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strategic_goose
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December 18, 2023
Solved

Getting a gas smart meter installed- Is access needed to the electric meter/cellular hub?

  • December 18, 2023
  • 38 replies
  • 5873 views

A relative has had a smart electricity meter installed at their property. They’re now looking to get the gas one changed too. They’re wondering if access to the electricity meter (likely the cellular hub) is needed when a smart gas meter is installed?

The electricity meter is inside, under the stairs, while the gas meter is about 3m away, mounted on an external wall outside. 

As the electricity meter is under the stairs, and they use that space for storage (nothing flammable or likely to catch fire if anything were to happen!), it is an absolute faff to empty that area.

If access is needed to scan the barcodes on the cellular hub, such as the CHF or GPF ID, will a picture of the meter suffice? There is a little viewing window in the wooden panelling so the meter can be seen and numbers verified, but impossible the barcode be read by a scanner at that distance. 
 

They’re not with OVO (I am, however) so thought I’d ask here. Their gas is with British Gas, and electric is with EDF (they’re not interested in switching - no matter how much convincing I’ve tried) 

Best answer by Emmanuelle_OVO

Updated on 11/03/25 by Abby_OVO

Hey @strategic_goose,

 

Unfortunately it’s not a clear cut answer, but here’s advice from one of the experts:

 

It depends. So the dependency is on the signal to the gas meter from the location of the electricity meter where the Communication Hub is situated.

 

The fact you have different suppliers adds complexity but doesn't affect it all being possible. It also depends on the process the installer follows.. they WILL need the details of the ​​​Comms Hub Function in the Gas meter (it's a code on the Communication Hub needed to join to the Gas meter) to set up the Gas meter and get it joined but may not need to scan those locally.. some do, some don't... the key deciding factor is if the gas cannot connect and a Dual Band Communication Hub is needed.

 

That will require a process known as ‘Trust Centre Swap Out’ to replace the single band Communication Hub and replace it... so the Gas meter can connect and work... to 'punch' a signal through the wall... having both fuels with the same supplier is easier but not explicitly required as it's designed to work with separate suppliers.

38 replies

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louise515
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February 24, 2025

Why can’t it go inside and the original left in place?

I don’t want my electric meter replaced as it’s in a convenient place indoors in my flat. Why can’t I just have a gas smart meter? I only want a gas smart meter to save me having to go outside to get a reading!

Blastoise186
Super User
Blastoise186Super User
Super User
February 24, 2025

Because that’s how it works. Both meters will be swapped in-situ - they won’t be moved because they need to be in the same places as the existing wiring and pipework.

The gas meter connects to a comms hub above the electric meter. Without the electric, the gas can’t communicate and won’t work.

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louise515
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February 24, 2025

I’m confused… ‘The gas meter connects to a comms hub above the electric meter. Without the electric, the gas can’t communicate and won’t work.’

The gas meter is outside on the ground, the electric meter is inside my flat on the second floor. 

Blastoise186
Super User
Blastoise186Super User
Super User
February 24, 2025

The Comms Hub for both meters sits above above and is powered by the electric meter.

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louise515
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February 24, 2025

I’m afraid I don’t understand what exactly you mean by ‘comms hub’. And what do you mean by ‘sits above’, exactly? Do you have a photo example or link?

Nukecad
Super User
NukecadSuper User
Super User
February 24, 2025

Does this help, The communications hub plugs onto the top of the electricity meter, and then the rest is all done by various wireless signals:

 

I said, Hey - Watts going on.
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louise515
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February 24, 2025

Does this help, it’s all done by wireless signals:

 

A bit, thanks. I think I’m concerned that the smart gas meter would be outside, 2 floors down, and the electric meter is inside the flat and in a cupboard. Might there be issues with the gas meter being at a distance and with the fabric of the building in between?

 

Blastoise186
Super User
Blastoise186Super User
Super User
February 24, 2025

OVO has kits for that which will extend the range far beyond the distance I think you’re talking about.

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louise515
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February 24, 2025

Oh ok. Thanks.

Nukecad
Super User
NukecadSuper User
Super User
February 24, 2025

A couple of floors is doable now.

There are also solutions coming into place for high-rise blocks.

Have a look here: https://althanco.com/what-we-do/

I said, Hey - Watts going on.
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