Meter Box (Electrical) Building Codes & Rules
- Electrical Meter Box Tools™ simplifies the National Construction Code (NCC) with interactive graphics, including deemed to comply & best practices.
DPC
Flashing
Flat Bar or
Lintel
Meter Box
Sarking
Masonry
Recommended Height
Center Line
Electrical
Meter Box & Panel
1.5m
AS/NZS 3000:2018, 5.5.1.3
Identification & LabellingAS/NZS 3000:2018, 5.5.1.3
- Properly labelled & identified at the Main Switchboard
- Corossion-resistant visible tag marked with
- WARNING: MAIN ELECTRICAL EARTHING CONDUCTOR – DO NOT DISCONNECT
- Location of Earth Electrode identified if not below Meter Box
Flashing
FFL
AS/NZS 3000:2018, 1.4.81
AS/NZS 3000:2018, 5.3.3.2
Main Earthing Conductor
- Conductor that connects to the Main Earth Electrode of the source of supplyAS/NZS 3000:2018, 1.4.81
- 4mm² to 120mm² cross-sectional area sizeAS/NZS 3000:2018, 5.3.3.2
AS/NZS 3000:2018, 5.3.6
≥ 1.2mAS/NZS 3000:2018, 5.3.6
AS 3660.1:2014, 4.4
Sealant
- Colour to match mortar
Other
AS/NZS 3000:2018, 1.4.83
AS/NZS 3000:2018, 5.1.3
AS/NZS 3000:2018, 1.4.83
AS/NZS 3000:2018, 5.1.3
MEN Earthing SystemAS/NZS 3000:2018, 1.4.83AS/NZS 3000:2018, 5.1.3
- Also known as Multiple Earthed Neutral SystemAS/NZS 3000:2018, 1.4.83
- Links Electrical Installations to form Equipotential Bond
- Connects Neutral Conductors & Protective Earths through MEN Link
- Verify design with your Electrical ConsultantAS/NZS 3000:2018, 5.1.3
AS/NZS 3000:2018, 5.3.5.1
MEN ConnectionAS/NZS 3000:2018, 5.3.5.1
- Also known as MEN Link
- Link the electrical installation
- Earthing System to the supply Neutral Conductor
- Use a connection from the Main Earthing Terminal on the Main Neutral Bar
- Cable Trays
- Pool
- Other Sub-boards
- Wet Area Slab Reinforcement
- Meter Box Casing
AS/NZS 3000:2018, 2.10.2.2.1 (b) (i)
Access & Clearances
- ≥ 2m clearance from all obstructions
- Provide easy and safe access at any time
Clearances BEST PRACTICE
NCC 2022 V1
- ≥ 2m clearance from all obstructions
- Provide easy and safe access at any time
Service Penetrations in Framing
Masonry Openings
- ≥ 500mm opening requires a Lintel[1]
Lintel RULES
NCC 2022 V1
All Building Classes
NCC 2022 H1D5 & HP5.2.3
[2019 3.3.1-3.3.3, 3.3.5-3.3.6, 3.3.5.11]
May 2023
NCC 2022 HP, 5.2.3
- Masonry to be designed & constructed to the NCCNCC 2022 HP, 5.2.3
- ≥ 500mm opening requires a flat bar or lintel
- < 500mm opening must still be adequately supported by
- A Lintel, or
- The Meter Box if to support Masonry
NCC 2022 HP, 5.2.3 (2)
- ≥ 500mm opening requires a LintelNCC 2022 HP, 5.2.3 (2)
Wiring Safety
- ≥ 50mm from finished surface[1]
Wiring RULES
NCC 2022 V1
All Building Classes
NCC 2022 S1, S13, C3D14, C4D15, J2D2, HP13.4
[2019 Sch 5, Spec C3.15, C2.3, C3.15, J0.1, 3.12]
May 2023
AS/NZS 3000:2018, 3.9.4.2
AS/NZS 3000:2018, 3.9.4.4 (a)
AS/NZS 3000:2018, 3.9.4.4 (b)
AS/NZS 3000:2018, 3.9.4.4 (c)
- Building elements requiring energy use to be protected, secure, & energy efficient to the NCC
- Protect all fixed or restrained wiring from electrocution risk due to nail, screw, or other accidental damage
- ≥ 50mmAS/NZS 3000:2018, 3.9.4.2 from finished surface, or
- Mechanical protectionAS/NZS 3000:2018, 3.9.4.4 (a), or
- Earthed sheathingAS/NZS 3000:2018, 3.9.4.4 (b), or
- 30mAAS/NZS 3000:2018, 3.9.4.4 (c) RCD protection
AS/NZS 3000:2018, 3.9.4.2
- ≥ 50mm from finished surfaceAS/NZS 3000:2018, 3.9.4.2
Equipotential Bonding
- Ensure Earthed Electrical Equipment can not create a shock hazard to any Conductive Piping also in contact with the Ground (Earth)[1]
Equipotential Bonding RULES
NCC 2022 V1
All Building Classes
NCC 2022 S1, S13, C3D14, C4D15, J2D2, 13.4
[2019 Sch 5, Spec C3.15, C2.3, C3.15, J0.1, 3.12]
May 2023
AS/NZS 3000:2018, 5.6.1
AS/NZS 3000:2018, 5.6.2.2
AS/NZS 3000:2018, 5.6.2.5
AS/NZS 3000:2018, 5.6.2.4
AS/NZS 3000:2018, 5.6.2.6.2
AS/NZS 3000:2018, 5.6.2.2
- Equipotential Bonding is required to ensure Earthed Electrical Equipment can not create a potential difference or shock hazard to any Conductive Piping also in contact with the Ground (Earth)AS/NZS 3000:2018, 5.6.1
- Water Piping (Continuously Conductive) to GroundAS/NZS 3000:2018, 5.6.2.2
- Bonded from nearest entry point into Building, to
- Earth Bar or Conductor
- Hot Water Piping if not bonded via associated PipesAS/NZS 3000:2018, 5.6.2.5
- Wet Areas (with a Shower or Bath)AS/NZS 3000:2018, 5.6.2.4
- Reinforcement in a Concrete Slab
- Other servicesAS/NZS 3000:2018, 5.6.2.6.2
- Conductive Sheaths, Cable Trays & Wiring Enclosures
- Sub-boards in connected Levels or Outbuildings
- Gas Service should not be Bonded
- PoolAS/NZS 3000:2018, 5.6.2.2
- Above Ground (if metal sides)
- Reinforcement in concrete Pool & Decking
- Conductive items ≤ 1.25m from Water Edge if
- ≥ 100mm in exposed length
AS/NZS 3000:2018, 5.6.2.2 (b)
- Ensure Earthed Electrical Equipment can not create a shock hazard to any Conductive Piping also in contact with the Ground (Earth)AS/NZS 3000:2018, 5.6.2.2 (b)
Bollard or Protection
Earthing Protection RULES
NCC 2022 V1
All Building Classes
NCC 2022 S1, S13, C3D14, C4D15, J2D2, 13.4
[2019 Sch 5, Spec C3.15, C2.3, C3.15, J0.1, 3.12]
May 2023
AS/NZS 3000:2018, 1.5.14
AS/NZS 3000:2018, 5.5.1.2
- Defense against environmental & external factors
- Weather, plants & animals
- Seismic activity
- Excessive dampness
- Corrosion
- Galvanic action
- Accumulation of dust
- Oil & other chemicals
- Temperature
- Explosive atmosphere & vibrationAS/NZS 3000:2018, 1.5.14
- Protect Earthing Conductors from shifting & harm
- Fixings must not pass through conductor strands
- Use metal barriers like Bollards or acceptable sturdy materials
- Use of wiring enclosures
- 20mm conduit saddled to the wall slipped over the earth stake
- Enables a secure placement for the earth stake & main earth connection, minimising the risk of damageAS/NZS 3000:2018, 5.5.1.2
AS/NZS 3000:2018, 5.5.5.2 (b)
AS/NZS 3000:2018, 1.5.14
AS/NZS 3000:2018, 5.5.1.2 (a)
- Protect from Vehicle ImpactAS/NZS 3000:2018, 5.5.5.2 (b)
- Meter Box if protrudingAS/NZS 3000:2018, 1.5.14
- Earthing ElectrodesAS/NZS 3000:2018, 5.5.1.2 (a)
Conductive Enclosure
- Attach a Protective Earthing Conductor to a built-in fastener (e.g. bolt, screw)
AS/NZS 3000:2018, 3.9.4.2
AS/NZS 3000:2018, 5.6.1
Bond Earth toAS/NZS 3000:2018, 5.6.1
AS/NZS 3000:2018, 5.3.4
Main Earthing
BusbarAS/NZS 3000:2018, 5.3.4
AS/NZS 3000:2018, 2.10.2.2.1 (b) (i)
Domestic
Conductive Water Pipe
AS/NZS 3000:2018, 2.10.4.3
Main Neutral
Hole falls to
external face
Weep Hole
Termite Management
- Termite control required for Ground Level floor junctions[1]
- ≥ 75mm[2] slab exposure above the external finished floor level to allow easy detection of termites
Termite RISK
NCC 2022 V1
All Building Classes
NCC 2022, H1D3 & 3.4.1 [2019 3.1.4.2]
May 2023
NCC 2022 HP, 3.4.1 (1) (a)
NCC 2022 HP, 3.4.1 (1) (b)
NCC 2022 HP, 3.4.1(2)
- Termite Management System Required if
- Location is identified at Risk of Attack, &NCC 2022 HP, 3.4.1 (1) (a)
- Any Primary Building Element is susceptibleNCC 2022 HP, 3.4.1 (1) (b)
- Primary Building Elements are
- Any member designed to take Loads
- Wall, Roof, Ceiling, Floor, Ramp or Stair Framing
- Any bracing or other framing members
- Materials not susceptible to attackNCC 2022 HP, 3.4.1(2)
- Metals
- Concrete
- Masonry
- Fibre-reinforced Concrete
- Naturally resistant Timber
- Preservative-treated Timber
NCC 2022 HP, 3.4.1
AS 3660.1:2014, 4.4
- Termite control required for Ground Level floor junctionsNCC 2022 HP, 3.4.1
- ≥ 75mmAS 3660.1:2014, 4.4 slab exposure above the external finished floor level to allow easy detection of termites
Earth Electrode
- Visible connection
- Exposed part to be corrosion-resistant
- Ensure consistent contact with damp soil to prevent excessive drying[1]
- Separation from other Services
- ≥ 500mm[2] typically, &
- ≥ 600mm[3] from Stormwater
- Recessed in Earth Pit if base of structure built to Boundary[4]
Earthing Electrode TYPES
NCC 2022 V1
All Building Classes
NCC 2022 S1, S13, C3D14, C4D15, J2D2, 13.4
[2019 Sch 5, Spec C3.15, C2.3, C3.15, J0.1, 3.12]
May 2023
Horizontal Type Earth Strip
NCC 2022 V1
All Building Classes
NCC 2022 S1, S13, C3D14, C4D15, J2D2, 13.4
[2019 Sch 5, Spec C3.15, C2.3, C3.15, J0.1, 3.12]
May 2023
Earthing RULES
NCC 2022 V1
All Building Classes
NCC 2022 S1, S13, C3D14, C4D15, J2D2, 13.4
[2019 Sch 5, Spec C3.15, C2.3, C3.15, J0.1, 3.12]
May 2023
AS/NZS 3000:2018, 5.5.1.2
AS/NZS 3000:2018, 5.5.1.3
AS/NZS 3000:2018, 5.3.6.3 (a)
AS/NZS 3000:2018, 5.3.6.3 (i)
AS/NZS 3000:2018, 5.3.6.4 (b)
AS/NZS 3000:2018, 5.3.6.4 (c)
AS/NZS 3000:2018, 5.5.1.3
- Building elements requiring energy use to be protected, secure, & energy efficient to the NCC
- Externally located as close as possible to the Meter BoxAS/NZS 3000:2018, 5.5.1.2
- Connection to an electrode, accessible for visual inspectionAS/NZS 3000:2018, 5.5.1.3
- Electrode installation methods
- ≥ 1.2mAS/NZS 3000:2018, 5.3.6.3 (a) deep, vertically driven, or
- ≥ 3m horizontally laid strip, ≥ 500mmAS/NZS 3000:2018, 5.3.6.3 (i) deep, or
- Conductive reinforcement of foundations embedded in soilAS/NZS 3000:2018, 5.3.6.4 (b), or
- Floor slab not impeded by a vapour or other barrierAS/NZS 3000:2018, 5.3.6.4 (c)
- Protect from mechanical damageAS/NZS 3000:2018, 5.5.1.3
AS/NZS 3000:2018, 5.3.6.1
AS/NZS 3000:2018, 5.3.6.3 (i)
AS/NZS 3000:2018, 5.3.6.3 (a)
AS/NZS 3000:2018, 5.3.6.4 (c)
- Visible connection
- Exposed part to be corrosion-resistant
- Ensure consistent contact with damp soil to prevent excessive dryingAS/NZS 3000:2018, 5.3.6.1
- Separation from other Services
- ≥ 500mmAS/NZS 3000:2018, 5.3.6.3 (i) typically, &
- ≥ 600mmAS/NZS 3000:2018, 5.3.6.3 (a) from Stormwater
- Recessed in Earth Pit if base of structure built to BoundaryAS/NZS 3000:2018, 5.3.6.4 (c)
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