NEC Section 230.82 specifies all things permitted to be installed on the line side or ahead of the service disconnect. This is a dangerous location since no overcurrent protection is present ahead of the service disconnect. One of the items permitted is a meter disconnect switch.

Many utility companies require a meter disconnect switch so that the load on an electrical service can be dropped before changing or removing the electric meter. Quite often, the utility company pulls the electric meter when the building occupant fails to pay the electricity bill.

Meters are not generally designed to be pulled under load which is why a load break rated meter disconnect switch is used ahead of the meter. In order to comply with the rule in 230.82(3), the meter disconnect switch must have a short-circuit current rating (SCCR) equal to or greater than the available short-circuit current also known as the Available Fault Current (AFC).

See the actual NEC^® text at NFPA.ORG for the complete code section. Once there, click on the “free access” tab and select the applicable year of NFPA 70 (National Electrical code).

2014-2017 Code Language:

230.82 Equipment Connected to the Supply Side of Service Disconnect.

(3) Meter disconnect switches nominally rated not in excess of 1000 V that have a short-circuit current rating equal to or greater than the available short-circuit current, if all metal housings and service enclosures are grounded in accordance with Part VII and bonded in accordance with Part V of Article 250. A meter disconnect switch shall be capable of interrupting the load served. A meter disconnect shall be legibly field marked on its exterior in a manner suitable for the environment as follows: METER DISCONNECT NOT SERVICE EQUIPMENT.