Electricity Meter Swap

[RB2004]

Hi, We are due to have an electricity meter swap.

Currently the meter tails are 16mm from meter to isolator.

Is it worth buying some 25mm tails and asking the guy to swap them over? as its not normally possible due to meter being sealed.

Or will it just create problems and raise questions as to why? and want to see certificates etc?

Thanks.

 

[kerching]

Well,its worth a try!

Some meter monkeys are a lot more amenable than others

They main even fit an isolator for you..........never can tell until they turn up

Just make sure kettle,is boiled and you have some choccy bics available

 

[RB2004]

Hi, thanks for the reply, I will try asking.

I already have an REC2 Isolator, Consumer unit was changed by previous owner, and they fitted an REC2 isolator and 25mm tails between isolator and the consumer unit.

Just its still 16mm between isolator and meter. Didn't really want to pay to have them upgraded seeming they have to disconnect meter anyway, so thought maybe they could do it at the same time if I supply the cable.

 

[ProDave]

I found an odd one today.

When henley blocking into the tails for a second CU, I found RED used for the neutral tail (as well as L)

The meter in this property was only changed 6 months ago, judging by the sticker on it. So the last meter monkey had just accepted the red neutral tail and connected it to the meter. not even marked with black or blue tape.

It's a shame the last meter monkey didn't seal it, so the tails are now the correct colour  :innocent

 

[betty swollocks]

In my experience the men who change the meters are neither electricians nor competent, they only do what it says on tin, they should at the very least glance over the tails/earthing but I've had meters changed on jobs where 6mm cloth covered tails are reconnected....I've fitted isolators and left new tails only to have them totally ignored and I've then had to pay the call out charge of the seal fairy later..... Apparently they get paid for quantity not quality......

 

[Andy™]

why change it... chances are, the incoming supply cable is only 16mm anyway, so half a metre of 25mm instead of 16mm aint going to make much difference to anything

 

[Steve3948]

why change it... chances are, the incoming supply cable is only 16mm anyway, so half a metre of 25mm instead of 16mm aint going to make much difference to anything

As above, there was a time when it was only certain suppliers that insisted on 25mm or they would not connect, albeit new installs.

 

[RB2004]

Hi all, Thanks for the replies.

Just felt being that it has a 100amp fuse carrier, and cables between isolator were already 25mm it made sense to have the tails between meter and isolator also 25mm as its hard to get them changed and they had to break the seals to change the meter so it seemed like an ideal time to upgrade. They are 40 years old now.

Wasn't so bothered about the tails between the meter and service fuse/cut-out because that is the responsibility of the DNO, but I gather tails between meter and isolator are not their responsibility, but rather mine? but could be wrong? As they are responsible only for anything up to the meter?

Anyway, guy came down, and I politely asked if it would be possible to upgrade the meter tails between the isolator and meter, and guy didn't even ask me to supply the cable and kindly changed them AND the tails between the meter and the cut-out... confirming that it was indeed also a 100amp fuse.

So all new and up to reg now.


 

 

[Evans Electric]

Amazing !!!!   A meter fitter with some nous . :Salute