Smart energy meter housing

A method for assembling a meter case used with a utility meter, the method comprising:

• providing a plurality of snap fit joints on a meter shell;
• mounting a module cover on the meter shell by engaging the plurality of snap fit joints, the module cover having a wire housing formed along an inner periphery of the module cover;
• laying a wire having a first end and a second end, within the wire housing;
• coupling electrically a metal shield placed behind the meter shell, to a first connector;
• providing a terminal electrically connected to the metal shield configured to discharge current to ground;
• providing an electrical contact portion electrically coupled to the second end of the wire, the electrical contact portion configured to engage with the first connector to establish an electrical connection to the metal shield for the discharge to ground of electrostatic discharge current sensed by the wire;
• and
• forming an electrical contact insulation chamber within the module cover, the insulation chamber providing a recess to house the electrical contact portion.

A metering system, comprising:

• a communication module configured to transmit and receive data from the network grid;
• a meter shell comprising a plurality of snap fit joints;
• a module cover configured to shield the communication module has a wire housing formed along an inner periphery of the module cover, and is mounted on the meter shell by engaging the plurality of snap fit joints;
• a wire having a first end and a second end is mounted within the wire housing;
• a metal shield placed behind the meter shell is electrically connected to a first connector;
• a terminal electrically connected to the metal shield is configured to discharge current to ground;
• an electrical contact portion is electrically coupled to the second end of the wire, the electrical contact portion is configured to engage the first connector to establish an electrical connection to the metal shield for the discharge to ground of electrostatic discharge current sensed by wire;
• and
• an electrical contact insulation chamber having a recess is formed within the module cover, the recess housing the electrical contact portion.