Rolec versus Metermaid

[boatmike]

I have heard that some marinas will only accept the latter and not Rolec. I had assumed as they look virtually identical and do the same job they were interchangeable. Anyone know why? Is it just a jobsworth by marina staff or is there a logical reason?

 

[Alex_Blackwood]

I have heard that some marinas will only accept the latter and not Rolec. I had assumed as they look virtually identical and do the same job they were interchangeable. Anyone know why? Is it just a jobsworth by marina staff or is there a logical reason?

I think you will find that Rolec have ceased production of their version, " Retail Reasons" was what I was quoted. I think you will find that their is little or no difference between the two. Possibly the case may be slightly different and obviously any "Badging" Technically, both contain meters similar to these in the link. Nothing more. As for accepting one against the other. Could there be a commercial advantage?
https://www.google.com/aclk?sa=l&ai...TQuuf8AhW9QkEAHXv7BFoQ9aACKAB6BQgCELkB&adurl=

 

[boatmike]

Agree Alex but apparently Plymouth Yacht haven for one wont accept Rolec and quote "fire risk" as a reason. Sounds like Jobsworth to me as the meters in each are fundamentally the same. Of course marina supplies are notoriously unreliable and "spikey" and I have experienced reverse polarity more than once so its possible they have shorted one out with a surge overload at some time and blamed it on the meter. I have an over voltage trip on my boat to guard against spikes and it has tripped more than once!

 

[Alex_Blackwood]

Agree Alex but apparently Plymouth Yacht haven for one wont accept Rolec and quote "fire risk" as a reason. Sounds like Jobsworth to me as the meters in each are fundamentally the same. Of course marina supplies are notoriously unreliable and "spikey" and I have experienced reverse polarity more than once so its possible they have shorted one out with a surge overload at some time and blamed it on the meter. I have an over voltage trip on my boat to guard against spikes and it has tripped more than once!

I think you may have to check the IP rating some of the Rolec seem to be IP44 as are the plugs and sockets on both versions, some higher IP ratings may be available.
I think that both are extortionate for what they are. These IMO are much better.
Marine 16A kWh meter (Commando, Marinco and Victron connector options)

 

[TiggerToo]

These IMO are much better.
Marine 16A kWh meter (Commando, Marinco and Victron connector options)

We had one of those, until it started tripping the system. We have had to switch.

If anyone is interested in seeing what the problem is, I can send it to you for not too much money

 

[boatmike]

Well that's new Mr Tigger Too! This forum is known for a free exchange of information among those trying to help one another out......... You want to charge for it??????

 

[KompetentKrew]

Agree Alex but apparently Plymouth Yacht haven for one wont accept Rolec and quote "fire risk" as a reason.

When I was there they had an A4 notice posted at the office warning about this, and I have this idea it showed an inline meter with burns on it.

I have an email here in which they claim "We have examples of Rolec meters that have burnt out, endangering your boat and others.".

It appears not to be an attempt to promote Metermaid because they allowed me to use a DM Metering Flexmate which I found locally secondhand.

 

[Alex_Blackwood]

We had one of those, until it started tripping the system. We have had to switch.

If anyone is interested in seeing what the problem is, I can send it to you for not too much money

Was it in warranty? What did you do about it , contact the supplier, investigate the fault or what?
As far as fire risk from Rolec I have experience of water ingress to both types with evidence of overheating on terminals of plugs, sockets and the internal meter. You have to cut them open with a small hacksaw!
just because you get a fault in one, of probably thousands of units, doesn't mean they are all sitting there waiting to pounce on the unwary. Knee jerk reactions!

 

[boatmike]

Was it in warranty? What did you do about it , contact the supplier, investigate the fault or what?
As far as fire risk from Rolec I have experience of water ingress to both types with evidence of overheating on terminals of plugs, sockets and the internal meter. You have to cut them open with a small hacksaw!
just because you get a fault in one, of probably thousands of units, doesn't mean they are all sitting there waiting to pounce on the unwary. Knee jerk reactions!

I agree Alex,
Cant see there is a greater risk with one make rather than the other but if water gets into either they will short out. The casing on both types is virtually identical.

 

[TiggerToo]

Was it in warranty? What did you do about it , contact the supplier, investigate the fault or what?
As far as fire risk from Rolec I have experience of water ingress to both types with evidence of overheating on terminals of plugs, sockets and the internal meter. You have to cut them open with a small hacksaw!
just because you get a fault in one, of probably thousands of units, doesn't mean they are all sitting there waiting to pounce on the unwary. Knee jerk reactions!

Maybe: I bought it in April 2022. Problem is, the marina told me it was tripping when I was away from the boat. And I had to replace it remotely, and immediately. Now it is in my garage, and I may investigate.
I cannot see why that should be a kneejerk reaction ?

 

[Alex_Blackwood]

Maybe: I bought it in April 2022. Problem is, the marina told me it was tripping when I was away from the boat. And I had to replace it remotely, and immediately. Now it is in my garage, and I may investigate.
I cannot see why that should be a kneejerk reaction ?

Knee jerk was referring to the Rolec / marina part of the equation. Not you, sorry. Think you will find that TL would be happy to help with your unit. Get in touch with them.

 

[EuanGordon]

Found this post when I was looking for information when our Rolec meter went out with a bang today.

Went down to our boat and the shore power was off, traced it back and found the fuse was off in the shore power box, so put it back on and the Rolec started making a hissing noise, made a lot of blacks smoke, mini fire and bang.