Help replacing/mounting meters

[APW]

The two meters I want to replace are in the same block column but there is a big void in the block. Im aftaid there won't be any secure way to anchor them once I get the old ones out. The old ones are 10x15 and the new ones are 13.5x17. The column they are mounted in is 32" across. I took a picture from the attic looking down to give you an idea of what I'm talking about. Any ideas are appreciated.

 

[MEP001]

I would have a welder come in, build some sort of structure inside with studs so you can cut the holes, slip in the new boxes and secure them inside, including and especially behind the vault.

 

[cantbreak80]

Weld stainless steel angle around the perimeter of each box (kinda like a picture frame).

Then, use 4 lengths of 3/8” – 1/4" all-thread, washers, and nuts to “pinch” the boxes together.

In this pic, the walls were only one course thick...therefore, the back-to-back boxes could not be fully recessed. You won't have fully recessed installation either, but they'll only stick out the a quarter/half inch if you do it right.

 

[mac]

Here's a method I used to do a lot. You will need to rent a chop saw with at least an 8" blade. Mark the size opening you need with a Sharpie. Cut the whole at lease 1/2" wider than you need. Carefully remove the old boxes taking care not to damage the control cable. If you are going to put a wide frame around it you can overcut the opening, or you can use no overcut and remove the extra with a chisel and 5 pound hammer. Now get several lengths of all thread and drill holes in the rear of each box. Before you mount the boxes drill a couple of holes on each side to anchor the box to the wall. You might need a right angle drill to set the anchors. Put a piece of scrap on the bottom so that the gap is the same all around. Then mount the boxes and secure the allthread to each box, then the side anchors. Next get a can of Foam in a Can and fill in the gap. You can use hydraulic cement but foam is easier. Let us know how it comes out.

 

[mac]

In thinking about it a little more, you can eliminate the side anchors part. The foam expands about 4 times, is real sticky, and will lock the box in. Just be sure to put shims on all four sides to keep the box square with the opening. Also WEAR a good face mask. That dust, and there will be a lot of it, can cause silicosis. Bad Stuff. Sometimes having a helper there with a small hose, or rent a wet saw. Actually easier that it sounds. I used to do a 6 bay by myself in a day.

 

[Randy]

That expanding foam in a can is like glue. I replaced a bill changer that they had used the foam in can to secure the bill changer in the wall. There was about a 1” gap on each side and on the top that they filled with foam, it was a bitch to get out. Even after we used a hole saw to cut away the foam it was still a bitch to get out. If you use the foam in a can you won’t have to use anything else, once it sets up it’s there for a longtime

 

[mac]

Randy if you would have used a Sawzall with a 10” blade, they come our much easier.