Electrical Meter Box Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What are the dimensions of the meter box?

A. The box measures 595mm high × 409mm wide × 210mm deep, and requires a minimum wall cut-out of 535mm × 365mm.

Q. Is it compliant with UK standards?

A. Yes, it meets BS 8567:2012, complies with ESI Standard 12-3 (April 1986), and is fire retardant to BS 476, Part 7, Class 2.

Q. What is it made from?

A. Constructed from Glass Reinforced Polymer (GRP), which is durable, corrosion-proof, and weather-resistant.

Q. What types of meters will it fit?

A. Suitable for all meter types, including traditional, prepay, and smart meters.

Q. What’s included with the meter box?

A. Supplied with a timber backboard, left-hand hinges, lock and key, and pre-drilled cable entry/meter tail positions with in-fill caps.

Q. Who should install the meter box?

A. Installation must be carried out by a qualified electrician to ensure safety and compliance.

Q. Can the box be painted?

A. Yes, the GRP surface can be cleaned and painted to match your exterior.

Q. Will it last in bad weather?

A. Yes, it’s fully weatherproof and will not rust or corrode.

Q. Can the hinges be placed on the right-hand side?

A. No, this model is supplied with left-hand hinges only.

Q. Are spare parts available?

A. Yes, you can buy:
Spare key (170001)
38mm black hockey stick (EC1001)
Replacement door (EDP0008)

Q. Is it suitable for both new builds and replacements?

A. Yes, ideal for new installations or replacing existing recessed meter boxes.

Q. Is this product suitable for bulk procurement?

A. Yes, the compliance, durability, and easy maintenance make it ideal for council, utility, and housing association projects.

Q. What is a surface mounted meter box?

A. A meter box fixed directly onto an exterior wall rather than recessed into it — ideal for retrofits and properties where cutting into the wall isn’t practical.

Q. What are the dimensions of the EBP0012?

A. 596mm high × 410mm wide × 220mm deep.

Q. What is it made from?

A. Durable, corrosion-proof Glass Reinforced Polymer (GRP) that is weather-resistant and fire retardant.

Q. Is it standards compliant?

A. Yes, meets BS 8567:2012, complies with ESI Standard 12-3 (April 1986), and is fire retardant to BS 476, Part 7, Class 2.

Q. What meters will it fit?

A. All types, including traditional, smart, and prepay meters.

Q. What’s included with the box?

A. Timber backboard, left-hand hinges, lock, and key.
(Hockey stick for cable entry sold separately.)

Q. Can I install my own meter box?

A. No, a qualified electrician must carry out installation.

Q. What is the clearance requirement?

A. It should be installed at an accessible height with no obstructions, following your energy supplier’s guidelines.

Q. Can the box be painted?

A. Yes, the GRP surface can be cleaned and painted to match your property.

Q. Will it last in bad weather?

A. Yes, it’s fully weatherproof and will not rust or corrode.

Q. Can I cover my electric meter box?

A. Yes, but the front must remain accessible for readings, servicing, and emergency access.

Q. Who is responsible for the meter box?

A. The property owner is responsible for the box; the energy supplier maintains the meter inside.

Q. Are spare parts available?

A. Yes, spare keys, 38mm white hockey sticks, and replacement doors are available.

Q. Is it suitable for large projects?

A. Yes, ideal for housing developments, council upgrades, and utility contracts.

Q. What is the Medium Permali Recessed Electric Meter Box?

A. It’s a recessed GRP (Glass Reinforced Polymer) enclosure designed to protect your electricity meter. Compliant with BS 8567:2012, weatherproof, corrosion-proof, and fire retardant to BS 476, Part 7, Class 2.

Q. What are the dimensions?

A. External: 690mm high × 490mm wide × 195mm deep.
Internal rear: 580mm × 380mm.
Minimum wall cut-out: 610mm × 410mm.

Q. What types of meters will it fit?

A. All types, including smart meters, prepay meters, and traditional meters.

Q. Who owns and maintains the meter box?

A. The property owner is responsible for the box. The electricity meter inside is owned and maintained by your energy supplier.

Q. Can I replace or install my own meter box?

A. No — installation or replacement should only be carried out by a qualified electrician.

Q. Can I buy and install my own electricity meter?

A. No — only your energy supplier or network operator can supply and fit an electricity meter.

Q. What are the rules for electric meter boxes?

A. They must meet British Standards for safety and durability, be accessible for meter reading, and protect the meter from weather and damage.

Q. Does it come with a lock and key?

A. Yes — the box includes a lock and key, with spare keys (170001) and replacement doors (ED0005) available.

Q. Will it last in bad weather?

A. Yes — the GRP construction is weather-resistant, corrosion-proof, and easy to clean.

Q. Can I paint the meter box?

A. Yes — the GRP surface can be painted to match your property.

Q. Does the box need to be fire rated?

A. Yes — and the EB0001 is fire retardant to BS 476, Part 7, Class 2.

Q. What is the electric meter box outside my house called?

A. Commonly referred to as an electric meter box, meter cabinet, or meter cupboard.

Q. How much does it cost to replace a meter box in the UK?

A. Costs vary depending on the product price and electrician labour fees.

Q. Is it suitable for both new builds and refurbishments?

A. Yes — it can be installed in new properties or used to replace an existing recessed meter box.

Q. What is the Mark 2 Surface Mounted Electric Meter Box?

A. It’s a weatherproof, corrosion-proof enclosure made from Glass Reinforced Polymer (GRP), designed to protect your electricity meter. It complies with BS 8567:2012 and suits all meter types, including prepay and smart meters.

Q. What are the dimensions?

A. 503mm high × 408mm wide × 237mm deep (depth under door: 212mm).

Q. What is a surface mounted meter box?

A. It’s installed directly onto the exterior wall without cutting into the wall cavity — ideal for retrofits or situations where recessing isn’t practical.

Q. What is the difference between surface mount and flush mount meter boxes?

A. Surface-mounted boxes are fixed to the wall surface, while flush-mounted (recessed) boxes are built into the wall for a flat finish.

Q. Can I install my own meter box?

A. No — installation must be carried out by a qualified electrician to meet safety and compliance requirements.

Q. How is the EB0022 fixed to the wall?

A. It’s secured directly to the exterior wall using suitable fixings, with cable entry via two pre-cut 2" openings (plugs included).

Q. What are the regulations for a meter box?

A. It must meet BS 8567:2012, be weather-resistant, fire retardant, and accessible for meter reading and servicing. The EB0022 meets all these criteria.

Q. Who owns and maintains the meter box?

A. The property owner is responsible for the meter box. The electricity meter inside belongs to the energy supplier.

Q. Will it last in bad weather?

A. Yes — GRP construction ensures long-lasting performance in all weather conditions.

Q. Can I paint the meter box?

A. Yes — the GRP surface can be cleaned and painted to match your property.

Q. Can electrical boxes and panels be surface mounted?

A. Yes — surface mounting is common for meter boxes, panels, and other enclosures, especially in retrofit situations.

Q. What’s included with the EB0022?

A. Timber backboard, hinges, lock, and key. Spare keys (170001) are available separately.

Q. Is it suitable for both new builds and refurbishments?

A. Yes — it can be installed in new properties or used to replace an existing surface-mounted meter box.

Q. Is it low-maintenance?

A. Yes — GRP requires minimal upkeep and can be easily cleaned.

Q. What is the EK0011 Cable Guard used for?

A. It’s a surface-mounted protective cover for 32mm electric riser cables, designed to prevent damage from weather, impact, and accidental contact.

Q. What are the dimensions?

A. 593mm high × 90mm wide × 70mm deep.

Q. What is it made from?

A. Glass Reinforced Polymer (GRP) — a strong, corrosion-proof, weather-resistant material.

Q. Is a cable cover necessary?

A. Yes, it extends cable life, improves safety, and provides a neat appearance.

Q. Can I install it myself?

A. Installation should be done by a qualified electrician to ensure it is securely fitted and meets electrical regulations.

Q. How can I hide or tidy exposed cables?

A. Use a cable guard like the EK0011, which encloses the cables neatly against the wall or meter box.

Q. Should electric cables be covered outdoors?

A. Yes, outdoor cables should be protected with a durable, weatherproof cover like the EK0011.

Q. What is a wire riser?

A. A vertical run of cable carrying electricity from ground level to a meter or between floors in a building.

Q. What can I use to cover exposed electrical wires?

A. Use a purpose-made product such as the EK0011 cable guard for 32mm cables, or other protective trunking/conduit sized for your installation.

Q. Can the EK0011 be painted?

A. Yes, the GRP surface can be painted to match your wall or meter box.

Q. Is it weatherproof?

A. Yes, GRP is resistant to corrosion, rust, and UV damage.

Q. Is it suitable for housing developments or retrofits?

A. Yes, it’s ideal for both new builds and adding protection to existing installations.

Q. Can it be ordered in bulk?

A. Yes, available for large-scale projects such as housing developments or council maintenance programs.

Q. Will it help prolong cable life?

A. Yes, it shields cables from environmental wear, mechanical damage, and accidental impact.

Q. What is the difference between a cable guard and conduit?

A. A cable guard like the EK0011 is a fixed surface-mounted protective cover for existing cables, while conduit fully encloses and routes cables, often before they are installed.

Q. What is the 44mm White Hockey Stick used for?

A. It’s a PVC conduit bend designed for routing cables between an electric meter box and the external supply point.

Q. What are the dimensions?

A. Outside diameter 44mm, internal diameter 39mm.

Q. Is it suitable for all meter boxes?

A. It’s ideal for 3-phase electric meter boxes, but can be used with other compatible enclosures.

Q. Is it weatherproof?

A. Yes, suitable for both internal cavity and external use.

Q. Can I install it myself?

A. Yes, it can be fitted by competent DIYers, but electrical connections must be completed by a qualified electrician.

Q. What colour is it?

A. White, ideal for blending with standard white meter boxes.

Q. Is it lightweight?

A. Yes, weighs 0.720g, making it easy to handle and position during installation.

Q. Can it be cut to size?

A. Yes, PVC can be trimmed to the required length if necessary.

Q. Is it available for bulk ordering?

A. Yes — can be supplied in large quantities for housing developments, council works, or utility projects.

Q. Is it compatible with other Tricel accessories?

A. Yes, works with Tricel meter boxes, pedestals, and other approved cable routing products.

Q. Does it meet industry durability standards?

A. While no specific British Standard is stated, it’s made from robust PVC suitable for outdoor electrical applications.

Q. Where is it typically used?

A. To route electrical cables neatly and safely between a meter box and the supply entry point, often in new build or renovation projects.

Q. Can it be used for retrofitting?

A. Yes, suitable for replacing old or damaged hockey sticks without major structural work.

Q. Does the colour fade outdoors?

A. PVC is UV-resistant, but long-term outdoor exposure may cause slight discolouration over many years.