Skip to main content
juliamc
Rank 20
juliamc
Rank 20
October 6, 2024
Solved

Is there room for a smart meter?

  • October 6, 2024
  • 16 replies
  • 362 views

Is there room for a smart meter here ?

Would I have to get a local electrician to move that doorbell transformer somewhere else (assuming that’s what it is), or is there a smaller version available that a meter man could fit so they could get a smart meter in ? British Gas is the supplier.

Best answer by BPLightlog

Updated on 05/12/25 by Abby_OVO

 

That’s all very tight. One of the smallest smart meters is approx. twice the size of that ‘budgie’ meter (under the doorbell) so I think the doorbell will need to be moved for anything to fit.

 

 

As BP says, there appears to be enough room width-wise. Because smart meters usually have the comms hub mounted on top of them, they’re all about the same width - 130mm. The problem here will be the extra height of the comms hub, so I think that doorbell would have to go. My Aclara with a WNC hub is 170mm top to bottom. You’d have to measure from the bottom edge of the existing meter and see where 170mm takes you.

 

The following topic guide on smart meter installations may also be helpful:

 

16 replies

Show previous replies
Chris_OVO
Community Manager
Chris_OVO
Community Manager
October 14, 2024

I’m with @BPLightlog on this one, flip the main breaker and you’ll probably find it’s wired into the house power supply somewhere behind the case. Keep us updated on your progress 😊

Renewable energy jokes never get old.
juliamc
Rank 20
juliamcAuthor
Rank 20
October 31, 2024

Update: British Gas’s offer of £50 cash back to get a smart meter has expired, so I will leave it for the next owner of the house to deal with. However I asked an electrician about moving the transformer to make room for a smart meter, and his advice was that if I got one my bills would go up !

BPLightlog
Super User
BPLightlogSuper User
Super User
October 31, 2024

Update: British Gas’s offer of £50 cash back to get a smart meter has expired, so I will leave it for the next owner of the house to deal with. However I asked an electrician about moving the transformer to make room for a smart meter, and his advice was that if I got one my bills would go up !

Oh dear! 🤪

Bring me Sunshine ~ E&E {Solar PV, Battery Storage, Hybrid EV, ASHP and Home Assistant automation}
    Firedog
    Super User
    FiredogSuper User
    Super User
    October 31, 2024

    Wrong electrician!

    Noel | I have no official status; I'm just a volunteer who comes here to help other customers. My gear: Aclara SGM 1416-B Electricity-only E7 meter; Chameleon IHD3-PPMID-AAA | It may look as if I know what I’m talking about, but don’t let that fool you. |
      Nukecad
      Super User
      NukecadSuper User
      Super User
      November 1, 2024

      Or maybe he just didn’t want such a ‘small’ job so trotted out some BS?

      In some areas electricians are in high demand and are turning down such small jobs in favour of larger ones.
      (For one thing it’s less travelling betwen multiple small jobs and more time actually working)

      I said, Hey - Watts going on.
      juliamc
      Rank 20
      juliamcAuthor
      Rank 20
      November 1, 2024

      No, he’s coming here anyway to do an even smaller job - he’s local. 

      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