Both the DBX-3000 and GHBX are single-phase electricity meter boxes, but they are designed for slightly different applications and feature sets: (1) DBX-3000 — emphasizes a clear utility-consumer physical partition with separate compartments and doors. The utility side (meter, incoming cable) is sealable and inaccessible to the consumer; the consumer side (outgoing MCB) has its own separate door for occupant access and reset. It includes an integrated consumer-side MCB as standard. (2) GHBX — focuses on a transparent polycarbonate reading window and anti-tamper design, with dedicated phase, neutral, and earth conductor connection points. Both accept DIN-rail or base-mounted meters and serve the same residential/commercial single-phase metering market. The DBX-3000 is the better choice where strict utility-consumer separation and independent consumer MCB access are required by local regulations; the GHBX is preferred where a clean, transparent-window aesthetic and simplified wiring are priorities. Both are compliant with IEC 61439 and GB/T 7251.

The utility-consumer physical partition is a regulatory requirement in most electricity supply jurisdictions for revenue-metering installations. Its purpose is to: (1) Prevent meter tampering — the consumer cannot access the meter terminals, current transformer (CT) connections, or the incoming supply cable, eliminating the possibility of bypassing the meter or altering its readings. (2) Define ownership and responsibility — the utility owns and maintains everything upstream of and including the meter; the consumer owns and is responsible for everything downstream (outgoing MCB and internal wiring). (3) Enable sealing — the utility compartment can be sealed with a wire seal or padlock, so any unauthorized access is immediately visible as a broken seal. (4) Allow consumer reset of the MCB — the consumer can reset a tripped outgoing MCB without needing utility access or breaking the meter seal. Without this partition, the consumer could potentially tamper with the meter, leading to revenue loss for the utility and safety hazards from improper modifications.

Yes. The DBX-3000 is compatible with both electronic (smart) and mechanical single-phase meters, supporting either DIN-rail mounting (the most common for modern electronic meters) or base mounting (for traditional meters with screw terminals). For smart meters that require communication wiring (e.g., for RF, PLC, or cellular communication modules), ensure adequate space is reserved inside the metering compartment for the communication antenna or module — this is usually not an issue with standard form-factor meters. When specifying, indicate the meter brand and model so we can confirm the mounting type (DIN-rail vs. base) and dimensions. Note that for smart meters with remote disconnect relays, the incoming supply switching is performed by the meter itself, so the separate utility-side isolator or MCCB may be optional — confirm with the utility's metering specification.

The utility metering compartment is sealed using either a utility-standard wire-and-seal (lead seal or plastic security seal) or a padlock hasp. The sealing method depends on the utility company's standard practice: (1) Wire-and-seal — a plastic or lead security seal is threaded through the sealing eyelets on the compartment door and crimped. The seal is numbered or barcoded for traceability. This is the most common method and is tamper-evident (the seal must be broken to open the door). (2) Padlock hasp — a small padlock is fitted through the hasp. The utility holds the only key. This is used in some regions for higher-security installations. In both cases, only the utility company has the ability to open the metering compartment legally. The consumer compartment (MCB) has a separate, non-sealed door that the consumer can open freely to reset a tripped breaker. The seal must be inspected and replaced by the utility whenever the compartment is opened for meter reading, testing, or maintenance.

No. The DBX-3000 is specifically designed for single-phase (220V/230V/240V) metering only. It accommodates one single-phase meter per unit and is rated for up to 100A main current. For three-phase (380V/400V) metering applications — such as for residential units with three-phase supply, small commercial premises with three-phase loads, or industrial customers — a three-phase meter box is required. GOHO's JP series outdoor distribution box includes three-phase metering configurations, and for indoor three-phase metering we can supply a custom three-phase meter box based on the XL-21 or GHM platform with a meter compartment. When requesting a three-phase metering solution, specify the voltage (380V/400V), current rating, whether CT (current transformer) metering is required for high currents, and the utility-consumer separation requirements. Do not attempt to use the single-phase DBX-3000 for three-phase service, as this would create a serious safety and regulatory non-compliance issue.

The device selection depends on the utility's requirements and the consumer's load: (1) Incoming (utility-side) device — typically a double-pole isolator or a double-pole MCCB rated up to 100A. The isolator provides a visible break point for safe isolation; the MCCB adds overload and short-circuit protection on the supply side. The utility usually specifies which type is required. If the incoming supply is protected by an upstream device (e.g., the building's main distribution board), an isolator may be sufficient. (2) Outgoing (consumer-side) device — a single-pole (1P) or 1P+N MCB rated up to 63A, with a trip curve (B, C, or D) selected based on the load type. For typical residential installations, a 32A–63A Type C MCB is common. The MCB rating should be matched to the consumer's main cable size and the total connected load. We can supply the DBX-3000 empty (for on-site device installation) or fully pre-wired with the specified incoming and outgoing devices. Always confirm device requirements with the local utility company before ordering, as metering installation standards vary by region.