Abstract: A disposable tamper detection device for electricity meters of the type having a meter housing with current-carrying blades protruding therefrom for insertion into a meter socket, comprises a non-conductive board-like member having a pair of slots adapted to fit over a pair of respective protruding current-carrying blades so as to bridge them. Terminals establish contact with the pair of protruding blades. A fuse and current limiting device are connected in series between the terminals. The current limiting device limits the current flow through the fuse to a sufficiently low level to prevent the fuse from blowing under normal conditions. A switch, spring biased into the closed position, is connected in parallel with the current limiting device. The switch means has a retainer adapted to be engaged by the meter when fully inserted into its socket to retain the switch in the open position against the spring bias.

Abstract: A meter tampering detection device, comprising a sealed housing adapted to be installed in the cover of a utility meter, a supply of flexible tape in said housing having a graduated scale which changes as the tape is withdrawn from the housing, an aperture in the housing through which the free end of the tape is passed, said tape being arranged so that it can be withdrawn from the housing by exerting a pull on the free end, and said tape being arranged and having a flexibility such that it cannot be pushed back into the housing once withdrawn, and gripping means for installation on a fixed part of the meter for gripping the free end of the tape such that said tape is withdrawn from the housing as the cover is removed.