FAQ

Yes. Although rare, interference from PLC (Power Line Communication) with touch lamp light fixtures is possible. In most cases, the problem occurs with light fittings that do not have a built-in filter and are therefore more vulnerable to this type of interference, which can also come from other electronic devices.

We would like to remind you that the grid operator's technical connection conditions for high-current installations with a maximum nominal voltage of 1000V stipulate in Article 9.3.4 that: “…it is the responsibility of the user of such electrical equipment to ensure that such interference is prevented by the installation of suitable technical means”. »

However, to reduce the impact of PLC signals on your touch lamps your network operator can:

• either offer you a filter free of charge, with a maximum power of 250W, to be simply connected between the socket and the plug of the lamp;
• or advise you to buy 63A filters, to be installed directly in the circuit downstream of your meter, to filter and avoid possible disturbance on the electrical network affecting your installations. These filters must be installed by an electrician.

Installation of the electricity and/or gas smart meter requires brief disconnection of the power and/or natural gas.

Installation will be performed by the network operator’s staff. Given the large number of electricity and gas meters to be changed, several network operators have opted to use one or more subcontractors to install smart meters.

Each installer commissioned by the network operators to change meters carries an identification badge that must be presented on request.

Smart meters will be installed for new customers from 1 July 2016. Replacement of the old meters will be carried out gradually. This large-scale operation will last until 31 December 2019 for electricity meters and until 31 December 2020 for gas meters at the latest.

Replacement of the meters will be carried out by geographical area. All customers will be notified by their network operator in advance of the installation of the smart meter.

Following a European directive enacted by Luxembourg into national law, all electricity and natural gas meters on national territory must be changed, regardless of the network operator. This means more than 300,000 electricity meters and more than 80,000 gas meters.

These meters are not radio transmitters. However, like any electrical device, they create an electromagnetic field in their vicinity. In practice, the specific exposure linked to the transmission of data via power line communication (PLC) is very low and the transmissions are short: less than a minute for the collection of consumption data and a few seconds for the transmission of an event.

According to recent studies conducted by two separate organisations in homes in Luxembourg, the electric and magnetic fields emitted by smart meters in habitable areas remain well below the limits of the official ICNIRP standards, as well as the values of the EUROPAEM guidelines for day and night exposure. Therefore, PLC technology poses no known health risks. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), there is currently no scientific evidence to support a link between exposure to electromagnetic fields and electromagnetic hypersensitivity. However, people suffering from electro-hypersensitivity can opt for the (paid) installation of a specific filter.

The technical reliability of smart meters is similar to that of conventional electronic meters. The lifespan of the smart meter is estimated at around 20 years and therefore comparable to that of existing meters (electronic or mechanical).

The old meters will have a second life after their replacement: depending on their condition, they will be resold to be reused as second-hand meters or recycled to recover the raw materials.

The meters have been designed according to the standards in force, which are intended to ensure that they do not affect the operation of other household appliances.