Terminating SWA in Meter Box?

jamesmcbride · 7 Sep 2013

Good afternoon all, I'm after some suggestions from some of the more experienced sparks on Terminating SWA in the meter box.

In the past I've used a Wylex 100A fused switch and never had a problem with the DNO or Meter operator. However, on this occasion the Meter operator has refused to install the meter.

This is a new build, I've installed a 5m 25mm 3 core SWA run from the meter cabinet to the CU. UK Power networks came out and intentionally installed the cut out leaving plenty of room for the meter. The chap from UKPN said he couldn't see any problem with what I'd done - the Wylex fused switch is in the top right. EON came along to install the meter (unfortunately I wasn't on site) and left a note where the meter was supposed to go saying "Meter not permitted - no room with switched fuse"

So... I'm going to have to fit something a bit smaller to terminate and protect the SWA. I was thinking of terminating the SWA into an adaptable box, directly below a KMF fused switch, which admittedly are much smaller.

Any other suggestions would be appreciated

sparkiemike · 7 Sep 2013

Most DNOs will not permit customer equipment in the meter box. I recently installed two meter boxes side by side, one for the DNO/Meter Operator, and one for customer's equipment.

bernardgreen · 7 Sep 2013

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bernardgreen
8 Mar 2009
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bernardgreen
10 May 2009
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Ahtyrrell · 7 Sep 2013

I would remove your switch fuse, get the meter installed and then reinstall switch fuse, I can see no reason unless they were trying to install a huge meter why there would be no room, and in allot of cases the meter box on a new build is provided by the client and built in so the meter company have no right to claim exclusive use of it, sound like either the switch fuse was badly placed or you got a grumpy meter man

jamesmcbride · 7 Sep 2013

Ahtyrrell said:
I would remove your switch fuse, get the meter installed and then reinstall switch fuse, I can see no reason unless they were trying to install a huge meter why there would be no room, and in allot of cases the meter box on a new build is provided by the client and built in so the meter company have no right to claim exclusive use of it, sound like either the switch fuse was badly placed or you got a grumpy meter man

I was thinking that, but they have to connect to something... The SF was in the top right, so right out of the way. I am guessing he was just being grumpy and playing by the book. Unfortunately if I'd been there we would probably been able to sort something out.

JohnW2 · 7 Sep 2013

Ahtyrrell said:
... and in allot of cases the meter box on a new build is provided by the client and built in so the meter company have no right to claim exclusive use of it ...

When I've heard of such arguments, it hasn't so much been to do with what goes in the meter box (which, as you say, will often/usually not be either DNO's or meter company's property) but, rather about what is attached to the DNO's 'board' - which I suppose they may be able to argue they have an exclusive right to use.

Kind Regards, John

sparkwright · 7 Sep 2013

The main question here is, IS there room for everything here?

As mentioned, fitting a separate kiosk for your switch fuse is the best answer, though a bit awkward now.

Usually, most DNO staff couldn't care less about anything as long as they can do their bit satisfactorily.

Try and send a picture. We like pictures.

sparkwright · 7 Sep 2013

How big is the switch fuse?

If it is too big, and you think an adaptable box won't be too big, I can only suggest fitting a 2 pole Isco block in the adaptable box, so the meter man has something he can connect to. The adaptable box will need earthing if metal.

Why do you need a switch fuse? How long is the cabling between the meter and the consumer unit? Can the switch fuse go at the consumer unit end, or would this be totally useless?

Iggifer · 7 Sep 2013

sparkwright said:
Why do you need a switch fuse? How long is the cabling between the meter and the consumer unit? Can the switch fuse go at the consumer unit end, or would this be totally useless?

OP said 5m run of 3c 25mm SWA, so needs to go in the box, or close to it

mfarrow · 7 Sep 2013

jamesmcbride said:
I was thinking of terminating the SWA into an adaptable box, directly below a KMF fused switch, which admittedly are much smaller.

You mean something like this:
View media item 66091 ?

It's probably best having the adaptable box on top as it's easier to obtain IP4X.

jamesmcbride · 7 Sep 2013

mfarrow said:
jamesmcbride said:

I was thinking of terminating the SWA into an adaptable box, directly below a KMF fused switch, which admittedly are much smaller.

Click to expand...

You mean something like this:
View media item 66091 ?

It's probably best having the adaptable box on top as it's easier to obtain IP4X.

That's along the lines I was thinking of, although you appear to have the tails exiting through different holes in the metal box?? Or have you just removed the whole of that side of it?

Here's a picture of it - I admit it is tight, but the DNO said it would be fine and there is enough room for another meter I measured.

View media item 66096

JohnW2 · 7 Sep 2013

jamesmcbride said:
Here's a picture of it - I admit it is tight, but the DNO said it would be fine and there is enough room for another meter I measured.
View media item 66096

Oh my goodness. I think I'm developing some sympathy for the 'meter man'!

Kind Regards, John

RF Lighting · 7 Sep 2013

That's ridiculous!

Not surprised the meter man walked away.

jamesmcbride · 7 Sep 2013

I guess I've just been lucky in the past then!

westie101 · 7 Sep 2013

That's ridiculous! icon_eek.gif

Not surprised the meter man walked away.

Agreed, even the smallest of meters would be touching the Sw fuse. You need to allow at least another 50mm width to even stand a chance of getting a meter fitted.

I suggest if you had been there the meter fixer would have shown you it could not be done!

And in that state if that cutout were ever to go faulty we would not be able to work on it live owing to the presence of all that earthed metal!

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Terminating SWA in Meter Box?

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