Final decision - No built in isolators for smart meters!

[Welchyboy]

Not sure why pulling the fuse is the way to go...
If doing a CU change, cut the meter seal (its usually already cut) and remove the tails on the output side.
That is safer than pulling the fuse from a decades old crumbly fuse carrier IMO.
And you are isolating both live conductors.

That will probably be the way to do it yes, but to be honest I have only ever seen a DNO fuse carrier in bad condition once i think let alone had to pull one, generally they are in good condition, but obviously you would make a decision on what you find at the time

 

[Guitarist]

Not sure why pulling the fuse is the way to go...
If doing a CU change, cut the meter seal (its usually already cut) and remove the tails on the output side.
That is safer than pulling the fuse from a decades old crumbly fuse carrier IMO.
And you are isolating both live conductors.

I was told by a DNO "engineer" a while back that they will tolerate seals missing from fuses, but get very funny when they see one missing from a meter as it may indicate tampering.
I wish this whole sorry mess regarding seals would get sorted for once and for all!

 

[malcolmsanford]

I've posted here a couple of times about the fuse pulling and what was inferred to me.

In Scotland the SSE allow members of Select/ECA to pull the main fuse and the refit. The electrician can even apply for a set number of Temporary seals and paperwork that is submitted back to SSE and they then retro fit final seals.

This was also being touted as a proposed scheme in England and Wales in regard of scheme members, but the DNo companies baulked on the idea because of the standard of "electrician" that was being allowed into the schemes and they were worried about competency.

How true this is is open to conjecture but I was told this by an old LEC engineer who is still doing consultancy work for the distribution network so still as inside dealings with the DNO

It is strange how in the amendment for the very first time there is a regulation note dealing with DNO fuse pulling 537.1.3. I wonder what the plan is

 

[Taylortwocities]

I don't know about the other SCAMps but if you (ever) work in the SSE area, they will issue anyone registered with NAPIT with seals to re-seal the company fuse. This has been the situation for YEARS.

You should be wearing the appropriate PPE, mind you

 

[Guest55]

I don't know about the other SCAMps but if you (ever) work in the SSE area, they will issue anyone registered with NAPIT with seals to re-seal the company fuse. This has been the situation for YEARS.

You should be wearing the appropriate PPE, mind you

Mistake number 1 with the above pic - the guy is removing / inserting fuse while the isolator is in the on position so installation is under load thus possibly creating the risk of arcing.
I'd sack him on the spot , putting the whole street in danger in such a cavalier manner.
;-D

 

[snowhead]

And he didn't use a spirit level when fitting the meter

 

[Guest55]

Which leads on to my tip for all the new kids in skinny jeans -
Switch CU off when pulling / fitting the service fuse , less chance of getting your eyebrows toasted.

 

[telectrix]

all it needs is for the outgoing pair of terminals on the meter to be ubsealed by means of a split cover. ssimplesss

 

[snowhead]

all it needs is for the outgoing pair of terminals on the meter to be ubsealed by means of a split cover. ssimplesss

That would mean "LIve working" when disconnecting the tails, they wouldn't want to encourage that.
Then they'd have to ban the supply of 1000v rated screwdrivers etc, and only supply them if you join another Scam.

 

[polo1]

When doing CU changes I now allow for the cost of installing my own isolator, if there isn't one already. Like others, I simply cannot afford the time/cost of trying to get the DNOs involved (and yes, this means fuse removal in the first instance). Where I do come across cast iron heads, often with fused neutrals, then I do make the call, usually "funny smell/noise coming from head". The DNOs know they are running out of time to replace such heads but still don't have significant planned replacement programmes.

Regards