What Are My Options?

[Geps]

Hi,

I've got a 1930s 3 bed semi ex council house. I'm retrofitting it with a home automation and AV distribution system and need to install a server rack. Looking at my requirements it's clear to see a full height 42U one will be necessary. My under stairs cupboard has enough room except that my fusebox (due to be replaced shortly) and meter cupboard is in the way. Fusebox is obviously no problem but the meter and cutout is obviously a bit of a problem. I'm keen to move it to the right hand side where the gas meter is but a quick Google shows the prices are absurd.

http://img830.imageshack.us/i/imag0660k.jpg/

Is there anyway around it? My DNO is coming round Thursday afternoon to fit an isolator so will probably discuss with him to see what he thinks...

Any thoughts?

Just out of interest, do they have to kill power to the street when they move the cable?

Cheers,

 

[Geps]

Forgot to add, the cable comes up through the floor and not the wall.

 

[electronicsuk]

Unfortunately the DNO are the only ones who can move the meter, so you're at their mercy. They will work live, as it'd be a bit of a nuisance to turn off power to your street and possibly beyond every time someone wanted a meter changing or cable extending.

 

[flameport]

Moving it to another internal location probably won't be happening - if it is to be moved it is very likely the DNO will want it outside in a cabinet.

Your DNO should provide a price for this, however you will probably have to supply the cabinet and probably dig a hole in the ground as well.

 

[Geps]

Hmmm that a real pain in the rear. Thanks guys...guess it's back to the drawing the board....

 

[Wontdothatagain]

Unfortunately the DNO are the only ones who can move the meter, so you're at their mercy.

Not quite true. The meter is owned and maintained by the meter operator or MOP and they would be the persons to contact (via the customers energy provider) to get it moved. Saying that, if the DNO were out there to extend or re-position an incoming cable, they would probably move it at the same time as they are also authorized to work on the equipment.

Would it be possible to move the meter to the other side but leave the servise head where it is and reduce the sise of the cabinet????????

 

[electronicsuk]

Unfortunately the DNO are the only ones who can move the meter, so you're at their mercy.

Not quite true. The meter is owned and maintained by the meter operator or MOP and they would be the persons to contact (via the customers energy provider) to get it moved. Saying that, if the DNO were out there to extend or re-position an incoming cable, they would probably move it at the same time as they are also authorized to work on the equipment.

Would it be possible to move the meter to the other side but leave the servise head where it is and reduce the sise of the cabinet????????

My bad. I guess I should have said supply head rather than meter, as presumably the OP will be wanting the whole lot moving.

 

[Wontdothatagain]

I probably do 2 of this type of job a week. Customer phones the DNO and when they find out how much it is going to cost, run a mile. To move the meter is around £45-60 which most go for.

 

[Geps]

Hmmm interesting....so I'm guessing I contact my supplier (Npower) then to get the meter moved?

AS I said earlier they're already coming round on Thursday to fit an isolator (free )....can I ask them on Monday to add this onto the planned works?

 

[Wontdothatagain]

AS I said earlier they're already coming round on Thursday to fit an isolator (free )....can I ask them on Monday to add this onto the planned works?

I would get a quote first but If you were to fit a nice new back board in the new location and have lots of choclate bics and coffee to hand he MAY do it for you as he is killing the supply anyway and he is not paying for the cable.

 

[flameport]

AS I said earlier they're already coming round on Thursday to fit an isolator (free )....can I ask them on Monday to add this onto the planned works?

You can ask, but won't get anywhere. Metering people can't move cutouts.

Just get a price to move the supply, then decide if it's worthwhile - considering the price as a percentage of the total rewire / new consumer unit / data cabling works.

 

[Geps]

AS I said earlier they're already coming round on Thursday to fit an isolator (free )....can I ask them on Monday to add this onto the planned works?

You can ask, but won't get anywhere. Metering people can't move cutouts.

Just get a price to move the supply, then decide if it's worthwhile - considering the price as a percentage of the total rewire / new consumer unit / data cabling works.

Sorry I think I'm confusing you....I'm thinking just move the meter and leave the cutout where it is.

 

[electronicsuk]

AS I said earlier they're already coming round on Thursday to fit an isolator (free )....can I ask them on Monday to add this onto the planned works?

You can ask, but won't get anywhere. Metering people can't move cutouts.

Just get a price to move the supply, then decide if it's worthwhile - considering the price as a percentage of the total rewire / new consumer unit / data cabling works.

Sorry I think I'm confusing you....I'm thinking just move the meter and leave the cutout where it is.

I don't know what the DNOs opinion would be on sticking an immovable 42U rack full of gear in front of the cutout such that it can't be accessed in an emergency...?

 

[JohnD]

I love your use of the word "need"

Maybe there is somewhere else the bits and pieces could go.

 

[Chri5]

I sorry, but a 42u rack in a domestic is carp.

HD 48w panels take 2u, normal take 3u. So say you have 96 positions thats 4u or 6u and (maybe) a couple of 1u cable management bars.

Why would anyone then need 34u + for active kit in a 3 bed house.

Sounds like you need to look towards rack frames rather than a cabinet and consider doing a bespoke carpentry / metal work job.


The other alternative might be to split the system and have wiring, hubs and active ports under stair and link back to equipment in the loft eves ?