Your meter box should be close to the main electrical panel —ideally within 3 meters. This keeps the connecting cables, known as meter tails, short and safe. In this article, we'll break down everything you need to know—from how close it should be to your main panel, to what safety rules you. The National Electric Safety Code requires an unobstructed working space that extends from the floor or ground to a minimum height of 6 feet, 6 inches. For electrical equipment mounted higher than 6 feet, 6 inches, this space shall extend to the top of the equipment. Where is the best place to put your smart meter? Smart. The reason why you haven't found a definitive answer is that the NEC does not prescribe a specific distance, and this question is subject to local jurisdictions to either determine that an installation meets (or does not meet requirements), or have a local amendment that states a distance limit.
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