The whole purpose of a meter box or meter cupboard is to protect your electric and gas meters from outside factors which could harm them. But sometimes extreme weather events can cause issues for meter boxes, leading meters to become exposed. One such event is extreme summer heat, as rare as that sometimes feels here in the UK.
Understanding the risks that heat can pose to your meter box and knowing a few key tips to help counteract these risks will prevent damage and costlier repairs. As the premier voice on meter box repairs, we’ve put together this article to help homeowners everywhere reduce meter box maintenance costs.
The Impact Of Heat On Electric and Gas Meters
As discussed, meter boxes serve as safety enclosures for the all-important meters, which measure a home’s consumption of gas and electricity. They generally consist of a metal or plastic casing that safeguards electrical components from external damage, with plastic the most common choice in the modern again. Typically, they’re installed outside homes, which does make them vulnerable to weather conditions, including rain, snow, ice, heat and UV radiation.
It’s the heat and the UV exposure we are going to focus on today, and high temperatures can cause electrical components inside meter boxes to overheat. High heat may lead to malfunctions inside your meter boxes as heat increases electrical resistance, which can result in power surges or meter inaccuracies. Essential but fragile components like wires and circuit breakers can degrade faster under the kind of prolonged heat exposure we can experience in summer. With climate change, such periods of prolonged heat are only likely to increase.
The reason meter boxes are vulnerable to heat damage is simply that they are usually mounted outdoors, where they receive direct sunlight for long hours. This prolonged exposure raises internal temperatures, which can weaken insulation, melt plastic parts and even warp metal enclosures.
Common Signs of Heat Damage in Meter Boxes
There are a number of signs you can look out for which may indicate your meter box has been subjected to heat damage.
- Some of the plastic or metal parts may have begun to bend or wrap after a period of heat, weakening their integrity.
- You may notice that your meter box has begun to appear discoloured. This is far more likely if you have a plastic meter box.
- Inside your meter box, wires, connectors and other electrical components may have melted, cracked or become damaged in some way.
- Your meter readings may appear inaccurate in comparison to what energy you feel you have used, with large fluctuations from day to day.
If you notice any of these signs, it may well be that your meter box is damaged and needs repair. Leaving a damaged meter box unmaintained can lead to higher costs down the line and a number of other issues, including:
- Exposed or overheated wires inside your meter box can lead to electrical fires
- A damage or faulty meter may lead to power or gas outages
- If you meter readings are incorrect, you may pay over the odds for the amount of energy you are using
- You could be exposed to shocks, short circuits and other safety hazards around your meter boxes.
How UV Radiation Affects Meter Boxes
It’s not just pure heat you need to worry about, there’s the UV factor too. Continuous exposure to sunlight and its UV radiation weakens the structural integrity of plastic meter boxes, making them brittle and more prone to cracking. For metal meter boxes, there’s the issue of oxidation and discolouration as a result of UV exposure, which may lead to rust and corrosion in the long run.
Preventative Measures to Protect Your Meter Box From Heat and UV Rays
Now we have explained the potential risks to your meter box during the summer months, let’s discuss some ways to prevent this damage, shall we?
Firstly, we would recommend painting your meter boxes with heat-resistant paint in a light-coloured shade that will reflect heat and UV radiation away. We have previously written extensively on what paint you should use for your meter box, but remember darker colours are likely to hold heat for longer, which could exacerbate some of the issues we have highlighted above.
There are also UV-protective coatings you could look to purchase and apply to your meter box if it’s in an area where the sunlight often hits. Additionally, installing a small shade cover might be worth it over the long term if it prevents having to pay for full meter box repairs one day. You should also try not to place too many large objects near to your meter boxes which could prevent heat dissipation and add to the overall warmth collection in the area.
For all year-round protection for your meter box, from heat and cold, you may also want to look at adding some simple yet effective insulation to the interior. This can be in many forms, but adding another layer of protection between Mother Nature and your all-important meter is a great idea.
Importance of Regular Maintenance and Inspection
Regular maintenance and inspection of your meter box is the best way to prevent long-term damage which requires costly professional repairs, not least during hot weather periods. We have lots of meter box maintenance tips, but let’s summarise the most important with regards to heat and UV radiation.
Regular inspection of your meter box is easy to do and doesn’t require any professional knowledge. A simple visual inspection is the first step, checking for any discolouration, cracks or melted parts on the exterior. Then take a look inside and make sure the wiring all looks good, with no loose, corroded or melted wires. You should also regularly check the amount of energy usage your meter is recording and if anything seems off compared to your own perception of your usage, it may be time to look at repairs.
If you notice burnt smells, flickering lights or inconsistent meter readings, it’s best to consult a licensed electrician. Immediate professional help can prevent dangerous electrical failures. For simple fixes to the meter box itself or replacing the doors, you can save a lot of money by doing it yourself with products from the Repair My Meter Box store.
In Summary
Protecting your meter box from summer heat is essential to avoid damage, power failures and potential fire hazards. Regular maintenance and preventative measures like painting, shade installation and better insulation can help extend its lifespan and keep your electrical system running safely.
If you do notice any signs of damage during the summer or any other time of the year, you can rely on Repair My Meter Box to have the repair parts you need to avoid having to call in professional help. Visit our store to find out why we have so many thousands of happy customers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can extreme heat cause my electric meter to stop working?
Yes, excessive heat can cause meter malfunctions, leading to inaccurate readings or total failure of the gas and electrical system in your home. - How can I tell if my meter box is overheating?
Signs include discolouration, warping, strange odours or flickering power in your home. Performing regular inspections will help spot these signs before the damage gets worse. - Is it safe to cover my meter box with an external shade?
Yes, as long as the cover allows proper airflow and does not trap heat inside. You should always allow for good airflow around your meter box and not place items around it which would hold heat in the area. - Should I replace my meter box if it shows signs of heat damage?
If you notice cracks, corrosion or melted parts, replacing or repairing the meter box is recommended for safety. Whether to repair or replace will depend on the extent of the heat damage. - Can I move my meter box to a cooler location?
You will need approval from your electricity provider and a licensed electrician to relocate it. This is probably the most expensive form of meter box heat protection so should be your last resort.