The Complete Guide to Electrical Metering

What a metering installation is

A metering installation is everything that measures a property's electricity consumption and safely connects it to the network: the meter itself, the meter panel it mounts to, the service fuse, the neutral link and the enclosure that houses them. It sits between the point of attachment and the main switch, and part of it is sealed by the network. Getting the layout right is the difference between a clean connection and a defect notice.

EVO Electric supplies metering hardware — panels, enclosures, service protection and links — to the trade from our Sydney warehouse. We do not perform metering installations. This guide explains how the pieces fit together so you order the right combination.

Direct-connect versus CT metering

The measurement method depends on the size of the load. Small services are measured directly; large services use current transformers so the meter never carries the full current.

The changeover point is set by the network's rules for the service capacity. Once the current exceeds what a direct-connect meter can safely carry, CT metering is required, which changes the panel, the enclosure and the wiring considerably.

Meter panels and their materials

The meter panel is the insulated board inside the enclosure that the meter, service fuse and neutral link mount to. Bakelite remains the standard material because it is rigid, non-conductive, dimensionally stable and rated under AS 1795 — it drills cleanly, holds gear securely and does not creep or track.

• —Bakelite — the default insulated panel for most metering.
• —Custom-cut panels — for older enclosures and custom boards that do not match stock sizes.
• —A panel cut to the exact aperture avoids site trimming and preserves edge clearances.

Service protection: SPD and MPD

The service fuse protects the service line and metering installation, sitting between the point of attachment and the meter. SPD (single phase) and MPD (multi phase) enclosed fuse units are the standard formats — sealable, insulated and rated for the service capacity.

The rating follows the network's requirements for the service capacity, not the installation's maximum demand alone. Standard residential services typically run 80A per phase; upgraded services step to 100A. Always confirm against the local service and installation rules.

Single phase and three phase metering

Single-phase metering uses a single-phase meter and an SPD; three-phase metering uses a polyphase meter and an MPD, with the enclosure and pre-wire sized to suit. Moving from single to three phase is a common upgrade driven by ducted air conditioning, EV charging and workshops.

Sealing and network provisions

Part of every metering installation is the network's to seal so the supply cannot be interfered with. The service fuse and the section around the meter carry sealing provisions that must remain intact and accessible. Drilled covers, missing sealing screws and panels crowded to the edge are among the most common defects.

• —Keep the service fuse and neutral link accessible with working clearance.
• —Leave the network's sealing provisions intact.
• —Keep the meter readable and the door able to close over connected cables.

Multi-meter and multi-tenancy metering

Where a building has several tenancies or dwellings, each needs its own meter. Multi-meter installations group several meters in a larger enclosure or a purpose-built metering panel, with clear labelling so each meter maps to its tenancy. This is common in units, dual occupancies and commercial buildings.

How to specify a metering package

Metering is best ordered as a package rather than a list of loose parts. Give the wholesaler the whole picture.

• —Phase configuration — single or three phase.
• —Direct-connect or CT metering.
• —Number of meters and tenancies.
• —Service protection — SPD or MPD, 80A or 100A.
• —Enclosure size, material and mounting method.
• —Meter panel — stock size or custom-cut to the aperture.

Request a quote for the complete metering package and the panel, enclosure, service protection and links arrive matched, so the Level 2 fits it once and it passes.

Frequently Asked Questions