COP3 and COP5 Metering Panels
Understanding the Difference Between COP3 and COP5 Metering Panels – And Why They Matter
By NKD Group Limited
In today’s energy-conscious environment, accurate electrical metering is not just a regulatory necessity – it’s a business-critical asset. Whether you’re managing a commercial facility, a manufacturing site, or a large-scale infrastructure project, understanding the differences between COP3 and COP5 metering panels can help you stay compliant, optimise energy usage, and future-proof your infrastructure.
At NKD Group, we specialise in designing and manufacturing both standard and bespoke COP3 and COP5 metering panels, tailored to meet the unique demands of your project.
⚡ What Are COP3 and COP5 Metering Panels?
COP3 and COP5 refer to Codes of Practice defined by the UK’s Balancing and Settlement Code (BSC), which governs the accuracy and specification of electricity metering systems used for billing and energy settlements. These standards ensure metering equipment meets the correct levels of performance, accuracy, and reliability.
🔹 COP3 – For High-Load Commercial and Industrial Applications
COP3 metering panels are designed for large commercial or industrial premises, particularly those with energy usage exceeding 100kW. These panels are:
- CT-operated (Current Transformer)
- Installed on low or high-voltage systems
- Highly accurate, with an overall performance of ±1.0%
- Used in scenarios where energy usage data is used for financial settlement or regulatory reporting
Applications: Factories, substations, infrastructure hubs, large office buildings, solar farms, and other high-demand environments.
🔹 COP5 – For Smaller Commercial Installations
COP5 metering panels are suitable for smaller commercial or light industrial sites with energy consumption typically below 100kW. These are:
- Either whole current or low-burden CT operated
- Less stringent in terms of accuracy (±2.0%)
- Often used where metering is required for operational insight rather than regulated settlements
Applications: Retail units, small offices, workshops, and other low-load installations.
🧠 Why Accurate Metering Matters
Using the correct metering solution is vital for:
✅ Regulatory compliance under the BSC
✅ Accurate billing and prevention of energy overcharges
✅ Load management and energy efficiency planning
✅ Grid transparency, especially when exporting to or drawing from the grid
✅ Data integration with Building Management Systems (BMS) or SCADA platforms
Incorrect metering can result in billing disputes, compliance failures, and lost financial opportunities.
🏗️ NKD Group – Your Partner in Precision Metering
At NKD Group, we manufacture and supply COP3 and COP5 metering panels as:
- 🔧 Off-the-shelf units – ready for fast installation
- 🛠️ Bespoke solutions – fully engineered to meet your load profile, space constraints, and interfacing requirements
All our panels are designed and built to the highest UK standards, with a focus on robustness, long-term performance, and integration readiness.
🚀 Get the Right Panel for the Job
Whether you’re delivering a new build, retrofit, or upgrade, choosing between COP3 and COP5 shouldn’t be a guessing game. NKD Group’s expert engineers can guide you through the process and deliver a fully certified metering panel that fits your requirements and budget.
📞 Contact us today to discuss your next project or request a quote.