HomeTechnical notes › PT Cabinet vs Metering Cabinet: Voltage Transformer Cabinet vs Energy Metering Cabinet

05 Informational content / Technical articles 2026-09-11 Published ~ 11 min read GB 50053 · GB/T 50062 · DL/T 448

PT Cabinet vs Metering Cabinet
Voltage Transformer Cabinet vs Energy Metering Cabinet

PT cabinets and metering cabinets are often confused, but their functions are completely different. This article breaks down the 5 differences between a PT cabinet (voltage transformer cabinet) and a metering cabinet (energy metering cabinet). Zhejiang Golden Unicorn holds ISO 9001:2015 certification and produces 5,800+ assembled cabinets per year.

1. What Are They? (Definitions)

PT cabinet = a cabinet housing voltage transformers, stepping high voltage (6/10kV) down to 100V for measurement and protection;Metering cabinet = a cabinet housing electricity meters, measuring power consumption. One transforms voltage, the other records energy.

SCHEMATICBusbarsTerminal blocksMain circuit breakerControl & protection devicesTerminal block outgoing cables
Figure — 1. What Are TheyCabinet structure diagram · photo pending

2. The 5 Core Differences (Comparison Table)

DimensionPT cabinetMetering cabinet
FunctionTransforms voltage for measurement/protectionMeasures power consumption
Core componentsVoltage transformer PTCurrent transformer TA + electricity meter PJ
LocationInside high-voltage switchgearDedicated low-voltage or high-voltage metering
ApplicationVoltage measurement/protection samplingBasis for electricity billing
AccuracyClass 0.5Class 0.2S/0.5S (metering class)

3. What a PT Cabinet Does (3 Functions)

  1. Voltage measurement: steps 6/10kV down to 100V for the voltmeter
  2. Protection sampling: supplies signals to overvoltage/undervoltage protection
  3. Insulation monitoring: checks the insulation condition of the system

4. What the metering cabinet does (billing)

Metering

The metering cabinet isthe legal basis for electricity billing, fitted with a 0.2S class current transformer + 0.2S class kWh meter, sealed by the utility, and must not be tampered with by the user.

5. When do you need a PT cabinet? (high-voltage systems)

High-voltage 6/10kV systems always require a PT cabinet (voltage measurement and protection need it); low-voltage 380V systems do not need a PT (380V is measured directly) — only a metering cabinet.

FAQ FAQ

Can a PT cabinet and a metering cabinet be combined?

In high-voltage systems they are generally separate (PT inside the switchgear, metering in its own cabinet); in low-voltage systems they can be combined into a JP cabinet.

Do low-voltage systems need a PT cabinet?

No. 380V is measured directly; a PT is for stepping high voltage down.

Why is the meter in a metering cabinet sealed?

It is the basis for billing; the utility seals it to prevent meter tampering and electricity theft, and it must not be touched.

What is affected if a PT cabinet fails?

Voltage measurement and protection stop working, overvoltage/undervoltage protection does not trip, and immediate servicing is required.

Related pages:Technical notes · Products · Industries · Resource center · FAQ · Get a quote

Related reading

Need Distribution box, distribution cabinet? Build to drawing · MOQ 1 unit · 15–25 day delivery

A source factory in Zhejiang (Fengchuan Industrial Zone, Tonglu — 5,000 sqm, a team of 20, 5,800+ units a year), holding ISO 9001:2015 / CE(LVD+EMC) / IP65 test report. Build-to-drawing service for distribution boxes, low-voltage assemblies, PLC control cabinets and VFD panels. Free drawing review, photo/video inspection before shipment.