Update: 2/15/11 - Pacific Grove Fire Department "Chains not a problem for them." Put the chains on.

Update 2/11/11 -  Electrical Box Protector Test Case - PG&E STOPPED as Marina Fire Department states "No Fire Hazard" after PG&E demands to have them removed.

Want to relax when you are away from your home. Here is a secure and legal design to protect your electric meter from accidents and tampering. Remember, the meter doesn't belong to you, but the box it is contained in does. This design doesn't touch the meter.

Note how easy it is to read the meter through the protective cover.  However, it is illegal to tamper or destroy anything that belongs to you that is attached to your house.  This unit is attached to the box at the top with hinges, and chained at the bottom with a padlock.  The excess chain simply requires management. It is illegal to tamper with the chain and padlock.

I will be making a sign that reads "access by appointment only. Life sustaining equipment in use." 

Now the meter is protected from accidents, flying debris, would-be burglers, and any individual who does not have my permission to enter my property just because it is easily accessible.

I still have to do a few things outside of painting it.

1. Take a photo of the meter reading each time I pay the bill.....a clear one.

2. Check to make sure it has not been tampered with each day when I arrive home. This must become a routine.

3.  If the protector box has been tampered with do the following:

- Find the Welliington Truck in or around your neighborhood and get the license plate number.

- Phone the Sheriff's office and report it.

- Phone the local Police and file a complaint right then.

- Phone your city council representative and write them a letter as well.

4. Immediately take a meter reading, take several photos to make sure you get a clear one.

A friend of mine is custom building these things, as sneaky intruders will likely wait until you are not at home to do their dirty deads.