In that context I can see that smart meters would be very useful - and as most designs already incorporate a software controlled contactor and naturally they measure (even if the don't record) instantaneous current demand, it would be easy to incorporate the 'overload disconnection' functionality into the meter and so safe the cost of an additional circuit breaker in future installations.
I dare say that the software could do anything that EDF wanted. However, the RCD still needs to be there for basic protection; and if the smart meters were to be used for overload "protection" (of EDF's finances!) then either they would have to switch back on after an interval, or else they would have to have a reset button.
In that context I can see that smart meters would be very useful - and as most designs already incorporate a software controlled contactor and naturally they measure (even if the don't record) instantaneous current demand, it would be easy to incorporate the 'overload disconnection' functionality into the meter and so safe the cost of an additional circuit breaker in future installations.
I dare say that the software could do anything that EDF wanted. However, the RCD still needs to be there for basic protection; and if the smart meters were to be used for overload "protection" (of EDF's finances!) then either they would have to switch back on after an interval, or else they would have to have a reset button.
