Electric meter installation and removal are routine tasks for utility crews, but they can present significant safety challenges. Meters can be difficult to remove, accidental drops can damage equipment, and an electrical fault during a change-out can expose workers to serious hazards.
The Utility Solutions Meter Grabber is designed to help address these challenges by securely capturing electric meters during installation and removal. Its clamshell design, rugged polymer construction, and sliding capture arm provide greater control during meter change-outs while incorporating features intended to improve operator protection.
Available in standard and arc-shield configurations, the Meter Grabber is a specialized tool for electric utilities, meter technicians, and other qualified personnel responsible for electric meter maintenance and replacement.
The Utility Solutions Meter Grabber is a meter installation and removal tool designed for use with most single-phase and multiphase electric meters.
Manufactured by Utility Solutions, the tool uses a clamshell-style design to capture the meter around its base. A sliding arm secures the meter in position, helping minimize accidental drops and providing mechanical leverage when removing stubborn meters.
Unlike tools with metal components at the working end, the Meter Grabber has no metal components around its working end. Its design also incorporates side slots that allow venting during a fault.
The tool is molded from rugged, tinted polymer, allowing the operator to observe the meter during the operation.
These features make the Meter Grabber a useful option for utility organizations looking to improve control and incorporate additional protective design features into routine meter change-out procedures.
One of the Meter Grabber's primary features is its clamshell design, which captures the meter around its base.
A sliding arm locks the tool into position, helping hold the meter securely during removal and installation. This reduces the likelihood of accidentally dropping or damaging a meter during a change-out.
For utilities managing large numbers of service meters, reducing the risk of equipment damage can help support more consistent field operations.
Electrical faults can create hazardous conditions during meter work. The Meter Grabber incorporates several design features intended to provide additional protection during installation and removal.
These include:
These features are designed to help address hazards associated with meter faults. The Meter Grabber should be used only by qualified personnel following the manufacturer's instructions, appropriate PPE requirements, and established utility safety procedures.
It is not a substitute for an electrical hazard assessment or required protective equipment.
Meters do not always come out easily. Depending on the installation, removing a meter may require additional leverage and control.
The Meter Grabber's sliding arm and handle design provide mechanical leverage to help remove stubborn meters.
This can be particularly useful for technicians performing repeated meter change-outs, where maintaining control of the tool and meter is important.
The Meter Grabber is molded from rugged, tinted polymer designed for utility field use.
According to the manufacturer, the tool measures approximately 6.8 inches in diameter by 15.5 inches long and weighs approximately 2 pounds, 6 ounces.
Its tinted construction also allows the operator to visually observe the operation while handling the meter.
The Meter Grabber is designed for installation and removal of most single-phase and multiphase electric meters.
This versatility makes it relevant to utility organizations and meter service teams that work with different meter configurations.
Compatibility should always be confirmed for the specific meter and application before use.
Utility Solutions offers two primary Meter Grabber configurations.
| Feature | USMG-001 | USMG-002 |
|---|---|---|
| Product | Standard Meter Grabber | Meter Grabber with Arc Shield |
| Meter applications | Single-phase and multiphase meters | Single-phase and multiphase meters |
| Clamshell meter capture | Yes | Yes |
| Sliding capture arm | Yes | Yes |
| Rugged polymer construction | Yes | Yes |
| Side venting slots | Yes | Yes |
| Clear polymer arc shield | Not included | Included |
| Primary distinction | Standard configuration | Additional shielding around the base |
| Carrying bag (sold separately) | USMG-001-BAG | USMG-002-BAG |
Carrying bags are sold separately. Neither Meter Grabber ships with a bag. If you want one, add the USMG-001-BAG or the USMG-002-BAG to your order. The bag has a water-resistant fabric body, a rugged polymer base, adjustable security straps, and heavy-duty carrying straps, which makes it easier to protect and carry the tool between jobs.
What is the main difference between the USMG-001 and USMG-002?
The key difference is the arc shield. The USMG-001 provides the Meter Grabber's standard meter-capture design, while the USMG-002 incorporates a clear polymer arc shield intended to provide an additional layer of protection during meter change-outs.
The appropriate model depends on the utility's work practices, risk assessment, and safety requirements.
The Meter Grabber uses a simple capture-and-release mechanism to help control the meter during removal and installation.
The manufacturer's operation manual outlines the following general process.
These steps summarize the manufacturer's instructions and are not a substitute for the complete operation manual or the utility's approved procedures. Only qualified personnel should operate the tool, using the required PPE and following applicable electrical safety practices.
For electric utilities, the right tools can help crews perform routine field work with greater control and consistency.
The Meter Grabber offers several practical advantages for organizations responsible for meter installation, removal, and replacement.
Helps reduce accidental meter drops: The clamshell design and sliding capture arm help secure the meter during handling.
Provides mechanical leverage: The handle design helps technicians manage stubborn meters during removal.
Incorporates fault-related protective features: The absence of metal components around the working end, side venting slots, and optional arc shield reflect the tool's safety-focused design.
Supports multiple meter configurations: The tool is designed for most single-phase and multiphase meters.
Offers two configurations: Utilities can choose between the standard model and the model with the additional polymer arc shield.
For utilities performing regular meter change-outs, these features make the Meter Grabber worth considering as part of their metering equipment lineup.
The Utility Solutions Meter Grabber is used to install, remove, and change out electric meters. Its clamshell design captures the meter around its base, helping reduce accidental drops and providing mechanical leverage during removal.
The manufacturer identifies the Meter Grabber for use with most single-phase and multiphase electric meters. Confirm compatibility with the specific meter and application before use.
The USMG-001 is the standard Meter Grabber. The USMG-002 includes a clear polymer arc shield that provides an additional layer of shielding during meter change-outs.
No. The manufacturer specifies that the Meter Grabber has no metal components around its working end. It also incorporates side slots to permit venting during a fault.
The Meter Grabber is designed with features intended to provide additional protection from hazards associated with meter faults. The USMG-002 includes a clear polymer arc shield. However, the tool should not be treated as a guarantee of protection against an arc flash or as a substitute for an electrical hazard assessment, appropriate PPE, and approved work procedures.
The manufacturer's published product information lists the Meter Grabber at approximately 2 pounds, 6 ounces, with dimensions of approximately 6.8 inches in diameter by 15.5 inches long.
No. Carrying bags are sold separately. The USMG-001-BAG and USMG-002-BAG are water-resistant carrying bags with a rugged polymer base and adjustable security straps.
The Meter Grabber is available through Utility Power Supply Company. Buyers can review the available models and request a quote or place an order through the online store.
The Utility Solutions Meter Grabber is designed to help utility personnel maintain control during electric meter installation and removal. Its secure capture mechanism, mechanical leverage, rugged polymer construction, and fault-related design features make it a practical tool to consider for routine metering operations.
With the choice of a standard model or a version with a clear polymer arc shield, utilities can evaluate the configuration that best aligns with their operational needs and safety procedures.
Looking for the Utility Solutions Meter Grabber for your utility crew? Shop the USMG-001 or the USMG-002 with arc shield from Utility Power Supply Company. Carrying bags are sold separately: USMG-001-BAG and USMG-002-BAG.
