Clueless flat owner trying to find a solution

[Big Hen]

So basically I live in a basement flat and both the gas and electricity boxes are directly outside my front door, which looks ****. So my question is

1. Can these electrics be moved at all, and if so who's doing it and how much is it going to cost roughly. There are 4 meters for the 3 flats above me and my own, so could 3 them be moved upstairs to the entry floor of the other flats? Or could the entire thing move to a different place away from my from door?

2. What solution is there for covering them failing point 1. I assume some sort of electrical box will do the job for the large fuses at the bottom? Something similar to this maybe ........

Any ideas, experiences or feedback would be appreciated!

 

[jelliottelectrical]

They could be moved yes, but only by your DNO (depending on your area). As they are flats im guessing they’ll only allow a ground floor location and probably all in one location due the need for emergency isolation in case of fire etc.

Expect a big bill!

you will need the DNO to move the cutout, possibly 4 different metering operators to relocate the meters and then an electrician to reconnect/extend/move all the submains to the flats. You will also need the permission of the freeholder as to where the equipment is located. As well as any easements/way leaves for the location of the equipment and cable runs

A cupboard would be a better option, but make sure it is a accessible to all occupants and the DNO/meter operators. You may need the permission of the freeholder still as it’s external to your property

 

[Big Hen]

They could be moved yes, but only by your DNO (depending on your area). As they are flats im guessing they’ll only allow a ground floor location and probably all in one location due the need for emergency isolation in case of fire etc.

Expect a big bill!

you will need the DNO to move the cutout, possibly 4 different metering operators to relocate the meters and then an electrician to reconnect/extend/move all the submains to the flats. You will also need the permission of the freeholder as to where the equipment is located. As well as any easements/way leaves for the location of the equipment and cable runs

A cupboard would be a better option, but make sure it is a accessible to all occupants and the DNO/meter operators. You may need the permission of the freeholder still as it’s external to your property

Thanks for all the info mate, definitely not got the energy to go through the process of moving it all in that case! Are there any pre designed products available to cover all of the various elements? Or is it just a case of finding electric cupboards roughly the same size and making them fit?

 

[sparkwright]

To move all that would be such an expense (for you) and such a drama (you would get some negativity I'm sure) I really, really wouldn't recommend it.

But a cupboard or some kind of door or screen would be far simpler.

It shouldn't really be on full view like that anyway, in case of sabotage.

 

[jelliottelectrical]

I think seeing the layout you have there you’d struggle to get something off the shelf.

Possibly your best bet is to get a carpenter or similar who can build something in situe to house it all

 

[sparkwright]

Can you send a picture taken further back to get a better idea of what can be built around it all?

 

[Big Hen]

I think seeing the layout you have there you’d struggle to get something off the shelf.

Possibly your best bet is to get a carpenter or similar who can build something in situe to house it all

Yeah it's really awkward with the gas boxes right next to it, so any sort of hinged door wouldn't work. Will talk with a carpenter, see if they can suggest something as obviously will still need access to the meters.

Thanks mate

 

[Big Hen]

Can you send a picture taken further back to get a better idea of what can be built around it all?

As you can see really awkward to build anything accessible with those gas meter boxes in the way.

 

[sparkwright]

Yeah it's really awkward with the gas boxes right next to it, so any sort of hinged door wouldn't work. Will talk with a carpenter, see if they can suggest something as obviously will still need access to the meters.

Thanks mate

Maybe some kind of folding door or screen could work.

L-shaped perhaps.

 

[jelliottelectrical]

How much space between the left of the gas box and the front of the meters etc?

As above, maybe an l shaped cupboard to cover the gas meters and the electric ones

 

[Big Hen]

How much space between the left of the gas box and the front of the meters etc?

As above, maybe an l shaped cupboard to cover the gas meters and the electric ones

How much space between the left of the gas box and the front of the meters etc?

As above, maybe an l shaped cupboard to cover the gas meters and the electric ones

See attached image, about 4 ¹/² inches. The gas boxes are already quite intrusive to the front of my flat so that's another thing I'm trying to figure out a solution to.

Also got a random water pipe and a tap coming from the corner next to the electrics, it's a right mess!

 

[Sureitsoff?]

How about fitting a door to the alcove/cupboard all that lot is in?

 

[jelliottelectrical]

So there should be room to get some sort of removable panel in. Or an opportunity to improve the look of the whole lot

 

[jelliottelectrical]

How about fitting a door to the alcove/cupboard all that lot is in?

I think the OPs entrance is in that alcove

 

[Big Hen]

I think the OPs entrance is in that alcove

Yes correct, from the entrance in the picture, the electrics are on the left and the entrance to my flat on the right.