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| Thread ID: 143873 | 2017-05-01 22:41:00 | Smart meter installation issue | user (1404) | PC World Chat |
| Post ID | Timestamp | Content | User | ||
| 1434814 | 2017-05-01 22:41:00 | Last year, our electric company tried to install a smart meter in our home. The electrician saw we had an old meterboard and refused to touch the old wiring. He said it would cost about $1000 to rewire a new board so a smart meter could be installed. Recently, the electric company has contacted us and requested we get the work carried out so they can install a smart meter. Can they insist we spend money on rewiring simply so they can save themselves money by installing a smart meter? If the current switchboard is legal and safe, do we have to do this? Anyone know what the legal requirements are on this issue? We have had work done installing new fuses on the board when we wired in the garage and alarm system and no comments were made by the electricians about any unsafe wiring they found. There must be thousands of other older houses in NZ in the same situation as us. |
user (1404) | ||
| 1434815 | 2017-05-02 01:22:00 | We had the same issue at our local bowling club. The old wiring is no longer legal.:mad: Cost nothing like a $1000 $180 I think. | Arnie (6624) | ||
| 1434816 | 2017-05-02 03:54:00 | I am sure they mentioned a new switchboard as well as new wiring behind it so I don't think $180 would go far. Your work done was probably wiring only. | user (1404) | ||
| 1434817 | 2017-05-02 04:31:00 | The electrician saw we had an old meterboard and refused to touch the old wiring. He said it would cost about $1000 to rewire a new board so a smart meter could be installed. . What electrician? Theres? Get some quotes from others. You're stuck with having the smart meter, they are being phased out everywhere. Await your water meter too if you haven't already received one. BIL just got his, in Huntly. Rates down $200 a year, water $1.8something per kl. More expensive than ours.... |
pctek (84) | ||
| 1434818 | 2017-05-02 10:41:00 | What electrician? Theres? Get some quotes from others. You're stuck with having the smart meter, they are being phased out everywhere. Await your water meter too if you haven't already received one. BIL just got his, in Huntly. Rates down $200 a year, water $1.8something per kl. More expensive than ours.... Actually, I have just spoken to an electrician friend and he has priced a new switchboard and wiring to around $1000. We can afford to have this done but would rather not pay if there is no need. Current wiring is legal and safe. It only become illegal if any work is carried out on it and it is not upgraded at the same time. There must be a huge number of people in the same situation with old switchboards and unable to pay $1000. Just look at the current Stuff article on how many people (around 30%) have less than $1000 savings. www.stuff.co.nz |
user (1404) | ||
| 1434819 | 2017-05-02 17:34:00 | It would be irresponsible not to. If it is indeed the old wiring where the insulation exposes the copper due to age, it's a fire hazard, could seriously harm someone and it's illegal for any registered electrician to work on. That's why he can't go ahead with it. The cost maybe reasonable? It doesn't sound like a rip off as it's quite a tedious job. If you are paying insurance on the house. it should also lower your payments. Check with your insurer, they too want to lessen their liability. $1,000 to keep you safe, insure your asset is worth it in my views but it's your risk and I do hope it pans out well for you in the decision you make. I need to add, it also is better for the amount of devices and appliances that run these days too, can help against that as well. |
Kame (312) | ||
| 1434820 | 2017-05-07 11:46:00 | ....... Current wiring is legal and safe. ..... Are you sure it's safe?? In the 50s and early 60s houses were wired up with TRS (Tough Rubber Sheath). All supposed to be the greatest at the time but instead it crumbled with age. It may be OK at the moment, but any movement will see it turn to powder before your eyes. (it did before mine). That will be why no-one wants to put a new meter in - simply moving the wires around on the back of the board will stuff the insulation. Nowadays, it is all TPS (Tough Plastic Sheath). You need to check what yours really is and if it is TRS, then you need to check with your insurance company as to how it affects your fire cover. |
decibel (11645) | ||
| 1434821 | 2017-05-07 12:37:00 | Your board will probably contain asbestos then. | Arnie (6624) | ||
| 1434822 | 2017-05-07 23:26:00 | Yes I am. Two different electrician friends have installed additional circuits in the past so have had a look at the back of the board. I think the smartmeter installer looked at the board and assumed the wiring behind was original. It has been rewired behind, only the board and wires from the outside have not been upgraded. I have talked to my electrician friend at length last week and he says it is fine and safe. Just that if any work is done on the board, they legally have to upgrade any old wiring as they do the work. | user (1404) | ||
| 1434823 | 2017-05-08 01:22:00 | just tell them you don't want a smart meter - you are not obligated to! www.stopsmartmeters.org.nz |
bevy121 (117) | ||
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