About this job
What is a meter cabinet, and when do you replace it?
The meter cabinet is the whole enclosure or space where your electrical supply comes in. It houses the mains connection, the grid operator's meter and the fuse box that distributes power across the circuits in your home. In short: the meter cabinet is the enclosure, the fuse box is the technology inside it. If you only want to renew that technology, see our fuse box replacement service. If you need more power, for example to three-phase, that falls under upgrade to three-phase.
Replacing a meter cabinet usually means tackling the whole unit: a new enclosure, often with a new fuse box inside it, and sometimes relocating the meter to a better position. That is called for when the enclosure is outdated or too small, when moving house or carrying out a renovation, when the situation is unsafe, or when the meter is better positioned elsewhere. We bring the installation up to current standards at the same time, so it is safe and future-proof for years to come.
Warning signs
When does your meter cabinet need replacing?
Not sure whether it is necessary? These signs suggest replacement is a good idea. If you recognise any of them, have your meter cabinet inspected.
An old or too-small enclosure
An enclosure that is decades old, fitted with ceramic fuses or in a cramped housing, is often due for replacement, especially if it has no modern protection.
No room to expand
Is the enclosure completely full and there is no room for another circuit? For an EV charger, heat pump or induction hob, a new, more spacious enclosure is often needed.
Moisture, rust or discolouration
Can you see rust, damp patches or brown discolouration in the enclosure? That compromises safety. Have it looked at before it becomes a real problem.
The meter needs relocating
Is the meter cabinet in an inconvenient or damp location, for example in a shed or cellar? When we replace it, we can often move the enclosure and meter to a better position.
Moving house or renovation
Planning a renovation or have you just bought an older property? A great moment to have the meter cabinet inspected and replaced in one go if needed.
An unsafe situation
Loose wiring, a burning smell or an enclosure without RCDs: that is an urgent sign. Give us a call and we will take a look straight away.
How we work
How we approach it
From the first look to handover: clear, safe and hassle-free.
- 1
Survey and advice
We look at your meter cabinet and discuss what you need, now and in the future. You get honest advice on a new enclosure, the number of circuits and single or three-phase.
- 2
Fixed price upfront
You receive a clear quote with a fixed price. You know exactly what you are getting, with no surprises afterwards.
- 3
Safe replacement
On the agreed day we de-energise the installation and fit the new enclosure. If the meter needs relocating, we co-ordinate that in advance with grid operator Enexis.
- 4
Testing and handover
We test the installation and check every RCD. We then hand over neatly, with a 2-year work guarantee.
DIY?
Can I replace my own meter cabinet?
No. Work on the meter cabinet, the fuse box and certainly on the meter and mains supply must be carried out by a certified installer, to NEN 1010. This is not just safer; it also matters for your insurance. Small work within an existing circuit you may do yourself.
What you can do yourself
- Replacing a socket or switch within an existing circuit
- Hanging and connecting a light fitting or luminaire
- Neatly labelling the circuits in your fuse box
What to leave to a certified electrician
- Replacing or adjusting the meter cabinet or fuse box
- Working on the meter or the Enexis mains supply
- Fitting or replacing an RCD or main switch
Good to know
The technical side, in plain English
A few things that often come up with a new meter cabinet. We explain them calmly.
What is inside the meter cabinet?
Three things come together in the meter cabinet. The mains connection, the cable that connects your home to the Enexis grid. The meter, which records your usage. And the fuse box, which distributes power across the circuits in the home and protects them with RCDs and a main switch.
In older homes the gas or water connection is sometimes also in there, along with the earthing connection. When we replace the meter cabinet, we make sure everything is neatly and safely brought together, with plenty of room to expand later.
The meter belongs to the grid operator
The meter itself does not belong to you: it belongs to grid operator Enexis. Only they, or a certified installer, may work on the meter and the mains supply. If the meter needs relocating, for example to a drier or more convenient position, we handle the co-ordination with Enexis and make sure the new location meets the requirements.
We replace the rest of the enclosure: the fuse box and the wiring to your home. That means you do not have to chase applications and scheduling yourself: we manage it from start to finish.
Safe to NEN 1010
We install a new meter cabinet to NEN 1010, the standard for safe electrical installations in the home. That means, among other things, 30 mA RCDs on your circuits, a minimum of two RCDs and a main switch that cuts everything in one go.
We work with enclosures and components from leading brands with KEMA-KEUR, solid materials that last for years. And we leave room in the enclosure so you can easily expand later, for example for an EV charger or heat pump.
Price
What does meter cabinet replacement cost?
The price depends on your situation: the scale of the job, the number of circuits, single or three-phase and whether the meter needs relocating too. That is why we look first and then give you a fixed price upfront. Below is an indication by scenario.
Common extras:
- Surge protection, required for new builds and renovations
- Improving earthing or adding an earth rod
- Separate cooking circuit or perilex socket for induction
- Space reserved for an EV charger or heat pump
Price guide
Fixed price upfront| Meter cabinet replacement, smaller job (single-phase) | € 500 to € 900 |
| Meter cabinet replacement, larger job or three-phase | € 900 to € 1,500 |
| Surcharge for relocating the meter or enclosure | from € 300 |
| RCD replacement | from € 175 |
| NEN 1010 inspection | from € 195 |
Indicative prices incl. VAT. You will always receive a tailored quote.
Related services
Often done together
Not sure exactly which job you need? We are happy to help you work it out. These services often go hand in hand.
Replace the fuse box only
Is the enclosure itself fine but the technology outdated? We replace just the fuse box inside it.
More infoUpgrade to three-phase
Need more power for an EV charger, heat pump or induction hob? We upgrade your supply to three-phase.
More infoAdd a circuit
Just one circuit short? We often add one neatly to your existing fuse box.
More infoEmergency fault
Without power or is there something wrong with your meter cabinet? We often come the same day.
More infoCertified electrician
Find out what a certified electrician can do for you, with a fixed price upfront across all of Noord-Brabant.
More infoWhy Brabant Elektra
Certified, insured and guaranteed
All our engineers are qualified and work to the NEN 1010 standard. We give a 2-year guarantee on all our work. Reliable work you can count on.
Frequently asked questions
Good to know
Service area
Meter cabinet replacement in Noord-Brabant
Brabant is in the middle of the energy transition. More and more homes are getting solar panels, an EV charger or a heat pump, and that is exactly when an older meter cabinet often proves too cramped or no longer safe. We see it everywhere, from the 1970s estates to the farmhouses in the countryside: every home and every meter cabinet is slightly different.
We know the region and work with grid operator Enexis. If the meter needs relocating or an upgrade is needed, we account for the waiting times that can come with it and submit the application in good time. Your installation will be ready for what is coming, without surprises.
Service area
Across Noord-Brabant
From major cities to smaller towns, active in:
Ready to have this job done professionally?
Request a free quote or call an electrician near you directly. You will always get a fixed price upfront.
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