Secure meter Box

skiptonlad

I'm not suer if this is the right section. but does anyone know if you can secure your electric meter box. I have been burgled twice and each time they have cut the mains fuse in the outside meter box to disable the alarms.
The electric board want over a grand to move it inside the garage. Anyone got any ideas?? and is it legal to booby trap it or weld a steel box round it - someone told me you cant cover it incase the fire brigade er need access.

Andy_WSM

skiptonlad wrote: »

- someone told me you cant cover it incase the fire brigade er need access.

I can't imagine for a moment that a cage around a meter box with a padlock on will keep the firebrigade out - considering they can cut the roof of a car to get the occupants out!

DVardysShadow

Cheaper to get the alarms battery backed.

Premier_2

skiptonlad wrote: »

I'm not suer if this is the right section. but does anyone know if you can secure your electric meter box. I have been burgled twice and each time they have cut the mains fuse in the outside meter box to disable the alarms.
The electric board want over a grand to move it inside the garage. Anyone got any ideas?? and is it legal to booby trap it or weld a steel box round it - someone told me you cant cover it incase the fire brigade er need access.

If you 'booby trap' it and someone is injured (whether an authorised meter reader or some scrote looking to burgle youn again) then you will be liable for those injuries.

I can't see any reason why you would not be allowed to cover the box if you wanted (it wouldn't be any worse than being inside the house or garage), but remember you do need to allow the supplier access to the meter on request.

System

Why doesn't your alarm system have a battery backup?

If it is not capable of having one then run the alarm system through a small UPS.

skiptonlad

The alarm does have a battery backup - but they cut the power then return 24hours later when it has run out. Also, there is a time limit on the amount of times alarms can sound for.

spiro

If they are going to that level of trouble a secure box is not going to stop them. Suggest you get the alarm set so that either (1) battery lasts longer, (b) alarm goes off if the power is cut or (3) alarm goes off if meter box is opened or tampered with.

skiptonlad

It does go ff if power is cut but thanks, I never thoght of a sensor on the meter box door.:T