malcolminthemiddle Posted February 23, 2021 Share Posted February 23, 2021 Is there a better alternative to this standard PEA aluminium meter box? The PEA box is of low quality and quickly deteriorates. Thanks in advance. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crossy Posted February 23, 2021 Share Posted February 23, 2021 You should be able to get your local metal basher to knock up something in stainless or regular steel (painted or powder coated). Just take some photos and measurements to your chosen man. If you have a local specialist 'lectrical supplier they may have something available, whether it's actually going to be any better than the PEA offering is debatable. BUT The box, like the meter inside, belongs to PEA, so mucking about with it may not be permitted. Best to talk to them first, it's not like it can be hidden. Fixing it to the pole in a remotely straight manner would improve things aesthetically, maybe a lick of paint. Aluminium should actually be pretty inert once it builds a layer of oxide (grey in colour) so just leaving it alone for a few months and letting it weather may actually be the best option. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThaidDown Posted February 23, 2021 Share Posted February 23, 2021 Just add a couple of Hello Kitty stickers.... sorted. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bankruatsteve Posted February 23, 2021 Share Posted February 23, 2021 Is it normal to have a box? Around here, it's just the meters fastened to the pole. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crossy Posted February 23, 2021 Share Posted February 23, 2021 6 minutes ago, bankruatsteve said: Is it normal to have a box? Around here, it's just the meters fastened to the pole. 3-phase meters seem to have boxes at least in our area, maybe they're not quite so "weatherproof" as the single-phase ones. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KannikaP Posted February 23, 2021 Share Posted February 23, 2021 Wrap it in one of those old Tesco, sorry Lotus's, bags we used to get for free. LOL Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
topt Posted February 23, 2021 Share Posted February 23, 2021 The OPs picture could almost have come from our village except most of ours have an assortment of advertising stickers pasted to them. I have never understood why some individual householders don't at least try and keep the boxes straight or close the "door". PEA came and changed all the meters about 3 months ago. I did not notice them changing any boxes even though some are distinctly damaged. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Susco Posted February 23, 2021 Share Posted February 23, 2021 5 hours ago, Crossy said: 3-phase meters seem to have boxes at least in our area, maybe they're not quite so "weatherproof" as the single-phase ones. I have a 2 phase meter, and have the same box as the OP, hanging there for 9 years now, and I can't notice any deterioration. I hope you feed your goldfish in there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Golden Triangle Posted February 23, 2021 Share Posted February 23, 2021 5 hours ago, Crossy said: 3-phase meters seem to have boxes at least in our area, maybe they're not quite so "weatherproof" as the single-phase ones. Did you notice any deterioration of service ???? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Led Lolly Yellow Lolly Posted February 23, 2021 Share Posted February 23, 2021 7 hours ago, KannikaP said: Wrap it in one of those old Tesco, sorry Lotus's, bags we used to get for free. LOL The modus operandi is milk cartons, still available at no cost. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
malcolminthemiddle Posted May 2, 2023 Author Share Posted May 2, 2023 Is the PEA 3 phase meter polyphase? I have a 3 phase supply but a single phase solar inverter. Am I losing any solar benefit? Thanks in advance. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crossy Posted May 2, 2023 Share Posted May 2, 2023 If you have the spinning-disc type 3-phase meter it will sort out any excess on one phase for you. The electronic "smart" meters won't, so you could be losing out. If you have an electronic meter best you get all your daytime loads on the same phase as the inverter. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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