I have noticed on several different occasions, humming and faint arcing noises.. (think cartoon science lab, frankenstein type electrical noises, lol) coming from my meter box. My meter pan is directly connected to the top of the main breaker panel by about 2 inches of threaded steel conduit. I noticed that occasionally while the noises are happening faint arcs will appear between the locknut on the conduit and the bottom of the meter pan. I have also noticed that the thick ground wire heading to earth below the breaker panel was cut in two places years ago and was spliced back together with some now fairly corroded looking clamps. Im no electrician, but all I can figure is that the possible loss of ground from the bad connection at my ground rod is causing my system to draw ground from the over head drop, by way of the rusty threaded conduit nipple between the meter and breaker box. Does this sound reasonable? I don't have the money for an electrician right now and I'm trying to wrap my head around weather or not I should be sleeping in my truck for fear of my life.

Thanks, John

There is a severe grounding problem, and not how you think, "causing my system to draw ground from the over head drop".


The ground wire needs to be continuous ,no splices, and all connections must be sound.

All locknuts and fittings must be tight and not corroded.

The meter needs to be pulled so the interior connections can be checked.

This usually requires the utility to pull the meter.

The arcing will not get better left alone, this needs attention. The arcing can be from some sort of fault or other anomaly that needs to be found and corrected.

Not sure how since seems you do not have the knowledge of working on electrical systems, which is fine, and cannot afford an electrician.

Perhaps some photos will help us direct you.