Call your utility first
Call the utility: noise at the meter
The meter and service wires belong to the utility. Do not touch them. Call the power company.
Why this happens
CPSC advises homeowners not to touch service equipment and to call the power company. Jefferson County PUD explains that the meter base is one of the places a loose service connection can occur.
What to do right now
- Stay away from the meter and the wires running to it.
- Call your utility and describe the noise.
- If you also see flicker or part of the house loses power, tell them; see the half the house lost power guide.
- If you see smoke or sparks at the meter, stay away and call 911.
What to tell the utility and the electrician
- When the noise started and whether it comes and goes.
- Any flicker or lost power inside.
- What the utility found.
Build the full list: what to tell the licensed electrician.
Start this troubleshooter over
References (every fact above comes from one of these pages)
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