Meter Isolator Switches & Changeover Switches
Meter isolator switches, meter tails isolators and changeover switches for trade electrical installs. This range includes devices used to isolate the supply between an electricity meter and consumer unit, along with changeover switches for switching between mains and alternative power sources.
A meter isolator switch gives electricians a safer way to isolate the consumer unit side of the installation during board changes, upgrades, inspection work and maintenance. Options include double pole isolators, 100A meter isolators and enclosed switch units.
Quick answer: A meter isolator switch is normally fitted between the electricity meter and consumer unit so the supply can be safely isolated without removing the service fuse. A changeover switch is used to switch between mains supply and a secondary source such as a generator or backup supply.
Read more about meter isolators and changeover switches
Meter isolation is commonly needed during consumer unit replacement, meter tail work and electrical upgrades. A correctly specified isolator helps reduce dependency on DNO attendance and gives the installer a clear local point of isolation on the customer side of the supply.
- Meter isolator switches – used between the meter and consumer unit
- Meter tails isolators – useful where meter tails need a local isolation point
- Double pole isolation – commonly used on single-phase supplies
- Changeover switches – used for mains/generator or backup supply switching
For related products, browse our main switches and rotary isolators, electrical enclosures and consumer units.
100A Plastic Meter Isolator WEC2100
£10.95
The WCED WEC2100 100A Meter Isolator is a twin-pole main switch housed in a compact 2-way plastic enclosure. Designed for safe and reliable circuit isolation, it’s ideal for residential and commercial meter isolator installs where space is limited but secure disconnection is essential. Its compact...
2 Way Plastic Meter Isolator Enclosure
£6.62
The WEC2 is a compact 2-way plastic meter isolator enclosure designed for safe, tidy isolation and protection of incoming electrical supplies. Commonly specified by DNOs and contractors, it provides a neat housing for main switches, RCDs, or RCBOs where space is limited. Built for indoor...
Metal Meter Isolation - 2 Way Double Terminal Main Switch - MEC2100
£14.90
The MEC2100 is a compact 2-module metal meter isolator with a 100A Double Pole Main Switch and twin screw terminals for secure tail clamping. Installed between the electricity meter and consumer unit, it provides clear, safe isolation - now increasingly required by DNOs and supply...
WME44100 4 Way IP40 Metal Enclosure with 4 Pole 100A Main Switch
£18.99
The WME44100 is a 4-way IP40 steel enclosure pre-fitted with a 4 pole 100A main switch. Designed to provide safe and reliable isolation, it is suitable for both 230V (2P) and 400V (4P) systems, making it a versatile solution for domestic, commercial, and light industrial...
4 Way Plastic Meter Isolator Enclosure
£7.95
The WEC4 is a durable 4-way plastic meter isolator enclosure designed to safely house isolation and protection devices within metering or distribution setups. Offering twice the capacity of the WEC2, it accommodates main switches, RCDs, or RCBOs where multiple protective devices are required. Compact yet...
Meter Isolator Switches for Consumer Unit Work
A meter isolator switch is used to provide a safe local point of isolation between the electricity meter and the consumer unit. This is especially useful during consumer unit upgrades, meter tail changes, inspection work and maintenance.
Without a suitable isolator, electricians may need DNO or supplier involvement before work can be carried out safely. A properly installed electric meter isolator switch helps make future work simpler, safer and cleaner.
Isolator Switch Between Meter and Consumer Unit
The most common use for this range is fitting an isolator switch between the meter and consumer unit. This gives a clear point of disconnection on the outgoing side of the meter, allowing the consumer unit and meter tails to be isolated when needed.
These products are often searched for as meter tails isolators, meter tail isolator switches, electricity meter isolator switches or meter disconnect switches. In most trade contexts, the intent is the same: safe isolation of the supply feeding the consumer unit.
Meter Isolator vs Changeover Switch
Meter isolators and changeover switches are both switching devices, but they are used for different jobs. A meter isolator disconnects supply for safe working. A changeover switch transfers load between two supply sources.
| Switch Type | Main Use | Typical Application |
|---|---|---|
| Meter isolator switch | Disconnects supply between meter and consumer unit | Consumer unit changes, meter tail work and maintenance |
| Meter tails isolator | Provides local isolation for meter tails | Single-phase supply isolation before the consumer unit |
| Changeover switch | Switches between two power sources | Mains/generator supply switching and backup power setups |
Common Meter Isolation Applications
- Consumer unit replacement – isolate the board safely before upgrade work
- Meter tail changes – provide a local isolation point for tail work
- Inspection and testing – allow safer isolation of the installation side
- Landlord and maintenance work – useful where future access and safe isolation matter
- Backup supply switching – use changeover switches where mains/generator switching is required
Double Pole Meter Isolator Switches
A double pole isolator switch between the meter and consumer unit is commonly used on single-phase supplies. It disconnects both live and neutral conductors, giving a clear isolation point for work on the consumer unit side of the installation.
For larger or more specialist installations, check the product rating, enclosure type, pole configuration and suitability for the supply arrangement before ordering.
Meter Isolator Switch FAQs
What is a meter isolator switch?
A meter isolator switch is a switching device fitted between the electricity meter and consumer unit. It allows the supply to the consumer unit to be isolated safely.
Where is a meter isolator switch installed?
It is normally installed after the electricity meter and before the consumer unit, on the outgoing side of the meter supply.
Do I need an isolator between the meter and consumer unit?
It is commonly fitted to make future consumer unit work and maintenance safer and easier. Requirements can depend on the supply arrangement, DNO/supplier setup and installation design.
What is a meter tails isolator?
A meter tails isolator provides a local point of isolation for the meter tails feeding the consumer unit.
What is the difference between a meter isolator and a main switch?
A meter isolator is fitted before the consumer unit to isolate the supply feeding it. A main switch is usually part of the consumer unit itself.
What is a changeover switch used for?
A changeover switch is used to transfer load between two supply sources, such as mains power and a generator or backup supply.
UK-Stocked Meter Isolators and Changeover Switches
Power & Data UK supplies meter isolator switches, meter tails isolators, enclosed switches and changeover switches for trade electrical work. Orders over £30 qualify for free UK mainland next-day delivery when placed before 2pm.
For related products, view our main switches and rotary isolators, electrical enclosures and circuit protection devices.