What would you do if you found the meter been by-passed?

[Goody]

Hi,

Just wondering what one would do if he comes across the meter been by-passed? As an electrician where do we stand on this?

Cheers!

 

[Des 56]

The much trumpeted message,"its our equipment so don't mess with it, because its dangerous, and its an offence and we can prosecute you",would be a clear enough message to me to mind my own business

I take a slightly different attitude to someone ripping off those who are ripping us off, than say an individual being fleeced

Its their problem,let them deal with it
:30:

 

[Knobhead]

Walk away from the job!

But and this is a very big BUT if you report the people involved, you put yourself in line for repercussions as a person that has seen what’s going on. They’re most likely suspect for dobbing them in!

Walk away!

Sorry if this isn’t the right (politically correct) advise.
When it comes to self-preservation I’d put my boots and blinkers on.

 

[Silly Sausage]

Walk away from the job! But and this is a very big BUT if you report the people involved, you put yourself in line for repercussions as a person that has seen what’s going on. They’re most likely suspect for dobbing them in! Walk away! Sorry if this isn’t the right (politically correct) advise. When it comes to self-preservation I’d put my boots and blinkers on.

+1 what Tony said. Fraud is their business. Do your work and go. Leave that to your concious whether or not you report them. (personally I wouldn't)

The bypass wasn't there when you were!

 

[Knobhead]

I take it you have a local horticultural club as well then Archie?

 

[Silly Sausage]

I take it you have a local horticultural club as well then Archie?

Not personally, but I have known them. Well and truly shut down now though.

 

[a1guvner]

Did a spate of periodics for a local estate agents, saw some real eye openers but felt we had to inform the landlords as to what was going on as it would of been highlighted when the new tenants moved in anyway, crazy how it was left in such dangerous condition and how a little bit of knowledge of the tenant can easily kill or cause a fire

 

[SPARTYKUS]

Walk away from the job!

But and this is a very big BUT if you report the people involved, you put yourself in line for repercussions as a person that has seen what’s going on. They’re most likely suspect for dobbing them in!

Walk away!

Sorry if this isn’t the right (politically correct) advise.
When it comes to self-preservation I’d put my boots and blinkers on.

Tony like the advice. Got kids, they come first. Screw the energy supplier!

 

[Spazz]

2 Answers but up to you which one you take!

Legally - report it
If you dont want to get involved - walk away

Either I would not do any work on the property as if they do get found out and your name is on a certificate saying you did work are the house, they could always say you by-passed it - then your name is on the block!

 

[soulman]

totally agree with tony spot on there, i would never do any work, just walk away & let someone else deal with it

 

[D80]

If it was work for any of the landlords I work for I'd inform them. They are my client and it keeps me right with them.

If it was for the client direct then I have no idea what you are talking about, it was fine when I was there guv!

 

[needasparks]

Sure it happens a lot, don't think i would get involved and walk, May charge me drills up first though

In saying that i have only seen it once on a shop i rewired, I went back to do some extras and noticed a load of air con units that we did not wire, looked at board and no sign of them there. Turns out the shop was once two shops so had an old head in a cupboard (no meter) but still live. AC firm had fitted a new DB for their kit from this head. no record of it so it was free aircon. customer wanted to keep quite about it so went on my way.

 

[GLENNSPARK]

seen power pinchers loads of times.....or evidence of it.......we as a rule will inform the landlord/letting agent of such activity as lets face it.....part of the price hikes for energy is to do with this kind of thing....as also now energy providers cant just force entry into the "homes" of these bandits....but when it comes to "bandits"...energy suppliers are just as guilty....thing is as well though....if we dont report what is usually a dangerous situation....then as competent persons do we leave ourselves open to prosicution if something were to happen?....and electrical law being what it is.....assumed guilt until you can prove your inosense.........

 

[needasparks]

TBH the only danger nowdays is getting the bill.

 

[jimmymac]

I'd just walk away as well, the tenant is likely to play dumb or blame you. My brother works for a distributor fitting smart meters, when he finds it he doesn't even report it, he just removes the link and tells them not to do it again in his sturnest voice. He said there would be no point telling his gaffer because nothing would get done about it anyway