Electricity meter leaking black fluid

davidKnowNotMuch

Hi, I've recently notice black liquid leaking out of our indoor electricity meter. I've looked it up on google and it seems to be a common issue where the wires overheat and the insulation of the wiring melts. Where with E-on for our electric and where going to ring them about it later today. I just want to know who's responsible for electric meter repairs? i'e. who pays and if anyone has had this problem before. We've only been in the house a year and the meter looks quite old.

Pincher

You don't pay unless they find signs of tampering.

davidKnowNotMuch

Really? the girl in my office looked it up on the EDF website and they have a statement saying the homeowner is responsible for the maintenance of the meter. I would presume this would also apply to E-on and other suppliers? Unless they mean an upgrade rather than repairs.

matelodave

I think they mean the safeguarding and protection of the meter from the elements, damage or vandals.
I doubt they expect you to maintain it as such, it's their property and is usually sealed so you can't access it's innards or even connections.
Notify them immediately as any overheating is a potential fire risk.

lstar337

Let the experts decide if it is safe, the responsibility is not yours.

They wont charge you if its a safety matter.

Alt

I would be worrying more about it catching fire than who is responsible for it.....

Alt

SwanJon

As above - best thing to do is report it to your supplier.

If it is the meter itself then they will pass the job to their meter operator, but if it is another box near your meter (the service head) then I think this is the responsibility of the local distributor.

Edit: if it is something melting and leaking out, reducing (or stopping) your electricity consumption will help it cool and set.

davidKnowNotMuch

Don't worry, I've got the disgruntled wife panicking and ringing them now. Was just wondering if I was going to be hit with a huge bill before xmas.

davidKnowNotMuch

Sorted. Wife's reply: "So not an emergency. Oil was coming out of old gas box connector which is no longer in use. Oil came from old insulator which can leak wen heats up. He tightened a bolt. Was no risk of fire at all." Fact is if we didn't do anything your guaranteed it would have been a problem, plus peace of mind costs nowt. Thanks for all the advice and quick reply's, I do appreciate them.

MeterMan

black 'liquid' in or around the meter position will becoming from the cutout, its bitument that is used to hold the main incoming electricity cables in place. Contact your DNO and have them come out.

If you could take a picture of that, it would be great.