Cable Forum - Smart meters

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- - Smart meters (https://www.cableforum.uk/board/showthread.php?t=33707280)

RichardCoulter

13-01-2019 23:12

Re: Smart meters

Quote:

Originally Posted by richard s (Post 35979121)

Do the smart ass meters need electricity to take the readings and send the signal to the supplier or are they using my lecy to run their meters and my wifi.

We pay for the electric used to run the monitoring unit if that's what you mean, that's why I disconnected it. Like Chris, electricity isn't wasted here anyway.

mrmistoffelees

14-01-2019 09:43

Re: Smart meters

Haven't had them fitted yet because they're not offering weekend appointments. Whilst i work from home I cannot be without an internet connection so doing them during the week is out of the question. especially as they can't give definitive appt times just morning or afternoon

tweetiepooh

14-01-2019 10:09

Re: Smart meters

I'd beware that suppliers still have stock of V1 meters that may not work with other suppliers and are trying to get rid of them.

They may also measure our Solar PV export and we could lose out. Our current meters don't register exported electricity so we get half generated even if we use all we generate (this is on top of the FIT payment). We could also win if we do export more but we try to run heavier loads in the morning when the solar "system" is running at best.

heero_yuy

14-01-2019 11:38

Re: Smart meters

Quote:

Quote from nomadking:

I had electric and gas ones installed just a few months ago. If it keeps losing the connection, place it nearer the meters. The current usage in watts is likely to be there on the optional displays. It was there for me.

Quote:

The thing to watch out for in assessing current usage is that items such as fridges, freezers, immersion heaters can suddenly start up. That would give a false current usage in watts.

It's actually in the same room as the freezer and fridge so I know when they startup As I say I have my own monitor unit and they agree to the last watt.

Quote:

Quote from Taf:

We had a scheduled power outage of an hour or so. Next door were away on holiday. When they came home, their fridge and freezer were minging as the smart meter did not turn the power back on after the outage.

I'm not sure if this was a fault, or how these meters work.

It's something that they don't tell you about on the electric ones: There's a main contactor in the box that can shut off the electricity remotely. Currently there are "no plans" to use this to remotely cut off the supply to people who don't pay their bills.

pip08456

14-01-2019 11:45

Re: Smart meters

gba93

14-01-2019 12:47

Re: Smart meters

Quote:

Originally Posted by joglynne (Post 35979124)

Same here.

... and here.

Paul	14-01-2019 14:29

Re: Smart meters

Quote:

Originally Posted by papa smurf (Post 35979105)

i keep turning down the offers to fit them.

Ditto.

Until the day I am forced into it, I will refuse to have one.

heero_yuy

14-01-2019 14:59

Re: Smart meters

This is the one fitted here. It's badged as Aclara but is actually made by GE. (Labelled SGC1311)

I have yet to find the instructions on how to access the extra measurement features on the main display. (Such as VA, VAR and Power factor) According to the data sheet these are registered internally. There are two buttons (A and B) on the front but only A seems to rotate between several screens. I guess there's some secret button combination and timing to unlock the additional displays.

My own energy monitor reports these to the PC via a Modbus link (RS485). In addition line voltage, line frequency and load current. Updated 10 times a second.

The only advantage the smart meter really offers me is no estimated bills.

nomadking

14-01-2019 15:53

Re: Smart meters

Quote:

Originally Posted by heero_yuy (Post 35979187)

I set the unit to display watts but after a while it will completely reset, do a display test, then re-pair with the main meter and then displays usage today in £. There is a signal strength display shows 3 bars out of 5 so I don't think that's why it resets.

It's actually in the same room as the freezer and fridge so I know when they startup As I say I have my own monitor unit and they agree to the last watt.

It's something that they don't tell you about on the electric ones: There's a main contactor in the box that can shut off the electricity remotely. Currently there are "no plans" to use this to remotely cut off the supply to people who don't pay their bills.

I think the emphasis is meant to be on how much it costs rather than how many KWh. That will be why the default display is in £, as that is easier to understand on a day-to-day basis.

If the freezer is frost-free then it could be in a defrost phase where the heating element melts the frosted water build-up.

Dude111

15-01-2019 12:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by heero_yuy

What are members experiences?

We have one on our water meter that just transmits the current reading when the guy is here.....

Thankfully the power company IS NOT FORCING ELECTRIC SMART METERS.... They are not good (health risk) and a privacy risk!! (They can control what power YOU USE (If you have any smart appliances) and they dont have a right to do that if your paying the bill)

Power company said no one will ever be forced into getting one..... I have heard alot of power companies ARE TRYING TO which is quite sad.............

Taf	15-01-2019 13:17

Re: Smart meters

My SWALEC Gas bill today..

Quote:

My SWALEC gas bill..

"As you're on our standard variable tariff your prices are now capped. There has also been a change to the way your Direct Debit discount is calculated. The annual fixed discount of £40 a year no longer applies. From 1 January 2019, your new discount will vary depending on how much energy you use, where you live and your meter type. The discount will be automatically applied to your standing charge and unit rates."

I hope that refers to prepayment meters and not a bl**dy smart one !!!

Tali	15-01-2019 18:02

Re: Smart meters

Quote:

Do the smart ass meters need electricity to take the readings and send the signal to the supplier or are they using my lecy to run their meters and my wifi.

The meter itself is mains run but takes its power BEFORE the measuring components of the meter so you won't pay for the energy the meter uses to communicate with your supplier.

You will pay for the energy that the display that plugs into the wall uses.

heero_yuy

15-01-2019 18:08

Re: Smart meters

Quote:

Quote from Tali:

The meter itself is mains run but takes its power BEFORE the measuring components of the meter so you won't pay for the energy the meter uses to communicate with your supplier.

You will pay for the energy that the display that plugs into the wall uses.

That'll be the POS that I dumped in the meter cupboard, unpowered to die.

techguyone

21-01-2019 21:34

Re: Smart meters

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dude111 (Post 35979347)

Any forcing is because they're supposed to be universal by 2020, perhaps there will be penalty charges for the suppliers who don't meet this impossible target :D

They couldn't fit one to my place when I foolishly applied a few years ago because my mobile signal is non existent and their device couldn't phone home (I use a signal box booster so I get a phone signal) but the installer pointed out, whilst I may have, when I move the next person may not and then their machine won't work so no install, thankfully as I've since changed my view and will stay with a 'thick' as opposed to a 'smart' meter.

Additionally the early adopters have found out or will (and we're talking thousands of installs here) that their lovely smart meter will turn thick if they ever switch supplier :D

Because the things were rolled out before the technology was mature.

SMETS1 is the thing to check for if you have one or want one, this won't be smart come switchover time.
SMETS2 is a newer standard and this will allow a switch and remain smart.

All a bit of a joke really.

Dude111

25-01-2019 04:04

Very good..... RESISTANCE IS THE ONLY WAY!!!

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