Meter Boxes (28)

Meter Boxes: Your Essential Guide to Gas & Electric Meter Boxes

We have selected insulated vented and unvented meter boxes from leading brands including Mitras, Draper and Matrix that can be recessed or surface mounted and are suitable for use with water, gas or electricity meters often with convenient knockouts and secure key access.

Our choice of corrosion-resistant meter boxes are typically used in domestic and commercial environments and provide high levels of protection against voltage surges, power outages and mechanical damage whilst suitable for internal or external use and certified to the highest British Standards to provide a long lasting protective solution.

The following guide helps to provide further information relating to meter boxes, including their types, functionality, installation recommendations, and tips for optimal performance.

Table of Contents

1. What Types of Meter Boxes Are There?
2. What are the Regulations for a Meter Box?
3. Who is Responsible for a Meter Box?
4. Who Can Fit a Meter Box?
5. What is the Difference Between a Gas Meter Box and an Electric Meter Box?

1. What Types of Meter Boxes Are There?

C&W Berry supply several different types of meter boxes, such as surface-mounted and recessed models, each offering different installation options based on the needs of the property.

Surface-mounted meter boxes are typically installed on the exterior of the property, while recessed versions are built into the wall to provide a more discreet solution. These boxes are typically made from durable materials like glass reinforced plastic (GRP), which ensures they are weather-resistant and can withstand external conditions.

2. What are the Regulations for a Meter Box?

Meter box regulations are designed to ensure that meter boxes are installed safely and in a location that's accessible. These regulations apply to both electricity and gas meter boxes

• Electricity Meter Box: must be placed on the external side of a wall where it is accessible from the front of the property and is unlikely to be damaged. It must not open out onto a footpath or right of way. It can go beside, but not above or below, a gas meter box and must be compliant with British Standard BS 8567:2012 and fire retardant to BS 476 Part 7 1997 Class 2
  
  
• Gas Meter Box: must be vented, often in the door or the edges of the box. This is to protect your home in case of a leak – the vents let air in and out, meaning less gas will build up inside your meter box. As leaking gas will also have a smell, it makes it likely you’ll notice the leak quicker so you can get it fixed. New meter boxes shall conform to BS 8499. In order to comply with the requirements of the Gas Act, the “meter shall be installed as near as practicable to the Gas Transporter's main”. This means that the service should be laid in a straight line and terminate as close to the main as possible
  
  
• Water Meter Housing: must be weather-resistant and able to protect the meter from environmental factors like rain, snow and extreme heat. Housings often have UV-resistant coatings or materials to ensure long-term performance without degradation and some cases, special tools or locks are used to ensure that only authorized personnel can open the housing. They are generally WRAS approved and tested and certified to BS 8588:2017.

3. Who is Responsible for a Meter Box?

It's important to note that homeowners are responsible for the upkeep of their gas and electric meter boxes. This means that if any maintenance or repairs are required, the homeowner will need to contact a qualified builder, gas engineer or electrician to complete the work on their behalf. For water meter housings your utility company should be contacted. 

4. Who Can Fit a Meter Box?

The installation of a meter box should always be carried out by a qualified professional, such as a registered electrician, to ensure it complies with safety standards and local regulations. A properly installed electric meter box helps safeguard against potential hazards, such as water damage, which can lead to electrical failure or fire. Over time, meter boxes may need to be replaced due to wear and tear, with costs varying based on the size and material of the box. Ensuring that the box is functioning properly and securely closed is essential to maintaining safety. If the meter box door becomes damaged, it’s important to address the issue quickly to avoid the risk of water intrusion, which can create dangerous electrical hazards.

5. What is the Difference Between a Gas Meter Box & an Electric Meter Box?

Gas meter boxes are vented, often in the door or the edges of the box. This is to protect your home in case of a leak – the vents let air in and out, meaning less gas will build up inside your meter box. As leaking gas will also have a smell, it makes it likely you’ll notice the leak quicker so you can get it fixed.

For further technical information relating to our range of meter boxes, please telephone our main sales line on 01772 431 216 or email [email protected].