Smart meters

[Lynnie]

Would anyone know if putting a SM into dumb mode stops it emitting radiation? And also if putting a shield or cage over one would stop it from emitting radiation?

Thanks

[Grahame]

Hi Lynnie,

It might depend on the model of meter, but I don't think that putting it into 'dumb mode' would stop it trying to transmit.

Shielding the meter is possible, but you would need to cover it completely, including the back of it that's against the wall, to eliminate all radiation. Then of course, the utility company might wonder why they are not receiving any signals from it!

I've had good success with this Wi-Fi Router Shield, which would certainly be worth a try.

There is similar information in this thread.

[Lynnie]

Thank you, Grahame. I've not got one at the moment, I am just doing a bit of research in case the day comes. That product you recommended looks good.

[Lynnie]

I've had good success with this Wi-Fi Router Shield, which would certainly be worth a try.

Would this shield stop a reading being sent to the energy company? Are there any covers, such as these materials I've seen, that lower or stop EMF but allow the reading to be picked up the the energy company?

[Grahame]

Would this shield stop a reading being sent to the energy company? Are there any covers, such as these materials I've seen, that lower or stop EMF but allow the reading to be picked up the the energy company?

In short, no. If you're completely blocking the emissions from the meter, then it's not going to be able to communicate with the network to send your readings. Think of it like a mobile phone that's not getting a strong enough signal.

Mesh-type covers might still allow enough signal to escape whilst still reducing the levels of emfs to a safer level. Mobile phones can operate on much lower levels than we are currently exposed to from masts, and the same applies to smart meters.

[Lynnie]

Thanks Graham, so I guess it's going to be down to experimenting with some mesh to see if I can reduce EMF but not shut it off completely from sending a signal.

[Grahame]

If you do manage to completely block the emissions, the utility company will probably either; a) send an engineer round to figure out what's going on and/or replace the (apparently faulty) meter; b) start charging you outrageously overpriced estimated rates; or c) ask you to submit manual readings.

Option c) is obviously the most desirable outcome, short of replacing the meter with a non-smart one - which they might do with option a)!