Solution to the Overload Error on a Prepaid Electricity Meter
Are you looking for a solution to the overload error on a prepaid electricity meter? A lot of South Africans on Eskom and on other providers have been complaining about this error. The over load error can leave you without power. So, what can you do to resolve it? The good news is that there are simple steps that you can take to get rid of this error.
How to solve the overload error
The following are the solutions to the overload error on a prepaid electricity meter;
- Switch off energy hungry appliances such as power tools, welding machines and ovens.
- Wait 30 minutes, after which your meter will have reset.
- Check each appliance to find the one that’s causing the overload.
- Talk to your utility or landlord so your power supply can be changed to meet your needs.
What causes the overload error on a prepaid meter?
That’s how to solve the overload error on a prepaid electricity meter. But what causes this error in the first place? This error is actually very simple to understand.
It occurs when you use more electricity in your home or office that your circuits are rated for. The error is meant as a warning to prevent damage to your system or appliances.
The consequences of overloading your system can be devastating. You could end up having fires in your home or office. It’s important, therefore to make sure that you do not overload your meter.
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How do you know that you are overloading your circuits?
Other than having your prepaid electricity meter display an overload error, are there other signs that you are using more power than your system is rated for? The good news is that if you know what to look for, you can easily tell that your system is is overloaded;
- Burning smells on your plugs
- Plugs that get burnt
- Appliances seemingly not getting enough power
- Switches that make a buzzing noise
- Your lights may dim when you switch on power hungry appliances.
What codes are displayed on different meters for this error?
The following are the overload error codes on prepaid meters that are most commonly used in South Africa;
| Meter Type | Overload Error Code |
|---|---|
| Hexing | 1000 or Overload |
| Itron | OvEr Po |
Summary
In this article, we talked about the overload error on a prepaid electricity meter. It was noted that this error is caused by using too many appliances that use up more power than your system is rated for. You can solve the error by switching off some appliances and waiting some minutes for your system to reset.
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