The Oil Drum | DrumBeat: July 21, 2006

321 comments on DrumBeat: July 21, 2006

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totoneila on July 21, 2006 - 4:35pm

Hello TODers,

If you are going to steal electricity, stealing an extra electrical meter is a pretty clever way to do it. I would imagine the Tanzanians use their regular meter for 3 weeks, then switch to the stolen unit for the week prior to when the utility company meter-reader arrives to determine the monthly billing. After he/she leaves, then switch back to the original unit for more free juice [this process only takes a few minutes to accomplish due to snap-in, snap-out design]. A unique theft tactic if you ask me!

Bob Shaw in Phx,Az Are Humans Smarter than Yeast?

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pondlife on July 22, 2006 - 7:59am

You could just make 2 connections before the meter and get it free.

There is a gizmo you can make that requires only 1 low power connection before the meter and 2 after it [ie any domestic wall socket]. It will subtract x kilowatts from the meter measurement, where x depends on the internal construction.

I met a guy who used to hire them out for a few weeks before meter readings..

At one time, I believe you could drive round gas meters with a vacumn cleaner after they were removed.

Then again, our water is unmetered, so just run a generator from the tap.

All ranked up there with treason, if you get caught.

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TN Granny on July 22, 2006 - 8:07am

Yeah, and electric distributors (at least in this area) have software programs which can identify habitual thieves from usage records. I know because I hace worked on such programs. In our area people who bypass meters are usually either running an underground 'weed' growing farm or a moonshine still in the barn and don't want to appear to be using unusual ammounts of electricity.

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321 comments on DrumBeat: July 21, 2006

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