Cost of moving the fuse box
Cost of moving a meter cupboard 2026
Moving a meter cupboard costs on average between €1,000 and €1,600, depending on the new location and the necessary adjustments to the electricity connection. This job involves moving the fuse box, meters, and the electricity connection to a different spot in your home. Costs depend on factors such as the distance from the current location, the length of new wiring, and any adjustments to walls or pipes. In this price guide, you can read about the costs of moving a meter cupboard and what to look out for.
What does it cost to move a meter cupboard?
Moving a meter cupboard costs on average between €1,000 and €1,600. This amount includes both the work of the grid operator (moving the main connection and meters) and the work of the electrician (moving the fuse box and adjusting the wiring). The costs depend on the distance you want to move the meter cupboard and the complexity of the existing installation.
Overview of costs for moving a meter cupboard
Type of cost | Costs |
|---|---|
Minimum costs | €1,000 |
Maximum costs | €1,600 |
Hourly rate electrician | €70 |
The costs for moving a meter cupboard consist of two parts. The grid operator handles the part before the meter: the main connection and the meters themselves. The electrician takes care of the part after the meter: the fuse box and all necessary wiring. For moving the main connection, you submit an application via mijnaansluiting.nl to the grid operator. Please note: when moving further than three metres, extra costs are often charged and additional technical requirements apply.
The total price depends on how much work needs to be done. For a move over a short distance within the same room, costs usually remain at the lower end of the range. Does the meter cupboard need to go to another floor or is a lot of new wiring required? Then the costs will be towards the higher amount. Whether you are connected to Stedin or Liander, the working method and rate structure are largely comparable.
The prices mentioned include 21% VAT. For homes older than two years, the reduced VAT rate of 9% may apply to the labour costs of the electrician.
Costs of moving a meter cupboard per type of work
The costs for moving a meter cupboard depend heavily on what exactly needs to happen. For a move within the same room, you can suffice with just moving the existing installation. In other cases, it is wise to replace or expand the fuse box at the same time, especially with outdated installations or additional power demand.
Type of work | Situation | Total price |
|---|---|---|
Relocation only | Current fuse box meets NEN 1010 standard and only needs to be moved | €1,000 - €1,200 |
Relocation and replacement | Installation from before 1975 or does not meet current standards | €1,200 - €1,400 |
Relocation and expansion | Extra circuits needed for heat pump, induction hob or charging station | €1,400 - €1,600 |
Relocation + 3-phase connection | Switch to power current for heavy consumers | €1,600+ |
Price-determining factors for moving a meter cupboard
The costs for moving a meter cupboard differ per situation. The total price is determined by factors such as the distance of relocation, the complexity of the current installation and the planning.
Distance of relocation
The distance between the current and new location has a major influence on the costs. For relocation within three metres of the front door, the main connection often remains in the same place and only the fuse box needs to be moved. Further than three metres? Then the grid operator must move the main connection, which results in extra costs. Moreover, for larger distances, additional technical requirements apply, such as fire-resistant penetrations through walls and floors.
Complexity of the current installation
The more complicated the existing situation, the more time the job takes. A meter cupboard with many circuits requires more work when moving than a simple installation with six circuits. For outdated installations without earth leak circuit breakers or with wiring that is too thin, replacement is often necessary. The condition of the wiring also plays a role: damaged or outdated cables must be replaced, which increases the labour time and costs.
Materials required
The choice of materials directly affects the total price. A standard fuse box with 8 circuits is more affordable than a model with 12 circuits and extra earth leak circuit breakers. In addition, the length of the new wiring determines the material costs: five metres of cable costs less than twenty metres.
Region and grid operator
Costs at Stedin, Liander or other grid operators like Enexis differ per region. In large cities, the hourly rates of electricians are on average higher than in rural areas.
Additional work
Extra wishes increase the costs. Hiding cables in the wall takes more time than visible mounting. Connecting new sockets, light switches or earthed connections comes on top of the base price.
Modernisation wishes
Do you want to switch to 3-phase power at the same time for a heat pump, charging station or induction hob? Then the grid operator must upgrade the connection. This entails extra costs for both the grid operator and the electrician.
Urgency versus planned work
Urgent jobs cost more than planned work. When moving a meter cupboard, planning is extra important because the grid operator has a waiting time of six to twelve weeks for moving the main connection.
Weekend and evening work
Work outside office hours costs more. Plan the job on a weekday if possible to avoid a surcharge on the hourly rate.
Preparation and accessibility
Good preparation saves labour time. Ensure the workspace is clear and that the electrician has direct access to the meter cupboard and the new location. This keeps the costs manageable.
Local professional versus national service provider
Local professionals often know the regional grid operator and can be on-site faster. This saves travel time and any call-out charges.
Additional costs and surcharges when moving a meter cupboard
Extra costs depend on your specific situation. At Zoofy, you do not pay call-out charges.
Urgent jobs cost more because the professional must adjust their schedule
Weekend work is more expensive than during the week
Hiding cables in the wall, installing new sockets or light switches, and placing extra earth leak circuit breakers come on top of the base price
Relocation further than three metres from the front door involves extra grid operator costs and may require a separate main switch or fire-resistant measures
Gas, water, and internet connections are often in the meter cupboard; moving these is your responsibility and can entail extra costs
Excavation work: You are responsible for clearing and replacing paving if digging is required
How does the professional work when moving a meter cupboard?
Moving a meter cupboard follows a fixed sequence of steps.
Preparation: The customer takes photos of the current meter cupboard. The electrician inspects the existing installation for compliance with the NEN 1010 standard.
Application to grid operator: The customer submits a request via mijnaansluiting.nl for moving the main connection. The waiting time is on average six to twelve weeks.
Power interruption: On the day of execution, the home is completely disconnected from the power grid for several hours.
Dismantling: The electrician switches off the power, the grid operator breaks the meter seal, and the old fuse box is dismantled.
Installation: The new meter cupboard is mounted according to the mandatory dimensions. All cabling is installed and connected.
Connection and testing: The grid operator connects the meter and seals it. The electrician tests all circuits.
Finishing: The electrician performs a final inspection, hides cables, and leaves the room tidy.
How can you save on moving a meter cupboard?
There are several ways to limit the costs.
Plan ahead: Early relocation prevents expensive emergency situations and gives you more time for the grid operator application.
Good preparation: Ensure the workspace is clear and accessible to save labour time.
Plan during the week: Weekend or urgent work is more expensive. Choose a weekday.
Combine work: Discuss future plans like solar panels or a heat pump to modernise the installation in one go.
Check VAT benefits: For homes older than two years, 9% VAT might apply instead of 21% on labour costs.
Book via Zoofy: You get a fixed rate in advance, with no call-out charges and no surprises. You only pay after the job is completed.
Common reasons to move a meter cupboard
Relocation stems from renovation, lack of space, or modernisation of the electrical installation.
Renovation or extension
During a major renovation, the current location of the meter cupboard often no longer fits the new layout. Moving it to a utility room, cellar, or garage makes the new layout possible.
Lack of space in the hall
Moving the meter cupboard to another location creates more living space and ensures a tidy look in the entrance hall.
Modernisation and sustainability
Installing solar panels or a heat pump often requires a 3-phase connection. For outdated installations, relocation is a logical time to modernise. The costs are then often lower than performing two separate projects.
Find the best professional for moving your meter cupboard
Moving a meter cupboard requires a certified electrician who works according to the applicable standards.
No DIY possible: Only the grid operator may break the seal on the main fuse and meter.
Certification mandatory: A certified electrician works according to NEN 1010 and NEN 2768 standards.
No call-out charges: At Zoofy, you never pay extra for the professional's arrival.
Fixed price upfront: You know exactly what you pay without surprises afterwards.
Direct booking: No hassle with quotes, choose a suitable time directly.
Payment after completion: You only pay via QR code when the job is done and you are satisfied.
Frequently asked questions about moving a meter cupboard
How expensive is moving a meter cupboard?
Moving a meter cupboard costs on average between €1,000 and €1,600. This includes grid operator and electrician work.
Can you move a meter cupboard?
Yes, with permission from the grid operator. An electrician moves the fuse box while the grid operator handles the main connection.
How far can the meter cupboard be from the front door?
According to the NEN 2768 standard, it should be within three metres. Further distances require special permission and may cost more.
Who is allowed to move the meter cupboard?
Only a certified electrician and the grid operator are allowed to perform these tasks due to safety and sealing regulations.
Book a professional for moving your meter cupboard
Ready to have your meter cupboard moved? At Zoofy, you can book a professional directly, without quotes and without call-out charges. You will see exactly what it costs beforehand, and Zoofy connects you with a reliable, verified professional. You only pay once the work is finished. Book a professional directly now.