As a home grows, so does the meter box. It’s not uncommon to have technologies of different ages throughout, but to the untrained eye they can look largely the same. Photo: John Lomnicki.
When was the last time you opened the lid on your meter box?
That metal cupboard isn’t mounted to the side of your house for decoration. It’s the electrical heart of the home and letting it deteriorate could pose a serious risk of fire or electric shock to you, your family and your property.
But if there was an issue inside, would you even know what to look for? Time to get familiar.
Every meter box contains a main power switch and an analog or smart meter to measure power consumption. It also houses your switchboard, which directs power from the pole to individual or zoned areas throughout the property.
The box itself should be weatherproof. Be sure to keep the space free of cobwebs and debris and call a licensed electrician if you notice scorch marks, black spots or strange smells.
Blackouts, sizzling circuits and dim or flickering lights are also red flags.
“The main risks with outdated or faulty technology in your meter box are fire and electrocution hazards,” NextUp Electrical co-director Llewy Evans says.
“Look for cream-coloured ceramic fuses and circuit breakers. If you have these, it’s probably time for an upgrade.
“They can become brittle or bend from heating up and cooling down regularly over time, which could create an electrical arc or expose you to live parts.”
Keep in mind that your setup likely contains asbestos if it was installed before 2003 and hasn’t been upgraded since. Aside from the shock risk, this is another reason you should never DIY electrical work.
The ‘before’ shot on this recent upgrade doesn’t just look shabby, it also presents serious safety concerns. Photos: Next Up Electrical.
The most important safety features inside a meter box are called residual current devices (RCDs). These life-saving switches quickly cut off the power supply if they detect a current leaking to earth.
“RCDs significantly reduce the risk of electrical fire and shock. Making sure they work is a must,” Llewy says.
“This should be done by a trained electrician who has the tools to test and time the RCD, because every millisecond counts when electricity isn’t going where it should.”
Under Australian law, all new homes must have at least two RCDs protecting power and lighting circuits, but those built in the 1980s or before might not; if yours doesn’t, get some.
Upgrading the meter box itself can add value to your home if you’re looking to sell. Llewy recommends a modern 600-by-600-millimetre design that can handle three-phase power.
Old doesn’t always mean dangerous – sometimes it’s just inefficient.
Your system could be ticking along without any issues right now, but if you plan to install smart appliances, solar panels or EV charging, it may not be able to handle the additional power load. That’s where smart meters come in.
“Traditional meters only show the total power used over your billing period and rely on someone coming to read them, whereas smart meters record your electricity use in real time and share it with your retailer,” Llewy says.
“More accurate data and better visibility of power consumption to make sure you’re only charged for the exact amount of energy you’ve used.
“Smart meters can also make fault investigations easier, and if you have solar, they allow you to sell excess energy to the grid.”
Australia’s national smart meter rollout aims to install smart meters in all homes and small businesses by 2030, so keep an eye out for a letter, text or email from your energy retailer to know when it’s your turn for an upgrade.
For more information, visit NextUp Electrical.
Original Article published by Morgan Kenyon on Region Canberra.
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