For over a century, American Casting & Manufacturing (AC&M) has been a trusted partner in securing valuables and ensuring peace of mind. Our unwavering commitment to quality and innovation has made us a leading provider of security seals across various industries.

In this ever-evolving world, meter security remains paramount. Tampering with meters can lead to inaccurate readings, revenue loss, and disruptions in essential services. This blog will equip you with the knowledge to choose the right security seal for your metering devices, drawing on AC&M's extensive experience of over 100 years!

Understanding Meter Seals and Their Importance

Imagine that you receive your electricity bill one day, and it doubles without explanation. Frustrating, right? This is a potential consequence of meter tampering. A meter seal acts as a protection for your meter, deterring unauthorized access and attempts to manipulate readings. These tamper-evident devices leave a clear trail if someone tries to break or remove them, ensuring accountability and accurate billing.

Meter sealing goes beyond just preventing theft, it fosters trust between utility companies and consumers. A properly sealed meter signifies transparency and discourages tampering, allowing for accurate reporting and billing.

Exploring Security Seal Options for Metering Devices

AC&M boasts a diverse arsenal of security seals, each meticulously designed to address your specific metering needs. Let's delve into these security warriors and explore their unique strengths:

1. Padlock Seals

For decades, padlock seals have been the champions of meter security, earning their reputation as stalwart guardians. Their design includes a shackle that attaches to a loop on the meter, as well as a locking mechanism that deters tampering. AC&M offers a variety of padlock seals to cater to different security preferences. For applications demanding maximum strength, padlock seals with solid wire hasps provide an unyielding barrier. These seals are ideal for locations with a high risk of tampering or for meters serving critical infrastructure.

In addition to strength, AC&M also provides padlock seals with advanced tamper-evident features. The XPC-2 seal, for instance, showcases a clear acrylic jacket that encases the shackle and locking mechanism. This innovative design serves two purposes. First, it safeguards critical information about the seal's application, preventing unauthorized tampering with the locking mechanism itself. Second, any attempt to remove the seal by force will cause cracks or fractures in the clear jacket, leaving undeniable evidence of tampering. The XPC-2 seal serves as a valuable tool in applications that utilize remote meter reading, thereby reducing the frequency of site visits by meter technicians.

2. All-Plastic Padlock Seals

For situations requiring frequent seal replacement, all-plastic padlock seals are your go-to sealing solution. A prime example is the Model 7001, widely recognized as the most utilized all-plastic padlock seal in electric metering. These user-friendly seals are designed for swift, one-handed application and removal, making them ideal for high-volume environments that regularly check meters and replace seals.

Plastic padlock seals also feature a tamper-evident mechanism, making them simple to use without compromising security. Unlike their sturdier counterparts, all-plastic seals are typically easier to break. However, this very characteristic becomes advantageous in situations where tampering is readily apparent. A broken all-plastic seal serves as a clear and undeniable indicator that someone has attempted to gain unauthorized access to the meter. They are the preferred option for a variety of applications that require the security of smaller openings or those that need quick and easy removal.

3. Wire Seals

Wire seals have a rich history dating back to the 1800s, when they were initially crafted from lead. While lead versions are still used in some instances, health considerations and the quest for more effective sealing techniques have led to the development of innovative alternatives. AC&M proudly presents the PSW-97, a testament to this ongoing pursuit of progress. This patented marvel combines a plastic body with a stainless-steel locking plunger, offering unparalleled precision and tamper-proof evidence.

Not only does the PSW-97 feature robust materials, but its design also prioritizes versatility. The seal boasts adjustable wire lengths, allowing for a perfect fit on various meter types and installations. This adjustability ensures that regardless of the meter's size or configuration, the PSW-97 can provide a secure and tamper-evident seal. Furthermore, the PSW-97's construction is built to withstand the harshest environments.

Engineered from durable materials, this seal can endure exposure to the elements, ensuring long-lasting performance and reliable security. The PSW-97 exemplifies AC&M's dedication to innovation. By combining a classic design concept with modern materials and engineering, this seal sets a new benchmark for security and reliability in the world of wire seals.

4. Pull-Up Cable Seal

The traditional approach to high-security meter sealing often involves a two-pronged strategy: specialized locks like barrel locks paired with tamper-evident seals. While effective, this method can be complicated. However, AC&M's pull-up cable seals offer a powerful and streamlined alternative. These seals eliminate the need for separate components by providing a single, high-strength solution.

Pull-up cable seals feature a loop that attaches to a fixed point on the meter, as well as a long cable threaded through the loop. The cable end feeds into a locking mechanism that requires a cable cutter to remove. This design makes them ideal for locations with a heightened risk of tampering or for meters serving a high volume of users. The cable's strength discourages forceful attempts to break the seal, while the locking mechanism ensures the integrity of the seal itself.

5. Adhesive Closures

Not every metering situation requires a permanent seal. For temporary shut-offs or securing test equipment after calibration, AC&M offers tamper-evident adhesive closures, such as security tape and labels, providing a convenient and effective solution for short-term sealing needs.

Think of a situation where you need to temporarily disconnect a meter for maintenance or repairs. During this brief period, you can apply an adhesive closure to the meter to prevent any tampering while it's out of service. Similarly, once technicians calibrate the test equipment, they can use an adhesive closure to protect the calibration settings until they redeploy the equipment.

The beauty of adhesive closures lies in their simplicity and clear, tamper-evident features. For instance, upon removal, security labels leave a visible mark or imprint on the surface they were attached to. This mark serves as a permanent record of any tampering attempt, deterring unauthorized access and providing clear evidence if a breach occurs. In situations where preserving the surface of the equipment is crucial, there are specialty adhesive labels that leave the tamper-evident message on the label itself without marking the device directly. This makes them ideal for protecting delicate assets such as computers and other sensitive test instruments.

Safeguarding Your Valuable Meters with Confidence with AC&M

Choosing the right security seal can feel overwhelming with so many options. To simplify your decision-making process, here's a table that summarizes the key features and ideal applications for each type of seal discussed so far:

Remember, this table is a starting point. We recommend consulting with a security seal expert to determine which seal is best suited to your specific needs.

Contact American Casting & Manufacturing today to speak with one of our security specialists: 1-866-304-4289 (US) or 516-349-7010 (International), or you can email at info@seals.com. We'll help you assess your specific needs and recommend the perfect security seal to keep your meters secure. Our team is readily available to answer your questions and guide you through the selection process.

We look forward to partnering with you to secure your metering system and ensure its continued accuracy and reliability. Having AC&M's security seals on your side ensures the protection of your meters.