What Is a Meter Box? Types and Selection Criteria
A meter box is an enclosure with a cover that protects the electricity meter and the fuses connected to it from external influences and unauthorised tampering.
A meter box is an enclosure with a cover that protects the electricity meter and the fuses connected to it from external influences and unauthorised tampering. In residential, commercial and construction-site supplies it is used to mount the meter at the building entrance, in a floor hallway or in a common area. A meter box should not be confused with a cut-out box: the cut-out box houses the main fuses at the building entrance, while the meter box houses the meter and the fuses connected to it.
Types of meter boxes
| Type | Used for | Model in the catalogue |
|---|---|---|
| Single-phase meter box | One meter on a single-phase supply | Adal Pano MD8085 (180x366x100 mm) |
| Three-phase meter box | One meter on a three-phase supply | Adal Pano MD8086 (250x465x130 mm), MD8091 (350x500x190 mm) |
| Multi-meter box | Several supplies at the same point | Adal Pano MD8092: 2 three-phase meters; MD8093: 3 single-phase meters (both 500x600x220 mm) |
Selection criteria
- Meter type: Choose the box for the meter that will be fitted; the product name says single-phase or three-phase. The single-phase box in the catalogue is smaller than the three-phase boxes.
- Number of meters: If several meters will sit at the same point, such as two flats, shops or construction-site supplies, a multi-meter box brings them together in one housing, so mounting and cable entry are handled in one place.
- Outer dimensions: Measure the space on the wall or in the recess, including room for the cover to open. The depth of the models in the catalogue ranges from 100 mm to 220 mm.
- Space for fuses: The fuses after the meter sit in the same box. Check how many fuses fit from the fuse capacity information on the product page.
- Material and cover: Check the housing material and cover type on the product page. If the box will be fitted where it is exposed to sun and rain, confirm its degree of protection in the manufacturer's data sheet.
- Distribution company requirements: For the meter location and box specification, follow the specification of the electricity distribution company you are connected to and the approved project.
Common mistakes
- Confusing the cut-out box with the meter box: The main fuses at the building entrance go in the cut-out box; the meter and the fuses connected to it go in the meter box.
- Ordering without measuring: If the box does not fit the recess or wall opening, the opening has to be reworked; measure the depth as well.
- Not allowing for future supplies: If a second or third meter will be added to the common area later, plan the space for a multi-meter box from the start.
- Mounting without checking the distribution company's requirements: If the meter location or box does not meet the specification, changes may be requested before the meter is fitted.
Meter boxes in the Welibaba catalogue
All 5 active products in the Meter Boxes category are from Adal Pano and are sold per piece:
| Model | Outer dimensions (mm) | Meters |
|---|---|---|
| Adal Pano MD8085 | 180x366x100 | 1 single-phase |
| Adal Pano MD8086 | 250x465x130 | 1 three-phase |
| Adal Pano MD8091 | 350x500x190 | 1 three-phase |
| Adal Pano MD8092 | 500x600x220 | 2 three-phase |
| Adal Pano MD8093 | 500x600x220 | 3 single-phase |
Dimensions and number of meters are taken from the product names. For distribution inside the flat or shop after the meter, see the Opaque Cover MCB Panels category.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a single-phase and a three-phase meter box?
A single-phase box is made for the meter on a single-phase supply, a three-phase box for a three-phase meter. In the catalogue the single-phase box is 180x366x100 mm, and the single-meter three-phase boxes are 250x465x130 mm and 350x500x190 mm.
Can more than one meter go in a meter box?
Yes, with a multi-meter box. Adal Pano's 500x600x220 mm boxes have room for two three-phase (MD8092) or three single-phase (MD8093) meters.
What is the difference between a meter box and a cut-out box?
The cut-out box houses the main fuses at the entrance where the building connects to the distribution network. The meter box protects the meter and the fuses after it.
Who decides where the meter box goes?
The meter location and box specification are set by the requirements of the electricity distribution company you are connected to and by the approved project. Check the distribution company's specification before mounting.