Meter Tails 6181Y and 6491X Singles Cable
What are meter tails?
Meter tails are the thick electrical cables that connect your electricity meter to the consumer unit (fuse box). They carry the main electrical supply into your home or building.
What size do meter tails need to be?
The most commonly used sizes are 16mm² or 25mm², depending on the maximum demand and installation type. 25mm² is standard for new domestic installations in the UK to futureproof for higher loads.
How long can meter tails be?
The maximum recommended length is generally 3 metres, unless additional protection such as a switch fuse or circuit protection is installed. Longer runs may require specific approval or extra safety measures.
What’s the difference between meter tails and consumer unit tails?
They’re essentially the same cables, but the term “consumer unit tails” refers specifically to the portion of the cable connecting the meter to the consumer unit. “Meter tails” is the more general term.






