Before installing or removing a meter, which switch should be opened?

Prior to installing or removing a meter, it is crucial to open the customer's main switch. This switch is designed to disconnect the electrical service supplied to the premises from the utility source, ensuring that there is no live current flowing to the meter during the work. Working on a live meter presents significant safety hazards, including the risk of electric shock. Opening the customer's main switch effectively isolates the meter from the power source, allowing technicians to perform their tasks safely.

While the main breaker, safety switch, and load breaker serve important functions in managing electrical flow and protecting the system, they do not specifically ensure the disconnection of the incoming service as effectively as the customer's main switch. The main breaker might control the distribution within the home, the safety switch may provide a quick way to cut power in emergencies, and the load breaker only manages the current to specific circuits. Hence, the customer's main switch is the appropriate choice for this specific scenario, emphasizing the importance of safety and proper procedure when dealing with electrical installations and removals.