Isolator switch in meter box

Deanicus

Meter.jpg

Hi,

I'm getting an ev charger installed but the company said I need isolator switches installed in the meter box first

I had a smart meter installed in Nov'21 and I've read a post here that isolators should have been fitted at that time. Circet told me that they only do that if the tails are too short but other posters suggested it shouldn't matter

ESBN want 186 to fit them + I've to pay an REC to cert the meter before they come out

What's the latest on this? Should I chance my arm and report it to ESBN as a fault?

meercat

I assume the charger company are wiring the charge point to the meter cabinet

If your charger company wire directly back to your distribution board then you won’t have this issue or cost

perhaps they’re taking the easiest option. I’ve yet to come across an installation that can’t be wired to the distribution board (albeit with a bit of extra work)

it will be a neater install. I personally wouldn’t fit an outside distribution board on the wall beside the meter cabinet

Deanicus

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120398730#Comment_120398730

Thanks

In this case a meter box wiring is justified

Our parking is at the back of the house, literally right beside the meter box. In order to hook into the distribution board, cabling would need to go through the back garden, kitchen and hall to reach the distribution board at the front door. A minimum of 2 holes but likely 3. An estimated 20-30 metres

kirk.

The isolators came in to allow the REC to connect tails on new work

It wouldn't be a fault if an installation didn't have one

Deanicus

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120398975#Comment_120398975

Thank you

This is the thread I was referencing: https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058178075/meter-cabinet-isolator

So I think you are saying that new installs require it but existing installs don't, even if the meter is getting replaced? Would love to see the attachment that was supposedly in comment #14 in that thread but seems it has disappeared

kirk.

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120399322#Comment_120399322

If they're not fitting them they're not required to

They were brought in originally for connecting tails on new work

Whether circet should be fitting them to enable tails and main boards to be isolated is probably a matter for debate

meercat

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120399322#Comment_120399322

https://safeelectric.ie/contractors/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2019/07/July-2019-Newsletter-Final.pdf

I’d say this is what you are referring to

meercat

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120398764#Comment_120398764

That doesn’t seem to be a reason to do a meter box installation. Just because it’s difficult or awkward.it’ll take a little more work/time.

kirk.

They must have done that live

Cabinets are not suited to that type of work