Extending cable from a water meter

paulpud

We have a water meter fitted inside the house and a remote reading device on the external wall just in front of the garage door but I am in the process of moving the garage door forward meaning that the reading device will no longer be accessible when the house is unoccupied.

The reader has 4 connections, 3 of which are used, and is wired in a grey sheathed low voltage cable so I am assuming that it won't be a problem if I extend the cable and move this device along the wall (about a metre and a half) but wondered if anyone else had done this?

rich13348

Are you planning on cutting the cable and soldering extra length in between? Or you might be easierc cutting and crimping on quick release spade connectors on both ends of the new line and each end of the existing line or a straight butt connector for a more permanent job.

maninthestreet

Have you checked with the water company concerning your proposals?

paulpud

The reader has just got 4 screw terminals on it so I was just going to disconnect it, extend the cable using solder or crimps and then make the new cable into the reader. I was just wanting to make sure that it didn't require the use of a particular kind of cable and that having a joint in it wouldn't affect the performance when the reading device was used.

I haven't consulted the water company on the basis that I believe it involves nothing more than extending a low voltage cable less than 2 meters which is really what I'm trying to clarify. I haven't got to cut any seals or do anything sinister and I am a qualified electrician so I think it's within my capabilities.

rich13348

The issue might be that its not your property despite it being on your property and your extending the cable or even just moving the device could be seen as tampering.

paulpud

rich13348 wrote: »

The issue might be that its not your property despite it being on your property and your extending the cable or even just moving the device could be seen as tampering.

I appreciate that, and I may well have to involve the water company or just leave it where it is if it's going to prove to be a pain to get it moved.

casper_g

Personally, I'd probably leave the device where it is, even if it ends up in the garage. Many water/gas/electricity meters are located inside properties and can't be accessed except when the occupier is home.

If you were feeling nice, maybe you could contact them and let them know they would be welcome to move it (at their own cost) if they want to.

zaax

If its water co. property leave it, though ring them up to see what they say. If its going to cost just leave it where it is. But if you do move it use a terminal block

paulpud

Thanks guys, perhaps I am just being too nice!

It seems such an easy job to do especially as a spark but maybe I'll just have a word with them.