Wow, that's a great call! It's situations like these that really highlight the importance of thinking outside the box and considering all possible causes. Critters causing electrical problems is more common than many people realize, but a frog in the meter base bridging to the B phase is a particularly interesting scenario.Here are some thoughts on your situation and what you did right, along with some recommendations for future calls like this

What you did right:
Thorough Voltage Checks

Starting with voltage checks at the disconnect and then the panel was the correct first step to confirm the issue wasn't further upstream or related to a general power outage.

Observation of the Consistent Tripping

Noticing that the arc-fault/ground-fault breakers on a specific phase (B phase) were the consistent culprits was a key piece of information. This pointed towards a phase-specific problem.

Trusting your Gut

The homeowner's mention of repeated occurrences led you to consider less common issues like critter interference.

Checking the Meter Base

This was the winning move! You thought outside the box and went directly to where the problem was.

Safety First

Cutting the meter tags and pulling the meter demonstrated that you were prioritizing safety during the repair. (Of course, remember local utility protocols regarding meter tag removal and reinstallation - you may need to notify them).

Documenting and Sharing

Sharing this experience is valuable for other electricians! It helps them troubleshoot similar issues in the future.

Recommendations for Similar Situations in the Future



Document the Problem

Get clear from the homeowner about the frequency, circumstances, and any details they might remember about the trips. Ask if it happens during specific weather conditions (e.g., after rain).

Look for Visual Clues

Before pulling the meter, look for signs of critter activity around the meter base, panel, and service entrance. Excrement, chewed wires, or entry points could be indicators.

Check the Panel Grounding

Verify that the grounding system is properly installed and connected. Poor grounding can make the system more susceptible to nuisance tripping.

Consider Surge Protection

Recommend surge protection at the panel to protect against voltage spikes, which might exacerbate any underlying issues.

Educate the Homeowner

Explain the issue to the homeowner and advise them on preventative measures, such as sealing gaps around the service entrance, trimming vegetation that could provide access for critters, and potentially contacting pest control.

Photo Documentation

Take pictures of the critter and its location within the meter can. This is good documentation for your records and can be helpful if you need to discuss the situation with the utility company.

Possible Next Steps

*

Inform the Utility Company: Let the utility company know about the issue. They may want to inspect the meter base and surrounding area for damage or potential hazards. Plus, you may need them to re-seal the meter.Again, great troubleshooting and thanks for sharing this experience! It's a reminder that electrical work can sometimes involve a bit of detective work and requires a wide range of knowledge. Flag for review