When minimum clearances from a GPU Energy approved meter socket and/or instrument transformer enclosure cannot be met, the Customer shall furnish and install mechanical protection (barrier posts).

A minimum of two (2) barrier posts seven (7) feet long, four (4) inch minimum diameter galvanized steel (or painted steel) pipe are required. Barrier posts shall be placed three (3) feet below finished grade and filled with concrete leaving a crown at top. Location of barrier posts shall be three (3) feet in front of an approved meter socket and one (1) foot to either side of the meter socket.

Multiple-position meter sockets and grouped metering (meter stacks) may require additional barrier posts. When required, barrier posts shall not be placed more than three (3) feet apart and shall not impede the installation and removal of meters.

Instrument transformer enclosures will require additional barrier posts. Location of barrier posts shall be four (4) feet from the exterior of instrument transformer enclosures and extend one (1) foot past the ends of instrument transformer enclosures and/or an approved meter sockets.

When the location is subjected to tractor-trailer access either thorough backing or drive-by then the posts shall be five (5) inches in diameter and placed four (4) feet from the exterior of an approved meter socket and/or instrument transformer enclosure.

When the clearances of Requirement 5.20 cannot be met and GPU Energy allows a location adjacent to a door, a single barrier post shall be placed to provide physical protection for the meter and approved meter socket. The barrier post shall be installed two (2) feet from the door side of the exterior surface of the building and one (1) foot to the side of an approved meter socket.

When the clearances of Requirement 5.20 cannot be met and GPU Energy determines the location is subjected only to pedestrian traffic, a protective guard as shown in figure in Requirement 12.50 may be authorized by GPU Energy.