Is it Legal for a Home Prepaid Meter and DB Board to be located on the outside wall?

[peAKs]

Hi There, As per the above question in the title, I'm in the process of buying a house and couldn't quite understand why it would be like this.

The estate agent seems to think that its quite within the regulations and is sure that the Electrical Cert will clear it

Could any of you shed some light on this?

[ACEsterhuizen]

I take it this is an "existing installation" and would therefor only require to fall under Clause 5 General safety Regulations. Here is a few regs that comes to mind:

5.2.8 Positioning and accessibility of electrical equipment:

Electrical equipment shall be so positioned that
a) it does not impair the functioning or safety of other equipment,
b) it is readily accessible for installation, replacement, operation, testing,
inspection, maintenance and repair (see 6.6.1.9 and 6.9.4 for the
main switch). All parts of the installation shall be accessible without
the need to enter any adjoining premises (for example, in an
apartment building), Amdt 3

Page 73

c) there is easy access to its location,
d) it is not likely to be physically damaged, Amdt 3
e) dust or moisture is not likely to accumulate on live or other parts and
cause flashover, and Amdt 3
f) where the distribution board is concealed by a cupboard or other
covering, the notice for live electrical apparatus referred to in annex Q
shall be in a conspicuous place indicating the position of the distribution
board. Amdt 3; amdt 5

[AndyD]

Some of the pre-paid meters have a main meter that can be mounted somewhere remote and it comes with a separate remote wireless keypad that you can put anywhere in the house, is it one of those perhaps? Maybe you can attach a photo of the meter and we should be able to give you more info.

[Sparks]

The meter may be but not the DB Board. I suggest you insist on an independently issued electrical certificate before you finalise the purchase. The estate agent is required by law to obtain one even before advertising the property for sale. It is for your benefit that there is a sticky at the beginning of this forum explaining the Certificate of Compliance.

[Dave A]

The meter may be but not the DB Board.

Interesting. Which part of SANS 10124-1 would the location be in contravention of?

[ACEsterhuizen]

Maybe this could be an indication that a consumer's db box cannot be installed on an outside wall?

6.9.4 Main switch-disconnectors

The main switch-disconnector on each distribution board shall be easily
accessible. (See also 6.6.1.6 and 6.6.1.9.) If, owing to the nature of the
installation, it is necessary to be able to interrupt the supply immediately, the
switch-disconnector shall be so installed that it can be rapidly identified and
operated.

6.6.1.2 A distribution board shall comply with the requirements of clause 5. (already referred to in previous post)

6.6.1.9 Distribution boards shall be so positioned and arranged as to
ensure safe operation and maintenance (see 5.2.8). (already referred to in previous post)

[peAKs]

Hi Guys, thanks for all the posts, this is what I was referring to

[Sparks]

Not acceptable. That is an "interior" surface board. It my not be used outside. The wooden box is an attempt to protect it but it does not meet the water/dust protection requirements for an "exterior" board.