Electrical contractor bypassed my meter ?

[homeworker]

Looking for some advice before deciding how to proceed.

A number of years ago I had an extension built with all the electrics supplied by a second CU fitted in the garage. I recently had cause to look closely at the wiring (after a particularly lengthy MeterPlus reading) and have determined that the second consumer unit is connected to the wrong side of my meter.

Now I can see no reason nfor the contractor to do this intentionally so i am trying to establish why this should have happened, genuine mistake ? common practice ?.

Having had the extension professionally project managed and as far as I can remember all signed off (this resposibility I assumed was with the Project management - rather than me the householder) I am really surprised and a little concerned that I find myself in this situation. And where I fully expect to pay for power consumed I am worried that I am liable in any way.

Any professional thoughts and advice more than welcome.

Bob

 

[telectrix]

post~11 tells us he's not had a large bill, just that the meter man spent longer than usual reading the meter. OP thinks meter man may have seen something suspicious. all the more reason for a pic., so as we can see if it's right or wrong

 

[Guitarist]

It sounds like the meter reader clocked this himself if he was scrutinising it. He may or may not report what he has seen.
As others have said, photos please.

 

[Spazz]

Ok so your supplier already knows - thats more info - thanks

If Im not mistaken your supplier is incharge of the meter so they will take it from here. You may have to prove that you didn't do it - easy prove that you have no idea of electric installations - usually done by a few questions from the supplier.

Dont worry to much - let them contact you via letter which they will - or get ahead and call your supplier and ask for their advice.

 

[Spazz]

When you call them be genuine (which Im sure you will be) and explain what has happened and tell them if you own them any money then you will sort it out with them when it comes to that.

Good Luck - you will be fine!

 

[homeworker]

Thanks all for the comments, I'll sleep better tonight knowing the police are not going to come knocking - quite yet. I can put up with explaining the situation to the supplier and as I said - more than happy to pay for what I have used.

I can't post a photo here so please follow the links. http://i1161.photobucket.com/albums/q505/homeworker1/DSC09557.jpg
http://i1161.photobucket.com/albums/q505/homeworker1/DSC09558.jpg

I can't get the consumer units in the same photos, suffivce to say thay are at the other end of the cables showm

I am reluctant to go to the supplier without giving the contractor an opportunity to explain or even better prove me wrong, after all I assume this could affect his certification an livelihood.

Thanks again for all advice

 

[Knobhead]

You need to get that sorted. The new CU isn’t going through the meter.

 

[Spudnik]

I agree.

Your electrician has indeed, incorrectly connected the tails to the second CU, and so it has been suggested you contact him ASAP, especially as the meter man has been round and seen it.

Let us know how it goes.

 

[Guitarist]

Strange that there was an unsealed Henley block between the head and the meter for anyone to tap into....

I am speechless if I'm honest...

 

[homeworker]

Better Pic http://i1161.photobucket.com/albums/q505/homeworker1/Dsc09559.jpg

The block appears sealed - could the contractor have resealed this himself ? I too am speechless, having been given a electrical certificate I assumed that this work has all been checked, obviously not. This was a big extension (100K) with the electrician fully wiring 5 rooms, subcontracted by a builder who in turn was appointed by the architects employed as project management. And there was me thinking I was taking the safe route by putting the full responsibility in their hands...

 

[Plonker 3]

The henly block has probably been resealed by either the electrician who did the install or a meter reader who hasn't got a clue. Have you had your meter read since the work was carried out?

Seeing as the DNO seem to know about the bypass I would send them a pictures, so as you don't look like you are backtracking if you get it rectified yourself, also a electrician can't cut any DNO seals fitted

 

[Guitarist]

Now that I have seen this is sealed, my gut instinct if I were the customer would be to talk to the DNO straight away. I know that you would like to get the original electrician back, but my concern is that this may have already been reported by the meter reader. "Can of worms" comes to mind here...

 

[wr1ght]

blocks before a meter is a big no no
meter readers dont seal anything they take meter readings
report it because if you have had a meter reader round then there is a good chance he has reported it

 

[homeworker]

The meter has been read a few times since the install. The last one was over a week ago when i suspected there was something up. I have no reason to believe the DNO has been made aware by the meter reader but either way I need to sort this out. thanks for the help - all very much appreciated.

 

[Plonker 3]

Well on your part as I said, now you have been advised you should phone your provider A.S.A.P tomorrow A.M explaining the situation. Explain you have sought advise elsewhere and that you realize what you have is wrong. They seem a little concerned at first and may turn up mob handed to see what has been done, yes this includes the police but print this thread off or even show them it to prove your honesty and you should be fine.

 

[Knobhead]

Let us know how you go on with it please