old electric meter replacement

wallofbeans

Hello All,

I've been dealing with my old dial electricity meter for a number of years but now I'm at a point where I'd like to find a way to get it replaced with something that isn't so hard to get a reading from.

The monster of a thing next to my front door must have been there 30 years and I'd like to change it. My gas meter was changed a few years ago and there hasn't been an issue with the readings from that since.

I thought I'd ask forum advice before talking to EDF (who I'm with for gas and electric currently) as I don't know how this works...

Can I ask for a replacement meter? It seems to still be working ok but it's often read wrong as it's so difficult to take the numbers from the strange little dials, plus it doesn't help that I need to get a ladder out to look at it.

I'm hoping it doesn't cost to get a replacement. But if it does, is there a cheaper way of going about it than just doing it via EDF?

Thanks all!

dj1471

You can always ask, they have to be replaced every so often anyway. Alternatively you could request smart meters if EDF are offering them in your area.

[Deleted User]

Its not really EDFs meter, it belongs to the local distributor and they do not go along with people deciding they don t like the look of their meters and wish to have a new one. Dial meters are very reliable meters, they re better than most of the digital ones , especially the meter they will probably give you if its changed ( ampy meter ). OK they re a pain to read and cause a lot of problems with customers who ve not bothered to read a few sentences and understand there odd way of reading them. The LCD display meters are also awkward to read also and are no better in my opinion, and if you have to get up a ladder to the dial meter it will be the same for the cheap little Ampy digital meter they have lined up for you. Best bet is to request a smart meter from EDF and they may put you to the front of the queue.
Make sure that you know what to do when the dials align on borders because thats where all the problems start.

wallofbeans

Is there a way of me being able to tell how old the thing is? I've been in this house since 1997 and it's been the same since then, and I got told a while ago some of the wiring is still from the 60's. When did electricity meters first get used because I wouldn't be surprised if this is an original...

I wonder if I can get some money for it on the Antiques Roadshow?

spiro

Quite often the meter will have a sticker giving the year it was last certified on it. If you post the make and model of the meter we can check the certification period which willshow when it should be changed.

Scrounger

I would be tempted to hang on to your old meter for as long as possible because it could be saving you money.

Reason: "Old meters never read high" - so I've been told by a reliable source who works in the trade.

Indeed, there could be some truth in it because its entirely possible that worn/dry bearings etc may slow the dial (perhaps that's why they like to change them every 10 years?).

Something to think about - because you can never go back!

Scrounger

lstar337

sacsquacco wrote: »

OK they re a pain to read and cause a lot of problems with customers who ve not bothered to read a few sentences and understand there odd way of reading them.

That's not very fair!

Even meter readers constantly read these wrong, and pictures posted here have users posting wildly different answers.

The simple fact is that the dials are a terrible way to present the data, and always have been. It has nothing to do with 'reading a few sentences'.

[Deleted User]

lstar337 wrote: »

That's not very fair!

Even meter readers constantly read these wrong, and pictures posted here have users posting wildly different answers.

The simple fact is that the dials are a terrible way to present the data, and always have been. It has nothing to do with 'reading a few sentences'.

It definitely helps with getting proper instruction on reading them correctly. The info I see from the suppliers is pretty pathetic though. They just concentrate on making sure you read the lower of the two numbers that the pointer is on. All the problems are when the dials align on or near borders, or they are read from awkward angles.
Meters are allowed to go further than the 25 years mark , its just that they re not guaranteed to be within the tolerance. My old dial meter was also older than 25 when it was changed to a smart.
You are right about meter readers messing it up and many can now expect more than ever read incorrectly. I work for G4S who read in the UK for BG,EDF, Scot Power and EON and now they are drafting in cheaper agency workers for cyclic work.Their training is fast and brief, a couple of days then they are on their own mucking up the dial meter reads. Some only last a week or so in the job so there is a big turnover. The moral is don t trust a meter reader , learn them properly yourself.

wallofbeans

spiro wrote: »

Quite often the meter will have a sticker giving the year it was last certified on it. If you post the make and model of the meter we can check the certification period which willshow when it should be changed.

It says 'CERT B87G'. It also has a sticker saying '12kW'

I'm not sure which bit of information is the make or model number but it says 'S 200 16 WATTHOUR METER' and 'SANGAMO WESTON LTD. ENFIELD MIDDX. ENG' and 'THIS METER IS THE PROPERTY OF LONDON ELECTRICITY BOARD'.

Can I post photos on the forum?

wallofbeans

lstar337 wrote: »

That's not very fair!

Even meter readers constantly read these wrong, and pictures posted here have users posting wildly different answers.

The simple fact is that the dials are a terrible way to present the data, and always have been. It has nothing to do with 'reading a few sentences'.

It's the meter readers that are the problem. I'm very careful to read it but have realised that the people I assumed knew better are often getting it wrong.

wallofbeans

sacsquacco wrote: »

It definitely helps with getting proper instruction on reading them correctly. The info I see from the suppliers is pretty pathetic though. They just concentrate on making sure you read the lower of the two numbers that the pointer is on. All the problems are when the dials align on or near borders, or they are read from awkward angles.
Meters are allowed to go further than the 25 years mark , its just that they re not guaranteed to be within the tolerance. My old dial meter was also older than 25 when it was changed to a smart.
You are right about meter readers messing it up and many can now expect more than ever read incorrectly. I work for G4S who read in the UK for BG,EDF, Scot Power and EON and now they are drafting in cheaper agency workers for cyclic work.Their training is fast and brief, a couple of days then they are on their own mucking up the dial meter reads. Some only last a week or so in the job so there is a big turnover. The moral is don t trust a meter reader , learn them properly yourself.

Agreed. The instructions on how to read them leave out some vital details and don't go into specifics. And I'm starting to think the meter readers just get given the same 'how to' guide and get sent out to do the job.