Skip to main content
A
Anonymous
March 6, 2025
Solved

AAA Battery in IHD3 - rechargeable or not?

  • March 6, 2025
  • 6 replies
  • 377 views

I just noticed that my new IHD3 can take an AAA battery for backup power . Does this have a charging circuit, or do I just use a non-rechargeable battery? (Not that the display actually displays any data yet, bit I live in hope!)

Best answer by Blastoise186

Updated on 17/12/25 by Abby_OVO

 

Hi ​@portland555 ,

If memory serves, That particular variant does NOT support rechargeable batteries and the ones you insert should be used purely as a backup.

 

The following IHD related topics may also be helpful:

 

 

If you’re having issues with a different IHD model check out the topics in our Library for more here.

6 replies

Blastoise186
Super User
Blastoise186Super UserSolved
Super User
March 6, 2025

Updated on 17/12/25 by Abby_OVO

 

Hi ​@portland555 ,

If memory serves, That particular variant does NOT support rechargeable batteries and the ones you insert should be used purely as a backup.

 

The following IHD related topics may also be helpful:

 

 

If you’re having issues with a different IHD model check out the topics in our Library for more here.

Securing energy by zapping security bugs... For that is The Blastoise Way! Remember, I'm just like you - AI Powered Evil Geniuses aren't Staff!
    A
    Anonymous
    March 6, 2025

    ok cool, that’s what I thought. Thanks for confirming!

      C
      Rank 2
      costeek
      Rank 2
      March 7, 2025

      Just curious, what’s the purpose for the back up batteries? When there is no electricity – there is nothing to display, the meter itself wont be able to send any data. Am I wrong?

      A
      Anonymous
      March 7, 2025

      I guess it is so you can walk around the house with it to test what appliances are using etc.

        Blastoise186
        Super User
        Blastoise186Super User
        Super User
        March 7, 2025

        The primary purpose is to keep the IHD functioning for Prepayment customers in the event they Self-Disconnect as a result of their credit running out - the backup battery allows the customer to still use the PPMID (Prepayment Meter Interface Device) functionality of the IHD to punch in UTRN Codes and restore supply without having to do so on the meter itself. This is something they rely on pretty heavily so it has to be a viable option.

        But yes, a secondary function can be to make the IHD a bit more portable for short-term walking around the house.

        Securing energy by zapping security bugs... For that is The Blastoise Way! Remember, I'm just like you - AI Powered Evil Geniuses aren't Staff!
          Peter E
          Super User
          Peter ESuper User
          Super User
          March 7, 2025

          It's a Friday afternoon and a short, amusing (well to me) story to round off the battery back up thread. A few years back when the energy prices went crazy I went round the entire house looking for vampire drains (fogotten devices plugged in / connected to the mains) to identify all of them and how much they took. The IHD was on the lower ring final (main) circuit and I had found and switched off all the power draining equipment except, annoyingly, the IHD was still saying 1W. All circuits in the consumer unit were off except the lower ring final. I double checked each socket again. Nothing was plugged in /wired in but still it said 1W. And suddenly went to zero when the backlight on the IHD went out!

          Doh!

          Reducing my yearly fossil fuel usage with an EV (-900 litres petrol), A2AHP (-8,700 kWh gas) and Timed Immersion heater (-1,500 kWh gas)
            Terms & ConditionsAccessibility statement

            OVO Energy Ltd, Floor 5, Crescent, Temple Back, Redcliffe, BS1 6EZ, (Company no. 06890795) registered in England and Wales.

            OVO (S) Gas Limited is registered in England and Wales (Company No. 02716495) at Floor 5, Crescent, Temple Back, Redcliffe, BS1 6EZ.

            OVO (S) Gas Limited is part of OVO Group Ltd