since 2015 · 46 posts · 21 votes
9y
I believe the CL200 means that the meter is capable of handling a 200 amp service. But it can also be used for a 100 amp service. So the fact that it is a 200 amp meter doesn't necessary mean you have a 200 amp service. Check the main breaker in the panel and see what it says. 200 amp is a common service size. 30 amp isn't large enough for some hot water heaters.
1Reply
See this reply in the discussion

5 Replies

Jump to latestLatest
  • Braden Coast
    Ketchikan, AK · Member since 2016 · 30 posts · 9 votes
    9y
    240 volts yes. 200 amps no. 200 amps would be insane lol. Most residential are 30 amps. A contractor will hopefully see this and elaborate. I think the 200 number describes the type of meter and I think it means it's digital not analog but I could be wrong. But it's definitely not 200 amps
    0Reply
  • Eli Molloy
    Civil Engineer · Missoula, MT · Member since 2015 · 46 posts · 21 votes
    9y
    I believe the CL200 means that the meter is capable of handling a 200 amp service. But it can also be used for a 100 amp service. So the fact that it is a 200 amp meter doesn't necessary mean you have a 200 amp service. Check the main breaker in the panel and see what it says. 200 amp is a common service size. 30 amp isn't large enough for some hot water heaters.
    1Reply
  • Wayne Brooks
    Real Estate Professional · West Palm Beach, FL · Member since 2012 · 23k+ posts · 13k+ votes
    9y

    Agreed, 200 amp service is typical for a decent sized house, some older smaller houses, without ac generally, would have 100 amp service panels.  The meter doesn't tell you anything.

    0Reply
  • Bill Devola
    Wholesaler · Bogota, NJ · Member since 2016 · 128 posts · 64 votes
    9y

    To tell what amps the service is the easiest way I know if is to look on the panel.  The main panel. 

    The main shut off switch to the main panel is usually labeled with a number on the actual breaker switch.  Bring a flashlight 

    1Reply
  • Jeff B.
    Buy & Hold Owner · Redlands, CA · Member since 2015 · 5k+ posts · 2k+ votes
    9y

    The 200amp would be the MAX the meter can manage and as noted the MAIN disconnect (usually at the top of the panel) will enforce the usage to or below whatever it shows on the switch.

    btw:  the 240v is INPUT and the 200A is max passing thru the meter.

    0Reply
Join the conversationCreate a free account to reply, vote on answers and follow this thread.
Log InJoin for Free