Run cable through meter box?

[Trj0803]

I have been asked to install an external socket below the meter box. The consumer unit is directly behind the meter box and I plan to put the socket on its own circuit. The easiest route for the cable would be out of the CU, through the meter box and out of the bottom into the socket. My question is, is it OK to run cables through the meter box?

 

[Dustydazzler]

Don't see why not as long as you seal up any gap where you make the hole

 

[Risteard]

I would say it's a definite no.

 

[Timbo]

I would say it's a definite no.

Why?

 

[Dustydazzler]

I think the OP means the white plastic builders housing thingy , and not the actually electricity metre

So why is running a cable or pipe through the builders white plastic thingy an issue ? Its just a plastic box , and as long as you maintain its integrity by sealing and small gaps where you drill a small hole then I see no issue

 

[Doomed]

Answer: It depends on the situation

We got caught out and had to replace some white meter housings once as we had drilled holes for 10mm bonding wires, it was a new build and the building inspector didn't like it.

 

[Risteard]

Because the DNOs and ENA don't approve of it being used other than for Supplier's equipment.

 

[Lister1987]

559.5.3 only permits through wiring in lighting applications.

 

[brianmoooore]

Answer: It depends on the situation

We got caught out and had to replace some white meter housings once as we had drilled holes for 10mm bonding wires, it was a new build and the building inspector didn't like it.

That would be gas meter housings? Very unlikely risk of gas entering the wall cavity is the reason.

 

[brianmoooore]

Because the DNOs and ENA don't approve of it being used other than for Supplier's equipment.

Correct, but I'd run the cable through the box anyway in this particular case.
An old rule from the days when the cabinet could have a service head, two large separate meters and a mechanical time switch, so there wasn't a lot of spare room.