Simply put, there are 2 types of wires which must be installed to a typical residence in order to connect its premises to Meralco facilities.

Lineside wires may be considered as the upstream component and pertain to the overhead wires from the Meralco poles, to the drip loop, to the connections terminating at the customer’s meter socket. Meralco is in charge of these installations as part of the service application process.

Loadside wires may be considered as the downstream component and comprise of the wires connecting the meter socket to the circuit breaker to the wire installation inside the customer’s premises; and are considered as customer’s property. During the service application process, customers are required to complete the installation of loadside wires as part of the technical requirements. Customers may acquire the services of trusted electricians and contractors, such as Certified by Meralco (CBM) contactors in the completion of this technical requirement.

Since Meralco is restricted by regulation to facilitate wire installation inside your premises or loadside wires, it created an avenue where customers can select from reliable and dependable suppliers. Customers can tap CBM contractors, which are composed of energy service providers, contractors, developers, and designers, to assist with technical requirements before we energize your premises.

A typical residential household would not need a 3-phase service. However, some houses with special equipment with 3-phase ratings will require a 3-phase service. Typical 3-phase equipment are as follows: swimming pool pumps, large centralized air-conditioning units, commercial-grade chillers, and elevators. The equipment will not function without the appropriate phase requirement.

We advise you to consult your electrical contractor or a Certified by Meralco (CBM) contractor to have a proper discussion of this technical requirement.

Protective Line Covers or "Rubber Hoses" provide protection to customers’ personnel working in potentially hazardous proximity to Meralco’s high-voltage (34.5kV, 13.8kV, 13.2kV, and 6.24KW) power lines. These rubber hoses are rented and installed upon the request of the customer.

Meralco allows the use of sub-meters as long as they are installed at any point on the loadside wire typically after the Meralco meter. However, maintenance and billing of sub-meters is not covered by the customer's contract with Meralco.

Meralco personnel are not allowed to install sub-meters. Customers are in charge of the purchase and installation of the sub-meters. The customer, however, may seek assistance from electrical experts Certified by Meralco (CBM) for the proper installation of a sub-meter.

Temporary Service is provided to customers who will use the electricity during the construction phase of their residential or business premises. Typical loads are welding machines, power tools, and similar construction devices. A corresponding Installation and Removal (IR) Cost is required to be settled and is based on the facilities that will be installed and eventually retired.

A permanent service will be beneficial to the customer once construction has been completed, because the facilities and corresponding power requirement will be matched with the day-to-day loads of the residential or business customer. It will also ensure that the customer is billed according to the appropriate service rate and kilowatt demand.

For residential services, the standard nominal voltage is 230V in accordance to the provisions in the Philippine Electrical Code (PEC).