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What is this electrical equipment next to my fuse box? I have a smart meter so not sure what it's purpose is?

  • August 13, 2022
  • 4 replies
  • 4333 views
J
New Member***

Hello,

 

I have recently moved into a new flat and am having issues/confusion with my electric board set up.

 

A new smart meter was installed in 2017 (outside the property) - but i still have many things which i believe are obsolete / not working.

 

Whilst the new smart meter is outside, everything else is housed together inside.

 

I was just wondering if anyone knew exactly what all these were, if they’re still needed and also who is able to come and remove/amend anything out of place? (massive newbie here)

 

Many thanks

 

Best answer by M.isterW

 

Have a look at this guide on who owns what:

 

 

From your second picture I can see a time switch and an old dial meter. I wonder if that’s an off peak electricity meter. I’d expect to see the main fuse (aka the cut out) on the same board as your meter. But it looks like it’s also inside on the same board as the fuse box. 

 

It's difficult to see where all the cables go but I'll tell you what I think you've got.

 

Your electricity supply comes into the main meter (second picture). It then goes to the larger board where it splits in two.

 

The first part goes to the larger consumer unit on the right. This feeds your lights, sockets, cooker etc.

 

The second part goes through a time switch and another meter (black box with lots of small dials). It then goes to the small consumer unit (top left). The time switch turns these circuits on at certain times of day, normally at night, so you're likely to find your heating and hot water on these circuits.

4 replies

Tim_OVO
Retired Moderator
  • Tim_OVO
  • OVO Forum Legend
  • August 15, 2022

Hi @JonnyThornberry and thanks for posting this. 

 

I know a few forum members that enjoy a good meter board pic, and we have lots of shared expertise here to offer you. Quick disclaimer is that this is just advice. Often it’s best to get a qualified electrician on site to advise. 

 

Now I’m a self-declared novice with most elements of electrical supplies. But I’m good at pointing people in the right direction. Have a look at this guide on who owns what:

 

 

From your second picture I can see a time switch and an old dial meter. I wonder if that’s an off peak electricity meter. I’d expect to see the main fuse (aka the cut out) on the same board as your meter. But it looks like it’s also inside on the same board as the fuse box. 

 

@PeterR1947 may be able to offer some expertise here. And perhaps @Blastoise186 can take a look...

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Blastoise186
Plan Zero Hero
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  • Blastoise186Plan Zero Hero
  • Plan Zero Hero
  • August 15, 2022

Oh wow, this is a really weird setup! I’ve never seen anything like it before.

My first question here would be to ask you to do a Load Test. Try switching on basically everything you can and see which meter spins the dials (or flashes any lights for that matter). You may have to do this at around 1am for the off-peak meter to trigger.

I also note the timeswitch as well. Does that spin round and roughly keep up with the correct time, or is it stuck in one place? That’s important to know as it’ll help us figure this one out.

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M.isterW
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  • M.isterWCarbon Catcher***
  • Carbon Catcher***
  • Answer
  • August 15, 2022

 

Have a look at this guide on who owns what:

 

 

From your second picture I can see a time switch and an old dial meter. I wonder if that’s an off peak electricity meter. I’d expect to see the main fuse (aka the cut out) on the same board as your meter. But it looks like it’s also inside on the same board as the fuse box. 

 

It's difficult to see where all the cables go but I'll tell you what I think you've got.

 

Your electricity supply comes into the main meter (second picture). It then goes to the larger board where it splits in two.

 

The first part goes to the larger consumer unit on the right. This feeds your lights, sockets, cooker etc.

 

The second part goes through a time switch and another meter (black box with lots of small dials). It then goes to the small consumer unit (top left). The time switch turns these circuits on at certain times of day, normally at night, so you're likely to find your heating and hot water on these circuits.

1992 4 bed detached house. Solar PV + battery, Zappi EV charger, Mitsubishi Ecodan ASHP and i-life2 fan assisted radiators.... No gas 😊
Tim_OVO
Blastoise186
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PeterR1947
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  • PeterR1947Carbon Catcher***
  • Carbon Catcher***
  • August 15, 2022

I think @M.isterW has cracked it!  I have no idea why the old dial meter has been left behind though.  Do you have storage heaters at all as the off peak arrangement with the time switch and the small Wylex board is usually set up for them; if you don’t have storage heaters are there any spur outlets being unused?  If you aren’t using Economy 7, the timeswitch, old meter and Wylex board could feasibly be removed or it might be less hassle and cost just to leave them, close the cupboard and ignore them!

Peter

PeterR
Blastoise186
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