🧰 The meter cabinet
The meter cabinet brings together the incoming supply, electricity meter, protective devices, and distribution to the individual circuits.
⭐ Knowledge question
What does the electricity meter do?
🛡️ Fuses
Fuses and circuit breakers protect cables and devices.
Fuse
A thin wire melts when the current is too high and breaks the circuit.
Circuit breaker
It switches off during an overload or short circuit and can later be switched on again.
Why are they needed?
Without protection, cables could become too hot and cause fires.
⭐ Knowledge question
What do fuses and circuit breakers protect against?
⚠️ RCD
The RCD compares the current flowing out with the current returning. If it detects a dangerous difference, it switches off very quickly.
RCD on – values are equal.
| Conductor | Current |
|---|---|
| Outgoing conductor | 5.00 A |
| Return conductor | 5.00 A |
⭐ Knowledge question
When does an RCD switch off?
👷 What may you do – and what may you not do?
Some actions are permitted, but many jobs are reserved for qualified professionals.
Usually allowed
A tripped circuit breaker or RCD switch it on again, if you know the cause and there is no damage.
Not allowed
Removing covers, changing wiring, opening sealed sections, or connecting new circuits yourself.
If in doubt
Always call a qualified electrician. Safety comes first.
⭐ Knowledge question
May you unscrew the cover of the meter cabinet?