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Biohazardx9
Rank 4
Rank 4
August 5, 2025

Alt-han resumed, you can order it.

  • August 5, 2025
  • 24 replies
  • 1155 views

This is for those seeking answers to this technology. 

 

What is alt-han? 

A bridging system to allow a gas meter / ihd far far away to communicate. This is done using a mixture of bridges labelled B1 through to B4. 

Do I need it? 

If you are in a flat like me or your gas meter is far away from the comms at your home then the answer is yes. 

How do I get it? 

This is done during the install of your smart meter. However if like me you had a failed meter install from a previous provider then you can call up. However you'll need to be clear you need it when ordering otherwise you'll have a failed visit. 

The end result 

Once all communicating, your ihd and readings will operate as normal. 

Some pictures of modules... 

In order, 

B1 = this converts han to powerline and is installed by the electric meter. Takes its power before the meter not after it. 

B2 = (not pictured) same as B3 below but shorter in height, does not do LRR (LONG RANGE) only powerline and HAN. 

B3 = this takes powerline signal from B1 and converts to both HAN and LRR (LONG RANGE). Uses your own power but low energy. (doesn't use much. Ihd still says 0.08 when on or off) additionally B3 (and B2) will turn off its leds and dim the ok led for convenience. Good for those who don't like bright leds. 

B4 = this converts LRR (LONG RANGE) to HAN and sits beside the gas meter. It is battery powered. 

 

 

24 replies

Rank 2
August 17, 2025

@Biohazardx9 Regarding your photo of B1, could you please advise the diameter of the two cables. Thanks

Biohazardx9
Rank 4
Rank 4
August 17, 2025

That I'm not sure of ​@Robert44 its same as incoming power cables. 

Nukecad
Super User
Super User
August 18, 2025

Hello ​@Nukecad . Were you asking me or ​@Biohazardx9 . As I am not an electrical engineer I am not sure what you mean.

I was just ruminating that not all electrical installations are the same, particularly when it comes to blocks of flats.

So an Alt-Han solution that works at one property may not work at another.

I said, Hey - Watts going on.
Biohazardx9
Rank 4
Rank 4
August 18, 2025

@Nukecad it will work regardless. Anything after the meter is your wiring. Thus powerline goes from the meter to the property. It will work.

I can't see how this would differ? 

Ben_OVO
Community Manager
Community Manager
August 20, 2025

@Robert44,

 

I’ve heard back from our Metering expert ​@Lukepeniket_OVO, who has confirmed that the reason the appointment was aborted is because the meter sits on top of the trunking in the meter room, but alt han fits to the underside of the meter.

 

I’m sorry to say that, for this reason, alt han wouldn’t be possible. The meter would have to be moved first. We can carry out meter move appointments, but this does come at a cost:

 

 

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news!

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Rank 2
August 20, 2025

@Lukepeniket_OVO ​@Ben_OVO ​@Biohazardx9, ​@Chris_OVO 

Please have a look at my sketches. The comduit box front cover is removeable.

I believe the meter needs moved upwards by 9mm which is easily done on the existing power cables ie no discomnnection required - see photo. My meter is to the right.

Anyhow The leaset OVO could do is come and make a survey.

Thanks

 

Rank 2
August 20, 2025

@Lukepeniket_OVO ​@Ben_OVO ​@Biohazardx9 ​@Chris_OVO 

Correction: Meter moves up 6mm.

In addition because of no main meter disconnections required because of location, a survey should be free. OVO get paid for this equipment and carrying out the work.

OVO Engineer
August 20, 2025

hey bud, 

 

your photo of the trunking lid removed is really helpful, I believe it could be fitted.

Leave with me ill work in the background with the Forum team to sort this.

 

cheers

OVO Operations Excellence Manager and Former Field Operations Team Leader
Ben_OVO
Community Manager
Community Manager
August 20, 2025

Great news ​@Robert44 😁 - thanks very much for this detailed diagram.

 

Thanks as always ​@Lukepeniket_OVO for your help 👌

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