Question 1

Where is my electric meter?

Accepted Answer

Knowing where your electricity meter is will greatly help you in times of need where you need to turn it off. If you’ve got any kind of electrical emergency, your best bet is to shut electricity off to your house to prevent further damage.

You will usually find your electric meter on one of the outside walls. Generally, you will find it where power enters your property. The easiest way to find this is to look for the powerline that enters your property and follow it.

If you live in an apartment or multi-dwelling home, electric meters are often grouped together. You will likely be able to find them by following the powerlines as explained above, but now you’ll need to make sure you’re operating the meter box specific for your home. Your neighbours won’t appreciate you turning off their electricity while they’re halfway through a movie.

If your meter box has any exposed wiring or looks dangerous, don’t touch it. Move away from the area and contact a qualified electrician to see to it immediately.

Question 2

Who replaces electrical meter boxes?

Accepted Answer

You’ll often need to replace your electric meter when renovating your home, installing solar panels or if it is simply old and isn’t performing like it used to. But who replaces electrical meters?

As of 1 December 2017, your energy retailer is responsible for installing and reading smart meters, and replacing non-complaint electric meters. They must also notify you of power outages related with electric meter replacements.

The regulations introduced at the end of 2017 now require that any new or replaced electric meters must be a smart meter. These can be remotely read by your energy retailer for time of use pricing.

Question 3

Can I paint my electrical meter?

Accepted Answer

When you’re working on improving the outside aesthetic of your home, you might consider painting your electric meter box so it doesn’t look like so much of an eyesore. Before you dive in with your paintbrush, there are a few things you need to consider first.

Firstly you’ll want to check with your local building department about regulations around your meter box. Painting may be permitted or restricted, or there may be regulations related to what kind of screening you can put around it.

Once you know painting is permitted, you’ll want to clean the box first. Avoid using flammable cleaners such as alcohol based ones – an electrical spark of any kind could cause a fire. You’ll also want to mask any meters and electrical connections so no paint gets on them and interferes.

With a clean meter box and important components covered up, it’s time to paint. When selecting a paint, you’ll want one that will weather well outside. To prolong your paint job, apply a coat of rust-preventing primer before painting the box in your colour of choice. If you choose to paint the inside of the box, be sure to only paint the box door and not anything else.

Question 4

Can I remove my electrical meter?

Accepted Answer

You cannot remove your electric meter yourself. If you wish to remove it or move it to another location, you’ll need to put in a request to you energy retailer. Once they’ve approved it, your electrician can move it for you.

Moving your electrical meter has to be done correctly or else you run the risk of electrical faults which could lead to shocks or even fires! A fully qualified electrician must do this work for you to ensure it meets all regulations and is moved safely.

Metropolitan Electrical Contractors have both the qualifications and experience to remove or alter your electrical meter box.