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Smart Meter timing/fuse box tripping, and priority register.

  • January 7, 2025
  • 8 replies
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  • Carbon Cutter***
  • 5 replies

Hi, I had my RTS meter replaced with a smart meter in December. I wasn’t aware it would cause my fuse box to trip for as long as I’ve been told (6 weeks as per the time given for information to be updated), I was under the impression this would last only about 48 hours. A week or two after it was fitted I asked OVO support about the fuse box tripping, and was told I’d have to wait the 6 weeks. It flips 10-20+ times a day, but the issue is that my heating system takes so long to heat up that my house is sitting at about 13-14C, and I’m a disabled person. This is causing me a lot of pain on top of the expected annoyance at the inconvenience. I’ve also had my computer shut down while writing, losing anything I’ve been working on that hasn’t been saved- which is more of an inconvenience but I’m afraid it’ll mess up my computer eventually as the flips are quite unpredictable. It also makes cooking, and showering, difficult at times. Has anyone had experiences with asking for help with the waiting period? Can it be sped up for disabled people or is it all automated? Thank you so much!

edit: I spelled priority wrong in the title, apologies

Best answer by Blastoise186

Hi ​@njvan ,

It sounds like you’d like to fix the thread title, no worries as I can get ​@Abby_OVO to help you with that.

We have seen this exact issue a few times recently, but it’s not the fault of the Meter. I’ll drop a thread or two that might help explain this. However, I can definitely confirm that the idea is that a Smart Meter is not supposed to mess with the fusebox/consumer unit!

These are in a random order.

https://forum.ovoenergy.com/smart-meters-136/my-consumer-unit-keeps-tripping-is-this-connected-to-the-smart-meter-5427https://forum.ovoenergy.com/smart-meters-136/why-is-my-smart-meter-tripping-the-fuse-box-overnight-who-should-i-contact-to-fix-this-6892https://forum.ovoenergy.com/smart-meters-136/after-smart-meter-installation-off-peak-storage-heaters-tripping-lights-appliances-etc-18670

Might be a good idea to get your friendly local neighbourhood sparky out to investigate. IIRC it’s something that OVO can’t really touch as the consumer unit is downstream from your Meter, so therefore beyond OVO’s remit to play with.

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Blastoise186
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  • January 8, 2025

Hi ​@njvan ,

It sounds like you’d like to fix the thread title, no worries as I can get ​@Abby_OVO to help you with that.

We have seen this exact issue a few times recently, but it’s not the fault of the Meter. I’ll drop a thread or two that might help explain this. However, I can definitely confirm that the idea is that a Smart Meter is not supposed to mess with the fusebox/consumer unit!

These are in a random order.

https://forum.ovoenergy.com/smart-meters-136/why-is-my-smart-meter-tripping-the-fuse-box-overnight-who-should-i-contact-to-fix-this-6892https://forum.ovoenergy.com/smart-meters-136/after-smart-meter-installation-off-peak-storage-heaters-tripping-lights-appliances-etc-18670

Might be a good idea to get your friendly local neighbourhood sparky out to investigate. IIRC it’s something that OVO can’t really touch as the consumer unit is downstream from your Meter, so therefore beyond OVO’s remit to play with.


  • Author
  • Carbon Cutter***
  • 5 replies
  • January 8, 2025

thank you so much both for your advice and pokémon relatability :D

i live in a council flat and my heaters have been a very long standing issue- when i signed my tenancy i was convinced 

 

i was told my fuse box may flip for 48 hours but then was told 6 weeks when i asked ovo online

 

im not sure what i’m valid for 


Blastoise186
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  • January 8, 2025

Be warned… For I am no ordinary Blastoise… For I am the all-seeing evil genius SkyNet Blastoise… Muhahahahaha!

Unfortunately, some RCDs and RCBOs can be a bit oversensitive which means all sorts of stuff can set them off in ways that shouldn’t happen. If a Smart Meter didn’t do it, you can be sure something else eventually would.


Abby_OVO
Community Manager
  • Community Manager
  • 1055 replies
  • January 8, 2025

Hey ​@njvan 

 

Sorry to hear about the issue you’re having, I hope Blastoise’ great depth of knowledge has been helpful here.

 

I’ve updated the title as requested. Let us know if there’s anything more we can do.


Firedog
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  • January 8, 2025
njvan wrote:

I wasn’t aware it would cause my fuse box to trip for as long as I’ve been told (6 weeks as per the time given for information to be updated), I was under the impression this would last only about 48 hours. 
 

I’m afraid you’ve been sadly misinformed. Exchanging your meter should have no effect on your consumer units, and meters should not cause breakers to trip at all, never mind for extended periods. Yes, there are some aspects of the new arrangement that could take six weeks to be completed, but interference with domestic electrical installations isn’t one of them.

As you have been told, there have been cases of unexpected breaker trips following installation of a smart meter. While there has never been a definitive cause established, it seems most likely that the culprit in most cases is a sub-standard breaker (probably an RCD). Replacing the tripping one with a better-quality one should do the trick. The council should send their electrician around as a matter of urgency; vulnerable tenants ought not to be left without a reliable electricity supply for a moment longer than is unavoidable, especially in current weather conditions. If the council don’t spark, get hold of your councillor, the local Citizens Advice bureau and/or whichever charity supports those with your particular disability to intervene on your behalf.  

When the electrician turns up, show him this thread.


  • Author
  • Carbon Cutter***
  • 5 replies
  • January 14, 2025

Hi  thank you everyone! I got the electrician and he’s replaced the switches in my fuse box, so hopefully that does the trick! 


Blastoise186
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  • January 14, 2025

Nice! We’re pretty confident that it should help as from my understanding that usually does the trick.

If you ever need us again or have other burning questions, you know where to find us. :)


Firedog
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  • January 14, 2025
njvan wrote:

I got the electrician and he’s replaced the switches in my fuse box, so hopefully that does the trick! 
 

Here’s hoping 🤞

Please keep a close eye on this, then come back in a few days to tell us whether the problem has gone away or not. Your experience will help us help others who find themselves in the same situation in the future.


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