Extension of Ring Main & Readings

[SimonH2]

However, when that was replaced, the external timeswitch was removed, so all three subsequent (electronic) meters have presumably had internal (battery-backed-up) clocks.

Sure they didn't fit a radio teleswitch ?

 

[JohnW2]

Sure they didn't fit a radio teleswitch ?

I'm sure they didn't fit a visible (external) teleswitch, but I suppose that doesn't preclude the possibility of an internal one within the meter. However, given the uncertainties about the transmissions, have they actually installed radio teleswitches in 'recent' times?

I don't know (at least, can't remember) about the previous ones, but my present meter, although potentially pretty 'smart', does not have its ('optional') communications module installed, and I find it hard to believe that it would have a separate/additional 'communications' facility built in just for timings.. It also has the E7 times marked on its case, which rather suggests an internal clock, rather than being 'controlled' from elsewhere - and the fact that those times are 'GMT throughout the year' also seem to suggest that there is no 'external control'.

To resolve these uncertainties, I'll fish out my meter's manual later, and have a read!

Kind Regards, John

 

[SimonH2]

Yes, from your description it does sound like an internal clock & program.
Back to meter life, it really does look like the electronic ones have a shorter life than disk ones - which makes me think that they are a false economy, not to mention the amount of electronic waste from those that don't get acrefurb & back into service.

 

[JohnW2]

Yes, from your description it does sound like an internal clock & program.

Indeed - and now I've found the manual, everything is confirmed ....

Given that the battery is 'soldered in', it presumably could not be replaced by the likes of a 'meter changer'.

Back to meter life, it really does look like the electronic ones have a shorter life than disk ones - which makes me think that they are a false economy, ...

That could be argued. Of course, ones without electronics could not be in any way 'smart' and nor, I imagine, could they sensibly be made to cope with much more than a couple of charge rates (and would need complex non-electronic time switches).

Kind Regards, John

 

[SimonH2]

Well yes, disk meters will only do (typically) 2 charge rates. They usually have an external switch - either time clock or radio teleswitch. But since "smart"/electronic meters aren't generally being used for complex tariffs (remember that suppliers were told off for having complicated tariffs) then the limitations aren't likely to be an issue. Even the "get cheap rate all weekend" type offers can be handled with a disk meter and teleswitch

Of course, TPTB seem infatuated with the idea that "smart" (and hence electronic) meters are essential ...

 

[AndyPRK]

Meters were digital electronic long before smart meters had been thought off.

In this day and age a small PCB is cheaper than a precession mechanical assembly

 

[JohnW2]

Meters were digital electronic long before smart meters had been thought off. ... In this day and age a small PCB is cheaper than a precession mechanical assembly

Indeed - but, as Simon suggested, if the electronic ones have a much shorter life expectancy, then that might, over time, negate the advantage of their being cheaper to manufacture.

Kind Regards, John

 

[JohnW2]

Well yes, disk meters will only do (typically) 2 charge rates. They usually have an external switch - either time clock or radio teleswitch. But since "smart"/electronic meters aren't generally being used for complex tariffs (remember that suppliers were told off for having complicated tariffs) then the limitations aren't likely to be an issue.

Well, yes, but the suspicion/expectation surely is that 'smart' meters will eventually result in not only multiple charging rates, but charging rates whose timings are constantly changing?

Even my non-'smart' electronic meter has 8 TOU registers, although only two are currently being used for my E7

Kind Regards, John