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Geo
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June 11, 2018
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My smart meter couldn't be installed because of an earth cable - Why?

  • June 11, 2018
  • 55 replies
  • 44309 views
Hi, The OVO engineer has refused to install the gas smart meter (there is currently a BG one in situe but the OVO meter is considerably larger. Apparently the "Earth Ground Cable" is preventing the meter being "raised" to install the OVO smart meter in place of the BG one.

Whilst its frustrating that there was no standardisation of the sizes *at the very least*, I have just spoken to an electrician who I used to meet at my networking group and he thought the installer must have been a "wet behind the ears type who didn't want to bother". I have to say I was very surprised that a qualified engineer wouldn't do something as basic as this as part of the installation as it looks like its a simple matter of unscrewing the cable connection and moving it to the back of the pipe.

I've attached pictures - could you tell me what needs doing so that the "fully qualified" engineer can come back and finish the job.



Best answer by Eva_OVO

Updated on 14/10/25 by Ben_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 (when the meter is half submerged in the ground), 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).

 

OVO customer but not got a smart meter yet? - Book today!

Interested but not yet an OVO customer? - Check out our plans!

 

55 replies

Show previous replies
c_n
Newcomer
c_n
Newcomer
February 19, 2021

@Transparent had the earth bond been [only] on the output side of the gas meter it would not be per regulations; or, indeed if not connected to the gas pipework at all. :thinking:

    D
    Rank 1
    DJC
    Rank 1
    February 20, 2021

    Does it mean if I have an earth bond to the existing gas meter then OVO will not fit a smart meter?

    Blastoise186
    Super User
    Blastoise186Super User
    Super User
    February 20, 2021

    Hi there @DJC ,

     

    Sorry we missed you earlier. I had to do a bit of digging through the forum archives to find the answer, which was posted over two years ago and buried pretty deeply.

     

    It is still possible for OVO to upgrade your gas meter, but you’ll need to have an electrician take care of that wire first.

     

    If you’d like some more details on what to do next, you can find a more detailed explanation above. 

     

     

    If you’re still unsure though or need any more help, feel free to stop by again and let us know. We’ll be happy to assist.

    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!
      Transparent
      Rank 20
      Transparent
      Rank 20
      February 23, 2021

      No, @DJC - you must have an earth bond for your gas supply.

      There are some circumstances where an existing earth wire is positioned such that it’s in the way of a modification to the pipes. If that’s the case, then the OVO Installer will tell you what’s required.

      You can then hire a local electrician to reposition the earth wire, and check its integrity! That’s important because it actually has to work.

      Once done, the Installer will return to your site, modify the pipes and fit the gas meter.

      In the great majority of cases there is no pipe modification to do…. so the issue of the wire being in the way wouldn’t occur anyway.

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      D
      Rank 1
      DJC
      Rank 1
      February 23, 2021

      Thank you for the reply. I think I will get the smart meter fitted first before I get the earth bond wire fitted, then I will not have to pay for a double visit. 

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