Guide · Safety and emergencies
Electric Meters and the Main Power Switch
Reading use and staying safe. Knowing how to read the meter helps you understand your bill. Knowing where the main switch is can matter a great deal in an emergency.
Where to start
- Sparks, buzzing or a burning smell from the panel?
Only if you can reach the main switch safely, with dry hands on a dry surface, push it to OFF. If not, leave the home and call 911. See when to use the main switch.
- Water rising, or a line down outside?
Never step into water to reach a switch. Stay far away from any downed line and call 911. See downed power lines.
- Just moved in?
Ask the owner to show you the meter and the main switch during the move in walk. See where the main switch is.
The short version
Every home has an electric meter that keeps track of how much power the home uses, and a main switch that can turn off all the power at once. Knowing how to read the meter helps you understand your bill. Knowing where the main switch is, and when it is safe to use it, can matter a great deal in an emergency.
Please remember the most important rule before anything else: your safety comes first, every time. When in doubt, get out and call for help.
Reading a digital meter
Most newer meters have a small digital screen. The screen may cycle through several numbers. The one you want is the total use, shown in kilowatt hours, often marked kWh.
To see how much power the home uses, write down or photograph the number, wait a few days, and read it again. The difference is how much power was used in that time.
Reading an older dial meter
Older meters have a row of small dials. Read them from right to left, writing down each number. When a pointer is between two numbers, write down the lower number. If you are not sure, a clear photo of the dials and a quick call to the electric company will sort it out.
A safety note about the meter
The meter is part of the electric company's system. Never open the meter, break its seal, or try to remove it. That is dangerous, and in many places it is against the law.
If the meter or its box looks damaged, keep away and call the electric company and the owner.
Where the main switch is
The main switch is often the large breaker at the top of the home's electrical panel, usually marked MAIN. In some homes it is in a separate box near the meter. Many newer homes also have an outdoor disconnect near the meter so firefighters and residents can shut off power from outside. In apartment buildings, the main for each home may be in a shared electrical room. Please ask the owner to show you during the move in walk.
When to use the main switch
Only use the main switch if you can reach it safely, with dry hands, standing on a dry surface. Situations where it may help include:
- Sparks, buzzing or a burning smell from the panel.
- Water rising toward outlets, but only if you can reach the switch without touching or standing in water.
If reaching the switch means stepping into water, touching anything wet or going near smoke or fire, do not do it. Leave the home and call 911, then the electric company and the owner.
When it is safe to use the switch, stand to the side of the panel, use one hand, and push the handle firmly to OFF in one motion. After a flood or fire, never turn the power back on until a licensed electrician says it is safe.
Downed power lines
Stay far away from any downed line, and keep children and pets back. Assume it is live. Call 911 and the electric company.
Signs to report
Here are some common examples. This is not a complete list.
- Breakers that trip often.
- Outlets or switch plates that feel warm or look scorched.
- Lights that flicker or dim when appliances turn on.
- Buzzing sounds or a burning smell anywhere in the home.
Your electric meter and main switch checklist
From the guide’s own checklist. Tick each one as you go. These are examples; your home may need others.
All done. Thanks so much for taking care of your home!
An everyday example
A resident noticed a faint burning smell near the hallway electrical panel and heard a soft buzzing. The floor was dry and the panel was easy to reach, so they stood to the side and pushed the main breaker to OFF with one hand. They took everyone outside, called 911, and then called the owner. An electrician found a loose connection in the panel and repaired it the same day. Their calm steps kept a small problem small.
Guides that go well with this one
How much do you remember?
4 quick questions from this guide, with a one line why for each. Totally optional, no sign in, and your answers are never saved.
Go deeper with The Perfect Emergency Ready Checklist Workbook
Simple checklists you can write in, one topic at a time, to help everyone in the home know what to do before, during and after storms, floods, wildfires and earthquakes.
Keep this guide handy
Save this page, come back to your checklist any time, and share it with anyone in your home who could use it.
See all guidesTake it with you
- Bunklow Home Guide 116: Electric Utility Meter Reading and Main Service Disconnect OperationA printable guide to electric utility meter reading and main service disconnect operation, in plain steps.See it in the shop
- Fire and Electrical Safety Checklist PackThe Fire and Electrical Safety checklists in one pack, fillable on screen or printable.See it in the shop
This guide shares general educational information to help you, and is not legal advice or a substitute for a licensed professional. Bunklow does not inspect, repair or service electrical systems. Electrical rules differ from state to state and town to town, so please check your state and local law, follow your electric company's instructions, and get local help from a licensed electrician for any electrical work. In an emergency, call 911.