System and method for detecting the presence of an unsafe line condition in a disconnected power meter

A power meter capable of detecting the presence of an unsafe condition, the power meter coupled to a voltage source through a first and second source contacts, the power meter coupled to a load through a first and second load contacts, the power meter measuring power flowing from the voltage source to the load, the power meter comprising:

• a disconnect switch, the disconnect switch interposed between the first source contact and the first load contact, and the second source contact and the second load contact, the disconnect switch interrupting the flow of power from the voltage source to the load when the disconnect switch is in an open position;
• a first bypass resistor coupled between the first voltage source contact and the first load contact,
• a second bypass resistor coupled between the first source contact and the second load contact,
• a load side voltage sensing circuit, the load side voltage sensing circuit coupled to the first load contact and a second load contact, the load side voltage sensing circuit measuring a first voltage at the first load contact and measuring a second voltage at the second load contact, the load side voltage sensing circuit determining:
• a) if the first voltage is greater than a first voltage threshold or
• b) if the first voltage is less than a second voltage threshold, or
• c) if the second voltage is greater than a first voltage threshold;
• or,
• d) if the first voltage is less than a second voltage threshold;
• and,
• a processing circuit coupled to the disconnect switch and the load side voltage sensing circuit, the processing circuit determining if the disconnect switch is in the open position, the processing circuit indicating that an unsafe condition exists when either the first voltage is greater than the first voltage threshold or, the first voltage is less than the second voltage threshold, or the second voltage is greater than the first voltage threshold or the second voltage is less than the second voltage threshold, and the disconnect switch is in the open position.