Service Limiters Explained

 

Paulding Putnam Electric Cooperative sometimes uses a service limiter and remote disconnect device, which is installed on a member's meter. PPEC "limits" service for various reasons, including non-payment.

While in limiting mode, it MAY allow you to use:

  • Refrigerator
  • Water pump
  • A few lights
  • Heat a room
  • Microwave

This device WILL NOT allow you to run:

  • Water heater
  • Clothes dryer
  • Electric range

The device will "trip out" when a combination of items being used exceeds its capacity. Some testing on your part will probably be necessary to determine your choices in electric items to be used and for what duration.

To keep the "service limiter" working, it is best to turn off or disengage fuses, switches, or breakers on water heaters, dryers, electric ranges, and other large electric devices that will cause the limiter to keep tripping off.

If you should overload the service limiter, it will trip off, leaving you without electric service. Use the following instructions if this should happen in order to restore power:

  1. Turn everything off in your home except for a few lights.
  2. Go out to your meter.
  3. Reset the device using the reset button, as indicated below (it will be either be to the right of your meter face where the usage is, or will be under the meter). When the limiter is off, the light will be red. When the reset is held, the light will be flashing green. When it has been reset, it will be solid green.
  4. You may have to hold the button for a few moments. Give the meter a few minutes to reset. 
  5. Go in and turn on a limited number of electric items.
     

 

**Please note, your main breaker MUST BE ON. Turn each individual breaker off, then start turning each one on, one by one. 

If you have not reduced your electrical consumption before pushing this reset button, the service limiter will trip off in a short time. 

Warning: The service limiter is part of our metering equipment. Any damage to the service limiter will result in criminal prosecution for meter tampering.

Resetting your Meter after Disconnection or Tripped Limiter -- Front Button Reset Meters.

Resetting your Meter after Disconnection or Tripped Limiter -- Meter Collar.