Electrical Meter

[pjelec]

I rent a house out and the other day the tenant moved out. I was changing the fuseboard and noticed that there was a link between the LIVE in & LIVE out at the meter. Although the meter was still correctly wired. If this was the case how much Electric would pass through the meter and how much would pass through the link. I expect 50 50 but not too sure.

 

[bugsy]

What size cable was the link

 

[Deleted member 26818]

It would depend on a number of factors.
Is the link the same material as the meter conductors?
Is the link the same size as the conductors?
The other thing to consider, is whether it makes any difference to the meter reading.
If the neutral is connected to the meter, I doubt it would make any difference, unless that also is linked .

 

[ezzzekiel]

seems to me you are asking the wrong question, not how much has been bypassed but how illegal or unsafe it was !

 

[pjelec]

The cable is 10mm and the link is 10mm
Both cables were copper but diffent colour (not that it makes a difference)
The Neutral is automatically linked in the meter In & out
The meter is an old one with a spinning wheel

It would depend on a number of factors.
Is the link the same material as the meter conductors?
Is the link the same size as the conductors?
The other thing to consider, is whether it makes any difference to the meter reading.
If the neutral is connected to the meter, I doubt it would make any difference, unless that also is linked .

 

[pjelec]

I would totally agree with you that it is legal. I just want to know if it would work to justify if my Tenant got a away with it. On the other hand I can not see why it is unsafe. Maybe you thought the link was undersized. The cables are still protected by the fuse.

seems to me you are asking the wrong question, not how much has been bypassed but how illegal or unsafe it was !

 

[telectrix]

without knowing the internal resiatance of the meter, it's impossible to say what percentage of the current would flow through the link. quite a high proportion though. thieving scumbags

 

[SMB]

Pjelect....I take it you disconnected it then?

Pulled the fuse?

 

[pjelec]

well its due to be let again so i have removed the link now

Pjelect....I take it you disconnected it then?

Pulled the fuse?

 

[Marvo]

With an unknown like that you could just do a simple load test by plugging in a known value (ie 2kw) heater and run it for a few minutes and take meter readings. Then take a few photos and send the ex-tenant a bill for the estimated power they've stolen over the past however many years. That should bring a smile to their sorryassed faces ...lol.

 

[bugsy]

Well thats given a few guests an idea, = But dont it can be dangerous .