What is this (electric inlet) and can it be moved?

Soldato
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Don't know exactly what this is called so struggling to search for anything. But basically what's the electric inlet at the bottom called and can it be moved higher up the wall by the meter (not by me, obviously, just generally)?

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Looks like some kind of splitter box or transformer. Likelihood is that the main cable below terminates in it. So...you could move it, but then you'd have to have some other cable spliced in so you'd still end up with some sort of connection there.
 
The big wrapped bit from the floor is the armoured cable supplying your house. The box bit is your service fuse. Out of this are the cables which are feeding your meter.

You could get the service fuse moved (and updated) but you will always have a junction box there as thats where your supply cable stops.
 
Will have to be moved by your local electricity company (may not be your supplier) as it is their property and the fuse has a sccurity seal. You could have it and your meter moved to an outside wall (like most new houses) and this could then feed your consumer board inside the house via a smaller, neater, cable. Presume that would be expensive!
 
Keep in mind the panel behind the fuse is usually wood, but it's not that unusual for it to be asbestos - and the wrap to the cable coming from the floor is sometimes asbestos containing as well. If there's any doubt, get it tested.
 
As others have said it's the incoming fuse-cut out. The cable into it and the cut-out itself are the property of the Distribution Network Operator, it is illegal to tamper with it but most Sparks will have tags that'll replace the ones they cut to get access.

If you want it moving it may be possible to relocate it cheaply but it will mean the cable is 'pulled' back and reterminated along its length, the meter will all be relocated and the DNO will insist this is next to the cut-out. You will have to provide a space/enclosure for it.

Look on your current suppliers website for a Form to request moving your supply equipment. It's an easy form to complete, the quote is free to request without obligation. They're bound by their own T&Cs to turn a quote around in about 10 days.
 
Any idea how close your area is to smart meters?

We have our electrical meter in the kitchen and enquired about moving to the outside of the same wall and had a quote of £2k but advised it would be significantly cheaper if done when the smart meter is fitted so holding out for that and will get it done.
 
Any idea how close your area is to smart meters?

We have our electrical meter in the kitchen and enquired about moving to the outside of the same wall and had a quote of £2k but advised it would be significantly cheaper if done when the smart meter is fitted so holding out for that and will get it done.

That also depends on whether his new supplier actually supports smart meters...
 
That supply cable to your cut out fuse is likely paper insulated lead sheath (PILC), its not 'armoured' by the looks of it. Do not attempt to move it. If you want it moved then its down to your network operator to do.

Lead sheathed cable doesn't like being moved one little bit. I've been sparking for years and in way bigger stuff than domestic but I've learned my lesson more than once with that sort of cable, especially when you have no way to isolate it.
 
Will have to be moved by your local electricity company (may not be your supplier) as it is their property and the fuse has a sccurity seal. You could have it and your meter moved to an outside wall (like most new houses) and this could then feed your consumer board inside the house via a smaller, neater, cable. Presume that would be expensive!

This. As others have already said, it's your main fuse, or 'cutout', and is the property of your Distribution Network Operator (along with the cable entering the property). Only they and approved persons, e.g. meter operatives from energy suppliers (when working on their meters), are (officially) allowed to work on the cutout. As far as moving your service cable, though, it's the DNO's job.

Approach your DNO for a quote to move it outside (if that's what you want to do). You may have to employ the services of a builder to install an outside box for them to use and possibly co-ordinate the move with your energy provider to install/connect the meter at the same time.

I don't imagine it'll be cheap; possibly several hundred pounds, or even more. So you'll have to weigh up the cost vs benefits of moving it.

If you decide not to do any of that and just box it all in, say, then please consider the poor guy/gal that has to access the cutout and leave them the space to work. ;)
 
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If you could work out the side of the house it emerges on then presumably you could dig down to it outside, expose it and then splice a new cable on and install it wherever you wanted, and then slice the old one off at the floor level?
 
If you could work out the side of the house it emerges on then presumably you could dig down to it outside, expose it and then splice a new cable on and install it wherever you wanted, and then slice the old one off at the floor level?

Dumbest bit of advice I've read in ages RIP OP.
 
You as in the power company, not some DIY effort. Obviously.

If it could be done for a non-obscene amount of cash I would try and get it moved as it seems really badly placed next to a door.
 
If you could work out the side of the house it emerges on then presumably you could dig down to it outside, expose it and then splice a new cable on and install it wherever you wanted, and then slice the old one off at the floor level?

Dumbest bit of advice I've read in ages RIP OP.

This is what a dodgy builder did when renovating next door although with gas, but same principle so I'm sure there will be a dodgy spark who will do it on the sly.
 
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