KENYA ST ANDARD  KS 1068 -1:2013 
ICS 02.080.30; 91.140.50  
© KEBS 2013  First Edition 2013  
 
 
  
 
 
 
Electricity metering — Part 1: Domestic 
electricity meter enclosures  
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
   
PUBLIC REVIEW  DRAFT, FEBRUARY 2013  
 
     KS 1068-1 :2013 
ii © KEBS 2013 — All rights reserved  TECHNICAL COMMITTEE REPRESENTATION 
 
The following organizations were represented on the Technical Committee:  
 Jomo Kenyat ta University of Agriculture and Technology  
Multimedia University  
Rural Electrification Authority  
Kenya Electricity Transmission Company  
Kenya Power and Lighting Company  
Ministry of Public Works  
Ministry of Energy  
Energy Regulatory Commission  
Power Technic s Ltd  
Consumer Information Network  
Institute of Engineers of Kenya  
Kenya Electricity Generating Company Ltd  
ABB LTD  
Consumer Federation of Kenya  
National Construction Authority  
Kenya Bureau of Standards — Secretariat  
 
      
REVISION OF KENYA STANDARDS  
 
In order to keep abreast of progress in industry, Kenya standards shall be regularly reviewed. Suggestions 
for improvement to published standards, addressed to the Managing Director, Kenya Bureau of Standards, 
are welcome.  
 
         
© Kenya Bureau of Standards, 2013 
 
Copyright. Users are reminded that by virtue of Section 25 of the Copyright Act, Cap. 12 of 2001  of the Laws of Kenya, copyr ight 
subsists in all Kenya Standards and except as provided under Section 26 of this Act, no Kenya Standard produced by Kenya Bureau of Standards may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system in any form or transmitted by any means without prior permission in writing 
from the Managing Director . 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 KENYA STANDARD  KS 1068-1 :2013 
ICS 03.080.30; 91.140.50  
© KEBS 2013 — All rights reserved  iii  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Electricity metering — Part 1: Domestic 
electricity meter  enclosures 
 
 
   
 
       
 
KENYA BUREAU OF STANDARDS (KEBS)  
 
Head  Office:  P.O. Box 54974, Nairobi -00200, Tel.: (+254  020) 605490, 69028000, 602350, Mobile: 0722202137/8, 0734600471/2; 
Fax: (+254 020)  604031 
E-Mail: info@kebs.org,  Web:http://www.kebs.or g 
 
KEBS Coast Region  
P.O. Box 99376, Mombasa 80100  
Tel: (+254 041) 229563, 230939/40 
Fax: (+254 041) 229448  
E-mail: kebs -msa@swiftmombasa.com  KEBS Lake Region  
P.O. Box 2949, Kisumu 40100  
Tel: (+254 057) 23549,22396 Fax: (+254 057) 21814 
E-mail: kebs -ksm@sw iftkisumu.com  KEBS North Rift Region  
P.O. Box 2138, Nakuru 20100 
Tel: (+254 051) 210553, 210555  
iv © KEBS 2013 — All rights reserved  FOREWORD  
 
This Kenya standard was prepared by the Switchgear and Distribution Equipment  in accordance with the 
procedures of the Bureau and is in compliance w ith Annex 3 of the WTO/TB Agreement.  
 
The objective of this Standard is to provide a meter enclosure that will be acceptable to all supply authorities 
and home builders, while allowing the existing meters enclosure to co- exist.  
 
In the development of this standard, Australian Standard AS 6002:1999, Domestic electricity meter 
enclosures , was extensively consulted. Assistance derived from this source is hereby acknowledged.  
 
Normative and informative annexes  
 
A 'normative' annex is an integral part of a stand ard, whereas an 'informative' annex is only for information 
and guidance.  
  
Summary of development  
 
This Kenya Standard, 
having been prepared 
by the Switchgear and 
Distribution  
Equipment Technical 
Committee was first 
approved by the 
National Standards 
Council in May 2013 
 Amendments issued since publication  
Amd. No.  Date  Text affected 
   
   
   
   
   
 KS 1068-1 :2013 
© KEBS 2013 — All rights reserved  v  
Contents  
 
1 Scope  ............................................................................................................................................ 1 
2 Normative references  ................................................................................................................... 1 
3 Definitions  .................................................................................................................................... 1 
4 Compliance with specifications  ................................................................................................... 1 
4.1 General  ................................................................................................................................. 1 
4.2 Other requirements  ............................................................................................................... 1 
4.2 Interpretation of specified limiting values  ........................................................................... 2 
4.3 New designs and innovations  ............................................................................................... 2 
5 Design and construction ............................................................................................................... 2 
5.1 General  ................................................................................................................................. 2 
5.2 Construction ......................................................................................................................... 2 
5.3 Materials ............................................................................................................................... 2 
5.4 Enclosure dimensions  .......................................................................................................... 3 
5.5 Earthing ................................................................................................................................ 3 
5.6 Cable access facilities  .......................................................................................................... 3 
5.7 Ventilation and drainage  ...................................................................................................... 3 
5.8 Panel -mounting facilities  ..................................................................................................... 3 
6 Marking ........................................................................................................................................ 4 
Annex A (normative )  Meter enclosures and panels  ............................................................................ 5 
  
KENYA STANDARD  KS 1068-1 :2013 
 
© KEBS 2010 — All rights reserved  1  
 Electricity metering — Part 1: Domestic electricity meter enclosures  
 
 
1 Scope  
 
This Standard specifies constructional requirements, standard sizes and materials suitable for the 
construc tion of electricity meter enclosures for single customers using direct connected metering.  
 
The requirements of this Standard apply to electricity meter enclosures installed to contain the facilities for 
distributor metering with or without provision for c ustomer switchboard equipment.  
 
2 Normative references  
 
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this standard. For dated 
references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the refer enced 
document (including any amendments) applies.  
 
KS 1810 , Hot-dip aluminum -zinc plain and corrugated steel sheets -  Specification  
 IEC 60529, Degrees of protection provided by enclosures (IP Code)  
 KS E AS 124, Rounding off numerical values  
 
KS 662 , Keny a wiring regulations (all parts)  
 
KS 02, Specification for galvanized plain and corrugated steel sheets  
 
 
3 Definitions  
 
For the purpose of this Standard, the definitions in KS 662  and those below apply.  
 
3.1 
distributor  
the supply authority, distribution company or regulatory authority  having jurisdiction over the facilities to be 
provided by the customer for the metering of  electricity supplied to that customer.  
 
3.2 
meter panel  
a panel providing the facilities for the installation of electricity meters  which may also include customer 
switchboard equipment.  
 3.3 
service life 
the period of useful life under a specific condition.  
 
4 Compliance with specifications  
 
4.1 General  
 This standard shall be read in conjunction with KS 662.  
  
 
4.2 Other requirements  
  
2 © KEBS 2013 — All rights reserved  Supply authorities and regulatory authorities may have  particular requirements which are normally contained 
in service rules and other documents.  
 
4.2 Interpretation of specified limiting values  
 
For the purposes of  assessing compliance with this Standar d, the specified limiting values herein shall be  
interpreted in accordance with the ‘rounding method’ described in KS EAS 124 ; that is, the  observed or 
calculated value shall be rounded to the same number of figures as in the specified limiting value and t hen 
compared with the specified limiting value. For example,  for specified limiting values of 2.5, 2.50 and 2.500, 
the observed or calculated value would be rounded respectively to the nearest 0.1, 0.01 and 0.001.  
 
4.3 New designs and innovations  
 
Any alte rnative materials, designs, methods  of assembly and procedures that do not comply with specific 
requirements of this Standard,  or are not mentioned in it but give equivalent results to those specified, are 
not necessarily  prohibited. The specific approval remains the prerogative of the relevant regulatory authority  
or distributor.  
 
5 Design and construction 
 
5.1 General  
 
The meter enclosure shall be designed and constructed in a manner and of materials suitable to provide a 
service life of not less than 20 years (see A nnex  A for  typical meter enclosures).  
 
5.2 Construction  
 
The meter enclosure shall consist of four sides, a back and a front  cover, and all corners shall be square. 
Provision shall be made for locking facilities. When closed the meter enclosure shall have an IP rating of not 
less than IP23 in accordance with  IEC 60529. Subject to the approval of the relevant distributor, the meter 
enclosure may have a side -hinged or top- hinged door and may include a viewing panel. The hinges for the 
door shall be of the ‘lift -off’ type. For top hinge type, a means shall be provided to prevent  inadvertent 
removal of the door.  
 
The door shall be provided with means to retain the door in both the open and closed  positions, as 
appropriate. The enclosure may be fitted with a latching device that engages  automatically to hold the door 
firmly closed.  
 
5.3 Materials  
 The materials used in the construction of the meter enclosure shall be non-combustible. Where the material 
used is sheet steel, the thickness of the steel shall be not less than 1.0 mm . If a galvanized sheet of steel or, 
hot-dip aluminum –zinc coated sheet of steel is to be used,  they shall conform to the requirements of KS 02 
and KS 1810 respectively..  
 When finished in box form, meter enclosure shall — 
 
(a) be either:  
 
(i) coated on the inside and outside surfaces with a material giving a hard, durable  finish providing 
a service life of not less than 20 years; or  
 
(ii) have all welds and worked surfaces painted with a good quality corrosive- resistant  galvanizin g 
paint or other durable finish, providing a service life of not  less than 20 years; and  
 
(b) be manufactured of compatible materials that are not reactive to each other, or isolated from each 
other, so as to prevent corrosion from occurring.  
 
NOTE  As a sa fety consideration, the meter boxes should be constructed free of burrs and sharp edges.  
 
 KS 1068-1:2013  
© KEBS 2013 — All rights reserved  3 NOTE  To achieve a service life of 20 years, it is vital to consider that under arid/mild conditions  of exposure a galvanized coating can 
be expected to last in exces s of 20 years without failure.  Where the conditions of exposure are moderate and the coating is not exposed 
to high levels of  industrial or marine fallout, the coatings will normally last in excess of 10 years without failure.  
 
Where heavy industrial and m arine fallouts are to be expected, galvanized coatings should be top-coated with a paint that is appropriate 
for the conditions of exposure.  
 
5.4 Enclosure dimensions  
 
The dimensions for the enclosure, covered by this  Standard, shall be as specified in App endix A. The 
openings in brickwork and dimensions  required to accommodate the enclosure shall be in accordance with 
Table 1.  
 
There shall be a minimum clearance of 180 mm in front of the panel. The minimum clearance behind the 
panel shall be in accordance with the requirements of KS 662 for  hinged switchboard panels.  
 
Any mechanical strengthening used within the enclosure shall not in any way reduce the required minimum 
internal dimensions.  
 
5.5 Earthing  
 
Where the enclosure is made from metal, a non- corroding earth stud, not  less than M5 × 20, or the 
equivalent earthing facilities, complying with the requirements of  KS 662 , shall be affixed to the body of the 
enclosure. The enclosure shall be located such that it is readily accessible but does not interfere with the 
installation, operation,  maintenance or removal of metering equipment.  
 
5.6 Cable access facilities  
 
Cable access facilities shall be provided and shall  be so designed as to maintain their compliance with IP23, 
in accordance with the requirements  of IEC 60529, and shall comply with the requirements of KS 662  for the  
protection of cables against abrasion and close fitting apertures in the enclosure, for the full  service life of the 
enclosure.  
 
5.7 Ventilation and drainage 
 
The enclosure shall be ventilated in a manner that  will prevent condensation. This ventilation may be 
achieved by the clearance between the  door and the body. Provision shall be made for draining moisture 
that might collect in the  enclosure.  
 
5.8 Panel -mounting facilities 
 
Facilit ies shall be provided to enable the installation, within the enclosure, of standard meter panels. (Refer 
Table A .2.) These facilities should be hinged to allow for access to the rear of the mounting panel.  
 
Table 1 — Dimensions for openings by brick length  and courses  
 
Number of 
bricks per 
course  Wall length  Opening size  Number of 
courses  Height of 
brickwork  
 mm mm  mm 
     
1 230 250 1 86 
1-½ 350 370 2 172 
2 470 490 3 257 
2-½ 590 610 4 343 
3 710 730 5 429 
3-½ 830 850 6 514 
4 950 970 7 600 
4-½ 1070  1090  8 686 
5 1190  1210  9 772  
4 © KEBS 2013 — All rights reserved  5-½ 1310  1330  10 857 
6 1430  1450  11 943 
6-½ 1550  1570  12 1029  
7 1670  1690  13 1114  
7-½ 1790  1810  14 1200  
8 1910  1930  15 1286  
8-½ 2030  2050  16 1372  
 
6 Marking  
 
Where compliance with the requirements of this Standard is claimed by the manufacturer, the meter 
enclosure shall be clearly and indelibly marked with the following:  
 
(a) The name, trademark or other means of identification of the manufacturer or of the responsible vendor.  
 
(b) IP classification.  
 
(c) The number of this Standard, KS 1068- 1. 
 (d) Manufacturer’s type reference.  
 
NOTE  Manufacturers making a statement of compliance with this Kenyan Standard on a product, packaging, or promotional material 
related to that product are advised to ensure that such  complian ce is capable of being verified.  KS 1068-1:2013  
© KEBS 2013 — All rights reserved  5  
Annex A  
(normative)  
 
Meter enclosures and panels  
 
A typical meter enclosure and panel is shown in Figure A .1 and the panel’s typical dimensions  are provided 
in Table A .2. 
 
The external dimensions of each enclosure type ar e shown in Figure A .2. All dimensions  stated have a 
tolerance of ±5 mm.  
 
 
 
 
Dimensions in millimetres  
 
Figure A.1 — Typical meter enclosure and panel  
 
 
Table A.2 — Typical dimensions of meter panels  
 
Standard meter panel dimensions  
A B 
400 380 
460 480 
400 590 
560 545 
600 600 
  
6 © KEBS 2013 — All rights reserved  
 
 
Dimensions in millimetres  
 
Figure A.2 (in part) — Typical meter enclosures and dimensions  
 KS 1068-1:2013  
© KEBS 2013 — All rights reserved  7 
 
 
Dimensions in millimetres  
 
Figure A.2 (in part) — Meter enclosures and dimensions  
  
8 © KEBS 2013 — All rights reserved  
 
 
NOTE  Alternative depth required for some ins tallations (see KS 662).  
 
Dimensions in millimetres  
 
Figure A.2 (in part) — Typical meter enclosures and dimensions  
 KS 1068-1:2013  
© KEBS 2013 — All rights reserved  9 
 
NOTE  Alternative depth required for some installations (see KS 662).  
 
Dimensions in millimetres  
 
Figure A.2 (in part) — Typical meter enclosures and dimensions  
  
10 © KEBS 2013 — All rights reserved  
 
 
NOTE  Alternative depth required for some installations (see KS 662).  
 
Dimensions in millimetres  
 
Figure A.2 (in part) — Typical meter enclosures and dimensions