What to do if…
you see water or condensation inside an outdoor electrical box or near your meter

What to do now

1. Move yourself, other people, and pets well away from the meter box or outdoor electrical box. Close a door or gate, or place a visible barrier away from the box, if you can do that without going close to the equipment.
2. Look only from a safe distance. If there is smoke, fire, sparking, crackling, a burning smell, or you think there is an immediate risk to anyone, call 999 and say there may be an electrical hazard near the meter.
3. Report the water or condensation at the meter area:
   • In England, Scotland or Wales, call 105 and say: “There is water or condensation inside an outdoor electrical box or near the electricity meter after rain.”
   • In Northern Ireland, call NIE Networks on 03457 643643 and give the same message.
4. If your indoor consumer unit is in a dry place and you can reach it without touching wet surfaces, switch off the main switch. Do not do this if the consumer unit area is damp, if you would need to reach past wet surfaces, or if you are unsure.
5. If you can see rainwater running onto the box from a gutter, roof edge, pipe, or overflow, only move the source of runoff if you can do it from a safe distance without touching the box, cables, fixings, or wet metalwork. Otherwise leave it for the responder.
6. Take one photo or short video from a safe distance if you can do that without moving closer. Use it when speaking to the network operator, landlord, managing agent, electrician, or insurer.
7. If you rent, or the box is in a shared or communal area, tell the landlord, managing agent, housing provider, or building owner that you have reported a possible electrical hazard near the meter.