Power meter limiters

A limiter is used to restrict the flow of electricity. It allows a small amount of power to flow through the meter to maintain minimal service at a location, instead of completely shutting off the power.

About power limiters

A power limiter is installed on residential meters for non-payment and may also be installed on sites where no one is billing for the electricity services.

A power limiter is used to restrict the flow of electricity. It allows a small amount of power to flow through the meter to maintain minimal service at a location, instead of completely shutting off the power.

With a limiter, you'll have enough power to run heat, a few lights and a major appliance such as a fridge. As long as you stay within the load limit, your power will stay on. If your power use exceeds the limit allowed, the limiter will shut off your electricity.

Resetting power limiters

It's important to determine what type of limiter's been installed so you can know how to reset it.

Restricted flow limiters

You can reset these limiters can be reset. As long as you don't go over the load limit, your power will stay on. How you reset it depends on which type you have.

Automated limiters

These power limiters let you use 240-volt devices. If you use too much energy in a 15 minute period, the power will cycle off for 15 minutes.

Type of limiter	How to reset	Voltage supplied
Limiter 1 (automatic)	Will automatically turn back on after 15 minutes	Within the City of Edmonton: 120 and 240 volt appliances Note: Usage to a maximum of 420 watt hours in a 15 minute period.
Limiter 2 (reset button)	Press the button to reset the limiter	120 volts and 15 amps to all circuits in the home
Limiter 3 (push/pull knob)	Pull down the knob and push up to activate	120 volts and 15 amps to all circuits in the home
Limiter 4 (on/off switch)	Flip the toggle switch to the "on" position	120 volts and 15 amps to all circuits in the home

Consumption by household device

Device	Approx. device rating (watts)	Approx. consumption (watt-hours / minute)
Lightbulb, LED or CF	13	0.2
Freezer	30	0.5
Fridge (500kWh/yr)	57	1
Lightbulb, incandescent	60	1
TV LCD (large)	75	1.3
TV CRT	100	1.7
Total lighting load	150	2.5
Furnace (3/4 hp)	560	9.3
Microwave	1200	20
Electric space heater	1500	25
Hairdryer	1500	25
Stove element (high power)	1500	25
Toaster (large)	1500	25
Dishwasher	1800	30
Oven	2400	40
Clothes Dryer (large)	3000	50

Removing the limiter

To discuss removing a limiter, contact our Customer Service at 310-4300.