Thanks for replying

from the rectangular box? It says "live parts" so I figured those live parts were in the meter and therefore would measure from front of round meter.

Most likely the meter itself is service equipment not covered by the code. You need to contact your power company as to what their requirements specifically are (usually they have a one or two page sheet on what they want to see).

Thanks Ron. This is the drawing for code I'm referencing. I can't tell if the 3 feet is to the front of the meter itself or to the metal box. It's hard to tell where that arrow is pointing to. i.e. Is the meter a "live part"?

Note that it says the space increases to 4 feet for 151- 600 volts. Most homes have 240 volts coming in to the meter, so you would need 4 feet, not three. That being said, I'm not sure if that applies to meters. As Ron said, you really need to talk to the POCO to see what their requirements are.

Thank you mush creek. I have talked to them. But my question where does the measurement start? At the meter (again my lay term of clear covered circular thing) or at the solid metal rectangular box?

Thank you

I just met with electrical inspector. It's measured from the metal rectangular box.

Thanks weedmeister you were correct.

Mushcreek, Is the voltage measured from ground or between conductors? I don't believe any wire on a 240 volt service is more than 120 volts (RMS) above ground.

In the case of that figure above which does come straight out of the National Electrical Code, they are talking voltage to ground. Your household 120/240 is indeed only 120V by that yardstick.

How many volts is in the transformer cabinet behind the meter socket?? ;D