What it is and how it works in Norway
What is a meter cabinet?
Designed for modern electrification
Our connection cabinets are built to handle today’s increasing electrical demand.
Future-proof connection solutions
Prepared for tomorrow’s requirements – from grid upgrades to new technologies.
Built for EV charging, solar and smart homes
Ready for electric vehicles, photovoltaic systems and intelligent energy management.
A connection cabinet – also known as a meter cabinet, electrical service cabinet or service connection cabinet – is the main interface between the public power grid and the building’s electrical installation.
Looking for a connection cabinet (NEK 399) for your project?
Contact Elskap AS for a tailored solution.
At Elskap AS, we design and manufacture connection cabinets (NEK 399) specifically for real installations – not just specifications.
Optimized ventilation for long-term reliability
Designed with natural ventilation to reduce moisture and heat buildup – with optional IP68 ventilation nipples for demanding environments.
For more demanding environments, it is also possible to install up to four additional M11 IP68 ventilation nipples, ensuring improved airflow while maintaining a high level of ingress protection.
This contributes to longer component lifetime and more stable operation in varying climate conditions.
In Norway, this solution is defined by the NEK 399 standard, which sets strict requirements for safety, accessibility, and functionality.
A connection cabinet is a standardized enclosure defined by NEK 399, used to connect buildings to electricity and telecom infrastructure in Norway.
What does a connection cabinet do?
A connection cabinet collects and organizes all critical components at the entry point of electricity into a building:
- Electricity meter (smart meter / AMS meter)
- Main protection devices
- Surge protection
- Connection terminals for incoming cables
- Separation between grid operator, telecom, and customer installations
This creates a clear, structured, and safe installation point.
Installation in practice
In typical Norwegian installations, the connection cabinet is placed where the power supply enters the property.
Power is usually delivered:
- Through an underground cable from the public power grid
- Or via overhead lines, with a cable routed down to the building
From the connection point, the cable is led into the connection cabinet, which is normally installed at ground level on an exterior wall.
The cabinet can be mounted:
- Directly against the wall
- Or with a small offset (up to approx. 10 cm) using wall brackets
This allows cables to be routed behind the cabinet when needed, for example when surface-mounted cables are installed along the wall.
Cables can then enter the cabinet from the bottom, creating a clean and protected installation.
This installation method ensures safe routing, mechanical protection and compliance with NEK 399 requirements.
What is NEK 399?
NEK 399 is the Norwegian standard that defines how service cabinets must be designed and installed.
Key principles include:
- One cabinet per residential unit
- Outdoor placement for accessibility
- Separate areas for power, telecom, and customer equipment
- Mandatory surge protection
- Reserved space for future upgrades
The requirements are defined in the Norwegian standard NEK 399, which you can read more about here.
Manufactured in Europe – supplied to professionals
Elskap AS is a Norwegian manufacturer of connection cabinets and electrical distribution systems, supplying solutions to professional installers and electrical contractors.
Our cabinets are manufactured in Europe (Poland) in cooperation with an experienced production partner with decades of expertise in enclosure systems for critical infrastructure.
We are currently expanding into international markets and are open to cooperation with:
- Electrical wholesalers and distributors
- Installation companies and contractors
- Project developers and system integrators
Our solutions are designed for efficient installation, long lifetime, and compatibility with modern electrical requirements across Europe.
For inquiries regarding distribution, projects, or partnerships – please contact us.
Engineered in Norway – built on proprietary design principles
Developed for harsh climates and demanding installations, ensuring long-term performance and installation efficiency.
Flexible configuration for different markets
Our connection cabinets are designed with a high degree of flexibility, allowing configuration based on local standards, installation practices, and project requirements.
The cabinets support a wide range of modular components, enabling electrical professionals and distributors to adapt each solution to their preferred systems and specifications.
In many European markets, where installations often use single-phase protection devices and shared neutral systems, the available space in larger cabinet formats (e.g. 600 mm width) allows for extended functionality.
This can include:
- Integration of additional protection devices
- Expanded distribution directly from the cabinet
- Simplified installation layouts depending on local practice
This flexibility makes the solution suitable for both traditional and more integrated installation approaches.
Common terms and definitions
Depending on country and context, a connection cabinet may also be referred to as:
- Meter cabinet
- Electrical service cabinet
- Service connection cabinet
- Main connection enclosure
In Norway, the correct technical term is connection cabinet.
Why use a meter cabinet?
A properly designed distribuition cabinet offers several advantages:
- Faster and more efficient installation
- Improved safety and compliance
- Clear separation of responsibilities
- Better overview for maintenance and troubleshooting
- Future-proof solution for EV charging, solar panels, and smart systems
Materials and testing
Modern connection cabinets must withstand harsh environmental conditions, especially in Nordic climates.
At Elskap AS, our cabinets are designed and built using seawater-resistant aluminium, providing excellent protection against corrosion. This corresponds to C5 corrosion class, which is required in demanding environments.
The cabinets are also tested under real conditions at Applica (Høvik, Norway), ensuring performance beyond standard requirements.
Key performance characteristics include:
- Tested protection rating: IPX4
- Real-world performance: IPX5 – close to IPX6
- Ventilated design to reduce condensation and extend component lifetime
This ensures long-term reliability, even in coastal and exposed installations.
These cabinets are specifically developed for Norwegian conditions, including humidity, temperature variations and coastal exposure.
Built for real-world installation
At Elskap AS, we design and manufacture meter cabinets based on real installation experience.
Our solutions are:
- Built to Norwegian standards (NEK 399)
- Designed for demanding environments
- Optimized for electricians and installers
- Delivered ready for fast and efficient installation
Explore our range of connection cabinets designed according to NEK 399, including pre-configured and custom-built solutions.
Our connection cabinets are typically delivered as complete, ready-to-install solutions – including all required internal components, except incoming and outgoing cables.
This significantly reduces installation time and minimizes the risk of missing components on site.
In many cases, additional components must be sourced separately – something that can lead to delays and increased installation costs.
Ready to choose the right connection cabinet?
At Elskap AS, we don’t just supply connection cabinets – we deliver complete, ready-to-install solutions built for real-world conditions.
✔ Designed according to NEK 399
✔ Built in seawater-resistant aluminium (C5)
✔ Tested in Norwegian conditions
✔ Delivered with all required internal components
No guesswork. No missing parts. No surprises on site.
👉 Explore our connection cabinets or get in touch – we’ll help you find the right solution for your project.
Frequently asked questions
What is a connection cabinet?
A metering cabinet is a standardized enclosure defined by NEK 399, used to connect buildings to the public power grid and telecom infrastructure in Norway.
What is the difference between a connection cabinet and a meter cabinet?
In Norway, these terms are often used interchangeably. A connection cabinet includes the electricity meter, but also additional components such as surge protection, terminals and connection points for telecom.
Is a connection cabinet required in Norway?
Yes. For most new installations, NEK 399 requires a connection cabinet to ensure safe and standardized connection to the grid.
Where is a connection cabinet installed?
It is typically installed outdoors, on an exterior wall or at the property boundary, where the power supply enters the building.
What size connection cabinet should I choose?
Modern installations often require larger cabinets (for example 400 mm width) to provide enough space for all required components and future upgrades.
What is included in a service cabinet?
A complete solution typically includes the meter area, main switch or fuse, surge protection and terminals. At Elskap AS, cabinets are usually delivered with all required internal components – except incoming and outgoing cables.
Are all cabinets like this delivered complete?
No. Many solutions on the market require additional components to be sourced separately. Always verify what is included before installation.
Can a metering cabinet be installed in harsh environments?
Yes, but it depends on materials and design. Cabinets made from seawater-resistant aluminium and tested for Nordic conditions provide better long-term durability.
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Elskap ASManufacturer of connection cabinets and electrical distribution systems
Designed in Norway – manufactured in Europe
Our solutions are developed for modern electrification, combining robust design, flexibility, and long-term reliability for demanding installations.
Norway
post@elskap.com
We are open to cooperation with distributors, contractors, and partners across Europe.
For distribution, project inquiries or partnerships – please get in touch.
