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From: liz@poppyrecords.invalid.invalid (Liz Tuddenham)
Newsgroups: sci.electronics.design
Subject: Re: energy in UK
Date: Thu, 17 Apr 2025 15:38:45 +0100
Organization: Poppy Records
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Don Y <blockedofcourse@foo.invalid> wrote:

> On 4/17/2025 4:36 AM, Liz Tuddenham wrote:
> > Don Y <blockedofcourse@foo.invalid> wrote:
> > 
> > [...]
> >> I've heard rumors that some can also be used to disconnect power
> >> (for non-payment) but think that would be hard in the volume
> >> typically set aside for the meter (?)
> > 
> > In the UK, that appeared to be the main reason the electricity compaines
> > rushed to install them; anyone who didn't pay or disputed their bill
> > could be threatened with being cut off without any necessity to gain
> > access to the premises.  Rather late in the day, this was made illegal
> > and the drive to fit 'smart' meters suddenly vanished.
> 
> What are they using to disconnect the (typical) two 100A legs?

Most UK domestic premises are on single-phase 240v, with the neutral
earthed at the sub-station.  This means there is only one leg to
disconnect, so a latching relay with one set of 100A contacts is
sufficient.  (I remember seeing a video of 'Big Clive" dismantling one -
it may still be on YouTube somewhere.)
>

> Here, there is value in having solid state metering.  It allows
> different monitoring schemes to be implemented without requiring a
> completely different mechanical metering system.  Eliminates
> the meter reader.  Provides dynamic load monitoring at the customer
> level.  Remote fault detection.  etc.

Most of which benefits the supplier, not the consumer.


-- 
~ Liz Tuddenham ~
(Remove the ".invalid"s and add ".co.uk" to reply)
www.poppyrecords.co.uk