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How often you’ll replace your electric meter depends on what type of meter you have in your home. Induction meters can last around 10 years, while static meters will typically last around 20. If you’re unsure which kind of meter you have, a call to your electric company can help ease your mind.

Unless you’re a licensed electrician, you should not DIY any electrical work in your home. Working with wires and electricity is potentially dangerous to both you and the structure you’re working on, and it could lead to house fires or electric shock if you’re not 100% sure what you’re doing. There’s a big difference between changing a light switch cover and rewiring an entire home. If you’re staring down a potentially difficult electrical job, give a pro a call.

It can be safe to buy or live in a house with knob and tube (K&T) wiring, but only if the system is in good condition, functional, and has been thoroughly inspected and approved by a licensed electrician. Never purchase a home with K&T wiring without getting a professional electrical inspection first.

Key considerations include:

• Safety and Condition: An inspector will verify that the wiring is safe and has not deteriorated. Over time, the insulation can wear away, leaving exposed wires that pose a significant fire or shock hazard.

• System Capacity: The electrical service should be at least 60 amps. However, even at this capacity, K&T systems often struggle to handle the demands of modern appliances and electronics.

• Lack of Grounding: Knob and tube wiring is an ungrounded system, which is a safety concern for many modern devices.

• Ongoing Maintenance: If you live in a home with K&T wiring, it's recommended to have it inspected by an electrician every one to two years to ensure it remains in safe working order.

Ultimately, any inspection or modification of a knob and tube system should always be performed by a certified professional.

Before you start doing anything else, you must call your electric company to confirm their process. It is technically their meter that you’re moving, so there’s really no such thing as free rein. Moving the meter generally involves disconnecting power from the utility company, disconnecting the cables that run into your electrical panel, and dismounting the meter assembly. Once uninstalled, a handyperson will remount and reconnect the wiring in its new location.