Installing a 100 Amp isolator between domestic meter and CU

[thomaspotato]

Are we allowed to cut meter seals to install an isolation switch between the suppliers meter and Cu in a domestic premises?
If not can you register to be able to do this ?

Thanks

 

[brianmoooore]

Meter seals - definitely not. Seals on the service head, also no, but these are often already missing already, as a result of the actions of a mythical flying figure.
Note that 'smart' meters report the loss of supply, and will often provoke a surprisingly fast visit from an official if the service fuse is pulled.

 

[littlespark]

Only your supplier can cut meter seals, or allow an electrician to do it.

Most suppliers will do it for you, either free or for a small cost.

 

[Rockingit]

Only your supplier can cut meter seals, or allow an electrician to do it.

Most suppliers will do it for you, either free or for a small cost.

OK, So, playing Devil's advocate here.... this has always bugged me. Because, I 'own' half the meter - in the form of the outgoing right hand side tails - so they're entriely at my liberty to access and do with as I wish, and the only way in which I can access my property is via removal of the safety cover. Some Charley could come and put a security seal on your garden gate, too, doesn't mean anything.

Discuss....

 

[brianmoooore]

You can access your tails as you please. The problem is that you can't isolate them for 'safe working'.

 

[Rockingit]

You can access your tails as you please. The problem is that you can't isolate them for 'safe working'.

Yes you can - you remove them from the meter under no-load

But that wasn't the question - it was about the seal on the meter which prevents you from accessing them in the first place.

 

[littlespark]

Job I’m on just now has a 3ph, 80Amp fuse head, into a 3ph meter, and then to a 4 pole isolator. All sealed up, all good.

Before the fuse head, there is a 200A cutout going into a big steel enclosure. The door to this enclosure is however not sealed, nor locked in any way. And for informative reasons only (being nosey) …. I had a peek inside.



No seals, no signs. So is it ok to come straight off the top of one of these fuses? Of course not.


The suppliers need to know the difference between intent on procuring electricity without paying for it (ie theft) and any qualified electrician just trying to get on with their jobs.

 

[littlespark]

Yes you can - you remove them from the meter under no-load

But that wasn't the question - it was about the seal on the meter which prevents you from accessing them in the first place.

Would be classed as “working live” and not everyone is happy doing it…. Or allowed to do it regarding company policy’s and insurance.



Edit.
Public facing thread. Be mindful of replies, guys

 

[Rockingit]

Job I’m on just now has a 3ph, 80Amp fuse head, into a 3ph meter, and then to a 4 pole isolator. All sealed up, all good.

Before the fuse head, there is a 200A cutout going into a big steel enclosure. The door to this enclosure is however not sealed, nor locked in any way. And for informative reasons only (being nosey) …. I had a peek inside.

View attachment 120908

No seals, no signs. So is it ok to come straight off the top of one of these fuses? Of course not.


The suppliers need to know the difference between intent on procuring electricity without paying for it (ie theft) and any qualified electrician just trying to get on with their jobs.

BNO system is a different game entirely, though

 

[Rockingit]

Would be classed as “working live” and not everyone is happy doing it…. Or allowed to do it regarding company policy’s and insurance.



Edit.
Public facing thread. Be mindful of replies, guys

Again (and I'm playing Devil's advocate..), that's not the OP. The OP was about security seals to which one reply was that they often seem to have fallen off at the cut-out but are an 'absolute' on the meter. I disagree.