How to replace the Polaris Meter or SMB350 when CTs are installed around the hot wire?
The safe way is to turn off the power and change the meter.
If you cannot switch off the power, you must short-circuit the terminals of the CT before disconnecting it from the old meter. Remove the CT shorting link after connecting CT wire to new meter.
Why:
If a CT secondary (2 wire from CT) is opened while current is flowing through the primary wire (hot wire), the voltage across the secondary terminals can rise to several thousand volts. This creates an immediate arc-flash hazard and will likely destroy the CT insulation.
Note:
Label all the wire to the meter before disconnecting them and make sure to connect the wire to the right terminate of the new meter.