It seems that you're using an outdated browser. Some things may not work as they should (or don't work at all).
We suggest you upgrade newer and better browser like: Chrome, Firefox, Internet Explorer or Opera

×
Community
General discussion (archive)Smart Meters. Anyone Else Refusing Installation?(102 posts)(102 posts)
(102 posts)
Pages:
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
This is my favourite topic
Posted February 26, 2012
avatar
GameRager: You're telling me they can tell if you have either an air conditioner or some other similar power drawing device based on how much power you use? I would think they can guesstimate what kinds of appliances you may have by the power draw but not the exact numbers/types of appliances down to an exact degree like you describe.
avatar
QC: In my house the meter is right next to the circuit box. I don't know if it's the same for everyone but if so, they can read the outputs through every breaker, and guess by similarity what is used in each one. Also, most electronics of a certain device tend to be pretty close in what they draw. Example, my laptop's power cable draws in 1.5 amps of current at 100-240 volts, outputting at twice the current and a fifth the voltage. There should be a sticker on your box and likely, it'll give you a number that's pretty close to this one. Higher voltages are drawn by heating elements, meaning toasters, certain ovens, microwaves, hair drier. Many radios come in around 20 volts, at least the ones I've seen.
I thought those boxes just measure the amount of power being used by your house(total) and when, and some other basic info. You're telling me they check that much?
Posted February 26, 2012
avatar
QC: In my house the meter is right next to the circuit box. I don't know if it's the same for everyone but if so, they can read the outputs through every breaker, and guess by similarity what is used in each one. Also, most electronics of a certain device tend to be pretty close in what they draw. Example, my laptop's power cable draws in 1.5 amps of current at 100-240 volts, outputting at twice the current and a fifth the voltage. There should be a sticker on your box and likely, it'll give you a number that's pretty close to this one. Higher voltages are drawn by heating elements, meaning toasters, certain ovens, microwaves, hair drier. Many radios come in around 20 volts, at least the ones I've seen.
avatar
GameRager: I thought those boxes just measure the amount of power being used by your house(total) and when, and some other basic info. You're telling me they check that much?
The old boxes were like I said up there, a rotating needle that spun faster as more was drawn. That value was read and sent back. But it was easy to tamper, and it only tells you what's being used over a period of time. It doesn't give you an instant value. The new meters are digital, can't be tampered, and measure instantly every change in current draw. They can assume what's drawing those values of current, but from what I've heard the company tends to be pretty accurate about it.

What most people may not understand is that current isn't ONLY going into the house, it's also going out. It cycles, so they're reading what you take in, and what's left that gets sent out. Usually what's sent out is changed due to the resistances and impedences of your electronics. The voltage output drops down, and the current output goes up. Because of that, the meters can also tell if there's electricity missing from the circuit that isn't being accounted for.
Posted February 26, 2012
avatar
GameRager: I thought those boxes just measure the amount of power being used by your house(total) and when, and some other basic info. You're telling me they check that much?
avatar
QC: The old boxes were like I said up there, a rotating needle that spun faster as more was drawn. That value was read and sent back. But it was easy to tamper, and it only tells you what's being used over a period of time. It doesn't give you an instant value. The new meters are digital, can't be tampered, and measure instantly every change in current draw. They can assume what's drawing those values of current, but from what I've heard the company tends to be pretty accurate about it.

What most people may not understand is that current isn't ONLY going into the house, it's also going out. It cycles, so they're reading what you take in, and what's left that gets sent out. Usually what's sent out is changed due to the resistances and impedences of your electronics. The voltage output drops down, and the current output goes up. Because of that, the meters can also tell if there's electricity missing from the circuit that isn't being accounted for.
I understand but I thought the meters only read the input and output at the main breaker level(i.e. total input/output from house), not reading from every breaker. I never heard of such a thing.
Posted February 26, 2012
avatar
QC: The old boxes were like I said up there, a rotating needle that spun faster as more was drawn. That value was read and sent back. But it was easy to tamper, and it only tells you what's being used over a period of time. It doesn't give you an instant value. The new meters are digital, can't be tampered, and measure instantly every change in current draw. They can assume what's drawing those values of current, but from what I've heard the company tends to be pretty accurate about it.

What most people may not understand is that current isn't ONLY going into the house, it's also going out. It cycles, so they're reading what you take in, and what's left that gets sent out. Usually what's sent out is changed due to the resistances and impedences of your electronics. The voltage output drops down, and the current output goes up. Because of that, the meters can also tell if there's electricity missing from the circuit that isn't being accounted for.
avatar
GameRager: I understand but I thought the meters only read the input and output at the main breaker level(i.e. total input/output from house), not reading from every breaker. I never heard of such a thing.
I don't know how they attach the new meters to the breaker, but if they can be so accurate to measure every change and every electronic, that's the only way they can do it unless they want to estimate changes via one big lump sum.
Posted February 26, 2012
avatar
GameRager: I understand but I thought the meters only read the input and output at the main breaker level(i.e. total input/output from house), not reading from every breaker. I never heard of such a thing.
avatar
QC: I don't know how they attach the new meters to the breaker, but if they can be so accurate to measure every change and every electronic, that's the only way they can do it unless they want to estimate changes via one big lump sum.
That's why I asked all those things. I don't think they measure from each breaker but from the main input/output to the breaker box. I'd like if someone more knowledgeable(with good sources) could verify either way. :\
Posted February 26, 2012
They can already tell what time of day you're drawing around here and the only thing a "smart" meter does is let them read from the street (which probably enhances my privacy somewhat over having someone stomping around the side of my home to read the meter).

I'm not really sure what your real concerns are here.
Posted February 26, 2012
avatar
orcishgamer: They can already tell what time of day you're drawing around here and the only thing a "smart" meter does is let them read from the street (which probably enhances my privacy somewhat over having someone stomping around the side of my home to read the meter).

I'm not really sure what your real concerns are here.
The illuminati are working with Xenu(GASP!) to mess with the thetan levels of unwary earthlings, and has built these meters with plans from the Bildeburg Group & Trilateral Commission(stolen from the greys and lizard men) to read our minds(even through tinfoil hats and other such cooking ware devices) and influence who we vote for, along with how often we shop at Walmart/worship satan/etc.

/silly mode off
Post edited February 26, 2012 by GameRager
Posted February 26, 2012
avatar
orcishgamer: They can already tell what time of day you're drawing around here and the only thing a "smart" meter does is let them read from the street (which probably enhances my privacy somewhat over having someone stomping around the side of my home to read the meter).

I'm not really sure what your real concerns are here.
avatar
GameRager: The illuminati are working with Xenu(GASP!) to mess with the thetan levels of unwary earthlings, and has built these meters with plans from the Bildeburg Group & Trilateral Commission(stolen from the greys and lizard men) to read our minds(even through tinfoil hats and other such cooking ware devices) and influence who we vote for, along with how often we shop at Walmart/worship satan/etc.

/silly mode off
I'm sad because there's people who believe all of that:(
Posted February 26, 2012
avatar
GameRager: Dude, you're being paranoid here.......
Hardly. The cost of usage during peak hours will increase.

avatar
GameRager: Also how can they know exactly what you're using? Those meters(from my understanding) can tell HOW MUCH energy you use total and when but I don't think the outlets in people's homes can detect what types and/or brands of appliances you're using and relay that info to the power company
New appliances communicate directly with the meter, actually. From Wikipedia:
The HAN allows HVAC systems and other household appliances to communicate with the smart meter, and from there to the utility.
And maybe the worst that happens is someone at the electric company knows when I take a shower or look at porn or look at porn in the shower. Not a big deal but the bottom line is there is no advantage to forfeiting so much private information.
avatar
michaelleung: Does the OP live in Metro Vancouver, by any chance?
No, I'm on the island. That might be why I'm so "granola." :p
Post edited February 26, 2012 by Darling_Jimmy
Posted February 26, 2012
avatar
Darling_Jimmy: Hardly. The cost of usage during peak hours will increase.
-----------------------------------------------------
New appliances communicate directly with the meter, actually. From Wikipedia:
The HAN allows HVAC systems and other household appliances to communicate with the smart meter, and from there to the utility.
avatar
Darling_Jimmy: And maybe the worst that happens is someone at the electric company knows when I take a shower or look at porn or look at porn in the shower. Not a big deal but the bottom line is there is no advantage to forfeiting so much private information.
I meant about the spying, not the power usage being charged by when you use it.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
They can't tell what you're looking at on your PC.......at the most(if they really can tell what kinds of appliances you have on and when.) they can tell you have it turned on. Now your INTERNET PROVIDER....that's a different story. They actually can tell what you look at(unless you're ultra secure in your connection and know how to fool them.).
Posted February 26, 2012
avatar
GameRager: Dude, you're being paranoid here.......
avatar
Darling_Jimmy: Hardly. The cost of usage during peak hours will increase.

avatar
GameRager: Also how can they know exactly what you're using? Those meters(from my understanding) can tell HOW MUCH energy you use total and when but I don't think the outlets in people's homes can detect what types and/or brands of appliances you're using and relay that info to the power company
avatar
Darling_Jimmy: New appliances communicate directly with the meter, actually. From Wikipedia:
The HAN allows HVAC systems and other household appliances to communicate with the smart meter, and from there to the utility.
avatar
Darling_Jimmy: And maybe the worst that happens is someone at the electric company knows when I take a shower or look at porn or look at porn in the shower. Not a big deal but the bottom line is there is no advantage to forfeiting so much private information.
avatar
michaelleung: Does the OP live in Metro Vancouver, by any chance?
avatar
Darling_Jimmy: No, I'm on the island. That might be why I'm so "granola." :p
Hah, probably. The only issue I have with the smart meters that BC Hydro installed is that I really liked the spinning dials in the old units. LCD readings are so inelegant.
Posted February 26, 2012
avatar
GameRager: They can't tell what you're looking at on your PC.......
It was an attempt at humour. That is Vic Toews' dream, however and bill C-30 will release the specific details from ISPs, should it or another bill like it ever pass.
Posted February 26, 2012
avatar
GameRager: They can't tell what you're looking at on your PC.......
avatar
Darling_Jimmy: It was an attempt at humour. That is Vic Toews' dream, however and bill C-30 will release the specific details from ISPs, should it or another bill like it ever pass.
With you and other peoples how can I tell when you're being serious or smerious? 0.o
Posted February 26, 2012
avatar
GameRager: They can't tell what you're looking at on your PC.......
avatar
Darling_Jimmy: It was an attempt at humour. That is Vic Toews' dream, however and bill C-30 will release the specific details from ISPs, should it or another bill like it ever pass.
I find Vic's bill to be intrusive and disgusting. Why can't the man find his own damn porn.
Posted February 26, 2012
avatar
Darling_Jimmy: It was an attempt at humour. That is Vic Toews' dream, however and bill C-30 will release the specific details from ISPs, should it or another bill like it ever pass.
avatar
michaelleung: I find Vic's bill to be intrusive and disgusting. Why can't the man find his own damn porn.
Cause he's worried he's not seeing the best and wants to know where all the kinky shit he loves is?
Pages:
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
This is my favourite topic
Community
General discussion (archive)Smart Meters. Anyone Else Refusing Installation?(102 posts)(102 posts)
(102 posts)