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Johnsmith1682
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May 10, 2023
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Will I need10 separate meters with a MSDB (Multi-Service Distribution Board)?

  • May 10, 2023
  • 12 replies
  • 890 views

Hello,

 

I am converting a property into 10 student accommodation flats.

 

A three-phase supply is required and we received an offer for an MSDB board 180KVA.

 

Today I was told by National Grid, that with an MSDB board we will require 10 separate meters in either the rooms or the communal areas.

 

As this will be student accommodation and all bills included, I'd rather have one meter positioned in the existing meter room.

 

National Grid told me that for this, only with a Cut Out will it be possible to have one meter only.

 

Can someone please help me out with this?

 

- What is the difference between a Cut Out and MSDB?

 

- How does the difference between the two impact the number of meters required?

 

Best answer by Jeffus

Updated on 14/03/25 by Ben_OVO

Hi @Johnsmith1682 

Welcome to the customer forum, i am just a customer like you, not a qualified electrician. 

A cut out is basically the main fuse(s) you see in your home. These sit before your meter. Most homes are single phase, but 3 phase is becoming more common due to things like heat pumps and Electric Vehicle charging. 

https://www.ukpowernetworks.co.uk/help/what-is-a-cut-out

So with a cut out setup you only need one meter, albeit a 3 phase meter. You will find a lot of small scale student accommodation has this setup. 

This is a MSDB Multi Service Distribution Board setup for flats

https://www.beama.org.uk/static/8450cb4e-3c53-4a9a-8d2a8b6f04ff1bab/Technical-Bulletin-Safely-using-Multi-Service-Distribution-Boards.pdf

This splits the supply into multi circuits in your case for the 10 flats and common areas, before the meter, so you would then need a separate single phase meter for each of the 10 circuit/flat as per the diagram. So a fuse for one flat may blow, but the others may not. Also with 10 meters you will have 10 sets of standing charges. 

What option has your electrician recommend in line with any regulations? Either option is a possibility. 

Out of curiosity, are you planning on having a separate physical consumer unit for each flat, located within each flat, irrespective of which National Grid option you go with (Cut Out or MSDB)? 

If you post updates i am sure it will help other customers on the forum going forward. 

 

12 replies

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Johnsmith1682Author
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May 26, 2023

Thank you,

 

Can you explain to me why a CT panel is required? what exactly does it do?

BPLightlog
Super User
BPLightlogSuper User
Super User
May 26, 2023

Thank you,

 

Can you explain to me why a CT panel is required? what exactly does it do?

A CT is a current transformer which measures the current flowing in a cable by clamping around the cable rather than directly. When large supply levels are involved, it is safer to use this technique. Being a 3 phase system, you will have 3 CT’s which presumably will be enclosed in their own separate panel. 
There is a code of practice for high supply levels (which your situation may need to comply with) known as COP5. 
Edit: actually just re-reading your first post, being 180KVA will have to comply with COP5

There are several companies offering enclosures for this type of installation 

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