Prepaid Electricity Meter Reset Codes Explained
When you hear of prepaid electricity meter reset codes, you may think it’s also the unlock codes for locked prepaid meters. However, reset codes offer a broader solution than unlock codes. While unlocking a prepaid meter aims to restore electricity after a security error or tampering, resetting aims to fix operational or setup errors to restore normal operation.
A reset code helps restore your meter’s function by clearing temporary faults or refreshing the system settings. While reset codes are used for general error codes, they can also be used to address some lockout issues. In this guide, you will learn when reset codes are needed, where to get them, how to use them, and tips to avoid future meter errors.
When Would You Need a Reset Code?
There are situations where you will need prepaid electricity meter reset codes. These situations don’t always mean your meter is locked, but they can prevent you from loading new tokens or using electricity properly. Here’s when you would need a reset code:
When your meter displays an error code after a power surge or system glitch.
When your meter refuses to accept a valid token due to a firmware issue.
When your electricity provider requires a system upgrade.
When your meter is newly installed or relocated.
When your meter display becomes unresponsive or frozen.
When your meter shows a tamper error and causes a lockout.
Where Do You Get Prepaid Electricity Meter Reset Codes?
If your meter is showing an error or not accepting tokens, you will need a reset code generated by your supplier. Take note that prepaid electricity meter reset codes are not universal. Here’s where you can get a legitimate reset code:
Eskom: Eskom is a national supplier and state-owned entity that directly supplies electricity to many households and rural areas. If your prepaid meter is under Eskom, you can get prepaid electricity meter reset codes through their hotline, online portal, or by visiting their office.
Local Municipality: Local government authorities distribute electricity in areas like Johannesburg, Cape Town, or Durban. Reset codes can be requested by visiting your municipal office, their official website, or authorized prepaid vending platforms.
Private Suppliers: For meters managed by landlords or third-party vendors like Straton or Conlog, request the reset code by reaching out at your supplier’s official website or by visiting their office. Companies, such as Hexing, also offer customer support through their online portal.
How to Reset Prepaid Meters
Resetting a prepaid meter is not too complicated once you have the right prepaid electricity meter reset codes. The process depends on the meter brand and the type of error, but the steps are usually similar. Here’s how to reset your prepaid meter:
1. Identify the Error Code
Look at your meter display. Note down the exact error code or error message, especially if you don’t know what the code means. You will need this when contacting your supplier. Different error codes have different meanings. For example, you may encounter error codes, such as “Tamper,” “Error,” or “Reject.”
2. Request the Reset Code
Contact your electricity supplier and provide them with your error code. They can help you interpret the issue if you don’t understand the code. Provide your meter number and account details to your supplier for generating a reset code. They may send you a reset code or a new key change token based on your error code.
3. Enter the Reset Code
You will usually be given a 20-digit reset code. Enter the digits carefully in your meter’s keypad. Wait for the meter to confirm the reset, then proceed to load the key change token if one is issued. If it works, the screen will go blank or return to showing available units.
4. Load New Token
Load a new electricity token after the reset code has been accepted. This helps ensure the meter is working correctly. If rejected, wait a few minutes and try once more. If the token still fails, call your provider again with the updated error message.
Best Practices for Fixing Other Specific Error Codes
Sometimes it's not just about resets. Some error codes require a different approach, or do not involve entering prepaid electricity meter reset codes as a solution. Here are the best practices for fixing other specific error codes:
“….30….,Conn-_FAIL or E07”
This error code means a keypad error. It’s a connection problem between the keypad and the meter outside your home. To fix this, turn off your switches first. The switch where your meter is plugged should be on. Turn on one socket and plug your keypad. To reset your meter, press the “i” or the “BLUE” or “#” button to initiate a connection between your meter and keypad.
“ConnEct.”
This error code indicates a connection wait error. It means the keypad is busy connecting to the meter. It requires you to wait up to 30 minutes for the connection to complete.
“USED.”
This error code indicates that the token you entered has already been used. To fix this, purchase and load a new token.
“OUEr_Por.”
This error code is a load error. It means your meter is loaded with too many appliances. Turn off all your appliances for 30 minutes. Wait for the meter to reset. Consider using selected appliances or avoid running all your heavy appliances at once.
“NOT_Act.”
This error code means an active error. It only indicates that your meter has not been activated. To fix this, enter the token “55555” into your keypad to activate your meter.
“E01.”
This error code is an initialization error. It means your prepaid meter has not been initialized yet. To fix this, enter the token 1275 4194 1448 6450 5970 into your meter’s keypad to activate the meter.
“Loct-oUT.”
This error code indicates that your meter has locked out your token from being entered. The reason might be that you’ve surpassed the maximum limit of your credits or power supply after using too many appliances. Try switching off some of your appliances and wait until the error message is gone.
“Low Battery Icon”
This error icon means your meter’s battery is low. To fix this, replace the batteries of your prepaid meter. You need to contact Eskom via 0860037566.
“Image of a Wrench or Spanner”
This error display indicates that your meter has a technical problem. You cannot clear this display message.
“Image That Looks Like Question Marks”
This error display is a CIU error. It means your CIU is not paired to any meter. To fix this, enter your meter’s serial number on the meter keypad to pair the meter outside your house.
“rEjEct.”
This error code indicates that your token is invalid or has not been authenticated. You cannot clear this error message. You need to contact Eskom via 0860037566.
Tips to Avoid Future Meter Errors
Preventing meter issues is easier than fixing them. There are habits you can develop or changes you can make to reduce the need for prepaid electricity meter reset codes. Here are tips to prevent future meter errors:
1. Enter Tokens Slowly and Not Frequently
When there’s an electricity price increase, people often choose to load smaller amounts more frequently to budget their money. However, your meter may misinterpret your intention of repeatedly topping up and entering tokens, which might trigger errors or a lockout.
Try to reduce loading in small amounts that lead to frequent top-ups. If possible, budget in a way that allows you to top up once or a few times in a month. Additionally, enter tokens slowly whenever you top up to avoid incorrect typing and triggering meter errors.
2. Avoid Entering Tokens Right After Load Shedding
Load shedding, coupled with prepaid electricity in South Africa, creates a constant challenge and stressful combo. To protect your prepaid meter from load shedding, avoid entering tokens right after the electricity returns.
When electricity is restored after load shedding, your meter and appliances might still be stabilizing. Rushing to enter a token immediately may trigger an error. Instead, wait for a few minutes before entering your top-up tokens to avoid shocking the meter and prevent a power surge.
3. Practice Good Electricity Habits
Sometimes, you might rush to load tokens because of the fear of running out of electricity. Then there’s a chance that you might incorrectly enter tokens or enter many tokens. When you do this, it may confuse your meter and trigger an error, especially on old or sensitive meters.
Consider making a little effort to understand how to save electricity, such as by using fewer appliances. It can help your tokens last longer and avoid the chances of rushing to buy tokens because you don’t expect your electricity to run out suddenly as a result of too much consumption.
4. Invest in a Portable Power Station
When your meter experiences unexpected errors, it won’t provide electricity for hours or days to your home. In this situation, using a power backup can continue providing power to your home while you wait for help from your supplier. When choosing power backups, using a portable power station is often beneficial and eco-friendly than using fuel-powered generators.
For example, models like the EcoFlow DELTA Pro Portable Power Station can power your home every day with its high capacity. This unit is safe to use, runs quietly for indoor use, and is easy to maintain. It’s an ideal indoor backup over a traditional generator that requires fuel and can’t be placed inside your home because of its noise.
EcoFlow DELTA Pro Portable Power Station
5. Don’t Reuse or Buy Expired Tokens
To save money, you might get tempted to reuse old tokens or purchase tokens from unofficial vendors. But each token is coded specifically for a meter and is valid only once. Using expired or recycled tokens may trigger an error with your meter, which can only be fixed by your electricity provider with a prepaid meter reset code. Always purchase tokens from authorized vendors.
Conclusion
Learning when and where to find prepaid electricity meter reset codes is the first step to restoring your meter to its normal operation. Once you have the reset code from your supplier, follow the steps discussed on how to enter it properly into your meter’s keypad. Note also that there are specific codes that don’t require a reset code but a different approach. That’s why it’s important to take note of the error code showing on your meter and discuss it with your supplier. Prevention is always better than arriving at the point where your meter shows an error code. Consider the tips discussed above to avoid future meter errors. When you understand how prepaid meter errors work, you become calmer and informed in handling the situation.
FAQs
How do I reset a prepaid meter?
To reset a prepaid meter, the first step is to identify the error code that appears on your meter. Once you have noted down the code, reach out to your electricity provider via their online portal or hotline. If these options aren’t available, consider visiting your provider’s office or your local municipality’s electricity provider for assistance. Share the error code with them, and they will assess whether a reset code is necessary. If a reset is required, they will issue a reset code, which you should carefully enter into the keypad to restore functionality to your meter.
Can I get prepaid meter reset codes online?
Yes, you can obtain prepaid meter reset codes through your electricity provider's online channels. Many providers, such as Eskom, offer services where you can request a reset code through their official website, customer service portal, or even via WhatsApp. You will typically be asked to provide your meter number and the error code you are facing. It's important to only use reset codes directly obtained from your provider, as third-party sellers may offer invalid or generic codes that won’t resolve your issue and could cause further problems.
How do I fix a reject on my prepaid meter?
If your prepaid meter rejects the token, the first thing to check is whether the token is valid and hasn’t expired. If the token is valid, but the meter still rejects it, the issue may lie in a need for a reset or a system update. Sometimes, your provider might require a system upgrade, especially when the STS standard is rolled over, which could involve using a key change token. If you’re still unsure about why your meter is rejecting the token, it’s best to contact your supplier for assistance in diagnosing the issue and finding a resolution.