Is it possible for someone else to put their electric use on my meter? How likely/difficult...?

Question

...is this?
Recently I discovered my neighbours had installed an illegal splitter junction on the underground cable where my broadband comes into the house, the only reason they got caught was due to the fact they didn't put a waterproof one on and it rained. Therefore I was unable to get my broadband I phoned the engineer who discovered this.

I am seeing some high electricity bills recently compared to what my bills were when I first moved in and it's strange as I've changed to 15 watt bulbs and other energy efficient methods.

So I'm wondering if I need to be concerened, the electric companys take on this is a £75 charge to look into it.

Any help appreciated, thank you.

Answer 1

Easy. Go to your fuse box and pull out or turn off the master fuse or switch. Then go look at your meter. It should be standing still. Now go back in the house, turn on the power and reset all the clocks and appliances.



If your bill is high, look for overlookable loads, like basement or closet lights, heated blankets in the guest rooms, attic lights. Or try turning everything off that you can think of, including the fridge, then see how fast the power meter is spinning. If it's still spinning you have some load you're not aware of. Go around the house unplugging the loads one room at a time until you narrow down the problem to one room, then to one appliance.

Answer 2

It is possible for someone to do that and it is of concern - it seems it must be too hard since you report they used a splitter. I am really surprised that the electric company charges for looking into it, but I really believe you need a way to protect yourself. At the same time, your electric company may do energy surveys to check to see if there is anything in your own home that you dont know about that could be using electricity. Hope this helps.

Answer 3

Especially if you live in a multi unit dwelling where the landlord or other tenant can splice into your metered service in the basement hidden from view. To check this theory, shut off every single light, appliance, computer off and unplug all devices. If you have a fuse or breaker panel in your space, turn off all breakers and go to your electric meter to see if the little flat wheel is still turning. If it is, then you are being piggy backed somewhere. You may have to try this at various times like in the morning ,afternoon, or night if the theif only uses your electric at certain times.

Answer 4

It is feasible, in gentle of your acquaintances prior try at "stealing" your pc line. Does your electrical power come for your condominium through overhead wires or underground? If overhead, there could be a line connected for your meter field. If underground, seem for any disturbed places at the floor wherein a splice could were mounted. Although feasible, it's hazardous to splice into electrical wires. Household home equipment that use bigger electrical power while in use: Air conditioning, cook dinner range/variety, water heater, fridge. You could wish to assess them for right operation and reset any thermostats to a cut down atmosphere if feasible. You too can seem on the meter studying for your final invoice, then take a everyday studying your self. Within every week's time, you'll be able to then inform if extra electrical power is getting used, certainly if in case you have your units at a minimal. One final factor - it can be a nasty meter. In the US, vigour businesses assess the meter itself with out fee.

Answer 5

Locate the electricity meter that belonged to the house that you live. Now shut down and unplug all electric appliances like computer,clock,charger,fridge,hot water tank,heater,stove....etc.

The meter should STOP completely (without seeing the wheel running ). If you still see the meter wheel running, someone might use your power. Then you can trace it by turn off the breaker one by one until the meter totally stop. The last breaker that you turn off is the place where the power was stolen.

Answer 6

Only if they are able to connect to your power mains downstream of your meter.



If your meter is adjacent to your house, it would be extremely difficult, unless they had access to areas in your house where they can disconnect your main power circuit breaker or fuse.



Even that would be risky and dangerous.



Not quite sure how your service is connected to your home in England (an assumption), but if someone is connected downstream of your meter, you can detect it by turning off all lights and appliances in your home and observing your meter. If the meter shows signs of activity (moving dials, disk, etc) there is something else connected to your meter.

Answer 7

it is possible, but as another poster has said, it can only be done by tapping between your meter and your fuse box. normally these are very close together, and tamperproof so you should be easily able to spot anything wrong.



If youu are worried, you could request a meter reading, and just ask the meter reading guy if it looks OK. you should not need a full inspection to find it.

Answer 8

Check that the rate per kW-h has not changed over the period.