Is overload a common smart fault ?

AndyCF

Actually no one has answered the original question, has anyone else with this type of meter had that 'Overload' message ?

And to recap, no I don't have 10 fan heaters and kettles powered up at the time! I don't honestly think I have -enough- appliances to get anywhere near the limitation of that meter. The most energy guzzling electrical device I have is a 1Kw heater, well I think its 1200w, unless the vacuum takes more but that's hardly on a lot.

Gerry1

AndyCF wrote: »

However ( as far as I am aware, please please correct me if I am mistaken on this ) comms back and forth are provided via cellular networks not via the powerline itself.

In the North and Scotland it's long range radio from Arqiva, as Service Provider to the Data and Communications Company (DCC), and in the Central & South areas it's Telefonica's existing cellular network and complimented with mesh technology to provide connections in hard to reach areas.

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/770575/Smart_meters_Unlocking_the_future.pdf

BTW, you shouldn't have switched the microwave on...

AndyCF

Radio = Fail then (probably) compared to 'over the wires directly' at VHF or suchlike.

PennineAcute

As you said, a Google for overload on smart meters, just comes back with gas overload on prepay (which happens when you try and recoonect the gas, and an appliance is switched on.

So, no, I would not say it is a common fault. If it is a fault, I would say it is exremely rare.

AndyCF

PennineAcute wrote: »

As you said, a Google for overload on smart meters, just comes back with gas overload on prepay (which happens when you try and recoonect the gas, and an appliance is switched on.

So, no, I would not say it is a common fault. If it is a fault, I would say it is exremely rare.

Yes a cursory search did not turn up anything and I did not bother to search for the detailed engineers data/manual on the meter (not the regular 'consumer' manual nor the 'install' one, the actual detailed one)

Given my luck generally lately it would not surprise me in the slightest to be honest.

I'll mention it when I am capable/able*** to sort the gas switch account 'concern' out.


*** Its too complex to put here.

PennineAcute

Just think. You could have the honour of this fault only belonging to you. I bet you feel great

Owain_Moneysaver

AndyCF wrote: »

I'm not sure the latter is actually capable of it reliably given you'd have to send constant ID's out to ensure the right box responded.

If meters are grouped with say 100 codes randomly allocated, they only need send one code to turn off 1 in 100 meters, ie reduce demand by average of 1%, and that reduction will be spread around the country.

Combining with codes on a regional basis will allow 1% of meters in London to shed load by sending just two codes. That can be done very easily. You don't have to address each meter individually.

Sending a code to each individual meter to turn it off for non-payment isn't so time-critical. If you're on prepay on a smart meter top-ups can take 20 minutes or so to reach the meter.

Gerry1

Owain_Moneysaver wrote: »

Combining with codes on a regional basis will allow 1% of meters in London to shed load by sending just two codes. That can be done very easily. You don't have to address each meter individually.

You're far too trusting !

The energy companies will introduce an expensive 'uninterruptible' tariff that won't be liable to load shedding; only a wide area power cut or local failure will make the lights go out.

Meanwhile, the plebs will just have to get used to being left cold and dark every time the creaking generating capacity can't keep up with demand.

Gerry1

A good gas smart meter will display 'SHUT OFF APPLIANCES' if it has cut off the supply, made it available again but found that an appliance is still asking for gas: otherwise any hob burners etc left switched on would not re-ignite, risking an explosion.

Unfortunately, cheapskate gas smart meters only show 'OVERLOAD' because the display has insufficient characters. It's a daft word to use because most people associate it with an electrical overload.

I did wonder whether your 'OVERLOAD' message might actually be gas related because the electricity smart meter talks to gas smart meter. It could make sense if the gas meter is outside and difficult to access.

However, there does seems to be an 'OVERLOAD' warning for electricity as well, so it's probably just a glitch.

AndyCF

Gerry1 wrote: »

A good gas smart meter will display 'SHUT OFF APPLIANCES' if it has cut off the supply, made it available again but found that an appliance is still asking for gas: otherwise any hob burners etc left switched on would not re-ignite, risking an explosion.

Unfortunately, cheapskate gas smart meters only show 'OVERLOAD' because the display has insufficient characters. It's a daft word to use because most people associate it with an electrical overload.

Yes I can see how some might think of electricity when they see that word. I also am aware it 'tests' for pressure (?) before re-applying the gas normally, as you say otherwise something would be 'on' without being lit = not generally good news!

Gerry1 wrote: »

I did wonder whether your 'OVERLOAD' message might actually be gas related because the electricity smart meter talks to gas smart meter. It could make sense if the gas meter is outside and difficult to access.

However, there does seems to be an 'OVERLOAD' warning for electricity as well, so it's probably just a glitch.

Only one problem with that I don't have a smart gas meter. , (for various reasons) its digital but regular card. Interestingly when it was fitted it was not new and it had quite a reading on it, although I was mindful to make sure they recorded the reading that it showed when they installed it. Anyway its not smart in the slightest.