How many types of meter socket jaws are there? What specifications must they meet for UL 414 approval? Find out in Cooper B-Line’s Continuous Rating of Meter Socket Jaws White Paper.

Excerpt:

Reinforcing clips are used in conjunction with meter jaws for the purpose of increasing the amount of current that the jaw can safely and effectively conduct. These clips allow the meter jaws to apply more pressure to the meter spades allowing better conductivity for current flow and reducing the amount of heat generated at this juncture. At present, two main types of springs are used; internal springs and external springs.

UL 414 details the characteristics and requirements that levels throughout the test. the jaws must meet. UL 414 does not address the type of jaw to be used. The jaws may not exceed 65 degrees C above ambient temperature. A “heat test” is required to determine if the jaws, and the meter socket as a whole, meet the needed criteria. Listed below are the steps, in order, of the three phases of this test with a brief description of each phase:

Phase I: Initial heat test, duration- 5 hours 3. Maintain current in system until the end of the Purpose: To test. bring the jaw temperatures up to a recordable temperature. This test, and Phase III, must run until three consecutive readings, fifteen minutes apart, have…>>Read More