A TNB meter panel must be prepared in a suitable location before the meter can be installed and the electricity supply connected. Its position, height and accessibility should be planned according to the condition of the house or premises.
The preparation involves more than mounting a meter board on the wall. The cable route, panel protection, connection to the DB box and type of electricity supply must also be identified by an electrical contractor.
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TNB Meter Panel Position
The meter panel should be installed in a location that is easily accessible to TNB personnel for meter installation, inspection and meter reading. Its position must also be suitable for the incoming service cable route.
For a panel installed on an exterior wall, it should face the main entrance and remain easy to access. The panel should not be hidden inside a room, behind a permanent structure or in an area that is difficult to enter.
For houses with a gate post, the meter may be installed on the gate post with access from the front. The final position still depends on the house design, supply source and actual site conditions.
TNB Meter Panel Height
The required panel height differs according to its installation position:
- Panel installed on the building wall: the top of the panel should be between 1.75 m and 1.85 m above ground level.
- Panel installed on a gate post: the top of the panel should be approximately 1.5 m above ground level.
- Group metering panels or certain premises: subject to a different layout and installation requirements.
Measurements should be taken from the finished ground level. If the floor, gate or surrounding area is still under construction, the final ground level must be considered before the panel is installed.
The Meter Panel Must Be Accessible
There should be sufficient space in front of the panel, and access must not be blocked by a gate, cabinet, plants, vehicle or additional structure. The panel door or cover must also be easy to open.
An accessible position helps with:
- Meter installation by TNB
- Electricity supply connection inspection
- Meter reading or replacement
- Future maintenance work
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Meter Panel Protection
The meter and related accessories should be installed in a clean and dry location that is not directly exposed to rain, sunlight, vibration or mechanical damage.
If the panel is installed outdoors, suitable protection must be provided. The meter enclosure should be strong, adequately ventilated and capable of protecting the installation from the weather without restricting access to the meter.
The type of meter board, panel and accessory arrangement must suit either a single-phase or three-phase supply. The consumer’s main switch and other accessories should not be installed on the same board used for the TNB meter and service cut-out.
Wiring from the Meter Panel to the DB Box
In addition to the panel position, the cable from the meter panel to the DB box must be prepared according to the supply capacity and a suitable cable route. The cable size should not be selected based on an estimate alone.
The electrical contractor should check:
- Whether the supply is single-phase or three-phase
- The electrical capacity and load of the premises
- The cable route from the meter panel to the DB box
- The position of the main switch and DB box
- The earthing system for the electrical installation
- Protection for cables installed outside the building
For an overview of the complete process, refer to our guide on how to apply for a TNB electricity supply.
Is a Service Hook Required?
A service hook or bracket may be required when the incoming supply uses an overhead connection. It provides a support point for the service cable before the cable reaches the meter panel.
However, a service hook is not required for every installation. Its requirement depends on the utility pole position, supply source, cable route, building design and connection method determined for the site.
The hook position should not be selected based on assumptions. The site should be inspected first to prevent the cable from hanging too low, crossing an unsuitable area or interfering with the building.
Preparation Before the Meter Application
Before proceeding with the application, the electrical contractor may check the following:
- Position and height of the meter panel
- Access to the front of the panel
- Suitable panel for a single-phase or three-phase supply
- Condition of the meter board and installation space
- Cable route from the meter panel to the DB box
- Position of the incoming electricity supply
- Service hook requirement for an overhead connection, where applicable
- Wiring, main switch, DB box and earthing system
Proper preparation helps reduce the need for changes after the application has been submitted. Final requirements still depend on the site conditions, supply type and relevant assessment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How high should a TNB meter panel be on an exterior wall?
The top of a meter panel installed on a building wall should generally be between 1.75 m and 1.85 m above the finished ground level.
Must the meter panel face the road?
It does not necessarily have to face the road directly. The panel should face the main entrance or be installed in a front area that is easily accessible to TNB personnel. For a gate-post installation, the meter should be accessible from the front.
Can the main switch be installed on the same meter board?
The consumer’s main switch and accessories should not be installed on the board used for the TNB meter, service cut-out and related accessories.
Does every house require a service hook?
No. A service hook is normally associated with an overhead connection and is only required when suitable for the supply source, cable route and site conditions.
Need TNB Meter Panel Preparation?
The panel position, cable route and electrical installation should be prepared according to the condition of the house or premises before the meter is installed.
For the related service, view our TNB meter application service.
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