How do I adapt my system?

As part of the roll-out of smart meters, night-only meters are set to be phased out. If you have this kind of meter, replacing it with a smart meter requires some changes to be made to your electrical system.

Particular care needs to be taken when removing night-only meters to ensure the safety and smooth operation of your system. The following information is aimed primarily at electricians responsible for adapting existing systems.

The different scenarios

The night-only meter is no longer in use

The night-only circuit is phased out if the storage heater or other appliances formerly powered by the night-only meter are no longer active.

  • Your electrician will have to remove the distribution board and the night-only connection cable. Alternatively, Sibelga can disconnect the cable and insulate the end.
  • The electrical system’s diagrams and plans will also need to be updated.
  • Sibelga will remove the night-only meter and replace the remaining standard electricity meter with a smart meter. Sibelga performs the work free of charge.

Situation: 1 shared circuit breaker

The night-only meter and the normal meter are currently behind the same protection (circuit breaker).

Click to enlarge

1 circuit breaker per meter

The night-only meter and the normal meter currently each have their own protection (circuit breaker).

Click to enlarge

The night-only meter is used AND it is possible to connect the 2 distribution boards

When the night-only meter is used, the night-only distribution board must be powered from the normal general distribution board, or vice versa.

  • The electrician will then have to connect the 2 distribution boards together.
  • He will also have to remove the night-only connection cable. Alternatively, Sibelga can disconnect the cable and insulate the end.
  • You should also consider adding a timer or checking the scheduling of appliances so that they are only used at night (for example, if you only want the heating to come on at night). 
  • A compliance check will need to be performed to ensure that all the modifications have been carried out correctly.
  • Sibelga will not charge for removing the night-only meter and replacing the remaining meter with a smart meter.

Situation: 1 shared circuit breaker

The night-only meter and the normal meter are currently behind the same protection (circuit breaker).

Click to enlarge

Situation: 1 circuit breaker per meter

The night-only meter and the normal meter currently each have their own protection (circuit breaker).

In this case, a power increase may be necessary. This is to ensure that simultaneous use of the night-only and normal circuits does not trip the breaker after the night-only meter has been removed.

Click to enlarge

The night-only meter is in use AND it is NOT possible to connect the 2 distribution boards together

If it is not possible or not advisable to connect the 2 distribution boards together, it is also possible to install a small distribution board upstream of these boards.

  • This new distribution board will incorporate, for example, the main 300mA differential switch, which will act as the common protection, as well as the feeders to the 2 distribution boards or any other protection device required to comply with the RGIE (General Regulation of Electrical Installations).
  • You should also consider adding a timer or checking the scheduling of appliances so that they are only used at night (for example, if you only want the heating to come on at night). 
  • It will be necessary to perform a compliance check to ensure that all the modifications have been carried out correctly.
  • Sibelga will not charge for removing the night-only meter and replacing the remaining meter with a smart meter.

Please note

Sibelga will not authorise the connection of 2 connection cables at the meter outlet or on the customer terminal block as this is in breach of the RGIE (a single main differential on a domestic system) and Synergrid's technical regulation C1/107.

Situation: 1 shared circuit breaker

The night-only meter and the normal meter are currently behind the same protection (circuit breaker).

Click to enlarge

Situation: 1 circuit breaker per meter

The night-only meter and the normal meter currently each have their own protection (circuit breaker).

In this case, a power increase may be necessary. This is to ensure that simultaneous use of the night-only and normal circuits does not trip the breaker after the night-only meter has been removed.

Click to enlarge

What do I do if I need to increase my power?

  • No charge is made for increasing the power of the connection to maintain equivalent power. You can submit an application here.
  • The electrician will have to adapt the electrical system to be compatible with the new connection power (including replacing the connection distribution board, the combs on the switchboard and the main differential switch).
  • If necessary, the electrician must temporarily and safely connect the new connection cable with a larger cross-section than the old one. The smart meter will be connected by Sibelga.
  • You will also need to present a certificate of compliance for the new power rating.
Steps to follow

Ask an electrician!

Always call in a professional to make any necessary changes to your system. They'll be able to tell you exactly what type of connection you need.