MOVING AN ELECTRIC METER

[sueonmull]

We need to move our two electric meters. We will be getting the electricity board to move them and an electrician to reconnect to the consumer unit, so we're intending to do everything by the book. I just want to know if there are any regulations which cover where electric meters can/cannot be sited for safety/ease of reading etc. I'd prefer to have time to consider the options before I call in the professionals otherwise the meters are likely to end up where they'd prefer to put them and not necessarily where I would prefer to have them ! We don't have any mains gas but are planning to install lpg but this will be on the other side of the house to the electric meters.
Thank you

 

[Taylortwocities]

The location of the meters are governed by the DNO (electricity supply company). AFAIK their preference is for the meter to be located in a cabinet located on the outside wall of the house so that the meter readers can access without having to get in to the house.

You'll have to ask the DNO, they do things their own way.

Wiring Regulations are rather looking at what happens after the meter. There's recommendations re locations of the consumer unit(s) - your electrician can help you there.

 

[Chri5]

The fuse board can be installed remote from the meter, provided either the DNO or the electrician provides a cut off switch as a demarcation point.

If the demarcation point isn't provided then most DNO's have a 2 or 3m limit between head / meter and fuse board / CU.

Once the head has been moved the main earth bonding 10mm earth cables for gas (or LPG) and water will need moving, since the earth source from the DNO will be supplied adjacent to the head.

As for location, the head and meter will need to be supplied at H&S regs height and position, best in a cupboard or boxed in- an alternative would be to have an external white box which means your never be disturbed by a meter reader again!

You will need to consider the tails / cable service runs between the CU's and the new meter / head location.

 

[sueonmull]

Thanks for two very speedy replies. We too would like the meters to be on an outside wall. I will contact our electricity supplier for their specific requirements on height etc.
Thanks again

 

[jenneedshelp]

The fuse board can be installed remote from the meter, provided either the DNO or the electrician provides a cut off switch as a demarcation point.

If the demarcation point isn't provided then most DNO's have a 2 or 3m limit between head / meter and fuse board / CU.

Once the head has been moved the main earth bonding 10mm earth cables for gas (or LPG) and water will need moving, since the earth source from the DNO will be supplied adjacent to the head.

As for location, the head and meter will need to be supplied at H&S regs height and position, best in a cupboard or boxed in- an alternative would be to have an external white box which means your never be disturbed by a meter reader again!
You will need to consider the tails / cable service runs between the CU's and the new meter / head location.

Just read previous posts on the subject oops!, will have to get the experts in lol, better safe than soz, hopeful of getting decent quote for moving it all outside. thanx

 

[westie101]

For an outside cabinet something like no more than 1m to the bottom of the cabinet is preferred

 

[AdrianUK]

The fuse board can be installed remote from the meter, provided either the DNO or the electrician provides a cut off switch as a demarcation point.

If the demarcation point isn't provided then most DNO's have a 2 or 3m limit between head / meter and fuse board / CU.

If the tails are longer than the 2 or 3m (depending on the DNO) then a switch-fuse or MCB must be installed, not just a switch.

Its not about demarcation, its about the DNO not wanting to provide overcurrent/short circuit protection to the extended length of tails that may run hidden inside the building fabric.