BG smart meter installation... thoughts please

[Andy78]

Went to look at a CU swap today and the customer expressed concerns over the connection of their garage distribution circuit. BG connected it back up recently after installing a smart meter. Now, it was originally connected in this fashion, but I was wanting some thoughts about the responsibilities involved in cases like this.

The red/black tails lead up to the consumer unit.
The blocks are fed directly from the meter.
The 10mm twin and earth is the garage supply.
The sheathing and gaffer tape were added by BG.

 

[Andy78]

Here is a small section from the above PDF:
B. Unsafe Situation – Able to Resolve – you must assess the risk and on the basis of the issue identified and be able to take appropriate action as identified in the relevant guidance sheet. Generally this may mean taking the following action:
 Correcting the defect and carrying on with the meter installation
 Isolating the problem by disconnecting or isolating an element of the consumers installation and then carrying on with the meter installation
 Fitting a double pole isolator and leaving all or part of the consumers installation disconnected.
In all circumstances, on completion of the meter installation, leave the consumer with a completed Customer Equipment Checklist (an example form can be found in Appendix 12 of MOCoPA®)
I would have done the second one. I would not consider the defect properly corrected.

I agree, if they are allowed to leave a section of the installation disconnected that is what should have happened in this case. I'll get back to them and see what they say.

 

[Octopus]

I was more thinking of lack of overload and fault protection apart from main fuse. The cable runs about 25m to the detached garage.

A meter change is a meter change - not a full site EICR

The lack of overload protection for the sub main is irrelevant to the DNO monkey

 

[freddo]

And if the customer didn't agree to the section being left disconnected the meter change should have been aborted. But then BG do like to mess with the customers installations!

Went to one where the meter fitter decided to connect a pair of tails that had been disconnected some time 10 years ago. They fed an economy 7 board that was removed when a gas boiler was fitted. Fortunately the now live bare tails in the under stairs cupboard had been previously wrapped in a plastic bag to stop them snagging the coats...

 

[freddo]

A meter change is a meter change - not a full site EICR

The lack of overload protection for the sub main is irrelevant to the DNO monkey

Perhaps, but the installer clearly identified a defect as they attempted to correct it.

 

[LankyWill]

I thought they were usually quite picky and ---- about installation requirements, i think you should phone them up and report it. What you thinking? cut seals and place a KMF to reinstate some protection on that 10mm.

 

[7029 dave]

Assuming there is a 60amp fuse in the head then that 10mm t&e does not have overload or fault protection for the length of run.
The meter guys are there only to change the meter so they can not just disconnect a unsuitable cable just in case it feeds a freezer etc blah blah blah but they should of advised the client of the poor install (but at least he tried to double insulate)

Yes, quite right, he has done all he can do. I would have issued an advisory on the t&e our own document, BG may have such the same,?

 

[Andy78]

Yes, quite right, he has done all he can do. I would have issued an advisory on the t&e our own document, BG may have such the same,?

Was hoping you'd see this as someone with relevant experience

What are your thoughts on post #15 where the discretion to be able to leave part of, or all of, an installation disconnected is apparently granted ?

 

[7029 dave]

Was hoping you'd see this as someone with relevant experience

What are your thoughts on post #15 where the discretion to be able to leave part of, or all of, an installation disconnected is apparently granted ?

Andy, yes in some circumstances disconnection of the installation needs to happen with the customer permission , well even if they don't agree, First fit double pole isolator disconnect tails from CU and block them, if dangerous situation,ie crossed polarity on whole installation. This is still classed as an energised installation because the meter is live, and voltage on the screws of the DP isolator. some other scenarios but to long to list. Our document met ........ is then issued to the customer. 3 categories, immediately dangerous, upgrade recommended, advisory.

 

[Midwest]

I understand there is pressure to fit new smart meters, but in this case wouldn't of it been more appropriate for BG to say the exchange can't go ahead, because of the issues found? After all, they won't fit a gas meter without the appropriate bonding.

Why do the suppliers start messing around with a customers install, when all they are there for, is to replace the meter?

 

[sparkdog]

British Gas pain in the ----

 

[Dillb]

Everyones giving their opinions as electricians, unfortunatly most meter fitters arent even close to being classed as electricians.

 

[uksrevivor]

Surely the 10mm T&E is the customers side of the install nothing to do with the suppliers side and should not of been connected by BG meter installer. The smart meter is fitted directly after the DNO cut out fuse and then the smart meter feeds the consumer unit. I dont think it should of been touched by the meter installer as surely that cable will be after the meter. In theory that cable is now being protected by a main dno cutout fuse