Electricity meter needs replaced but unsure if it is RTS and/or 3 phase

[Skipsteer]

Thanks for everyone's replies. Really helpful and reassuring to know that I won't be impacted by the RTS switch off and can just get a single phase installer out to fit a new smart meter, but no rush anyway.

Is it possible it was previously a 3 phase meter, explaining why my energy provider has it recorded as such, and then changed to a single phase?
Possibly explaining why there are the issues with the way it is configured when they changed it and it left a bit of a mess?

 

[AndyPRK]

It’s never been 3 phase.

Any other meters at the house?

 

[flameport]

Is it possible it was previously a 3 phase meter, explaining why my energy provider has it recorded as such, and then changed to a single phase?

No.

Supplier records are notoriously inaccurate. Many times they have no idea of what is installed, or who installed it, or when.

 

[Skipsteer]

It’s never been 3 phase.

Any other meters at the house?

No other meters, apart from gas

 

[Skipsteer]

If its not RTS, I'm wondering if I should just keep the meter I have.
I sometimes change energy provider for better deals and if its like it was before, changing provider might stop the automatic start meter readings from working.
Are there any real benefits of switching out my meter at this stage?

 

[flameport]

Are there any real benefits of switching out my meter at this stage?

Probably not. That meter is a fairly old example of a smart meter, so may be one of those which isn't compatible with certain providers/tariffs or whatever, but unless you intend to use such things it can just remain as it is for now.

 

[JohnW2]

That meter is a fairly old example of a smart meter, so may be one of those which isn't compatible with certain providers/tariffs or whatever ...

I'm pretty sure that it is "one of those", since it's surely a SMETS 1 meter, isn't it?

 

[SUNRAY]

I‘d ask for them to fit an isolator. Then any electrician can sort out the T&E at a later date without messing with the meter seal.

You can easily tell the difference between single phase and three phase. Single phase means four wires connected to the meter, three phase needs eight. Also three fuse carriers in the cutout (the black box on the left), you only have one.

Depends on the provider, for example EDF do not provide them and their fitters are instructed to do a straightforward 1-4-1 meter swap so not wiring in customer provided isolator... Or so I was told at smart meter install by the booking call centre, customers service and fitter. Fitter showed the note on the advice note too.

 

[flameport]

it's surely a SMETS 1 meter, isn't it?

It is a SMETS1, but some of those can be software upgraded to work with other suppliers.
The difference is whether it can connect to the DCC rather than some other operators network.

 

[JohnW2]

Depends on the provider, for example EDF do not provide them and their fitters are instructed to do a straightforward 1-4-1 meter swap so not wiring in customer provided isolator... Or so I was told at smart meter install by the booking call centre, customers service and fitter. Fitter showed the note on the advice note too.

It clearly varies considerably between suppliers. Last time I had a ('dumb') 'routine meter change', the person I spoke to when confirming the appointment actually asked me if I would like an isolator to be fitted at the same time (free of charge)! cline the offer because I already had an isolator. That was what is now "So Energy", was then then ESB.

 

[Skipsteer]

It is a SMETS1, but some of those can be software upgraded to work with other suppliers.
The difference is whether it can connect to the DCC rather than some other operators network.

The instal company is called SMS and my provider is Outfox The Market.
I can certainly ask about them fitting an isolator if I go ahead with the meter replacement.
That could be one benefit, although I've has no issues with my electricity or meter since the last meter was installed 9 years ago.

 

[Rodders53]

That meter is dated 2016 and will still be in calibration.

I'd send the Supplier those pictures as proof:
1 In Calibration so no need to change
2 Single Phase Smets1 meter (the Trilliant Comms Hub is the giveaway). So a simple swap when the time comes.
3 NO RTS kit to be seen anywhere. (It is a pretty big bakelite box)
https://octopus.energy/help-and-faqs/articles/radio-teleswitch-service-rts/ has a picture of one

Ovo claim the Smets1s have been remotely upgraded to Smets2 https://www.ovoenergy.com/guides/energy-guides/landis-and-gyr-e470-smart-meters

See if your supplier can set up the remote connection via the DCC?