Hot Socket And Broken Lugs

Over time due to corrosion, rust and damage the meter sockets can become weak. Sometimes the only thing holding the socket together is the electric meter itself. If the lugs in the socket start to heat up they expand causing more heat to build up. Some lugs will melt resembling what looks like someone put a welding rod to it. Other times the lugs have gotten so hot they turn black. Below are some examples of what to look for when doing your visual examination of the meter socket.