Faulty installations of heat pumps, EV chargers, and solar panels are driving a rise in meter cupboard fires across the Netherlands, safety experts and industry data show.
Data tracked by consultancy firm Krado on behalf of Netbeheer Nederland reveals that domestic electrical incidents at meter and distribution boxes increased from two per week in previous years to three per week, totaling 176 incidents last year.
Although overall registered grid incidents dropped by 6 percent to 913 in 2025, meter cupboard fires remain high due to older electrical systems being overloaded by high-power appliances operating over extended periods.
Expert Warnings on Installation
“All electricity in the home runs through the meter cupboard.
Fire safety therefore starts with a well-installed and well-maintained distribution board,” said Sjoerd van Gelder of Techniek Nederland.
“The electrical installation in your home is not a hobby project and not something you leave to a handy neighbor,” he added.
Electrotechnical expert Henry Lootens noted that many existing residential electrical panels were never designed to handle prolonged high voltage demands alongside multiple heavy systems.
“We draw more energy through the meter cupboard over long periods, and it has to be built for that,” Lootens said.
The problem is often worsened by partial upgrades that fail to account for total household energy usage. “Often a circuit is simply added.
And then they think: yes, it will probably be fine,” Lootens said.
Modern appliances like heat pumps require continuous power draws, unlike standard household appliances. “With a washing machine, the water is hot after about fifteen minutes.
But with a heat pump it's different: it needs heat for long periods,” Lootens explained.
This sustained energy draw causes distribution panels to generate heat, which can lead to fire if the space lacks proper ventilation or sufficient capacity.
“So electricity goes to that heat pump via the meter cupboard.
That box then becomes warmer and must be designed for it, or have the space to lose that heat,” Lootens said.
Inspectors routinely discover hazardous wiring setups, such as loose terminals, thin wiring, melted insulation, and overcrowded boxes installed by uncoordinated contractors.
“The kitchen installer does his part, the solar panel installer does his, and then the charging station is added.
There is often no one who takes control of the overall picture and asks: is this meter cupboard actually still suitable for all those systems?”
Lootens said.
To reduce risk, certified electricians recommend verifying that contractors possess formal sealing authorization (zegelrecht) before allowing modifications to home electrical boxes.
“Because if someone has sealing authorization, then that person is allowed to cut the grid operator's seals at the bottom of the meter cupboard.
And then there is a greater chance that the installer knows what he is doing,” Lootens said.
Insurance companies also caution homeowners against using electrical meter spaces as storage rooms for items like umbrellas, vacuum cleaners, or paper.
“All those extra items ensure that a fire can spread more quickly,” said insurer Interpolis.
Overall electrical accidents resulted in 137 injury cases and 208 injuries last year, with batteries, chargers, microwaves, and ovens accounting for most remaining home incidents.
