Code To Unlock Prepaid Meter in South Africa: Eskom, Conlog & Other Meter Fixes
The correct code to unlock a prepaid meter depends on the error message, electricity supplier and meter model. There is no universal unlock code that works for every prepaid meter fault. If your prepaid meter rejects a token, disconnects the electricity supply, or displays an error message, the first step is to identify the exact issue instead of trying random codes. The cause may be related to tamper detection, account status, technical faults, overload conditions, or KRN token updates.
Always match the display message with official guidance from your electricity supplier or meter administrator. If a meter-specific reset token is required, only the responsible supplier can issue the correct code.
Key Takeaways
A prepaid meter may reject tokens, enter tamper mode, or disconnect the electricity supply for different reasons. Always check the exact error message before looking for a solution.
There is no universal prepaid meter unlock code. The correct reset or activation process depends on the supplier, meter model, and specific error.
Keep your meter number, account details, and error message ready when contacting Eskom, a municipality, or another electricity supplier.
Some meters may require KRN2 recoding after the STS token rollover, while other issues require supplier assistance.
Avoid entering random codes, overloading the electrical supply, or buying electricity tokens from unauthorised vendors.
Why Does a Prepaid Meter Reject Tokens or Disconnect the Supply?
A rejected token, disconnected supply, and tamper lock are different conditions. Identifying the exact display message helps determine whether the issue is related to the token, meter settings, account status, or a technical fault. Check the exact display message and confirm which organisation manages the meter before choosing a response.
1. Tamper Detection
A “TAMPER” message or tamper indicator means the meter has recorded a condition that requires investigation. Depending on the model, this can involve the terminal cover, wiring, installation or attempted interference. Do not open the meter or alter its wiring. Contact the electricity supplier or meter administrator, because any tamper reset token is normally generated for the specific meter.
2. Unpaid Debts or Fees
Outstanding electricity debt, installation charges or reconnection fees may affect an account, the amount of credit applied from a purchase or the supply status. The treatment varies by supplier and municipality, so this is not the same as a technical meter lock. Check the account with the organisation that bills or supplies the property.
3. Credit Limit Reached
A prepaid meter has a configured maximum credit level. If a purchase would take the stored credit above that limit, the meter may display “Meter Full” or “Credit Overflow” and reject the token. Use some of the existing credit before trying the valid token again, or contact the supplier if the message remains.
4. Overload, Communication or Technical Errors
An overload, overvoltage or undervoltage condition may trip the supply, while a communication problem can prevent the keypad or customer interface unit from reaching the main meter. Follow the instructions for the exact error shown. Switch off high-draw appliances if the display indicates an overload, but contact the supplier or a qualified electrician for persistent technical, wiring or tamper-related faults.
5. Meter Still Operating on KRN1 After the TID Rollover
The Standard Transfer Specification (STS) Token Identifier (TID) rollover occurred on 24 November 2024. A meter that is still operating on KRN1 may reject newly purchased credit tokens and needs to be recoded to KRN2.
Eskom customers can enter 1844 6744 0738 4377 2416 on the prepaid meter keypad to check the status. According to Eskom’s KRN guidance, a display of 1 or 1.2 means the meter is still on KRN1, while 2 or 2.2 means it has been upgraded to KRN2.
If the meter is still on KRN1, contact Eskom, the municipality or the actual electricity supplier for the correct Key Change Tokens and recoding instructions.
Official Reset Guidance by Supplier and Meter Type
Start with the exact error message and use only an instruction published by the electricity supplier, meter administrator or manufacturer for that error and model.
Eskom
For an Eskom meter displaying “E01,” enter 1275 4194 1448 6450 5970 to initialise the meter. For “NOT_Act,” enter 55555 to activate it. These instructions are specific to those two messages and do not clear tamper, reject, customer interface or technical errors.
For a tamper or technical problem, contact Eskom on 08600 37566 or contact Alfred on WhatsApp using the same number. Eskom’s official prepaid error page lists which common messages can be cleared by the customer and which require support.
Use an Eskom reset code only for the error or meter condition it addresses. Do not use the E01 or NOT_Act codes for a different display message.
Conlog
For initialisation, technical or tamper-related errors on a Conlog meter, follow the supplier or official support channel for the exact model. Avoid third-party lists that present factory, master, diagnostic, software-update or tamper codes as universal consumer solutions.
According to the Conlog BEC21 installation guide, #100# displays the meter serial number on supported models. It does not unlock or reset the meter. Use the exact model guide or contact the organisation that manages the installation.
Hexing
Hexing tamper and unlock instructions vary by meter model and electricity supplier. Hexing manufactures the meter, but the municipality or other supplier normally manages token generation, tamper resets and the electricity supply. Use the Hexing Electrical SA support page or contact the relevant municipality or supplier.
Find your meter number on the meter label, electricity card or previous token receipt before contacting support. If a supplier issues a reset token, enter it only in the sequence provided.
Landis+Gyr
Landis+Gyr display symbols vary by model. For a tamper or service condition, consult the exact model guide and obtain any reset or management token from the electricity supplier or meter administrator responsible for the installation.
How to Get the Correct Prepaid Meter Reset Code
Start with the display message, meter model and electricity supplier before requesting or entering any code.
1. Identify the Exact Meter Issue
Write down the complete error code, message and symbols shown on the display. Record the meter model if it is shown. These details help the supplier distinguish a tamper condition from an activation, overload, communication, token or KRN problem.
2. Prepare Your Meter Number
Find the meter number on the printed label, electricity card, token receipt or supplier account. The supplier may need it to verify the installation and generate a meter-specific token.
On supported Conlog models, #100# displays the meter serial number. For Landis+Gyr and Hexing meters, consult the exact model guide or ask the supplier how to display the number because keypad sequences vary by model.
3. Confirm the Organisation That Manages the Meter
Check a previous electricity receipt, account, municipal statement, rental agreement or estate information to determine whether the meter is managed by Eskom, a municipality, a landlord, a body corporate or a private metering company. The manufacturer's name on the meter is not necessarily the name of the electricity supplier.
4. Contact an Official Support Channel
Contact the supplier or meter administrator through its official phone number, website, app or office. Provide the meter number, account details and exact error message so that support staff can determine whether a code or another troubleshooting step is required.
5. Enter Only the Issued Code or Tokens
Check that the meter or customer interface unit is active. If the keypad display is blank, check its batteries or plug it into a working socket as instructed by the supplier. Check the main breaker, but do not open the meter enclosure or alter its wiring.
Enter the code exactly as supplied and press the confirmation key shown in the meter guide, such as Enter, OK, # or the information button. The supplier may issue a short activation code, a 20-digit management token or two KCTs, or provide a troubleshooting step that does not use a token.
For a KRN1 recode, enter Token 1 first and Token 2 second, followed by the new credit token when instructed. Load any credit tokens purchased before the recode before entering the KCTs, because those older tokens will be rejected after the meter moves to KRN2.
6. Check the Display and Electricity Supply
Watch for an accepted, activated or similar confirmation message, then check whether the contactor or supply has reconnected. If the entry is rejected, check the digits once and record the new error message. Do not keep trying random codes; contact the supplier if a valid code is rejected or the supply remains off.
Tips to Reduce Prepaid Meter Errors and Disruptions
Authorised token purchases, accurate account details and sensible load management reduce avoidable errors and give support staff the information they need.
1. Avoid Overloading the System
Running several high-draw appliances at the same time may exceed the configured supply limit and trigger an overload trip. Switch off unnecessary heavy appliances and reconnect only as instructed for the meter. This also helps you save electricity at home.
2. Keep Your Account Details and Payments Up to Date
When switching from postpaid to prepaid electricity, check whether any previous debt, installation charge or reconnection fee remains on the account. Suppliers and municipalities apply their own debt and credit-allocation policies.
Keep contact details current and review the balance or deductions shown by the supplier. If a valid purchase is affected by an account issue, contact the organisation that billed the property.
3. Enter Tokens Carefully
Double-check every digit before confirming a token and buy electricity only from an authorised vendor. Keep the receipt so that you can verify the meter number, token and purchase if the entry is rejected.
4. Use Backup Power Smartly
A portable power station cannot unlock, reset, or repair a prepaid meter. However, it can provide temporary backup power for selected essential devices while you wait for the electricity supplier to resolve the meter issue or restore the electricity supply.
During a temporary electricity interruption, the EcoFlow DELTA 3 Max Portable Power Station can help keep essential devices running, such as Wi-Fi routers, lights, laptops, televisions, and selected appliances, while waiting for the electricity supplier to restore service.
Longer interruptions place greater demands on a home backup system. The EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 Portable Power Station offers expandable capacity for running several higher-power appliances and extending home backup.
Conclusion
The best way to unlock a prepaid meter is to identify the exact error, follow supplier-approved instructions, and avoid random codes that may not apply to your meter. Whether the issue involves a rejected token, tamper condition, KRN update, or technical fault, contacting the correct electricity supplier is the safest way to restore service. For unexpected interruptions while waiting for a meter issue to be resolved, backup power solutions can help keep essential household devices operating.
FAQs
Why Is My Prepaid Meter Rejecting My Token?
A prepaid meter may reject a token because of incorrect meter details, expired or invalid tokens, KRN1/KRN2 issues, credit limits, tamper conditions, or technical faults. Check the display message first and contact your electricity supplier if the problem continues.
What Is the Code to Reset an Eskom Prepaid Meter?
There is no single reset code that works for every Eskom prepaid meter issue. The correct code depends on the error message and meter condition. Use only codes provided by Eskom or the responsible electricity supplier for your specific situation.
Does a Tamper Error Mean the Prepaid Meter Must Be Replaced?
Not necessarily. A supplier may be able to restore the meter after checking the installation and issuing a meter-specific tamper token. Replacement is usually considered when the meter is damaged, faulty or cannot be safely returned to service. The supplier will confirm any inspection or replacement fee after assessing the meter.
Can a Prepaid Meter Be Unlocked Remotely?
Some smart prepaid meters can be reconnected or updated remotely, but many keypad-based prepaid meters require a code or management token to be entered manually. Contact the electricity supplier or meter administrator to confirm what is possible for the specific installation, and avoid paying an unofficial seller who claims to provide a remote unlock.
Why Does Tamper Mode Return After a Reset Token Is Accepted?
A tamper token may clear the displayed condition without correcting its underlying cause. If the message returns, the meter may still be detecting an installation, terminal cover, wiring or internal hardware problem. Stop entering additional codes and ask the supplier or meter administrator to inspect the installation.