The Meter Socket Adapter (MSA) Program facilitates safe installation or removal of SCE-approved customer-owned MSAs. A MSA is a device that fits between your home’s electric meter and the meter socket (where the meter plugs into your electrical panel). A common type is an isolating MSA, which offers customers more reliable energy during outages by temporarily enabling isolation from the grid and switching your power source to backup systems.
Both isolating and non-isolating MSAs can simplify installation of backup power without the need for major rewiring or upgrades to your electrical panel. By streamlining installation and expanding access, SCE’s MSA program supports the shift to more efficient and sustainable energy.
In this program, the MSA is purchased and owned by the customer but must be approved and installed by SCE. Learn more here about types of MSAs, how to apply, and how the program works.
Two Types of Meter Socket Adapters
Non-Isolating Adapters are devices that can add electrification loads (solar, battery, electric vehicle charger, etc.) without panel and service upsizing, but do not physically disconnect your home from the grid. Use of these devices can reduce upfront costs and provide a safer, quicker alternative to the traditional method of re-wiring the main panel.
Isolating Adapters are devices similar to non-isolating adapters, but they also have the ability to quickly and safely disconnect your home from the grid and automatically switch your power source to backup systems like battery storage.
For a list of SCE-approved MSAs, please refer to the MSA Approved Product List.
Eligibility Requirements
In order to participate in the program, you must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Residential self-contained meter (single-phase 3-wire 120/240-volt service panel, up to 200-amp rating)
- Generating system back-feed does not exceed the rated load of the service panel
- No liquid tight conduit is used for communication cables for isolating MSAs, as communication cables have low or no voltage
- Liquid tight conduit is used to cover energized conductors, such as:
- Solar load-side TAP covering 120 and 240V wiring to the A/C disconnect
- 120 and 240V EV charging cable
- SCE-approved MSA (see MSA Approved Product List) must be left in a waterproof bag next to the meter panel in a high visibility location for installation
- Meter panel has no Electric Service Requirement violations
For specific requirements related to your selected device, please refer to the Approved Product List.
How It Works
To have a MSA installed through the MSA Program, you and your vendor should follow these steps to ensure safe installation and activation:
- Confirm eligibility: Make sure your home’s current electric meter meets the program requirements.
- Choose your device: Purchase a program-approved isolating or non-isolating MSA and ensure your home’s current electric meter meets the device requirements.
- Apply online: Submit the MSA Program request through the online enrollment portal. A signed customer agreement and application fee is required to complete your request.
- Wait for approval: Once approved, SCE will schedule installation and assign a technician.
- Prepare for installation: Prior to SCE’s site visit, place the MSA in a clearly visible waterproof bag in a location near your meter panel.
- Installation: A SCE technician will install the MSA.
Your application must be complete and approved before using your MSA. Once your MSA is installed, you’ll benefit from a less costly interconnection and/or reliable backup power via your battery system during outages, depending on your installed device.
Please Note: SCE is not responsible for the operation or maintenance of the MSA. All maintenance and repair questions should be directed to the MSA manufacturer. SCE is solely responsible for the removal and re-installation of the electric meter when requested by the customer and/or vendor for the purpose of installation or removal of the MSA.
Vendors, Contractors, and Installers
Vendors: Applying for Device Approval
If you are a MSA vendor and would like to get your device evaluated to be added to our Approved Product List, you will need to provide detailed documentation of your product’s compliance with applicable codes and standards, along with all specifications and certifications.
Please reach out to our meter engineering team at MEintake@sce.com. to initiate the evaluation and approval process. For a list of frequently asked questions and an overview of the evaluation process, please refer to the Evaluation Guide.
Contractors/Installers: Customer Application Best Practices
If you are a contractor or installer applying on behalf of your customer, please follow these best practices to ensure a smooth approval and installation process:
- Complete customer authorization to make you the designated primary contact with SCE through the application and installation process.
- Ensure your customer’s property and their MSA meet all program requirements before beginning the application process. (See MSA Vendor Checklist)
- Prior to the site visit from the meter technician, place the MSA near the meter in a secure, highly visible, waterproof bag that is protected from the elements.
Meter Socket Adapter Frequently Asked Questions
Meter Socket Adapter FAQ
Yes, if the customer authorizes it. Please be sure to upload a signed Authorization Form (included in Customer Agreement) when submitting a MSA request.
No. The MSA itself must be installed by an SCE technician, but contractors are responsible for ensuring the connected system (e.g., battery or EV charger) is installed by a licensed professional and meets all code requirements.
Installation timelines vary but are typically 30 business days for standard residential applications. If an application is incomplete or missing required information, turnaround times may be longer.
The MSA program facilitates the removal of GMAs as well as MSAs. In the online enrollment portal, please select the “removal” option if you are simply requesting GMA removal. If you want to replace an existing GMA with a MSA, please select the “replacement” option in the request form.
Yes, the cost per site visit is $279.22. This fee is required to be paid in the online enrollment portal at the time of request submission.
No, a separate Rule 21 application will need to be submitted for any interconnection requests (i.e., solar, battery, etc.).
Your MSA was likely not installed due to one or more of the following reasons:
- MSA wasn’t left next to meter panel in a high visibility, waterproof package
- MSA was damaged, dirty, or wet
- No liquid tight conduit is used for communication cables for isolating MSAs, as communication cables have low or no voltage
- Liquid tight conduit is used to cover energized conductors, such as:
- Solar load-side TAP covering 120 and 240V wiring to the A/C disconnect
- 120 and 240V EV charging cable
- Meter exceeded a 200-amp rating and/or did not meet utility service and National Electric Code Standards
- Meter panel had an Electric Service Requirement violation
- Generating facility back-feed exceeded rated load of service panel
- Meter socket was incompatible with MSA
Please reach out to the SCE Interconnection Team at 866-600-6290 to request a lock ring removal.
For FAQs specific to manufacturers and MSA device approval, please reference our FAQ section in the Evaluation Guide.
For more information, contact customer.generation@sce.com