Apparatus for detecting illegal tampering with an electricity meter

An apparatus for determining incorrect usage of an alternating current electricity supply to a metering device, has first signal generating means (26,154), disposed at a first location in the supply, for generating a first signal which varies with a property of the electricity supply in the vicinity of the first location, second signal generating means (28,156), disposed at a second location in the supply, for generating a second signal which varies with a property of the electricity supply in the vicinity of the second location and monitoring and actuator means adapted to monitor the two signals and to produce a third, actuating signal when the first and second signals are inconsistent with a correct electricity supply. The signal generatime means may, for example, comprise a coiled portion (26,28) of one or more cables (L, N) forming part of the supply to produce a magnetic flux signal. Alternatively, or in additon, the signal generating means may comprise a coil (154,156) positioned around a cable (L) forming part of the electricity supply. The signal generating means may also take the form of a device (18,120) for producing a signal which varies with the rotation of a meter disc (114).