Updated on 26/06/24 by Abby_OVO
When does an earth cable need to be moved?
During a smart meter appointment it may be necessary, in a small number of situations, to make some alterations to the pipework connecting to your gas meter. This usually happens either on a semi concealed exchange, or if there is lead pipework that needs to be exchanged. As the earth cable is connected to the outlet pipework, it needs to be moved before we are able to change the pipework and replace the meter.
Why can’t the OVO smart meter engineer move and reconnect the earth cable?
Although our smart meter engineers are fully qualified to replace your meters, they’re not specially trained to move the earth cable. Whilst it does just look like one small wire that could easily be moved, the earth bonding is responsible for maintaining the same electrical potential across all exposed metal parts of a supply, protecting you from getting an electric shock from the gas pipework. Electricians require a specific qualification to do this to ensure the earth cable is adequately bonded and your home and it’s inhabitants are kept safe.
Our smart meter engineers aren’t given training in this, as it is rare for them to encounter this in the majority of smart meter installations.
What to do if you if your smart meter installation is stopped due to an earth cable?
Reach out to a qualified electrician, to get them to perform the necessary work. The earth bonding needs to be within either 600 mm of the meter outlet, or in the case of an external gas meter it can be within 600 mm of where the pipework enters the property.
Once the work is done, contact our Support team to get a the appointment re-booked (we may request a photo showing the completed work).
