Code To Unlock Prepaid Meter: Quick Codes for Eskom & Other Brands
Prepaid meters are commonly used in South Africa, especially in smaller towns and municipalities. There are reasons why using a prepaid meter is preferred over postpaid options. For municipalities and suppliers, it helps them reduce operational costs, prevent illegal connections, and avoid large amounts of unpaid electricity bills from consumers.
For households, it encourages you to use and budget electricity carefully according to what you can afford. However, using prepaid meters involves experiencing sudden lockouts that stop your access to electricity. When a lockout happens, you will need the right code to unlock prepaid meter. This guide will help you find the quick codes to unlock your prepaid meter yourself.
Why Does a Prepaid Meter Get Locked?
Prepaid meters sometimes lock themselves due to several reasons. When your meter locks, you need a code to unlock the prepaid meter to restore your electricity at home. Here’s why a prepaid meter gets locked:
1. Tamper Detection
Tamper means your prepaid meter detected someone trying to open or mess with the wires in a way that might be illegal or unsafe. When this happens, a “TAMPER” error or a red LED light will appear on the meter. It will then lock and cut off power to prevent the attempt to steal electricity.
2. Unpaid Debts or Fees
Your meter may lock if you owe money to your electricity supplier. This could be an unpaid previous postpaid electricity bill, and you switch to a prepaid setup to avoid payments. It could also be the charges for installation fees or connection fees. Your meter will either deduct a fixed percentage gradually from your top-ups or lock your meter until you pay off your debt.
3. Credit Limit Reached
Most prepaid meters have a maximum credit limit they can store. Topping up beyond this limit can result in locking, rejection, and display a “Credit Overflow” error. This could happen if you try to load large amounts of units during low-price periods to avoid future tariff increases unfairly.
Locking or rejection could also be caused by buying large amounts of units to bypass and avoid gradual debt deductions. For example, if you’re prepaid meter has a credit limit of 500kWh, and you have 480kWh remaining, buying a token for 100kWh will cause rejection or locking.
4. Power Surges or Technical Errors
Power surges can be caused by lightning strikes, sudden restoration of power after load shedding, or grid switching by your supplier. When this happens, your prepaid meter may lock automatically to prevent further damage until it is checked or reset. Technical errors can also occur if there is a disconnection between the keypad and the meter, memory corruption, or faulty wiring.
5. Expired Key Change Tokens
When your municipality or supplier performs system upgrades, you may receive key change tokens that need to be entered in a sequence before your top-up token. They update your meter’s encryption so it can continue accepting tokens. If you don’t recode within the required timeframe, your meter rejects the top-up tokens and locks out.
Quick-Reference Unlock Codes by Meter Brand
It is important to note that unlock codes may differ according to brands. You can’t just invent them or get them from third-party sources. You need to get them from authorized support channels or your suppliers. Here’s a quick reference to find the right code to unlock your prepaid meter:
Eskom
The code to initialise and unlock an Eskom prepaid meter is 1275 4194 1448 6450 5970. Enter this token into your meter’s keypad, especially if you encounter the error code “E01.” If you see the error code “NOT_Act,” enter the token 55555 to activate and unlock the meter.
If your meter shows a tamper error, you can call 08600 37566 to get a specific tamper reset code. You can also chat with this same contact number on WhatsApp, and Eskom’s chatbot “Alfred” will respond to your queries.
Note that there is no universal reset code for all Eskom prepaid meters. There are several types of error codes that you may see on the display screen of your meter. The good news is that you can fix them on your own without professional help by visiting Eskom’s official prepaid page.
Conlog
The code to activate and unlock a Conlog prepaid meter is #046. This works if your meter begins with “04.” After you enter this code, input your meter number, then enter your two 20-digit tokens in order. If your meter’s ID begins with 45 or 46, enter your meter number before the token.
According to Briefly, the reset code for tamper detection is 2580. Other codes include entering 0000 for a factory reset, 1234 for a master reset, 9999 for a diagnostic mode, and 5678 for a software update. For other error codes, you can check how to fix them on Straton’s channel.
Hexing
If your Hexing prepaid meter is in tamper mode or locks out, there is no universal code to unlock it. Avoid trying random codes online. The only way is to contact your supplier through their customer service channels to request a code to unlock the prepaid meter.
If your supplier or installer is Straton, you can visit their service channel for assistance. If you don’t know your prepaid electricity supplier, Hexing suggests searching your supplier at Power Measurement or easypay.
Once you know your supplier, find your meter number on the front panel of your meter or electricity card. You’ll need this and your account details when you reach out. After you receive a 20-digit reset code, follow your supplier’s instructions to avoid further lockouts.
Landis+Gyr
You need a unique 20-digit reset token if your Landis+Gyr meter locks due to tampering or power faults. This happens when your meter’s console shows a sad face icon with an open line. Note that there is no universal unlock code for Landis+Gyr prepaid meters. You need to call your vendor or the STss call centre to request a tamper token.
How to Find or Receive the Unlock Code
To unlock your prepaid meter, you will first need to obtain a valid code from the right source to restore your electricity. The code you need depends on the situation of your lockout issue. Here’s how you can find and receive the code to unlock your prepaid meter:
1. Identify Your Meter Issue
Check the error code displayed on your meter’s screen. It will help your supplier to diagnose your situation based on your error code or meter issue. If your meter is newly installed or replaced, you will need an initial activation code. Otherwise, different meter issues require different codes.
2. Prepare Your Meter Number
Find your prepaid meter’s serial number on the printed label of your meter. Your meter number is essential because the code to unlock your prepaid meter is generated based on this. If you can’t find your meter number, some brands have short codes to check it on your keypad’s meter.
For example, if you’re a Landis+Gyr user, the code to check prepaid meter number is “i000.” For Conlog users, press #100# on the meter’s keypad to know your meter number. For Hexing users, you can see your meter number by pressing “804” on the keypad.
3. Contact Your Supplier
After preparing your meter number, contact your supplier or electricity provider. You can reach them by phone using their hotline. You can also contact your supplier online through their official website. Explain to them the type of error code you encounter. They will then provide a prepaid meter unlock code.
4. Visit Your Supplier’s Office
If online or phone support is unavailable or delayed, consider visiting your supplier’s office or your local municipality provider to request a code to unlock your prepaid meter number. This is necessary for them to evaluate that you’re not attempting illegal connections. It’s also helpful for urgent cases or if you’re unable to receive the code online.
5. Receive Your Code
Once your request is approved, you will be issued a code to unlock your prepaid meter. For activation of a new meter, you will receive a special setup token. For tamper or rejection errors, you may receive a reset or clearing token. You may receive your code through text message, printed receipts, or email.
Step-by-Step: How to Unlock Your Meter
Once you have received a code from your electricity provider, the next step is to enter it into your prepaid meter’s keypad. Here’s how to enter your code to unlock your prepaid meter:
1. Ensure the Meter is Powered On
Check if your meter is turned on before entering the code you received. If it appears blank, press any button to check if it’s active. If the lights are off due to a disconnection or lock, your meter may still be powered internally. If not, check your main breaker or call your provider for assistance.
2. Enter the Code into Your Meter’s Keypad
Enter the 20-digit token you received from your provider. The code you received can either be an activation code, tamper reset code, or error recovery token. It could also be two 20-digit tokens for a Key Change Token during a system upgrade. Enter the code properly in the meter’s keypad and press the “Enter” or “OK” button.
3. Wait for Confirmation on the Display
After pressing Enter or OK, your prepaid meter should process the code. Watch the screen for a response. If successful, you will see a message like “Accepted,” “Activated,” or other similar confirmation note. If the screen shows an error such as “Reject,” review the code and try again.
4. Enter Two Codes If Required
Your prepaid meter may lock out if you fail to enter your key change tokens before the deadline of a national system upgrade. Key change tokens are normally two 20-digit tokens. Enter the Token 1 first, followed by the Token 2. Then you can try to top up again using your purchased 20-digit token.
5. Check for Restored Supply
Once your code is successfully accepted, your meter should unlock and return to normal mode. If your electricity supply was cut off, it should automatically reconnect within a few minutes. If your prepaid meter doesn’t unlock, contact your supplier for further help.
Pro Tips to Avoid Prepaid Meter Lockouts in the Future
Experiencing sudden meter lockouts can cut off the electricity to your home when you need it the most. Preventing the need for a code to unlock your prepaid meter is better than the trouble of requesting an unlock code. Here are pro tips to avoid prepaid meter lockouts in the future:
1. Avoid Overloading the System
Avoid running multiple heavy appliances simultaneously, as this may trigger overload errors. Control your use of appliances or use fewer appliances at peak hours to maintain a stable load on your meter. This prevents technical lockouts and helps you save electricity at home.
2. Keep Your Account Clear of Debt
Many are switching to prepaid electricity from a postpaid setup to budget power use and save money, especially when there’s an electricity price increase. If you’re switching to prepaid electricity, pay any unpaid debt you have from your postpaid electricity usage.
Additionally, pay any reconnection fees or installation fees you haven’t paid before loading tokens to prevent your meter from locking. Regularly check your account balance with your supplier. Clear payments ensure a seamless token acceptance.
3. Enter Tokens Carefully
Always double-check your 20-digit token before entering. Incorrect entries can confuse your meter and sometimes result in lockouts. Keep your purchase receipts for reference in meter issues. This is critical when your meter requires a prepaid meter unlock code.
4. Use Backup Power Smartly
When your meter locks out, it means you don’t have electricity at home until you resolve the issue. This can be inconvenient, especially if it happens at night. While contacting your supplier and waiting to restore your electricity, having a power backup can save you. Consider investing in a portable power station as a reliable backup during power interruptions.
Some models, such as the EcoFlow DELTA Pro Portable Power Station, can power almost all of your heavy-duty appliances at home. This is because it features a 3600W AC output with an expandable battery up to 4500W. This capacity is not only ideal for meter lockout issues but also for everyday use, especially if power cuts are common in your area.
EcoFlow DELTA Pro Portable Power Station
Conclusion
Knowing how to get your code to unlock a prepaid meter is essential for restoring your electricity at home. Whether you use Eskom, Conlog, Hexing, or Landis+Gyr, understanding the causes of meter lockouts and how to get the right codes helps you resolve issues quickly. Following step-by-step procedures and prevention tips can save you time, money, and frustration. Always work with your supplier to get legitimate codes and avoid third-party codes online. In a country where energy use is crucial, your knowledge of prepaid meters empowers you to stay prepared.
FAQs
How do I unblock my prepaid electricity meter?
To unblock your prepaid electricity meter, first identify the error code displayed. Then, contact your supplier and request a tamper or unlock code. Once received, enter the code into your meter’s keypad. After that, enter your 20-digit token, which you purchased for a top-up. You’ll hear a confirmation beep if the reset is successful, and your electricity should be restored. If the issue persists or you cannot unblock the meter, contact your supplier for further troubleshooting or assistance.
How to get activation code for prepaid meter?
You can get an activation code by contacting your supplier through their hotline or official website. If contacting them online is not possible, visit your supplier’s office or your local municipality provider. Prepare to provide them with your meter number and account details. They will verify your account and generate the necessary activation or reactivation code for your meter.
What is the 20 digit code for prepaid meters?
First, there’s a 20-digit code for activating your meter during the initial setup. Second, there’s a 20-digit code for top-ups or buying electricity credits, and you get a new generated token each time you top up. Lastly, there are two 20-digit tokens for the Key Change Token (KCT) during your supplier’s system upgrades. These tokens are also special and should be entered into your meter’s keypad in sequence before a regular top-up token is entered.
What is the code for free prepaid electricity?
South Africa offers government-provided programs, such as Free Basic Electricity (FBE), for poor households. You need to prove that you earn less than a certain amount per month. If you’re qualified, you can receive 50kWh of free electricity per month. Contact your supplier or visit your local municipality to learn if you qualify and how to apply. You can also dial *130*869# or *130*269 to request your FBE token.