- (323) 945-3608
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- Los Angeles, California
A meter stack is a piece of electrical equipment that allows a building to have multiple electrical meters in one location.
If you own an apartment building, duplex, or any property with more than one unit, each unit needs its own meter so tenants can be billed separately for the electricity they use.
Instead of having several separate meter boxes spread out across the property, a meter stack keeps them all together in one clean, vertical setup. Each meter connects to its own unit, and the entire system connects safely to the main electrical service.
A meter stack is also required by city building codes, utility companies, and the National Electrical Code (NEC) for multi-unit properties. These regulations ensure that:
• Each unit has its own disconnect and metering point, so power can be shut off safely in case of maintenance or emergency.
• The utility company (like LADWP or SCE) can easily access and read meters, or disconnect service to an individual unit if needed.
• The electrical system remains safe, organized, and capable of handling the load from multiple tenants or units.
• The property stays compliant with local inspection and insurance requirements, helping avoid red tags, fines, or coverage issues.
At Morff Electric Inc., we specialize in meter stack upgrades and replacements for apartment buildings, duplexes, and commercial properties. We handle the entire process:
• Coordinating with your utility company (LADWP, SCE, etc.)
• Meeting city building & safety requirements
• Designing a clean, code-compliant installation
• Ensuring your property meets insurance standards so your coverage isn’t at risk.
A meter stack isn’t just an electrical requirement, it’s an upgrade that brings real advantages to property owners, tenants, and even utility companies. Here’s why investing in one makes sense. A meter stack gives you organization, compliance, fairness, and future flexibility all in one clean system. For property owners and managers, it’s one of the smartest ways to handle multi-unit electrical services.
Meter stacks combine multiple electric meters into a single, compact vertical unit. Instead of cluttered walls with several separate boxes, you get a neat, streamlined look that improves curb appeal and frees up valuable space on your property.
Each unit gets its own dedicated meter, which means tenants are billed only for the power they use. This encourages fair billing, reduces disputes, and saves owners the hassle of splitting or estimating energy costs.
Whether you own an apartment building, duplex, or commercial complex, meter stacks are designed with modularity in mind. You can easily add more sections if additional units or expansions are planned—making it a future-proof investment.
Utility companies and building codes often require meter stacks for larger buildings. Having one ensures your property stays up to code, avoids costly corrections, and provides safe, centralized access for inspections, maintenance, and emergency shutoffs.
A well-installed meter stack not only looks professional but also shows tenants that the building is modern, safe, and properly maintained. This can even help with tenant retention and property value.
Because everything is grouped together, electricians and utility workers can service and troubleshoot faster, reducing downtime and labor costs compared to multiple scattered meter enclosures.
Older systems, especially those with Zinsco or Federal Pacific equipment, no longer meet NEC (National Electrical Code) standards and may not be accepted by utilities or city inspectors. A modern meter stack installation ensures your property complies with:
• NEC requirements
• Local city building and safety codes
• Utility company service regulations (LADWP, SCE, etc.)
Staying compliant prevents costly corrections, failed inspections, and service delays.
More and more insurance carriers and utilities are requiring upgraded metering equipment before issuing coverage or approving service. A code-compliant meter stack:
• Reduces liability and fire risk
• Prevents coverage denials or premium increases
• Helps pass utility pre-inspection and final approval quickly.
This upgrade protects your investment and keeps your tenants’ power secure and uninterrupted.
Modern meter stacks are built to handle today’s higher electrical loads safely. They include:
• Proper grounding and bonding
• Surge protection compatibility
• Updated breakers and disconnects for each unit
Replacing old or overloaded systems reduces the risk of overheating, shorts, and electrical fires keeping both tenants and property safe.
Old or overloaded electrical setups are a major fire hazard. Modern meter stacks are built with advanced safety features, proper grounding, and updated breakers that protect both the property and its tenants.
A properly installed meter stack gives you a future-ready electrical service. It provides the capacity and flexibility to handle EV chargers, additional units, or new equipment later — without violating code or overloading your system.
Upgrading minimizes fire risk, prevents overloading, and ensures your system is built to current NEC (National Electrical Code) standards.
Installing a compliant meter stack makes it easier to pass city, utility, and insurance inspections the first time. At Morff Electric Inc., we handle every step:
• Designing your system per code
• Coordinating with LADWP, SCE, or your local utility
• Obtaining permits, scheduling inspections and final approvals.
• Federal Pacific Electric
• Zinsco/Sylvania /GTE-Sylvania
• Challenger
• Pushmatic
