Prepaid Meter Tamper Mode: Everything You Need To Know

Have you ever experienced your prepaid electricity Meter entering tamper mode? If you use a prepaid Meter for your electricity consumption, you may have encountered a situation where your Meter enters tamper mode. This common problem affects many customers and prevents them from enjoying an uninterrupted power supply. 

This usually happens when the Meter detects unusual activities in the Meter, which several issues can cause, as you will find out in this article.

In this article, we will explain what tamper mode is, what causes it, how to clear it, what happens when a Meter is tampered with, and how to get tamper codes. Let’s begin!

What is Tamper Mode?

Tamper mode is an advanced security feature designed to detect any unauthorised interference or manipulation with the components or wiring of the electricity prepaid Meter. When the Meter detects such activity, it immediately cuts off the power supply to the customer’s compound, house, or room, thereby protecting the Meter from being bypassed, damaged, or hacked by anyone looking to steal electricity or tamper with the billing system. 

This feature helps curb electricity theft and reduce the frequency of Meter tampering. If tamper mode is triggered, the Meter will automatically notify the utility company, which can then take appropriate action to investigate the matter and ensure that the system is secure. 

This is a crucial component of any modern prepaid metering system, as it helps to protect the integrity of the system and ensure that customers are not taking undue advantage of the system.

Causes of Tamper Mode on Prepaid Meters

There are several reasons why a prepaid Meter can enter tamper mode. Some of the most common reasons are:

Open Meter Casing 

The prepaid Meter is enclosed in a plastic or metal casing that protects the internal circuitry and components. Keeping the factory seal intact is crucial to ensuring the Meter operates correctly. Opening or removing the case breaks the seal and exposes the sensitive electronics, compromising the meter’s security. To prevent tampering and disable functionality, the Meter has built-in sensors that detect when the casing has been opened, triggering tamper mode.

 Electrical Tampering 

People who attempt to steal electricity may illegally bypass the prepaid meter’s measurement circuits. They may insert needles into the voltage-sensing ports or use strong magnets to slow down the rotating disc that measures power usage, tricking the Meter into under-registering load. However, the Meter has anti-tamper sensors that detect abnormal voltage, current signals, or mechanical interference and will switch to tamper mode rather than allow tampering. 

Power Surges

A power surge, usually caused by lightning strikes or electrical faults, can cause an abrupt spike in voltage or current entering the meter’s circuits. This can overload and fry the components. The Meter has surge protection to prevent damage to the meter’s components. If the protection thresholds are exceeded, it enters tamper mode to prevent component damage until the electrical issue is resolved. 

Loose Wiring 

Inside the Meter, there is a fixed wiring that connects the incoming power supply lines to the metering circuitry. Improper installation, corrosion, or vibrations can cause loose connections, overheating, and damage to Meter components. The Meter continually monitors power levels and transmission integrity. It switches to tamper mode if poor connections are detected to prevent internal faults. 

Short Circuits 

Direct short circuits between hot and neutral/ground wires can cause sparks, high heat, and current leaks near the Meter. The meter’s diagnostics will detect abnormal current flows and immediately trigger tamper mode. This removes voltage from the circuit to contain the short circuit before it creates fire or electrocution hazards.

How to Clear The Tamper Error on a Prepaid Meter

If your prepaid Meter enters tamper mode, you will not be able to use electricity until you clear the error. To do this, you need to follow these steps:

1. The first thing you need to do is contact your electricity distribution company (Disco) and report the issue. You can do this by calling their customer care number, visiting their website, emailing, or using their social media platforms. 
2. When you contact your Disco, you must provide them with your Meter number. They will use this number to check and confirm what is wrong with your Meter.
3. After you report the issue, your Disco will send a technician to visit your premises and inspect your Meter. They will check for any damage or interference with your Meter or its wiring. If there is none, they will generate a tamper code for your Meter.
4. The technician will give you the tamper code or enter it on your Meter remote controller. This will clear the tamper error and restore your power supply.

Note: They may not have to come to your premises if the issue with your prepaid Meter doesn’t warrant it. Suppose the case is not serious; you’ll be given a Tamper code to enter on the prepaid Meter, which will fix the problem once you enter the code correctly.

What Happens When a Meter Is Tampered?

It’s important to know that tampering with a prepaid Meter is not only a technical issue but also a serious crime. Anyone who tampers with their Meter can face dire consequences, including safety risks and hazards. Tampering with a Meter can cause electric shocks, burns, fires, explosions, or injuries that can harm your health, damage your property, or even result in death. 

It’s also important to understand that tampering with a Meter is a violation of the Electricity Power Sector Reform Act of 2005 and the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) regulations. If you’re caught tampering with your Meter, you’ll be prosecuted and penalised according to the law. This can include fines, imprisonment, disconnection, or even blacklisting. It’s crucial to stay safe and legal by not tampering with your prepaid Meter.

How to Get Tamper Codes

Searching for tamper codes online or from unauthorised sources may be tempting if your prepaid Meter enters tamper mode. However, obtaining tamper codes from unapproved sources can be dangerous, ineffective, and time-consuming. 

The only reliable and legitimate way to get tamper codes is by contacting your electricity distribution company and following their instructions to remove the tamper code. 

You can contact them online through their social media handles or by calling them on their mobile number, which is available on their website. If this takes time or proves ineffective, walk into their office close to you and lodge your complaints. The issue will be resolved, and you’ll be given a tamper code to enter on your prepaid Meter.

How to Get Tamper Code From PHED (Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Plc)

To get a tamper code, call 070022557433, 09087838800, or 09087838801 to talk to a customer care agent who will give you a tamper code that you can input on your prepaid meter to regain access and power.

You can chat their Telegram bot and get a tamper code to remove your prepaid meter from tamper mode. You can also send them a message on WhatsApp to get a tamper code.

Once you get the tamper code, type the code on your prepaid meter and hit the enter button and your meter will exit tamper mode.

How to Get Tamper Code From AEDC (Abuja Electricity Distribution Plc)

There are three ways to get a Tamper code from Abuja Electricity Distribution Company: you either call them on the phone, visit any of their offices close to you or chat with them online to get the Tamper code. Follow the instructions below:

1. Visit any of their offices close to you in person with your meter number and tell them the issue you have, and you’ll be given a tamper code.
2. If you can’t go in person, call them on their customer care line, 08039070070, and request a tamper code.
3. You can chat with them on 08152141414 or 08152151515, and an agent will attend to you and give you a tamper code for your prepaid meter.

You can also reach out to them on any of their social media handles and chats:

• Telegram
• Facebook: abujaelectricity
• Twitter (X): aedcelectricity
• Instagram: aedcelectricity
• Linkedin: Abuja-electricity-distribution-plc-520775151

How to Get Tamper Code From BEDC (Benin Electricity Distribution Company)

To get a tamper code from Benin Electric, walk into any of their offices close to you or call them on their customer care line, 07080671191. You’ll be given a tamper code to fix the issue with your prepaid meter.

Alternatively, you can chat them up on any of their social media handles, and you’ll be given a tamper code. Below are their social media handles:

1. Facebook: Beninelectric
2. Twitter (X): Beninelectric
3. Instagram: beninelectric

Note: Calling them is quicker and more effective than reaching out to them on social media, as it may take time before they respond to you and resolve the issue you have.

How to Get Tamper Code From EKEDC (Eko Electricity Distribution Plc)

To get a Tamper code from the Eko Electricity Distribution company, if you have an issue with your prepaid meter in any of their coverage areas, then you need to call them on any of their customer care lines, 0708 067 1170 or 0700 123 5666. Once you get through, tell them the issue you have and request a tamper code. You’ll be required to provide your meter number, and you’ll be charged for the call as calls to the line isn’t tolll-free.

You can also reach out to them on any of their social media handles below:

• Facebook: ekoelectricity
• Twitter: EKOELECTRICITY

However, it is worth knowing that you may get a reply after the due date, so you either call them on their customer care lines above or walk into any of their offices close to you.

How to Get Tamper Code From EEDC (Enugu Electricity Distribution Plc)

You can chat with them on the EEDC website by tapping the chat bubble at the bottom of the page and filling out the required information on the form, which includes your name, phone number, and email address; then hit the start chat button and wait to be connected to an agent, then make your complaints.

You can also call their telephone line at 084700100 to get a tamper code. You can also reach out to them on any of their social media handles below:

• Facebook: enugudisco
• Twitter: enugudisco
• Instagram: enugu_disco

How to Get Tamper Code From IBEDC (Ibadan Electricity Distribution Plc)

Call them on 07001239999 or chat with their bot, Imole, on their website to get a tamper code that you can use to resolve the issue with your prepaid meter. You can also reachout to them on any of their social media handles below:

1. Instagram:ibedc
2. Twitter: IBEDC_NG
3. Facebook: ibedc

How to Get Tamper Code From IKEDC (Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company)

The most effective and fast way to get your meter tamper code is to call them at 01-7000-250, or 01-227-2940. You can also reach out to them on any of their social media handles below:

1. Instagram:ikejaelectric
2. Twitter: ikejaelectric
3. Facebook:ikejaelectric

How to Get Tamper Code From JEDC (Jos Electricity Distribution Plc)

Walk into any of their offices close to you to get a tamper code or token that you can use to clear the error code on your prepaid meter. You can also call them on any of their customer care lines, +234 706-940-3531, or +234 811-179-3291.

You can chat with them on any of their social media handles below to also get a tamper code or token to fix the issue with your prepaid meter:

1. Facebook: jedplc
2. Twitter: josdisco
3. Instagram:officialjedplc

How to Get Tamper Code From KAEDCO (Kaduna Electricity Distribution Plc)

You can walk into any of their offices close to you to get a tamper code or token that you can use to clear the error code on your prepaid meter. You can also call them on any of their customer care lines, 08174035711, or 08189884459.

You can chat with them on any of their social media handles below to also get a tamper code or token to fix the issue with your prepaid meter:

1. Facebook:kadunaelectricserve
2. Twitter: kadunaelectric
3. Instagram:kadunaelectric

How to Get Tamper Code From KEDC (Kano Electricity Distribution Plc)

To get a Tamper code from the Kano Electricity Distribution Company, call their customer care line on +234-700-5555-1111. You can also chat them on any of the social media handles below to get a Tamper code to fix your prepaid metre:

• Facebook: kedcoplc
• Twitter: kedcoplc

How to Get Tamper Code From YEDC (Yola Electricity Distribution Company Plc)

The quickest and most effective way to get a Tamper code from the Yola Electricity Distribution Company is to call their customer care line or walk into any of their offices close to you. You can call them at 09038853342.

If you prefer talking to them on social media, you can chat with them on any of the social media handle or pages below:

1. Twitter: YolaDisco1
2. Facebook: yolaelectric

You can try chatting with YEDC on Whatsapp to get the issues or your complaint resolved immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Clear Tamper Code?

It is the code generated to clear issues on Meters that are in tamper mode.

How Do I Know if My Meter Is on Tamper?

The display panel will indicate a symbol of an open relay, and there will be no power supply. The prepaid Meter may be blinking red and displaying an error code, which you’ll need tamper codes to remove.

How Long Does It Take to Clear the Tamper Error?

It depends on how quickly you contact your electricity distribution company, how soon they send a technician to visit your premises, or how fast you get the tamper code and punch it on your prepaid Meter. This can take from a few hours to a few days.

How Much Does It Cost to Clear the Tamper Error?

It depends on the policy of your electricity distribution company and the extent of the damage or interference with your Meter. Some companies may charge you a fee for clearing the tamper error, while others may do it for free.

How Can I Prevent My Meter From Entering Tamper Mode?

Below are some of the many ways to prevent your prepaid Meter from entering Tamper Mode:

1. You can prevent your Meter from entering tamper mode by following these tips:
2. Do not open or remove the Meter cover or contactor without authorization.
3. Do not change or bypass the meter’s functions or settings without permission.
4. Do not insert foreign objects, use magnets, hack the software, or connect wires directly to the source.
5. Ensure that the wiring of the Meter or its installation is done properly and correctly.
6. Protect your Meter from sparks or short circuits due to faulty connections, power surges, lightning strikes, or other electrical faults.
7. Report any damage or interference with your Meter immediately to your electricity distribution company.

Conclusion

Prepaid Meter tamper mode is a common issue that affects many customers in Nigeria. Various factors include an open Meter cover, unauthorised interference with the Meter, sparks, or poor wiring. To clear the tamper error, contact your electricity distribution company and provide them with your Meter number and other details. They will send a technician to visit your premises to fix the issue or give you a Tamper code you can use to fix the problem yourself.

Tampering with a Meter is a technical problem and a legal offence. It can expose you and others to safety risks and hazards such as electric shocks, burns, fires, explosions, or injuries. It can also result in legal consequences and penalties such as fines, imprisonment, disconnection, or blacklisting.