How can I open an electrcity meter cupboard?

FutileBreadMachine · 31 Oct 2011 at 20:11

I've switched energy suppliers and now I have to give a meter reading to the new supplier, but I can't get into the stupid cupboard! :mad:

I googled it and it looked like I had to get a special meter/utility key and the guy at npower told me I needed a triangular key so I bought a pair off ebay and the things don't even fit in the keyhole!

I don't know why they made it so difficult to get into the cupboard, and I thought it would be common knowledge how to get into them since everyone uses electricity in this country.

Any ideas? I tried a screwdriver but there is nothing I can manipulate inside the lock, it's just a plain hole and the screwdriver goes all the way through to the other side, there is nothing that blocks it.

Edit: Arrggh spelling mistake in the heading, just noticed as I clicked submit.

robmol · 31 Oct 2011 at 20:12

Homebase/B&Q etc sell a 4in1 multisize triangle key I believe.

k3v · 31 Oct 2011 at 20:14

wilkos do too. snipe nose pliers should be ok too.

sorry, I skimmed your question, there should be a male triangle shape in there where you put a female key, looks like its snapped off ad its only plastic. when you get in you can buy the triangle thing on its own. you could try the pliers but open them out into the whole and try to turn what's left. there are a couple of websites that sell doors and locks, have a Google to see what you're dealing with.

FutileBreadMachine · 31 Oct 2011 at 20:19

OK, cool, thanks guys. I was going to buy the 4in1 thing from B&Q but then I thought I only needed the triangle side so bought these plastic meter keys which don't fit. I heard about the plier trick, but I don't have long nose ones, so I thought check if there is some other kind of key I need. Wonder what the meter readers use.

arknor · 31 Oct 2011 at 20:22

smash the door open then tape it shut

k3v · 31 Oct 2011 at 20:24

unless its some new kind its broke, everyone I've seen,has a triangle. they get snapped off though. you'll need to somehow try and turn it. I tend to ignore meter reading requests and they send someone out! mine was rivveted shut for a while also cos of kids. if you can't get in, you can buy a new door for 35ish and smash the old one off!

k3v · 31 Oct 2011 at 20:35

the latch needs to turn 90 degrees up toward the centre of the door iirc. if you cant do it, you could try and pry it open around the latch area, the latch is plastic so you shoul be able to break it. if the meter box is safe in your garder, just tape it shut

http://www.meterboxes.co.uk sell them

i couldnt believe there were websites dedicated to selling them!

J.B · 31 Oct 2011 at 20:37

robmol said:
Homebase/B&Q etc sell a 4in1 multisize triangle key I believe.

I got one of these from Robert Dyas as our electric box and gas box have different locks :rolleyes:

Bennie-Mac · 31 Oct 2011 at 20:45

I can open mine by hand, try a pair of pliers incase yours is stiff or broken.

Mercenary Keyboard Warrior · 31 Oct 2011 at 20:59

Ive used a small socket from a socket set before
You do not need a lot of pressure so anything that will get jammed in the hole will probably turn it

Beans on toast Dave · 31 Oct 2011 at 21:14

can you photo the outside of the lock?

FutileBreadMachine · 31 Oct 2011 at 21:21

k3v said:
unless its some new kind its broke, everyone I've seen,has a triangle. they get snapped off though. you'll need to somehow try and turn it. I tend to ignore meter reading requests and they send someone out! mine was rivveted shut for a while also cos of kids. if you can't get in, you can buy a new door for 35ish and smash the old one off!

Cheers, mate, but it's actually a full size door on the cupboard since I live in a block of flats. I meant to edit the OP to say that but thought I would try the plier trick. I don't know how the other tenants here have gotten their readings, the neighbours next door asked us for a key but we never received one. When we bought the flat the estate agent went downstairs with a screwdriver and somehow got in, so I thought I could do the same, but I don't know if someone has f'd the lock up.

I looked at tthe 4 way key again and one of them is a small cylinder shaped key with 2 "wings" on the end, and perhaps this is the kind they used, since it just looks like a plain hole. I suspected someone just removed part of the lock, but I can see the bolt is still in (preventing me from opening the door).