Insert for a meter box

An insert for actuating a bypass mechanism in a meter box, the insert comprising:

• a unitary body further comprising:
• a) a head, the head further comprising a bore, the bore being configured to receive a tool for applying a torque to the insert to enable or disable the meter box bypass mechanism, the head comprising a radially extending channel that extends through the head;
• and
• b) a hub that defines an interior, the hub having a wall terminating at a hub end, the hub and body extending along a central axis, the hub further comprising an opening extending through the hub wall, the opening being in communication with the channel, the hub further comprising a base located in the interior, and a plurality of breakline grooves extending through the hub, each of the plurality of grooves having a closed end, an open end, and laterally opposed breakline groove walls extending between the open and closed ends, the breakline grooves extending in a direction aligned with the central axis, the closed end being located proximate the head and the open end located proximate the base.

A method for activating a bypass mechanism in a meter box, wherein the meter box comprises, a insert for actuating the bypass mechanism to enable the meter to be removed from the meter box, the insert comprising:

• a unitary body further comprising:
• a head, the head further comprising a bore, the bore being configured to receive a tool for applying a torque to the insert to enable the meter box bypass mechanism;
• and a hub that defines an interior, the hub having a wall terminating at a hub end, the hub and body extending along a central axis, the hub further comprising a base located in the interior and a plurality of breakline grooves extending through the hub, each of the plurality of grooves extending in a direction aligned with the central axis from a location along the hub proximate the head to a location along the hub proximate the base, the method comprising:
• applying a torque to rotate insert about the central axis, causing a fracture in the insert when the applied torque threshold is exceeded.