Any electricians here? How can I make sure my electric meter is working properly?

[brentspeak]

I've noticed that my electric meter, which slows down to a crawl after I turn off all appliances, will nevertheless perform brief fast rotations every 8 or 10 second intervals.

Ten seconds of 'crawl'. Two seconds of fast rotation. Eight seconds of crawl. Two seconds of fast rotation. Etc., etc., etc.

I want to be reassured my electric company isn't pulling a fast one on me.

[two gun sid]

1. Unless you have some piece of equipment that is cycling on...

every 8-10 seconds have the utility company come out to look at your meter.

You could also try turning all your breakers off then, turn them back on one at a time and watch your meter and see what circuit is causing your problem.

Do you have and know how to use a clamp-on ammeter?

[brentspeak]

2. No, this is the first I've of a clamp-on ammeter.

I've got a couple of "teach yourself electricity" books lying around. Maybe they have info on how to use one.

[two gun sid]

3. I would try turning off your circuit breakers first...

see if the meter is still acting crazy. Meters can go bad just not very likely IMHO.

[brentspeak]

4. I'll try it out. Thanks for the advice.

[jmowreader]

5. It's very simple.

Step 1: Rent a 250-amp TIG welder for a month.

Step 2: Turn it up all the way and weld ten hours a day for the whole month.

Step 3: Open your electric bill. If they want $2500, your meter works fine.