Smart meter install failed

[jcs8215248]

I had arranged for a Smart Meter to be installed today. It would not fit due to the size of the isolation switch currently fitted. See photo of the inside of the meter box located outside.

Is it necessary to fit such a large fused isolation switch? The SWA cable at the bottom runs to a consumer unit in the house.

How much should it cost to change the switch to a smaller model?

The DNO fuse was changed from 60 amp to 100 amp last year when I realised my new induction hob could overload the incoming supply.

 

[Andy78]

NPower have arranged a date to replace the isolator free of charge.

I note the comments about the fuse protecting the cable. Is this required by the regulations?

The SWA leaves the meter box at the bottom and then runs up the outside wall to the ceiling level (it is a bungalow) and through the loft to the consumer unit located in the hall cupboard in the centre of the property. This distance is well over 3 metres, probably nearer 10-15 metres. The meter box probably dates to 1981 when the property was built. The isolator was probably fitted when an extension was added about 6-7 years ago and the consumer unit fitted.

They won't replace that isolator, it doesn't belong to them it belongs to you. I think they have assumed they have an existing isolator they supplied to replace.

The fused isolator is required by the wiring regs to protect the distribution cable and the fuse should not be taken out of the equation. It could possibly be changed for a smaller unit but this would need to be done by an electrician not your energy supplier.

What you don't want to is for a clueless meter fitter to remove the fused unit and replace it with one of their unfused units so they can wedge a smart meter in.

Why do you want a smart meter ? Your current meter still works well enough right ?

 

[jcs8215248]

They won't replace that isolator, it doesn't belong to them it belongs to you. I think they have assumed they have an existing isolator they supplied to replace.

The fused isolator is required by the wiring regs to protect the distribution cable and the fuse should not be taken out of the equation. It could possibly be changed for a smaller unit but this would need to be done by an electrician not your energy supplier.

What you don't want to is for a clueless meter fitter to remove the fused unit and replace it with one of their unfused units so they can wedge a smart meter in.

Why do you want a smart meter ? Your current meter still works well enough right ?

Thanks for the additional information. Although I have a degree in Electrical Engineering I am no longer up to date with current regulations (I worked in the computer industry, now retired) I will attempt to confirm NPower would fit a fused isolator.

The only reason for contemplating having a smart meter is that some energy suppliers now require a smart meter (or to agree to have one fitted within three months) to get the lowest tariffs. I need to review my supplier choice in November (current tariff comes to an end) and having a smart meter appeared to give me more options. When I last checked (a week ago) the lowest cost tariff (Eon) did not have this limitation so I could postpone the change.

 

[Andy78]

I'm 99% certain they won't get involved in replacing that fused isolator, that's a job for an electrician, but would be interesting to hear their response.

See how Bulb compares in november, they are the cheapest for me. £50 credit if you use my link and it might save you a couple hundred quid getting a fused isolator replaced

www.bulb.me/andy5352

 

[jcs8215248]

They won't replace that isolator, it doesn't belong to them it belongs to you. I think they have assumed they have an existing isolator they supplied to replace.

The fused isolator is required by the wiring regs to protect the distribution cable and the fuse should not be taken out of the equation. It could possibly be changed for a smaller unit but this would need to be done by an electrician not your energy supplier.

What you don't want to is for a clueless meter fitter to remove the fused unit and replace it with one of their unfused units so they can wedge a smart meter in.

Why do you want a smart meter ? Your current meter still works well enough right ?

I would be grateful if you can provide me the regulation reference that requires an isolator to contain a fuse. Ideally to quote the relevant paragraph so I can ensure that my installation remains complaint. Do you know if they have to provide me with any certification if they replace the isolator?

 

[shaun1]

There isnt one specific line that states that you must have a fuse. Your method of fault protection for the sub main cable is ADS or automatic disconection of supply. To facilitate this, you need a fuse or MCB upstream of the cable to disconnect ir in the event of a fault. You also need this to provide overload protection if the total load could be higher than the cables current carying capacity. There is a fuse in the service head but the DNO does not permit this to be used to protect the consumers installation and so requires a seperate fuse on meter tails longer than 3m (and SWA or other cable forming a distribution circuit between the meter and CU)

 

[7029 dave]

That Wylex unit is rather a nice isolator, many suppliers nowadays will fit you a £5 plastic Proteus device and charge you several hundred pounds for the privilege.

Good old switch fuse.

 

[jcs8215248]

Good old switch fuse.

I contacted NPower today to confirm they were going to fit a fused switch unit. Despite agreeing to replace the isolation switch and booking an appointment to do it all they have done is to arrange another appointment to fit a smart meter. They recorded the first attempt as a complaint and I had long discussions today to add to the complaint. In short the smart meter installation has been cancelled and I am going to switch suppliers (I was going to do this anyway). Eon are very close to being cheapest so I am about to switch suppliers and no doubt I will get pressure again to have a smart meter installed.

Thanks for all of your comments