Being located on an exterior wall, electric meter boxes are regularly exposed to not only harsh weather conditions but also at risk of accidental damage. These two factors added to the effects of general wear and tear means that your electric meter box can start to look tired and worn after a period of time. When this happens it can have a detrimental impact on the aesthetics of your home.
So, what can you do to counteract this? Well, one of the questions people often ask is “can I paint my electric meter box?”. In this blog post, we are going to take a look at whether you can paint your meter box, things to take into consideration before starting, precautions you should take during the work, and some of the alternatives available to you.
At the end of this article, hopefully you will be better informed about electric meter boxes and the best way to keep them looking neat and tidy. Also, if you like this post, check out our post on gas meter boxes as well!
What are Electric Meter boxes Made From?
Before starting to paint your electric meter box, it is important you know what it is made from. The reason for this is that it is likely to have an impact of what type of paint you need to use. Certain meter boxes are made from glass reinforced plastic (GRP), whereas others are constructed from metal. GRP offers several advantages compared to traditional metal materials. These advantages include resistance to corrosion, reduced weight, thermal insulation properties, and electrical non-conductivity.
One of the main benefits of GRP is that it does not rust whereas metal will. This means that it is usually metal meter boxes that will require repainting. However, if you are painting your electric meter box, make sure you fully assess any rust or damage before starting to ensure you get the best finish.
Precautions you Should Take When Painting an Electric Meter Box
If you decide to paint your electric meter box then it is important you take the upmost care when doing it. You must ensure that the paint you are using does not change the make up of the meter box, for example, certain paints can have an effect on the insulation properties of a GRP meter box making it less effective.
One good option when it comes to painting electric meter boxes is fire retardant paint. Before starting to paint make sure you are aware of any safety requirements. For example some paints should not be used on GRP boxes as because of the fire retardant properties of the meter box. This is because if you use the wrong type of paint it could well flake off leaving you with a less than desirable finish over time.
What are the alternatives to Painting an Electric Meter Box?
Cleaning is an alternative to painting electric meter boxes. The outside of GRP electric meter boxes are relatively easy to clean. But before you clean the inside, make sure you acquaint yourself with components inside it and take the appropriate safety measures.
If your electric meter box becomes damaged you may be able to replace the any broken components with replacement parts or by using an overbox. Here at JML, we offer a range of replacement doors for both recessed and surface mounted electric meter boxes all at competitive prices. Replacing a door is a straightforward task and you only need basic tools and can be completed in just a few minutes.
So, the definitive answer to the original question, “can you paint an electric meter door?”, is yes, but we recommend that you take all relevant precautions and make sure you use the correct type of paint. Hopefully we have answered all your questions however, if you need any more information, get in touch with the expert team here at JML who will be only too happy to help!
