Isolators in meter boxes

[Teddy Lop]

So the niceic guy tells me the DNOs have complained to them about equipment that isn't theirs being installed in meter boxes; I know you technically shouldn't but it's often a case of what else do you do.

Waterproof enclosure on exterior will look naff and be a risk, I can't find anyone who makes anything that flush mounts except another meter box itself, which seems excessive?

 

[brianmoooore]

DNOs used to require the space for the equipment they might be required to install - service head, 24 hour meter, 7-8 hour meter and timeswitch.
This is now reduced too service head and a single meter, so there is plenty of spare space in the box, and, as long as it is positioned intelligently, I see no problem in fitting something in a spare corner, so let them complain.

 

[littlespark]

I’m sure their fart… I mean smart meters take up much less space than an old disc spinner.

Maybe it’s for the benefit of the the smart meter installers? Make it easy. Two cables in, two cables out… all that extra distraction could confuse them.

 

[ipf]

They make THEIR rules, we break them in some instances...when we have to.
Couldn't count the number of times their lads have offered a bunch of spare steel wire seals, for example.

 

[Gavin John Hyde]

Discussed this on my annual NICEIC visit few months back and we both agreed that if done sensitively and with some common sense then no issue.
Especially if there is already a smart meter, isolator etc present.
just ask them who's job it is to repair the box if damaged - they will say its homeowners property! so put what you like in it.

 

[timhoward]

So the niceic guy tells me

That's as far as I got, sorry. Just nod and smile. And try not to take him to another one where you've added to the box next year!

Was he really baulking at an isolator? Who's to say the smart meter installer didn't fit it?!

 

[jaffa183]

I saw a video on youtube by EFixx discussing this issue, they contacted all the DNO's and they ended up getting a reply from the ena and gave this official statement:
"While the meter cabinet is the customer's, it is a space designed for the use of electricity industry apparatus only and no allowance is made for additional equipment. For safety reasons we would not recommend that any internal wiring, including a consumer unit is, installed within the cabinet".
They did go on to say that some DNO's replied back saying that if they find any extra electrical devices they could remove the cutout fuse or get the installer back to remove the equipment.

 

[ELCB]

So the niceic guy tells me the DNOs have complained to them about equipment that isn't theirs being installed in meter boxes; I know you technically shouldn't but it's often a case of what else do you do.

Waterproof enclosure on exterior will look naff and be a risk, I can't find anyone who makes anything that flush mounts except another meter box itself, which seems excessive?

Hello
We manufacture enclosures and, you never know, if this is a significant issue, then it might be worth us developing something that does what you need. Would you be okay to discuss what the requirements would be then we could look into it for you? If you email [email protected] and mention this, I'll get back to you.
Cheers.

 

[mhar]

just ask them who's job it is to repair the box if damaged - they will say its homeowners property!

Now I know I have family connections with NG (Western Power as was) but I have just formally asked them to quote for replacing a surface mounted cabinet with broken hinges and broken fibreglass where it should latch, it is an unusual cabinet in that it is not the type that is currently used or one that I have seen before. I was told that the job had been passed on to be scheduled but to bear with them because they are extremely busy, I replied that I was only asking for a price at this stage to which they replied they would be doing it free of charge!!