Street box for an electric meter: requirements and features for choosing and installing an electrical panel

Where is the shield installed?

Before installing the box in the apartment, first of all, it is necessary to draw up a detailed plan, take into account how the rooms will be furnished, where there will be lamps and switches for them, various household appliances, and so on.Along with electrical wires, other engineering communications, heating pipes, pipelines, alarm systems, the Internet, and so on are laid. The project should be developed in such a way as to optimize the routes of the described systems.

Important information!
An electrical panel is a place where a cable from an energy supply company is connected to a meter in order to further distribute electricity to consumers.

While doing the project, you should determine the most suitable place where the electrical panel will be installed. In the last century, it was mounted directly on the landings, but now the installation method is being popularized right in the apartment. This is not only convenient, but also ensures that unauthorized persons will not have access to the box.

As practice shows, the most suitable place is the corridor, near the front door and at face level, in order to more conveniently track the meter readings. By mounting the box in this way, a large length of the supply cable is not required.

Those who live in a country house will need to take into account more subtleties: how to safely organize an input device into a building, how a branch from an overhead power line is designed. In addition, you will need to contact the power supply organization to find out the details regarding their device.

Choosing a counter

All meters that can be installed to account for energy consumption are classified according to three criteria:

1. The design of the device;
2. The method of its connection;
3. Type of measured values.

Currently, in apartments, private houses and SNT, two types of devices are installed: electronic, which records and controls consumption at differentiated rates, and induction, which makes measurements due to the rotation of the disk.

Expert opinion
Evgeny Popov
Electrician, repairman

The second option is not very reliable, so it is gradually being replaced by electronic ones.

For outdoor installation, electronic devices are best suited, as they are convenient and accurate, do not respond to temperature changes. However, operating conditions with a temperature of 40 degrees below zero are the ceiling for them, and in regions where such weather occurs, it is still better to install meters indoors.

How to buy an electronic meter

The most important element for the counter is the seal. After exiting the assembly line and passing through quality control, two of them are installed: the first is set by the quality control department, and the second is put by the state representative authorized to carry out verification.

The date of verification is put on the seal and entered in the product passport, so the first thing to do when buying is to check them.

Expert opinion
Evgeny Popov
Electrician, repairman

If it suddenly turns out that there is no verification seal, or a date is affixed on it that does not correspond to the one in the passport, I do not advise buying the device. Then you can't prove anything to anyone.

The date of verification is also important. At the time of purchase of a two-phase meter, it should not exceed two years, and for a three-phase meter this period is completely reduced to one year. In the passport you can find all the necessary data

Which electricity meter is better to put in an apartment: classification of devices

When looking for where to buy a meter for electricity, it is important not to forget that the choice and purchase of a device must be carried out taking into account all factors. The device is not subject to return and exchange if there are reasons that prevent its installation, because the registration of the sale is accompanied by making the appropriate marks in the passport

This document contains a serial number as well as a seal affixed by the Government Attorney.

Electrical energy meter

Replacing an old electricity meter with a new device is performed in the following cases:

• non-compliance of the device with the requirements put forward by the power company;
• device failure;
• moving into new housing.

Devices for calculating electrical energy are classified according to the following criteria:

1. Type of construction (mechanical type or induction and electronic).
2. Number of phases (single- and three-phase).
3. Type of measured energy (devices for measuring reactive, active energy, as well as universal ones).
4. Tariffs (one-, two- and multi-tariff).

General information

There are many types of such equipment on the market. Prices, sizes, material of manufacture can be found for any buyer and destination. But first you need to understand what this electrical component is.

Purpose of mounting box

Most people, when buying such equipment, pay attention only to the appearance of the product.

How it will look in the environment, of course, is important. But first of all, such boxes must meet the following requirements:

But first of all, such boxes must meet the following requirements:

• All installation and maintenance work is carried out under safe conditions.
• Metal cases are grounded.
• The material of the box must withstand temperature fluctuations, precipitation of all kinds, solar radiation.

Plastic boxes are safer and more attractive than metal boxes. Such electrical installation devices have various names. Someone calls them cabinets for counters, someone calls them boxes. There is no single standard, and manufacturers define products in their own way. However, all of them should be practical and convenient.

Most support the installation of internal components using a standard DIN rail, which allows you to mount the equipment yourself. In addition to the counter, it is mounted by trained specialists after obtaining permission from the supervisory company.

Box device features

All protective boxes suitable for installation, according to the rules, must comply with security levels from IP 20 to IP 65. In addition to sizes and colors, they can be:

• Open installation.
• Hidden.
• For floor mounting.
• For inline location.
• Overhead.
• Whole or collapsible.

quality requirements

Even for such an easy-to-manufacture device as a box for an electricity meter in an apartment or on the street, the high-quality performance of all its components is important. This will enable the owner to comfortably and safely write off the testimony.

When purchasing a metal cabinet, you need to pay attention to such points:

For the manufacture of the box itself, steel with a thickness of at least 1.2 millimeters is used. Thin iron will not provide sufficient strength and long-term use. Practice shows that, first of all, the door sags in such shields.This violates the tightness of the structure and jeopardizes the destruction of electrical devices installed inside.
Industrial production involves testing finished samples on installations that simulate the most difficult weather conditions. If they pass the tests, this means that the quality of the paint application is good and such a sample will last a long time. Large manufacturers guarantee a service life of up to 15 years.
The presence of a locking device. A street box for an electricity meter must be selected with a lock that can be locked with a key. Its design can be any, the main thing is that there is a seal between the metal of the door and the larva. The thickness of the constipation is also important. The hole must be sealed.
If there is a window for data control, then a sealer is also needed here. Fastening must be provided with screws or self-tapping screws, as even the best glue dries out and the glass falls out.
The cabinet door must be grounded. Since the first touch falls on it, then if it is energized, it can be used to get an electric shock.
In addition to the door, the entire body is grounded

It is best if several bolts are provided for these purposes.
Particular attention should be paid to the quality of seals. They are made of plastic rubber in the form of a ring.

There should be no gaps on it in order to avoid leakage.
Semicircular bends along the edges of the door and body ensure a snug fit of sealing gaskets, and when they are destroyed, they prevent water from entering inside.

Stupin zakhistu vіd vologi i saw

Oskіlki boxing will be installed on the streets, wines will inevitably be subject to the constant influx of UV-changes, boards, snow, saws, etc.To that, first choose that chi іnsh model, it is necessary to perekonatis, scho class zakhistu (IP XX) dosit high.

Deciphering digital values ​​is not easy:

• the first number indicates the protection against the penetration of third-party objects;
• another figure indicates the protection of the penetration of the water.

Obviously, the greater the number of thefts of the street box for the electric kettle, the greater the number of the next IP. For example, as for a closed location, a shield IP 20 (a low step for protection against a saw, a zero step for protection against water), then for a varto street, choose a design with marking IP 54 and more.

How to choose the right box for the street electric meter?

For outdoor installation, it is advisable to purchase wall cabinets for installing metering devices. Outdoor boxes-boxes must have appropriate protection against clogging and getting wet. If it is necessary to install the structure on the street, it is required to purchase a box with protection IP-44 or higher.

Additional protection of the box with a special canopy is allowed, which minimizes the risk of a short circuit as a result of water ingress. Also, the device must be protected by a lock that prevents unauthorized access to the meter.

Shield under the counter Mercury

The presence of regular stuffing box entries will allow you to seamlessly connect the electrical cable. In some cases, you will need to purchase such oil seals separately.

Experts recommend abandoning rubber stuffing box entries in favor of models that are tightened with a special key. Only in this case it is possible to obtain the most reliable fixation of the cable and prevent water from entering the installed electric meter.

Selection of electrical panels and boxes

When choosing a box for arranging an electrical panel, it is necessary to take into account the following parameters:

• material of manufacture;
• scope;
• installation method;
• the number and range of devices that are supposed to be placed in the shield.

When choosing a shield, it is recommended to pay attention to the IP protection class. When installed indoors, it is allowed to use devices - IP30 or 40

For outdoor systems, a minimum rating of IP65 or 67 is recommended.

Electric boxes according to the material of manufacture

To date, there are shields with cases and doors made of:

Plastic. Such shields are used for internal installation in residential or office premises. Products can have a different configuration, color and appearance. The door can be equipped with a lock

When buying a plastic shield, you should pay attention to the manufacturer's data. Cheap products from obscure suppliers are made of poor quality plastic that yellows when exposed to daylight.
metal

For installation in garages or outdoors, it is recommended to use a shield with a metal case. This design has great strength, durability and is resistant to external influences.

When installed outdoors, anti-vandal design shields made of sheet steel with a thickness of 1.2 mm or more can be used. They have two doors - the first is deaf, and the second - with a viewing window for the counter.

Shields by mounting type

There are two types of shields:

• consignment note - is installed on the surface of the wall and can be used to distribute open and hidden wiring;
• built-in - is placed in a niche made in the wall, and is used only for hidden wiring.

Number of modules and contents of boxes

Before buying a shield, it is recommended to draw up an electrical diagram of the room and distribution unit, which indicates:

• the number of machines;
• switches;
• RCD;
• the presence of a counter in the device.

Depending on the number of devices, the required shield capacity is calculated.

Electric boxes have a different configuration depending on the number of seats:

• 12;
• 24;
• 32;
• 64 or more items.

The width of one place is the same for the products of each manufacturer and is 17-18 mm.

When calculating the number of places, it is necessary to take into account the dimensions of standard devices:

• the electricity meter takes from 6 to 8 places;
• a protection device (RCD) for a single-phase shield will require 3 places, and for a three-phase one - five;
• automatic switch for three phases - three places;
• fuse (automatic) with two poles - 2;
• single-pole machine - 1 place.

It is recommended to leave a margin of space (especially with a structure built into the wall), which may be needed when upgrading the electrical circuit in the room. The minimum size of the device in an apartment or house is 16-24 places (when installing the meter in a separate switchboard in the stairwell).

An example of filling the shield in the apartment

Selecting an installation site

In a residential area, it is advisable to allocate a single zone for placing devices in it that provide connection to external telecommunications networks and a power source. The centralized location greatly simplifies the maintenance of these systems. As a rule, a place is allocated for such a zone inside the apartment next to the entrance. In panel houses, special niches are provided in the tambour room.

If external installation is carried out, then a base made of non-combustible material must be placed under the switchgear box.

The lower edge of the box must be at least 100 cm from the floor level, while the upper part of the case is limited to a height of 180 cm. This range can be reduced to 50 cm and 130 cm (respectively) if disabled or elderly citizens live in the apartment.

• in the danger zone belonging to category "0", "I" and "II" (showers, bathrooms, etc.);
• in interior items and furniture (for example, a closet or wardrobe);
• above heating installations;
• next to plumbing fixtures;
• over a gas or electric stove;
• outside the territory of the house (the restriction does not apply to metering boards);
• on loggias and balconies, including glazed ones;
• in the bathroom;
• on a flight of stairs;
• in any damp room;
• in the ventilation shaft.

Forced to take the electricity meter outside: is the requirement legal in Russia, and who benefits from it?

Electricity providers require meters to be installed outdoors for ease of inspection and reading.

In addition, when the air temperature is below zero, the device often does not work in favor of citizens. The error reaches 10% or more. This is in the hands of the sales company. The meters installed in this way fail faster, respectively, the costs of the owners for their replacement, installation and sealing increase.

Consumers are wondering: is this installation legal?

The conditions of power engineers for mounting devices outdoors are illegal!

They go against the following regulations:

1. P. 1.5.27 PUE (rules for electrical installations)

The document says that the meter should be installed in a dry room easily accessible for maintenance with a temperature not lower than zero in winter.

Taking the device outside exposes it to the influence of precipitation and low temperatures.

2. P. 1.5.29 PUE

The permissible mounting height of the meter is in the range from 0.4 to 1.7 m from the floor.

The recommendations of the power engineers to install the meter higher for its safety violate this norm and create significant inconvenience for the owner when taking monthly readings of electricity consumption.

3. Art. 210 of the Civil Code of the Russian Federation

The owner is responsible for the safety of his property, unless otherwise provided by the contract.

By requiring the appliance to be installed outdoors, the utility company deprives the owner of the opportunity to keep it. Everyone has access to a street electric meter, including hooligans and thieves.

Based on the foregoing, the owner has the right to refuse to install the device outdoors.

Choice of mounting materials

The implementation of TU 15 kW consists in installing a meter on a pole at the border of the site. In the shield, an electricity metering scheme is assembled. We were faced with the task of choosing an electrical panel protected from atmospheric influences, as well as from corrosion. Plastic electrical panel for TU 15 kW Electrical panel for outdoor installation Outdoor plastic electrical panel

In this work, we used an electrical panel made of plastic cross-linked with fiberglass. The advantages of such an electrical panel when performing TU 15 kW:

1. Protection against moisture and dust IP 67
2. Corrosion resistance
3. Rugged housing
4. Ease of installation
5. Sealed cable entry
6. Low price
7. Stylish design

The cable entry is made using pressure seals, which provides protection against moisture.

Circuit breakers were selected based on safety and reliable operation, as well as workmanship. ABB machines comply with such parameters.

Counter Mercury 231 AT 01 I, multi-tariff 3-phase current 60A.

Box on 4 modules for sealing of the power supply organization. Mounting wire Pv1 with a diameter of 6 mm.

SIP wire 4 4 ​​* 16 is used as a cable, as well as SIP fittings for its installation. Anchor clamp SIP DN 123 and branch clamp P 645.

The bracket is made of metal perforated profile 40*20. The profile is fastened with studs with a diameter of 8 mm.

General information and design of the electrical panel

Any box for electric machines has its own necessary protection, which prevents physical impacts with current-carrying elements and prevents foreign objects from getting on them that can cause a short circuit. And also the electrical panel has a rather simple design, outwardly it resembles a box in which they are installed:

• electricity metering device;
• internal protection against overload and short circuit;
• manual switch for any of the lines.

Depending on what type of wiring is installed, shields for electric meters and machines are divided into two types:

1. Outer. Used for open wiring.
2. Inner box for electric meter. Required for concealed wiring.

The size of the shield depends on the number of modules that will be installed there. In addition to the standard equipment, the switch cabinet includes:

1. Electric meter. Required to account for electricity consumption.
2. Circuit breaker. Protects electrical wiring.
3. Residual current device.
4. Electrical wires.

A variant of the electrical panel of a private house with an SPD

It is up to you to install an SPD or not. It depends on many factors that need to be taken into account. If you decide, these schemes will help you.

Often, in an overhead street electrical panel, in addition to the above equipment, it is required to install some other modular devices, for example, switching devices. In particular, it is very useful, especially at the construction stage, the usual socket mechanism.

You can connect a power tool, a spotlight or any other electrical appliance that you need to use on the street to it. There are often no other ways to connect to the power grid.

Types and sizes of electrical panels

We will talk about cabinets / drawers for the installation of machines and other electrical stuffing, about their varieties. According to the type of installation, electrical panels are for outdoor installation and for indoor. The box for outdoor installation is attached to the wall with dowels. If the walls are combustible, an insulating material that does not conduct current is laid under it. When mounted, the external electrical panel protrudes about 12-18 cm above the wall surface. This must be taken into account when choosing a place for its installation: for ease of maintenance, the shield is mounted so that all its parts are approximately at eye level. This is convenient when working, but can cause injury (sharp corners) if the place for the cabinet is chosen poorly. The best option is behind the door or closer to the corner: so that there is no possibility of hitting your head.

Electrical panel housing for outdoor installation

A flush-mounted shield implies a niche: it is installed and walled up.The door is on the same level with the wall surface, it can - protrude by several millimeters - depends on the installation and design of a particular cabinet.

Cases are metal, painted with powder paint, there are plastic ones. Doors - solid or with transparent plastic inserts. Various sizes - elongated up, wide, square. In principle, for any niche or conditions, you can find a suitable option.

One piece of advice: if possible, choose a larger cabinet: it is easier to work in it, this is especially important if you are assembling an electrical panel with your own hands for the first time

Complete set and installation of a hinged switchboard

When choosing a building, they often operate with such a concept as the number of seats. This refers to how many single-pole circuit breakers (12 mm thick) can be installed in a given housing. You have a diagram, it shows all the devices. You count them taking into account the fact that two-pole ones have a double width, add about 20% for the development of the network (suddenly buy some other device, but there will be nowhere to connect it, or during installation decide to make two from one group, etc.). And for such a number of "seats" look for a shield that is suitable in geometry.

Installation

Installation of an electrical cabinet, as a rule, does not cause difficulties and is quite easy to do on your own according to the following step-by-step recommendations:

• marking the place for installation and fixing the body of the structure on the wall or in a pre-prepared facade niche;
• insertion of electrical wires inside the switchboard, and stripping of the cores for fixing on the terminals;
• by means of fasteners, a special DIN-rail structure is fastened inside the case;
• fixing all circuit breakers, RCD and electrical metering device on a DIN-rail using a special latch;
• installation of zero and ground bus;
• cutting of connecting wires in accordance with standard sizes of connections;
• connection of all installed elements, taking into account the attached diagram, as well as connection of input phases and zero on automatic switches.

At the final stage, a thorough check of the correctness of the assembly is carried out.

If necessary, screws and fasteners are tightened. The electricity meter installed in the street box must be sealed by a representative of the energy company.

Mounting and assembly

The assembly of the external or internal structure does not fundamentally differ from each other. But in the second case, it is first necessary to make a niche to which the slotted channels for laying the electrical wire will fit. Any electrical cabinet consists of several parts, which include:

• shield base;
• a place for laying an electric cable with its holders;
• racks for mounting terminal blocks;
• din rail.

Depending on the model, a door, a protective overlay or a lock can be added.

Direct installation consists in mounting the box in the place intended for it. But before that, depending on the side of the cable factory, a plug breaks out in the shield. Electrical wires are inserted into the hole formed. The outdoor box is hung on a pre-installed bracket. There are also models that are fastened with screws, for this they are screwed through the back panel into the installed dowels.

First, screw the DIN rail and the electric meter, if its installation is provided. Then grounding and zeroing tires are installed. Circuit breakers, residual current devices (RCDs), differential circuit breakers and other protective equipment are put on the rail. Installing them is easy thanks to a specially spring-loaded latch that firmly presses the electrical fittings to the DIN rail. As long as the fixing screw is not tightened, the device to be installed can be easily moved in a horizontal direction.

Once all the necessary devices have been placed, proceed to connecting the wires. To perform these steps without errors, it is convenient to use a pre-compiled wiring plan. When switching, it is recommended to observe the color of the wires. So, a blue wire is connected to the neutral bus, grounding is done in green, and brown is used as a phase wire.