Blog>Cost Guides>How much does an electric meter box replacement cost?
Last updated: 18 October 2024
How much does an electric meter box replacement cost?
If your electric meter box is damaged, it’s your responsibility as the homeowner to repair or replace it. But how much does an electric meter box replacement cost?
Fast Facts
The cost of a replacement electric meter box can range from £40 - £300
An electrician will usually charge around £45 - £60 per hour for installation
Check to see whether your electric meter box could be repaired rather than replaced
Your electric meter box – also known as your meter base – sits on the outside of your property and houses your electricity meter. Its job is to protect your meter from the elements and unauthorised tampering. But what happens when it needs to be replaced?
Well, the electricity meter itself is the property of your energy company. But the box surrounding it is your responsibility. Read on to learn the average electric meter box replacement cost.
How much does an electric meter box replacement cost?
It’s difficult to put an exact figure on the cost of replacing an outside meter box.
After all, this can vary depending on lots of different factors, which we’ll cover shortly.
However, here’s a rough idea to help you budget.
| Cost provided item | Unit | Cost (lower range) | Cost (higher range) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plastic electric meter box | Supply only | £40 | £150 |
| Metal electric meter box | Supply only | £120 | £300 |
| Replacement door | Supply only | £20 | £60 |
| Electrician labour cost | Per hour | £45 | £60 |
| Last updated: October 2024 Our costs are ballpark averages - get a local tradesperson to quote now | |||
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What factors affect the cost of replacing an outside meter box?
There are lots of different factors that can affect your electric meter box replacement cost.
Here are the main ones:
Material
As a general guide, plastic meter boxes cost less than metal ones.
You’re usually looking at somewhere between £40 - £150 for a plastic meter box.
Meanwhile, a metal meter box will typically cost between £120 - £300.
Size
Electric meter boxes will also vary in price based on their size.
Bigger electric meter boxes will generally be more expensive.
As an example, if your electric meter provides a three-phase energy supply, you’ll need a larger meter box to house it.
Type
Electric meter boxes can be recessed, surface-mounted, underground or pole-mounted.
Which type you need will affect the overall cost.
Most modern electric meter boxes are surface-mounted, which means they’re mounted on a wall. On the other hand, a recessed meter box is fitted into a hollow within your wall.
IP rating
Meter boxes that have a higher IP rating will provide better protection against the elements.
Usually, the higher the IP rating of your electric meter box – and therefore, the more watertight it is – the more it will cost.
Location
If you live in an urban area, you may need a more durable meter box than those living in rural areas, which can increase your overall cost.
Features
Electric meter boxes that have extra features and accessories will usually cost more.
For instance, you might prefer a box with a lockable door, replacement key, or additional fireproofing.
Installation
You’ll need to hire an electrician to replace your electric meter box.
The cost of installation can vary depending on factors like the type of box, the complexity of the installation and your electrician’s hourly rate.
That said, average electrician hourly rates are between £45 - £60 per hour. The job shouldn’t usually take longer than four to eight hours.
Additional work
If you need any additional work carried out at the same time, this will add to your overall costs.
For instance, moving an electric meter can cost anywhere from£75 to 1,000 depending on how far you want to move it.
Head over to our guide on the cost of moving an electric meter for more details.
Why change your electric meter box?
There are several reasons why you might decide to change your electric meter box.
Here are just a few:
Damage
Your electric meter box can become damaged by the weather, wear and tear or vandalism.
In this case, you’ll need to replace it sooner rather than later – cracks, holes and other damage can compromise your meter box’s integrity and leave it susceptible to further damage or tampering.
Outdated
If your meter box is old, it might not comply with current safety standards or be able to accommodate new meter technologies.
For this reason, you may need a new meter box to go with your new electricity meter.
Faulty meter
If you spot a fault with your meter, this could be due to an issue with the box itself.
For instance, moisture ingress or electrical interference may be leading to faulty meter readings.
Aesthetics
Your electric meter box can impact the kerb appeal of your property, especially as it’s often found on the front wall in new build properties.
With that in mind, you might decide to invest in a new electric meter box that better suits the look of your property.
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Who is responsible for a broken meter box?
As the homeowner, it will be your responsibility to deal with a broken meter box.
Each time you switch energy supplier, your new supplier will become responsible for ensuring the upkeep of your electricity meter.
However, you’re responsible for the upkeep of the meter box that protects it. That means if your meter box becomes broken, you’ll need to arrange the appropriate repair or replacement yourself.
What to do if the meter box is broken?
Here are the steps to take if you notice that your meter box is broken.
1. Inspect your meter box
Firstly, take a close look at your meter box to see whether it could be repaired rather than replaced.
If it’s only suffered minor damage, it may be easy to fix – for instance, you could just replace the door.
2. Contact your energy supplier
Once you’ve established that a replacement is necessary, get in touch with your energy supplier.
Although you’re responsible for the meter box, they’ll often be able to give you advice on how to proceed.
In some cases, they may even offer to handle the replacement themselves. That said, they’ll usually charge you for the service, so it’s always worth comparing quotes to make sure you’re getting the best price for the work.
3. Find an electrician
Next, you’ll need to choose a trusted and reliable electrician to carry out the work.
We’d always recommend getting at least three quotes before going ahead. This way, you can get a feel for a range of professionals and ensure you’re getting a fair and competitive price.
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4. Get the job done!
When installation day arrives, your electrician will remove your old meter box and replace it with the new one.
They may also coordinate with your energy supplier if they find that the meter itself needs to be adjusted in any way.
Who can replace an electric meter box?
The best tradesperson to replace an electric meter box is an electrician.
They’ll be able to carry out the work safely while ensuring that it complies with UK electrical regulations.
Always make sure to hire a fully qualified electrician who is registered with a competent person scheme, such as ECA, NICEIC, NAPIT, or ELECSA.
At Checkatrade, all our electricians have to pass up to 12 checks and regularly receive reviews from homeowners on everything from punctuality to professionalism. So, you know you’re hiring someone you can trust.
Is the meter base replacement cost worth it?
So, is replacing your electric meter box worth the cost?
Well, that depends on why you’re considering a replacement!
If you’re replacing your meter box for aesthetic reasons then only you can make that judgment.
But if you need to replace your meter box due to damage, then yes, it’s absolutely worth the cost.
In fact, it’s key to making sure that your electricity meter is properly protected.
That said, we’d always recommend checking whether your meter box can be repaired before you commit to a full replacement.
As an example, it typically costs just £20 to £60 for a replacement door, which could be far more cost-effective if your meter box only has minor damage.
Ultimately though, ensuring that your meter box is robust and provides your meter with adequate protection should always be a non-negotiable!
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FAQs
How to replace an electric meter box door?
Sometimes, replacing an electric meter box door can stave off a full electric meter box replacement.
Buy a new electric meter box door
Remove your old door
Fit your new door following the manufacturer’s instructions
Close the door and turn the latch
What is the electric meter box called?
Your electric meter box is also known as your electric meter base.
How much does it cost to replace an electrical meter riser?
Your electrical meter riser is the pipe that connects the power lines to your home. It will typically sit above or below your meter, depending on whether you get underground or overhead electric service.
The cost to replace your electrical meter riser will depend on several factors. However, you’re typically looking at between £45 - £60 per hour for an electrician to carry out the work.
Key takeaways
The cost of a replacement electric meter box can range from £40 - £300
A replacement door typically costs between £20 - £60
Always find a qualified electrician near you to replace or move your electric meter box
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