Condensation from electric meter box

[markstev27]

Hello

We have got a black damp patch on our internal wall behind the electric meter box.

The wall is the inner part of the external wall and I wanted to ask the best way to stop the condensation and if anything can be put in the electric box to stop it

Thanks

 

[Burnerman]

The meter box is bridging the cavity between the inner and outer leaves of the wall.
Is the box well sealed at its exterior, so water can't run behind it?
John

 

[KenGMac]

Burnerman, good evening.

If the meter box is recessed into the wall what is probably happening is that either, as markstev27 has posted previously rain water is entering at the top and to a lesser extent the sides of the box then running to the rear of the box and causing the problem.

What can at times, but mostly in very cold weather is that because there is no insulation, or outer brick skin, having been removed to insert the recessed box holding the meter Etc. the cold external air has in effect direct access to the cavity side of the inner leaf of brick or block that your property is probably constructed from, the lack of insulation on the inner surface of the recessed box may be causing the problem?

it is simple enough to Re-Mastic the joint between the recessed box and the external surface of the recessed box, but, to try to get any Insulation on to, the rear surface of the recessed box, and the inner surface of the recessed box ait easy, after all the box in effect belongs to the utility Company who will probably not allow any tampering at all.

No doubt the board will have some Ideas on the above?

Ken

 

[Flyboytim]

I have a similar situation - there is just a single thickness of brickwork between the open porchway and the inside wall surface of the front room where the gas and electric supply boxes are.

Condensation occurs on that wall and especially within the services box. The black mould can be controlled with biocide - neat thick bleach left to dry is as effective as anything else. A small silent fan (12v, 100 or 120mm, as used in computers etc) blowing on the wall keeps a flow of air going to stop condensation during the period October to April.

 

[Alastairreid]

As stated it will be difficult to insulate from inside the box.

Your only other option would be to insulate the inside to get rid of the cold spot.

 

[SimonH2]

How about a slab of insulation on the inside of the box door ? Effectively make the inside of the box warmer and reduce the losses through the brick skin.

Another reason to avoid the fuglyboxes. What ****ing cretin through it was a great idea to build insulated properties and deliberately compromise the insulation like that