I’m finding Perplexity (AI) very useful for searching Discourse communities for very specific things. One example with query in bold.
Find examples in community.sense.com where a utility has helped place CTs inside the meter box
Yes, there are several examples on community.sense.com where users report utilities assisting with CT (current transformer) installation inside or near the meter box:
- A user working with PG&E in Northern California shared that they had an appointment with a utility lineman to allow placement of CTs on the service mains inside the utility metering section. The user prepared by pulling the CT wires into the bottom utility section (which was already unlocked) and scheduled the actual clamp installation to coincide with a utility shutoff, allowing access for safe and authorized installation[1].
- Another example describes installing Sense on a 400A (“class 320”) service, which required cooperation with the power company because the CTs had to be placed inside the locked meter can. The utility’s involvement was necessary for accessing this area, and the install was successful once approved and coordinated[2].
- Additional threads point out that placing CTs around the feeding phases behind sealed or utility-controlled panels requires utility permission and direct involvement, both for access and to satisfy safety/legal requirements[3].
These cases highlight that, while not common everywhere, some utilities (notably PG&E and others with similar protocols) are willing to help customers or their electricians place CTs in utility-controlled sections—including meter boxes—especially when approached with proper scheduling and safety compliance[1][2][3].
Sources
[1] 4 wire electrical panel please help - Page 2 - Sense 4 wire electrical panel please help
[2] Installed a Sense this weekend on a 400a electrical service Installed a Sense this weekend on a 400a electrical service
[3] Installation help; two parallel main panels - Sense Installation help; two parallel main panels
[4] Putting sense before service breaker? - Technical Questions Putting sense before service breaker?
[5] Comparison with Utility meter - General Tech - Sense Comparison with Utility meter
[6] Sense helped me out in the end Sense helped me out in the end
[7] Help with dual panels - Technical Questions - Sense Help with dual panels
[8] Partnerships with utilities or municipalities - General Sense Discussion Partnerships with utilities or municipalities
[9] Let’s see your setup - Technical Questions - Sense Let's see your setup
[10] CT location with whole house generator - before or after transfer … CT location with whole house generator - before or after transfer switch?
[11] Moved load CTs to feed from meter and Sense is really confused now Moved load CTs to feed from meter and Sense is really confused now
[12] How Accurate is Sense? Summary of Sense Accuracy … How Accurate is Sense? Summary of Sense Accuracy Measurements vs Utilities - #76 by Dcdyer
[13] What is a Current Transformer? - Sense What is a Current Transformer? - Sense
[14] How Accurate is Sense vs. Utility Metering? - Data Analysis How Accurate is Sense vs. Utility Metering?
[15] Sense install on outdoor panel - Page 2 - Technical Questions Sense install on outdoor panel
[16] Electric Bill Question - Page 3 - General Sense Discussion Electric Bill Question
[17] Installation and first metering report questions - Sense Installation and first metering report questions
[18] CT inductive clamps and placement - Technical Questions - Sense CT inductive clamps and placement
[19] Replacement CTs - Technical Questions - Sense Replacement CTs
[20] How Accurate is Sense? Summary of Sense Accuracy … How Accurate is Sense? Summary of Sense Accuracy Measurements vs Utilities