Meter Melting

[pato]

Not in the uk just wanted to see what you guys think.
I noticed a funny smell in my hall and checked the fuse board, sockets, lights just about anything i could think and all looked and smelt fine.

Went outside the house and had a look inside the supply box that holds the meter and service connections.
The wire coatings looked melted and even the meter looked a bit out of shape it must have got very hot at some stage.

I think this happens when we use the cooker, immersion heater, and the electric shower at the one time.
Its a family home so these things do get used at the one time any advice?

I am waiting for an electrician to get back to me i want to make sure i can be as much help as i can.
I guess i will need to call the service provider at some stage to replace the meter stuff ... do you think i will have to pay for that?

The main thing is what is causing the problem in the first place? could it be that the meter is old? 36 years old?

http://img233.imageshack.us/img233/9685/dscf0035w.jpg

http://img194.imageshack.us/img194/5783/dscf0036fw.jpg

 

[mayfair]

Depends whatever country your in charges

 

[pato]

Ireland .. thanks

 

[telectrix]

undersized tails and/or poor connections in meter terminals.

 

[mogga]

PHONE Youe electricity supplier they will come out quickly if you mention burning and tell them the meter is melting and it shouldnt cost you as its Their meter and noone can tamper as its sealed

 

[pato]

undersized tails and/or poor connections in meter terminals.​

I have a feeling you are right about this but as you can see i can't even open that to check the connections because of the meter seals.
Is this my problem or the service provider?
A few years back we had a new kitchen ext built but never had the cash to fit it out ... i hate to think what would happen if we did with those wires melting now before we add the new kitchens appliances.

Thanks for the feedback.

 

[mogga]

its your providers problem Phone them and tell them what you have put in the pictures here they will attend as an emergency probably within 2hrs as for cost it shouldnt cost you anything and ID Rather pay then argue if there is a charge as the meter is badly damaged and could cause fire

 

[pato]

Just want to say thank you for the quick reply posts re my meter problem.
I did as you guys advised and made contact with my provider who sent out 2 guys one hour later.
While they would not say why the problem came about i suspect it was the tails and a bad connection behind the sealed box.
After i made the posts above the power went and i suspect the wire burned away completely.
I think the advice you guys gave me could well have averted a fire in my home and for this i thank you.

I enclose updated pics of the new meter and cable and to let you know you were also right about it not costing me anything to get it fixed (not that money would matter when it comes to keeping safe).
Thanks Again,

http://img194.imageshack.us/img194/1821/newbox2.jpg

http://img695.imageshack.us/img695/6969/newbox.jpg

 

[pushrod]

Hey guys, never seen a main cut out with access to the earth like that, do you get them in England/UK? Is that a tn-s?

 

[Bonse]

First thing in that situation is although were not supposed to touch sealed connections...... If it is an emergency situation or the installation is unsafe, you can cut the seal and remove the main fuse.

I managed to pull my meter tail out as it was VERY LOOSE and sorted it out there and then,

Darren

 

[Bonse]

Great minds think alike? or fools never differ ??? lol first thing that came to me too ;-)

 

[Bonse]

TNCS that mate