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lGregl
Rank 1
May 9, 2023
Solved

Gas meter mounting too high to get a Smart Meter?

  • May 9, 2023
  • 14 replies
  • 1341 views

I'm looking to get my meters upgraded to smart meters. 

I just wanted to double check if there will be a problem.

 

Currently my gas meter is installed at 6ft internally in the garage. 

 

The garage is in integral garage within the house. 

 

Do I need to contact the gas network to have this lowered before requesting a smart meter installation? 

 

 

Best answer by Jeffus

Updated on 14/03/25 by Ben_OVO

You can find more info about work from height, and other general maintenance job details in this previous Forum topics:

 

 

 

Using a ladder isn't an issue, but there are still maximum heights that engineers can work at even with the ladders they normally carry. They carry ladders as part of their normal work. 

I have noticed different suppliers quote different heights depending on the ladders they carry and number of engineers

This is an example of a different supplier. 

"Your meters can't be more than 8ft above the ground

If your meters are more than 8ft above the ground, depending on engineer availability, we might be able to send an extra engineer to help out with the installation. It'll be up to the engineer to decide what's safe on the day. And depending on your meter set up, this might vary" 

For OVO I have only seen 6ft maximum ever quoted as a maximum height which is based on the ladders they have. 

Personally i would call OVO, ask for a smart meter appointment and ask them if they are OK with the gas meter being 6ft. Let OVO say what they are happy with at the time of the booking. 

 

14 replies

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Firedog
Super User
FiredogSuper User
Super User
October 8, 2024

Ceiling height doesn’t sound too high, but we’d better get an authoritative view on that @Lukepeniket_OVO . If it means that the engineer would have to stand on a step-ladder to reach, there will be H&S considerations. This isn’t allowed outdoors, but it’s not clear whether the height limits and the ban on ladders also apply indoors.

 

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
    October 8, 2024

    There are recommendations/guidance for the positioning of domestic smart meters in New Build properties.

    See this, in particular 1.6 and 1.8: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/657847680467eb001355f5b8/Smart_meter_installations_in_domestic_new_build_premises.pdf

    But those are recommendations, and are for new build properties.

    AFAIK if there is space on the existing backboard for a replacement smart meter then it will be fitted there.

    If not then it may involve you having a new meter backboard fitted a bit lower down.
    The supply and fitting of that new backboard would be the customers responsibility to arrange and pay for. (You can easilly get them from builders merchants, etc.)

    Photos of what you currently have would help us give better advice and suggestions.

    I said, Hey - Watts going on.
      Jeffus
      Rank 20
      Jeffus
      Rank 20
      October 8, 2024

      https://forum.ovoenergy.com/smart-meters-136/gas-meter-mounting-too-high-to-get-a-smart-meter-15000

       

        Abby_OVO
        Community Manager
        Abby_OVO
        Community Manager
        October 9, 2024

        Hey @Saschka 

         

        I’m glad to see a few of our volunteers have stopped by with some really great advice already! It would mostly depend on the height it’s at and not so much just that it’s positioned close to the ceiling. 

        https://forum.ovoenergy.com/smart-meters-136/gas-meter-mounting-too-high-to-get-a-smart-meter-15000

         

         

        It might be helpful to post a photo of the current meter position and we can see what that’s like?

         

        Hopefully the others’ advice has been helpful to you.

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        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