Buyer guide · 2026

Panel Meter Sizing — 72x72 vs 96x96 Explained in Plain Language

Both refer to the panel door cut-out in millimetres. Electrical spec is usually the same. But get the size wrong and the meter either rattles in an oversize hole or won't fit at all. Here's how to pick.

Published Apr 2026 · By Santosh Electricals team

What the numbers mean

A "72x72 panel meter" needs a 68x68mm (±1mm) cut-out in the panel door. The meter's front bezel is 72x72mm (which is why it's called that), and it sits over the hole sealed by a gasket. Same logic for 96x96 — bezel size is 96x96mm, cut-out is 92x92mm.

72x72mm → cut-out 68x68mm, depth behind panel ~75mm typical.
96x96mm → cut-out 92x92mm, depth behind panel ~75mm typical.

Pick 72x72 when…

Panel is a starter / control panel — limited door real estate.
You're mounting 6–12 meters / indicators / pilot lamps side by side.
It's a compact DG synchronising panel or pump-starter panel.
You need an hour meter, voltmeter or ammeter — simple single-parameter display.

Techno SKUs: TMCB MH (hour meter), TMCB 040N (V/A), TMCB MFBW (MFM with RS485 option).

Pick 96x96 when…

Panel is an LT / MCC board — larger door, bigger load.
Operators read the meter from 2–3 metres away.
You need a multifunction meter (MFM) with multiple parameters on one screen.
You want a Maximum Demand Controller with relay outputs.
Solar / bi-directional metering with VAF display.

Techno SKUs: TMCB 010 / 014M (V/A), TMCB 041N (voltmeter), TMCB 032 (ammeter), TMCB 021 (VAF / bi-directional), TMCB 049 (MDC), TMCB 025 (MFM with Modbus).

Feature availability by size

Feature	72x72	96x96
Hour / runtime counter	✓ (TMCB MH)	On request
Voltmeter / ammeter	✓	✓
Multifunction meter (MFM)	✓ (TMCB MFBW)	✓ (TMCB 025)
VAF combo	Limited	✓ (TMCB 021)
Maximum Demand Controller	Limited	✓ (TMCB 049)
RS485 Modbus	✓ (MFBW option)	✓ (TMCB 025)
Bi-directional	Rare	✓ (TMCB 021)

Rule of thumb: if you need more than V and A on one screen, go 96x96.

Installation tips panel builders keep forgetting

Mark the cut-out before powder coat — retrofitting a hole after paint is ugly.
Gap between meters: leave 10mm minimum between two 72x72 or two 96x96 meters for clamps.
Depth behind the door: meter body is ~75mm. Panels with busbar too close to door need space check first.
Gasket torque: hand-tighten the clamp screws. Over-tightening cracks the bezel.
CT polarity: for ammeters and MFMs, P1/P2 and S1/S2 must match. Reversed CT = negative reading = angry operator.

Common mistakes we see on BOQs

Ordering 96x96 for a compact starter panel — door is too small, retrofit cost.
Ordering 72x72 MFBW when the operator stands 4m away — can't read the display.
Specifying MDC (TMCB 049) as 72x72 — it's only available in 96x96. Catch this before cut-out.
Missing Modbus option — ordered the base TMCB 025 / MFBW, later needed BMS integration, had to swap.

Mixing sizes in one panel

Totally fine and normal. Typical LT panel might have one 96x96 MFM on the incomer side and two or three 72x72 ammeters on the outgoing feeders. Keep same brand family if possible — simplifies spares.