How To Secure Meter Box (Following Prowler Switching Power Off)

Forums › Home Workshop DIY › How To Secure Meter Box (Following Prowler Switching Power Off)

1 | 2 | 3

loceff13

1065 posts

Uber Geek

#2428304 27-Feb-2020 15:10

Sounds targeted to me, given they likely came back with the screwdriver to do it and knew what they were after.

https://www.trademe.co.nz/home-living/outdoor-garden-conservatory/outdoor-lights/listing-2547500508.htm

Something like this which is cheap and light enought to be stuck or secured to an exterior wall would be a good deterrent without requiring a wired solution. A visible dummy security cam would also be a cheap option.

SomeoneSomewhere

1802 posts

Uber Geek

Lifetime subscriber

#2429114 28-Feb-2020 22:55

Do you have a picture of the type of switch?

Many can be sealed or locked in the off position, and most also in the on position. Some need accessories to do this.

None are really damage resistant, though - they're intended to stop casual idiots rather than the determined type.

Yoban

447 posts

Ultimate Geek

#2430076 2-Mar-2020 12:47

SomeoneSomewhere:

Do you have a picture of the type of switch?

Many can be sealed or locked in the off position, and most also in the on position. Some need accessories to do this.

None are really damage resistant, though - they're intended to stop casual idiots rather than the determined type.

Will see what I can do re image as I have "bolted" it up. From memory, there is a free standing (mounted to base of box) panel, that contains switch (brown bakerlite looking) and a fuse labelled HW (assuming hotwater).
It is not one of these https://www.brighthome.co.nz/products/3-pole-main-switch-for-meterbox-back-entry?variant=763980775433 which I think you are referring too and would be ideal.

frankv

5680 posts

Uber Geek

Lifetime subscriber

#2430082 2-Mar-2020 13:03

Whilst a fire in your house is extremely unlikely, you (or the Fire Brigade) might want to be able to quickly turn the power off. So I wouldn't want *my* meter box to be locked.

Turning the mains off is a standard burglar's technique to see if anyone is in residence. Come back a couple of days later and if it's still off, then no-one's home. So I'd thinking about a camera.

You could also do something like periodically pinging your home IP address from your work or elsewhere, and (assuming your modem/router isn't plugged into a UPS!) if it stops you know when the mains has been turned off again. This depends on you knowing your IP address, of course. Conversely, you could have your home computer send some kind of "I'm alive" signal (which could just be a ping) to your work or a cloud machine; if no ping arrives, you get a notification.

wellygary

8315 posts

Uber Geek

#2430122 2-Mar-2020 14:17

frankv:

Whilst a fire in your house is extremely unlikely, you (or the Fire Brigade) might want to be able to quickly turn the power off. So I wouldn't want *my* meter box to be locked.

We have a meter box that has no switch, just the e-meter, the switch is on the main DB/"Fuse" board inside the house.

Pretty sure this sort of set up is more and more common,

If the fire service need to cut the power I'm fairly sure they know how to pull a pole fuse if they have to..

Ge0rge

2052 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#2430124 2-Mar-2020 14:24

wellygary:
If the fire service need to cut the power I'm fairly sure they know how to pull a pole fuse if they have to..

Nope, not their job, not their equipment to touch. If they can't cut it at the box, then they'll call the ComCen who will in turn call the relevant power authority.

Tracer

343 posts

Ultimate Geek

#2432686 4-Mar-2020 18:35

wellygary:

We have a meter box that has no switch, just the e-meter, the switch is on the main DB/"Fuse" board inside the house.

Pretty sure this sort of set up is more and more common,

I hope they change the either the wiring rules or the regulations to explicitly require an external isolating switch. The requirements could almost be implicitly read that way currently given the exception:

AS/NZS 3000:2007

2.3.3.3 Location Main switches shall be accessible as follows:
(a) General Main switches shall be readily accessible and the means of operating such switches shall be not more than two metres above the ground, floor or a suitable platform.
Exception: A main switch need not be located on a switchboard nor be readily accessible where unauthorised operation may impair safety and the electrical installation is—
(i) located on public land; and
(ii) associated with telephone cabinets, traffic control signals and street furniture, such a sbus shelters, and the like; and
(iii) otherwise controlled and protected in accordance with the requirements of this Standard.

1 | 2 | 3