The Electrical Safety Council’s (ESC) concerns about the smart meter design and its potential impact on contractor safety and small businesses are – despite initial indications to the contrary – still being considered by the Department for Energy and Climate Change (DECC).
The ESC, whose recommendations are supported by a range of industry bodies, wants an isolating switch built into smart meters. This would allow contractors a simple and safe means of isolating the electricity supply in UK homes when necessary - such as for the replacement of a consumer unit.
Currently, the only way to isolate the supply is to remove the electricity distributor’s cut-out fuse but electricians are not authorised to do this. Previous efforts to provide such authorisation have been blocked by the electricity supply industry.
“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to provide a simple and relatively inexpensive engineering solution to a major obstacle to safe working practice and consumer protection; and we believe our recommendations are both financially and operationally justified”, explains Mike Clark, ESC Technical Director. “We welcome the fact that DECC has now decided – following expressions of our concern – to make the isolating switch proposal part of a forthcoming public consultation.”
The ESC is aware that, despite being unauthorised, many electrical contractors remove cut-out fuses when necessary, as the legitimate alternatives costs time and money - for both contractors’ businesses and their clients. As only supply industry personnel currently have the required authorisation to remove and replace cut-out fuses, a visit would need to be booked and a fee for the service paid.
However, this situation - whereby a considerable number of temporary de-energisations in UK homes are undertaken by unauthorised individuals every day – cannot continue. Smart meters are being designed to give a ‘last gasp’ alarm signal if the supply to the meter is cut. This will immediately alert the authorities to any unauthorised removal of a cut-out fuse.
If you would like to make your views known about how an isolating switch in smart meters would significantly improve things for your business and customers, why not contact your MP to draw attention to the issues. You can find details of your local MP by going to www.theyworkforyou.com.
In its discussions with DECC and supply industry bodies, the ESC has highlighted a number of other electrical safety concerns relating to the smart meter programme, including the consequences of disturbing meter tails during the installation process.
“Meter tail connections at the main switch in consumer units may be loosened when meters are replaced, creating a possible fire hazard”, adds Mike Clark. “We would therefore like to see the meter installer having to check the tightness of these connections before re-energising installations, something that is not currently being made a requirement.”