Required Clearance Around an Electricity Meter Enclosure

The right clearance around a meter enclosure keeps it accessible for safe operation and maintenance. See the space and access requirements described in this article.

When installing an electricity meter enclosure, consider not only its technical specifications and connection requirements, but also the rules for its location and the clearance around it. These points are essential for easy maintenance, reliable operation and safety.

What clearance is required around an electricity meter enclosure?

Access and maintenance clearance

ČSN EN 60439-1 specifies how much space must be left beside and in front of an electricity meter enclosure for access and escape. Under this standard, the enclosure must remain accessible and must never be obstructed by furniture, for example. Take particular care in corridors in residential and apartment buildings.

Make sure the enclosure door can always be opened without anything in the way. At least 80 cm of clear space should be left in front of and around the enclosure. The surrounding space must also allow the door to open by at least 90°.

Summary: clearance around an electricity meter enclosure

In front of the electricity meter enclosure (distribution board) or meter cabinet, keep a clear, level area or finished ground at least 80 cm deep and at least as wide as the enclosure footprint. This space must allow safe operation of the devices inside the enclosure. It must not be located above stairs.

ČSN 33 2130, edition 3, sets additional requirements for enclosures in accessible apartments for people with disabilities:

In front of an electricity meter enclosure (distribution board) or meter cabinet containing the meter and the circuit breaker upstream of it in an adaptable apartment or a specially designated apartment for people with mobility impairments, keep a clear area of at least 1,000 mm × 1,200 mm on a level surface or finished ground. If the enclosure is wider, provide a working area at least as wide as its footprint so that the devices inside can be operated safely.
In an adaptable apartment or a specially designated apartment for people with mobility impairments, the meter must be installed 600 mm to 1,200 mm above the floor and at least 500 mm from a fixed obstacle, such as a corner.