Sub-Meter Installation Stellenbosch | Tenant Billing, Accurate Measurement

About Sub-Meter Installation in Stellenbosch

Electricity sub-meters measure the consumption of individual units within a larger property that shares a single municipal meter. In Stellenbosch, sub-meters are essential for body corporates, sectional title complexes, office buildings, and shopping centres where each tenant needs to be billed accurately for their actual electricity usage rather than sharing costs equally.

Abacas Solution installs digital sub-meters for residential complexes, commercial buildings, and mixed-use properties in Stellenbosch. Unlike prepaid meters that require token purchases, sub-meters are conventional meters that record consumption for billing purposes. The body corporate, property manager, or landlord reads the meters monthly and bills each tenant based on their actual usage at the agreed tariff rate.

We install sub-meters at the distribution point for each unit, wired inline with the unit's supply from the common DB board. Modern digital sub-meters provide accurate readings, some with remote reading capability via GSM or Wi-Fi, eliminating the need for physical meter reading. We also install current transformer (CT) meters for high-amperage commercial supplies where it is not practical to run all current through a direct-connect meter.

This is one of several specialist services we offer under commercial & specialty electrical in Stellenbosch. As part of our Stellenbosch electrical team, we bring over 25 years of hands-on experience to every job.

Sub-Meter Installation in Stellenbosch - Abacas Solution

When to Call for Sub-Meter Installation

Call if you manage a complex or building and need individual unit metering, if your body corporate wants to switch from shared electricity costs to individual billing, if you need remote-reading meters installed, or if existing sub-meters are old and inaccurate.

Our Sub-Meter Installation Process

1

Building Assessment

We assess the building's electrical distribution to identify supply points for each unit and determine the best metering configuration.

2

Meter Selection

We recommend direct-connect or CT-type meters based on each unit's supply size, and quote for meters, enclosures, and installation.

3

Installation

We install meters at each unit's supply point with proper enclosures, wire inline with the supply, and label each meter clearly with the unit number.

4

Commissioning

We verify all meter readings are accurate, provide initial readings for each unit, demonstrate how to read the meters, and hand over documentation.

Property owners in Stellenbosch often combine sub-meter installation with three-phase power installation in Stellenbosch and prepaid meter installation. We handle everything, so you only need one call.

Safety & Compliance

Sub-meters must be installed by a registered electrician and comply with SANS 10142-1. Meters must be housed in accessible, secure enclosures. CT-type meters must be correctly matched to the current transformer ratio. All meter enclosures must be lockable to prevent tampering. Main supply protection must be adequate for the combined load.

Sub-Meter Installation Cost in Stellenbosch

Sub-meter installation costs depend on the meter type and number of units. Direct-connect digital sub-meters cost R1,500-R3,000 per unit installed. CT-type meters for larger commercial supplies cost R3,000-R6,000 per unit. Remote-reading meters with GSM capability cost R3,000-R5,000 per unit. Installation costs decrease per unit for larger projects. A 10-unit complex typically costs R15,000-R25,000 for complete sub-metering.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a sub-meter and a prepaid meter?

A sub-meter records consumption for monthly billing by the landlord or body corporate. A prepaid meter requires the tenant to purchase tokens before using electricity. Sub-meters are more common in sectional title complexes and commercial buildings, while prepaid meters are popular in residential rentals.

Can sub-meters be read remotely?

Yes, we offer sub-meters with GSM or Wi-Fi connectivity that transmit readings to a central platform. This eliminates the need for monthly physical meter readings and enables automated billing systems.

How accurate are sub-meters?

Quality digital sub-meters are highly accurate, typically within 1% of actual consumption. They are calibrated at the factory and maintain accuracy for many years. We install only reputable brands with proven accuracy.

Can you install sub-meters in a sectional title complex in Stellenbosch?

Yes. We regularly install sub-metering systems in sectional title complexes, allowing the body corporate to bill each unit for their actual electricity usage. This is fairer than dividing costs equally and encourages energy conservation.