An electric meter box at the home or office is used to record the amount of electricity that is being consumed in a building for a certain period of time. An electric meter box is made out of Glass Reinforcement Plastic (GRP). Using GRP to make electric meter boxes is preferable because it is more durable and ensures the safety of the residents of the building or individuals who come in contact with the meter box. GRP also allows protection against dangerous weather conditions.
You can find the main switch, the fuse, and circuit breakers in meter boxes. While installing a meter box, it is essential to pick a location that can be essay accessed. While installing, opt for the meter box to be placed outside of the living space. You can also opt for customized enclosures and custom project boxes to be installed in your building or workplace.
Following are the types of meter boxes that you can choose from that ensure safety:
1. Single Phase Meter Box
A single-phase electrical meter box has the capacity to be connected with only one energy meter and a 1ph +N or 2ph circuit breaker. Housing only single-phase electricity meters, these meter boxes provide complete insulation and are made out of polycarbonate.
Pros of using a Single-Phase Electrical Meter Box
- The material used in making these boxes is fire resistant. It will protect your electrical connections in case of a fire.
- Along with being fireproof, these meter boxes are also waterproof, which will prevent electrocution.
- The meter boxes are UV resistant, so sun exposure does not cause damage.
- The meter boxes are shockproof so that any individual can read the meter without worrying about getting an electric shock.
- These meter boxes are easy to carry and lightweight, which makes them easy to handle, and install.
A single-phase electrical meter box is ideal for individual circuits like an apartment. These meters are also best for small retail shops, electric cars, and small hotel rooms. This meter box allows one to read the meter without having to open it through its windows. One window is for reading, while the other has the circuit breaker. You can also opt to cover this meter box with a packing pouch for added protection.
It would help if you looked for the following specifications to be included in the meter box:
- Accuracy
- Voltage
- Frequency
- Temperature
- Power Consumption
- Maximum Reading
- Data Storage
Other specifications would include the impulse, the display, the cable size, the installation size, and the installation note. Also, check if the meter box is up to the international standards.
2. Three Phase Meter Box
As the name suggests, this meter box only accommodates three phase meters. Like a single-phase electrical meter box, three phase electrical meter boxes are also made of Glass Reinforced Polymer or GRP. This meter box can handle a greater electricity flow and hence is best suited for commercial purposes like in farms and while operating heavy machinery,
There are two types of three-phase electrical meter boxes:
- Surface-mounted electrical meter boxes
These meter boxes are perfect for installation on walls, as their name suggests. They have multiple cable knockout options. The typical dimensions expected from these meter boxes are 565mm width, 794mm length, and 190mm height.
2. Three-phase electrical recessed meter
A three-phase recessed meter is meant to be installed during the construction of the building and cannot be mounted on the wall later. Made of GRP, these meters are available with multiple cable knockout positions. The dimensions of this meter box are 565 mm in width, 794mm in length, and 180mm in depth.
Pros of using a Three-Phase Meter Box
- These are waterproof and prevent electric shocks or electrocution in case of rain.
- The meter boxes offer protection from environmental deterrents like dust since they are weatherproof.
- Since the three phase electrical meter boxes are made of GRP, they are durable and cannot rust.
- Ideal to be placed in a building or a setup where a lot of electricity would be needed.
- Easy to clean, three phase electrical meter boxes can also be painted to give them a favorable appearance.
- It can be installed simply inside or outside the wall by mounting.
- These meter boxes come with a security system that locks the meter so that no one can tamper with the system and the reading.
Installing a Three-Phase Meter Box or a Single Phase Electrical Meter Box should be installed only by a licensed professional. Checking to see if they are up to international standards is also a good practice. Consult the retailer and the electrician about the usage and the load on the electrical meter box to ensure that it is being used as it is supposed to be. Rather than opting for cheaper counterfeit electrical products, always look to buy from companies like ismolex.com that sells pin header connectors.
With electrical enclosures, you need to ensure that your manufacturer is reliable and is offering you quality products. Constructing a customized electrical enclosure best suited to your requirements will involve asking for a weatherproof box that is either wall-mountable compact enough to be placed in the building.
The Takeaway
While you are opting for an electrical meter box, you need to ensure that it is safe to use in all weather conditions and will not require a replacement within months of its installation. Looking at electrical meter boxes as investments will allow you to make a better choice when you buy one for your personal or business use. Most meter boxes today are made of Glass Reinforcement Plastic which makes them waterproof, waterproof, shockproof, and fireproof.
Since Glass Reinforcement Plastic does not rust, these meter boxes are durable and will serve you for years on end. Checking to see if you have bought a good quality product is essential which should never be forgotten. Also, take the advice of your trusted licensed electrician before you are installing an electric meter box in your home or office. Based on the load of electricity you are consuming, you can opt between a single-phase electrical meter box and a three phase electrical meter box.
Barry Lachey is a Professional Editor at Zobuz. Previously He has also worked for Moxly Sports and Network Resources “Joe Joe.” he is a graduate of the Kings College at the University of Thames Valley London. You can reach Barry via email or by phone.
