Do Smart Meters Cause House Fires

Do Smart Meters Cause House Fires [You'll Be Surprised]

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Published on May 13th, 2023

Joel Efosa

Author | Real Estate Investor



Smart meters are electronic devices that measure the amount of electricity you use in your home or business, enabling more efficient energy usage and helping manage utility bills. Electric companies are installing smart meters to modernize their wireless communication systems, utilizing radio frequency (rf) technology, and making it easier for consumers to understand how much power they're using. Thousands of customers have had these installations, and experts have touted the benefits, including potential energy saving. However, there have been concerns and investigations into the risk of fire hazards associated with them.


Smart meters do not cause fires independently, but there are several situations where a smart meter can contribute to a fire hazard.


A faulty smart meter could overheat and burst into flames. If you notice any smoke or sparks coming from your meter, shut off the power at the main circuit breaker box until the problem is resolved by an electrician or a person from your utility company. Don't hesitate to seek advice from experts in this field.


Electrical wiring inside the house can short out if it's damaged or worn down by age and wear and tear. It can lead to overheating and fire. Call an electrician immediately before things get worse if you notice any overheating signs — such as hot spots on light fixtures. And don't try to repair electrical wiring unless you know what you're doing!


Gas engineers are often tasked with installing smart meters, equipped with wireless communication systems to send usage data to utility companies at a set rate.

gas engineer installing

How Do Smart Meters Cause House Fire?

The answer depends on who you ask. There are two main theories: one claims that the smart meters cause fires; the other says that their installation causes fires by causing gas leaks from pipes or appliances. Both theories have some merit, but neither has been proven as a fact.

British gas engineer installing

What Percentage Of House Fires Are Started By Smart Meters?

When Pacific Gas and Electric turned the power back on after an investigation, the power surges blew up several smart meters in homes. More than 80 fires were reported, and several home appliances were damaged. Homes that did not yet have smart meters installed reported no problems.

There are even lawsuits of faulty smart meters causing fires as seen on ABC.

meter socket

Why Are Smart Meters Catching On Fire?

The answer to that is simple: no. Smart meters do not cause house fires. There's no definitive proof that they caused any house fires. But why are they catching fire? Let's take a look at some possible reasons.


It could be a faulty meter or a subpar installation. If your smart meter poses fire hazards, you should report it to your utility company immediately so they can investigate the cause. It will help them determine if there was any negligence or if it was just an unfortunate accident.


If you think your smart meter may have been installed improperly or is malfunctioning, call an electrician right away. The sooner you replace it, the better off you'll be in the long run!


It could be faulty wiring in your home. Smart meters require extra power because they send data to your utility company every 30 minutes or so throughout the day and night (depending on when you use electricity). This constant communication can strain electrical systems, potentially increasing the risk of fires if there are underlying issues with the wiring or setup.So if there's faulty wiring in your home, this could cause sparks and fires during installation or from regular use over time. It is essential for a homeowner to schedule an inspection of their home's electrical system to prevent any potential threat.


Learn more are the Smart Meter Education Network.

utility companies

What Are The Dangers Of Smart Meters?

Some people claim that smart meter fires or explosions occur in homes. They say that electromagnetic radiation emitted by smart and digital meters can cause health problems such as headaches, nausea, and cancer, as well as damage the home's electrical equipment.


In some cases, millions of people have even gone so far as to blame smart meters for causing house fires, reporting these incidents to organizations like the EMF Safety Network. However, there's no scientific evidence that proves this claim at all or validates any direct connections between such damages and smart meters! When it comes down to it, smart meters are no different from traditional analog meters when it comes to fire safety — which means that one man's concern, perhaps based on personal experience, about smart meter fires may just be something blown out of proportion, amplified by noise surrounding the issue.

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Can An Electric Meter Cause A Fire?

The fire chief stresses, though, the answer to this question is yes, but that doesn't mean electric meters are inherently dangerous.###


Electric meters can cause fires for several reasons, each with different effects on the property.


A faulty meter can overheat, leading to electrical fires and explosions. If a meter is damaged because it was hit by a car or truck, it may leak electricity. The damage could cause the meter to overheat and cause a smart meter to go on fire.


If you have an older analog electric meter still in use, then there's a chance that it could come into contact with water during a storm and short out. It may cause a fire or even an explosion!


If you live in an area with frequent storms or heavy rain, consider having your analog electric meter replaced with a smart electricity meter so that you don't have to worry about this issue anymore!


Even a squirrel can chew at the wires and cause a fire.


A few other causes of fires are air fresheners, fans, toasters, mice, Christmas trees and dryers. Lets not forget about LED lights, batteries and furnaces.

electric company

Are There Any Disadvantages To Smart Meters?

There are some disadvantages to smart meters. For example, they can be expensive to install and difficult to replace if they stop working correctly. They can also be less accurate than traditional meters.


Sometimes, they may not be compatible with older electrical systems or appliances. If you have an old washing machine or other appliance that is no longer made, you might need to replace it before you can get a smart meter installed. Depending on your situation, this could cost several hundred dollars or more.

smart meter related fires

Maybe You Shouldn't Get A Smart Meter

There are a few reasons why you might not want to get a smart meter. First, they can be expensive. If you're not careful, you can spend a lot of money on a smart meter that you might not need. Additionally, the meter socket and panel installation may require the expertise of a gas engineer or other professionals, which might add to the overall cost of the system.


Second, they can be complicated. If you're not familiar with how they work, you might not be able to get the most out of them. Finally, they can be intrusive. If you're uncomfortable with having a smart meter program installed in your home, you might not want to get one.


The good news is if you know someone that's had a house fire and they're looking to sell their home, we'll buy it! Even if they need help pricing it or repairing it, we can help.

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