Moving the meter & CU

[Robbox]

This is our meter and CU in the kitchen. It's going to be in the way when we come to renovate the area (it would end up behind units and inaccessible). Looking to move the meter onto the outside wall in a recessed box. Then move CU further up the wall. I can see the main cable comes in through the concrete floor. Would it be possible for the power guys to flip that cable through the wall at 90deg to connect up to the new meter outside? Or are they going to insist on us finding cable in the pathway to make a new connection?
Since this meter is probably over 60 years old and we'd like to change to a smart meter, I think I may ask the power guys to make a discount!

 

[bernardgreen]

Would it be possible for the power guys to flip that cable through the wall at 90deg

Since this meter is probably over 60 years old

If the meter is 60 years old ( unlikely ) then the supply cable will be that old and hence with age far too un-flexible to be safely bent or even moved.

I think I may ask the power guys to make a discount!

It is advantageous for them to have the meter outside so it can be read so asking for a discount for that reason might get a result.

Once the surveyor has been and discussed the method they will use to move the meter then you may be able to reduce the cost to you ( money ) by digging the necessary trench for them.

However that is hard work and with a live mains cable in the area ( and maybe other services ) not a simple digging exercise.

 

[Taylortwocities]

Moving the supply and meter is a job for the DNO. Yours is Western Power.
More info on their web site at http://www.westernpower.co.uk/Connections/New-Connections/Changes-to-your-Installation.aspx

Give them a call and tell them what you want to do, or use the on-line form on the link above.
They will then mahe a site survey and give you a scale of cost and time.

You will need a registered electrician to carry out the move of the consumer unit.

 

[yorkspark]

As an aside, is that 2x swa cables pushed into those plastic surface boxs as cannot see any sign of gland/shrouds, if so they need taking out and reterminating correctly to ensure safe usage

 

[Robbox]

@yorkspark If you refer to two black cables, they are for outside power to the summerhouse. Everything will be brought up to code when the kitchen is done.
@bernardgreen the house is 60's built, so I don't know how old that meter is....it looks pretty original! But I agree that incoming cable looks kinda decrepit. Ah well, guess I may have to bite the money bullet after all...
I also found on WP site that they don't do reconnections from an internal cable, all work is done outside.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

we'd like to change to a smart meter

Why?

 

[flameport]

Or are they going to insist on us finding cable in the pathway to make a new connection?

They will, since there are no procedures which involve moving old cables like that. The risk of damage is far to high. It's cut and joint in a new piece, all done live.

Since this meter is probably over 60 years old and we'd like to change to a smart meter, I think I may ask the power guys to make a discount!

The meter is 45 years old, and has probably been refurbished since it was originally manufactured. If you want a new one then contact whoever you buy your electricity from - which is not the same company as you contact for having it moved outside.

 

[Robbox]

ban-all-sheds: Good question, I'm prepared to be dissuaded!

 

[Taylortwocities]

First of all, you may not have a choice. The smart meter is supplied by whoever you pay for your electricity. The mass roll-out of smart meters has not even started yet but is planned to be done by 2020 (in their dreams).

Various suppliers have their plans available. See here.
https://www.smartenergygb.org/en/ho...when-can-i-get-a-smart-meter/energy-suppliers

 

[EFLImpudence]

First of all, you may not have a choice.

Yes, you do. You can refuse.

That may not be the case for ever, of course.

 

[Taylortwocities]

What I meant is that he may want one, but they may not be available…

 

[ban-all-sheds]

ban-all-sheds: Good question, I'm prepared to be dissuaded!

Start here for the most recent discussion: //www.diynot.com/diy/threads/smart-meter-different-enegy-supplier.455485/page-2#post-3619531

But surely you must have reasons for wanting one?

 

[PBC_1966]

The only benefits of the "Smart Meter" are for the suppliers. They have absolutely no benefit to you whatsoever.