Electricity meter casement

Ich_2

Or

As a condition of the house originally receiving a supply the builder(?) agreed to it being installed in an external cabinet
That agreement accepted that the cabinet would be supplied FOC on the understanding that the house owner was responsible for it's maintenance.

As the house transferred to further owners this agreement went with them!
If you were unaware of this when you purchased the property from whoever owned it before you, perhaps, you should take it up with them (or the solicitor that acted on your behalf) for not informing you.
(of course you could have also spotted the cabinet prior to purchase and asked yourself)

Your example is a bit nonsensical, as the meter is there to provide you with a service (electricity supply) that you may need.
Parking your car on a sea wall is of no advantage or use to anyone else

cyrano55

OK, thanks for your response folks.

The car example was an analogy of placing an item in an exposed position and expecting some other party to look after its welfare. Maybe not the best but it illustrates a point.

cyrano55

I'm now going to SE offices and take a !!!! on the floor, it's their property, they can clean it up.
Joking.

GlynD

Cyrano you're fighting a losing battle mate. The power company didn't decide where your meter went, it was the company who built your house. Ok that may have been after discussion with the power company but the essence of the argument is: the cabinet is on your property, it's an integral part of the house. It's up to you to maintain it.

I'd swallow the pill and get down to B&Q for a new door and hinge.

spiro

On nearly ever new build the meters are installed in an outside cabinet, much easier access to read them.

ChumpusRex

Would there be any issues with replacing the door with a secure lockable door with viewing window?

As there is an isolator switch in the cabinet, but the cabinet is easily openable, I consider this a significant security risk. I would like to securely lock my cabinet, so that unauthorised entry isn't possible - but this would need a viewing window so that the meter could still be read.

GlynD

ChumpusRex wrote: »

Would there be any issues with replacing the door with a secure lockable door with viewing window?

As there is an isolator switch in the cabinet, but the cabinet is easily openable, I consider this a significant security risk. I would like to securely lock my cabinet, so that unauthorised entry isn't possible - but this would need a viewing window so that the meter could still be read.

I'm quite sure something like this would be available if you Googled it. I did a quick search and found this http://www.omega.co.uk/pptst/SCE-ELJW.html

It's bound to be an issue other householders have had. I'd nearly take money that if I went down to B&Q I'd probably find something just like that.

misterbarlow

Depends where you are located..
In many areas the gas box is adopted with the house, but its a little known fact that the electric one remains property of the DNO, it is part of the incoming supply to the house.. they will repair/replace it, but usually at cost to you...
You can buy doors and parts online at loads of sites.. but I think a door alone is about £30-40..

I have seen several people just get a sheet of perspex from b&q and cut to fit and silicone it on the front, its weathertight and the meter can be read, and its lots cheaper than a proper new door.....
When access is required ie for a meter change, just pull it off, and re-silicone it on after...
On the large local council estate by me there are literally dozens with no doors, mainly key meters, and they never seem to have any problem with the weather affecting them...
On your point above, as long as it can be read, and the supplier/MOP can get access when required, then you can fit a locked door on it for sure...

[Deleted User]

misterbarlow wrote: »

Depends where you are located..
In many areas the gas box is adopted with the house, but its a little known fact that the electric one remains property of the DNO, it is part of the incoming supply to the house.. they will repair/replace it, but usually at cost to you...
You can buy doors and parts online at loads of sites.. but I think a door alone is about £30-40..

I have seen several people just get a sheet of perspex from b&q and cut to fit and silicone it on the front, its weathertight and the meter can be read, and its lots cheaper than a proper new door.....
When access is required ie for a meter change, just pull it off, and re-silicone it on after...
On the large local council estate by me there are literally dozens with no doors, mainly key meters, and they never seem to have any problem with the weather affecting them...
On your point above, as long as it can be read, and the supplier/MOP can get access when required, then you can fit a locked door on it for sure...

Agree with the DIY method , it will be lots cheaper , however dont actually lock the meter box up with a padlock. Thats not allowed. The meter should be accessible. Revenue Protection have told me to report any meter box padlocked

chanz4

sacsquacco wrote: »

Agree with the DIY method , it will be lots cheaper , however dont actually lock the meter box up with a padlock. Thats not allowed. The meter should be accessible. Revenue Protection have told me to report any meter box padlocked

If I find them with locks, I have grounds to force entry.