A meter box acts as a protective shield for your gas, electricity and water meters, protecting them from the elements, and minimising wear and tear, accidental damage or vandalism. The meter itself is vital to the energy supply of all homes, commercial premises, and industrial properties, keeping track of the occupants’ consumption and ensuring that they are billed appropriately and accurately.
In order to keep your gas and electricity meters functioning correctly, you need to ensure that not only is the meter box properly maintained, but it’s also positioned correctly. Where your meter is located can be a health and safety issue, so there are strict regulations around where it can be placed.
In this post, we’ll look at everything you need to know about where you can safely and legally place your meter box. We’ll also walk you through the regulations you need to follow when positioning or repositioning a meter box, and why it is so important to replace a damaged meter box.
Does a meter box have to be outside?
Perhaps the first thing to clear up is whether your meter box has to be external: it does not. Many homes will have their electricity meter located inside the house rather than outside, and that is perfectly legal.
Factors that determine the location of meter boxes
When it comes to the placement of your meter box, there are a number of significant factors to consider. These range from safety and accessibility concerns to ensuring the proper functioning of the utility meter itself.
Let’s take a look.
Distance from the main electrical panel
The main electrical panel (also known as the ‘consumer unit’ is key to the electrical safety of your home or business premises. It needs to be located fairly close to your meter box. The meter tails between the main power supply and your meter should not exceed a distance of 3 metres. If this is unavoidable, Institute of Electrical Engineering (IEE) Wiring Regulations state that you will need to install an additional protective device at the nearest point to the supply inside the property.
Accessibility for meter reading and maintenance
It’s important to be able to access your meter easily. Even if you have a smart meter, which automatically transmits your usage data to your energy supplier, it’s essential you can access your meter when needed.
This accessibility is not just for you – your energy suppplier also needs to be able to access it easily in case repairs need to be made.
Safety considerations
Your meter needs to be in a dry space such as a meter box or a cabinet. When a meter comes into contact with an excess of water, it can not only lead to a loss of function but potential safety issues. It should also be located away from areas that are prone to damp or flooding.
Can I change my meter box location if I want to?
Only your energy supplier can move your meter to a different location on the premises. If anyone but your energy supplier tries, this would count as meter tampering which is illegal – even if you move the meter, it is still against the law. It’s also dangerous.
If you wish to shift the position of your meter box around the meter, you are able to do that but this movement is very limited because it needs to give a certain amount of clearance around your meter, and boxes are designed to fit the dimensions of most energy meters without too much excess space.
If your energy supplier agrees to move your meter, they may charge. This is usually dependent on why you’re moving it. For example, if you’re a pensioner, disabled or living with a long-term illness and need to move the meter to make it more accessible, the supplier usually covers the cost. If it’s for aesthetic reasons, you will be charged.
Regulations on the location of meter boxes
There are several authorities that determine the proper placement of meter boxes in domestic, commercial and industrial properties. These are as follows:
Government legislation
Government legislation like The Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 and the Electricity Act 1989 cover the fundamentals of where and how utility meters are fitted and the penalties for noncompliance. You can find all relevant legislation that applies to meter installation and relocation on the government’s website.
These all apply to domestic, commercial and light industrial meters with a maximum flow rate of 1,600 cubic metres.
Utility companies
Utility companies may sometimes be responsible for moving a meter box from one location on the premises to another. This usually happens when the meter needs to be moved a short distance of 1m or less along the same wall. As such, they must ensure that all work carried out adheres to the appropriate legislative guidelines.
DNOs and gas transporters
Distribution network operators (DNOs) and gas transporters are the companies responsible for maintaining and making additions to the national grid in different areas of the country. Developers and individuals alike must approach their local DNO or gas transporter whenever they need to connect a new property to the grid. They will usually also be the parties responsible for moving a meter box from indoors to outdoors or moving it to a different wall. They will sometimes work alongside registered contractors to ensure that work is carried out to the required standards.
Other regulatory bodies
Other regulatory bodies, such as Ofgem, may also have implications for meter placement in a home or business. Depending on where the meter is to be installed, it may be necessary to contact the local building authority to secure planning permission.
Best practices for meter box placement
Now that we know a little about the regulations regarding meter box placement, where is the best place to put your meter box?
While regulations are varied and complicated, the short and simple version is that a utility meter can only be installed in the following locations:
- In a meter box
- In a dedicated meter compartment inside or outside the property
- Inside the property on an external wall
Failure to comply with this can lead to a loss of service, a hefty fine, and having to bear the cost of removing and relocating the meter box and meter. Improper energy meter installation also causes an extreme safety risk for your home.
Where do I start?
If you want to move your meter box, start by measuring the distance you want to move it, finding out who is the DNO or gas transporter for your area and contacting your utility provider. They can usually point you in the right direction.
The precise regulations you need to follow, and who is responsible for enforcing them, will depend on the nature of the move. However, it’s important to ensure compliance or risk exposing yourself to serious safety issues and heavy sanctions.