Can You Cover a Meter Box? An Insight into Meter Overbox Solutions
Introduction
A meter box is an essential component of our homes, providing a safe and secure housing for gas and electricity meters. However, they can sometimes become an eyesore, especially when they start showing signs of wear and tear. This often leads homeowners to wonder, “Can you cover a meter box?” The answer is yes, but it’s not as simple as throwing a decorative cover over it. There are safety considerations to keep in mind and specific products designed for this purpose, such as a meter overbox.
Understanding the Need for a Meter Overbox
Meter boxes are typically installed on the exterior of homes and are exposed to various weather conditions. Over time, these boxes can become damaged or discoloured due to exposure to the elements. This not only affects the aesthetic appeal of your property but can also lead to safety concerns if the meter inside is not adequately protected.
A meter overbox provides an ideal solution in such situations. It is designed to fit over your existing meter box, providing an additional layer of protection while also improving the appearance of your property. However, it’s crucial that any covering used does not restrict access to the meters or interfere with their operation.
Choosing the Right Meter Overbox
When selecting a meter overbox, there are several factors you need to consider:
Safety Considerations When Covering a Meter Box
While a meter overbox can provide a practical and aesthetically pleasing solution to covering your meter box, it’s crucial to remember that safety should always be your primary concern. Here are some safety considerations to keep in mind:
1 – Ventilation: Both gas and electricity meters need adequate ventilation to operate safely. Ensure that any cover you use does not block ventilation points.
2 – Access: In case of an emergency, it’s vital that the meters can be quickly and easily accessed. Any cover used should not obstruct access to the meters
3 – Compliance with Regulations: Depending on where you live, there may be specific regulations regarding the covering of meter boxes.
Government regulations, such as The Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 and the Electricity Act 1989, outline the essential guidelines for the fitting of utility meters and the consequences of non-compliance. Pertinent legislation concerning meter installation and relocation can be accessed through the government’s official website.
These regulations apply to domestic, commercial, and light industrial meters with a maximum flow rate of 1,600 cubic meters.
Utility providers may be tasked with relocating meter boxes within a property, typically when the move is short, less than 1 meter along the same wall. It is their responsibility to ensure that all work aligns with the relevant legislative requirements.
Always check with your local authority or utility provider before installing a meter overbox.
4 – Professional Installation: If you’re unsure about installing a meter overbox yourself, consider hiring a professional to do it for you. This will ensure that the job is done correctly and safely.
Conclusion
So, can you cover a meter box? Yes, but it’s important to do so responsibly using products designed for this purpose like a meter overbox. By considering factors such as size, material, accessibility, and installation requirements, you can choose an overbox that not only enhances the look of your property but also provides additional protection for your meters.
Remember, safety should always be your top priority when dealing with utilities in your home. Always ensure adequate ventilation for your meters and easy access in case of emergencies. If in doubt about any aspect of covering your meter box, consult with professionals or contact your utility provider for advice.
What can Palco offer you?
As previously discussed, meter overboxes come in a variety of styles to meet both internal and external access needs. At Palco our meter boxes are specifically designed for internal use in order to preserve the materials we use to manufacture them thus increasing the longevity of the product.
Internal meter overboxes are often used in apartment buildings and newer housing developments as well as public spaces such as shops.
Our meter overboxes, also known as the PAL16, are available with a 2 hour fire rating in order to meet building regulations surrounding fire protection. This certification is valid for sizes between 300m x 200m up to 1070mm x 650mm and with a variety of locks.
As standard, we manufacture the meter boxes with a budget lock and an 8mm triangular meter cabinet insert, these also have a metal door and a picture frame. There is no acoustic, airtight or smoke seal certification available for this product.
