Abstract: A voltage tap device is provided. The voltage tap device includes a housing. A tap needle may be protruding from the housing. A fuse is electrically connected to the tap needle. The housing may further include an input that is configured to receive a meter wire. The input is electrically connected with the fuse. Therefore, a user may attach the housing to an insulated conductor, pierce the insulation with the needle so the needle is in contact with the conductor, attach a meter wire to the input and determine the voltage level of the insulated conductor.

Abstract: An automated meter reading system having an image obtaining device, mounted to the outside of a conventional meter, and a central station for receiving and processing images from the image obtaining device. The image obtaining device lies dormant until its internal circuitry recognizes that it is time to obtain an image of the meter's readout. Once the image is obtained, the image is transmitted to the central station, which processes the image to obtain billing and other information.