Meter Box's Inside Cupboard?

Hi All,

I am trying to seek clarification in regards to the access needed to the electrical meter box and gas meter box.

Our house is 2 years old and the Gas and Electric meters are located externally underneath a Small Car Port which sits in front of the garage. After converting the garage last year we don't have any storage space at the front and so we wish to build a cupboard in the car port just to store a few bits and bobs - but this would enclose the gas and electric meter boxes inside the cupboard (it's only a small space so another location is not possible).

I have been browsing through the regulations to find out if this is acceptable or whether they need to remain accessible for emergencies, but I don't really understand the wording enough to get a conclusive answer.

From what I've read I understand that the consumer of the gas needs to have access (which we obviously would), but I don't know where we'd stand if say, the fire brigade needed to shut off the supply and we were not around with the key, although with it being made of wood they'd have no issue breaking into it.

Any guidance is much appreciated

Thanks
Josh

It’s not a planning or BR issue.
The gas and electric companies would very much like the meters to be right at the front outside of your house, but there’s no compunction to do so.

Many meters are positioned in other places that are not accessible, and the onset of smart meters (curse them) mean that access is even less needed.
My meters are behind a locked gate, many are. If emergency services need access, they’ll find a way - fire etc can start anywhere in a property, not just at a meter!
What you are thinking of doing is just fine. Crack on.

Crack on and make sure you keep the cupboard locked so the energy company can't read the meters.

Josh12345 said:

I have been browsing through the regulations to find out if this is acceptable or whether they need to remain accessible for emergencies, but I don't really understand the wording enough to get a conclusive answer.

Click to expand...

It's more to do with the people who own the pipes having access to the service, as it is to do with reading the meters.

Crack on. However, make sure the cupboard is ventilated, and that any vents aren't subsequently obstructed.