What is the bottom side of a meter socket referred to as?

The correct term for the bottom side of a meter socket is the load side. In electrical terminology, the load side refers to the part of the electrical system where the current flows to the electrical loads, such as appliances and devices after they have been metered. This distinction is important in understanding how electricity is measured and distributed.

In the context of a meter socket, the load side is where the customer's wiring connects to draw power after it has gone through the utility's meter, which measures the amount of electricity consumed. Recognizing this helps in identifying components of electrical systems and their functions, especially during installation or troubleshooting.

In contrast, the utility side would refer to the part connected to the utility's supply before it passes through the meter, while the customer side usually pertains to the area that the consumer has control over. The service side typically relates to the overall service entrance and can encompass both the utility and load sides, but it does not specifically pinpoint the bottom side of the meter socket. Understanding this terminology is essential for anyone working in electrical fields, as it aids in communicating clearly about installations and electrical regulations.