How to choose an electricity meter based on important criteria
A large number of varieties of electricity metering equipment are produced. We have identified seven criteria that will help determine which electricity meter to install.
Type of equipment
To account for electricity, two types of devices with different operating principles are used.
Induction
The design includes two coils. First, voltage is applied to the parallel winding, then to the current winding. As a result, vortex electromagnetic flows arise that rotate the disk. By means of a worm gear, this rotation is transmitted to the drum of the counting mechanism. Induction devices are durable. The stated service life is 15 years, but in reality it can be much longer. Their price is low.
The disadvantage is the high measurement error. For this reason, older models should not be used. New varieties, designed taking into account modern accuracy requirements, can be installed in any houses and apartments. Induction units can only be single-tariff.
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Electronic
The housing contains voltage and current sensors that transmit their signals to the converter. It reads them and redirects them to the microcontroller. This block decrypts the received information and transmits it to the counting device. The latter can be of two types: electronic or electronic-mechanical. In the first case, the readings are displayed on the display; in the second, a mechanical type circuit operates, similar to that used in induction analogues.
The advantage of electronic devices is considered to be high measurement accuracy. In addition, they can calculate energy consumption at different tariffs. It is possible to transmit readings remotely. The verification period for such meters is longer than for induction meters. The disadvantage is the high price and shorter service life.
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Possibility of using several tariffs
Electronic equipment is capable of operating in multi-tariff mode. This means that electricity consumption is calculated at user-defined intervals. What is necessary if the region has introduced different tariff rates for night and daytime. Some models are capable of “covering” up to eight tariffs, but two-tariff systems remain in demand. All multi-tariff devices are more expensive than their single-tariff counterparts. Therefore, before you buy it, you need to determine whether it will be profitable. It's easy to do. It is necessary to calculate the average energy consumption per month and the amount that will need to be paid under one tariff. Then divide the consumption into day and night, and calculate the expected fee. If the difference is approximately half of the usual payment, it makes sense to change the equipment.
Number of phases
There are two types of equipment.
- Single-phase. Designed to work with a 220 V network. These are the lines that are laid in apartments; all household electrical appliances are designed for them. Single-phase devices are recommended for installation in multi-apartment buildings. A three-phase device can theoretically be operated on such a line. But in practice, energy sales companies refuse to register them.
- Three-phase. Designed for operation on a 380 V line. Water heaters, heating boilers, and electric motors operate from such networks. A three-phase recorder is installed in houses where there are electrical appliances operating at 380 V.
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Accuracy classification
Indicated in the technical documentation and on the front side of the case. The value shows the error arising in the measurements. It is recommended to use devices of accuracy class 2.0 or lower. Induction devices that served for a dozen years, or even more, had a class of 2.5. Therefore, all of them must be replaced without waiting for the end of the verification or expiration date.
You need to know that the higher the measurement accuracy, the higher the amount in consumer bills. Devices with minimal error “notice” even the slightest load. For example, they consider the minimum energy consumption of equipment in “sleep” mode. Therefore, it is recommended to choose devices with accuracy class 2.0.
Current load
Recorders are designed for different current loads. It depends on its actual indicators which electricity meter to install. This can be determined in three ways.
- Calculate the load along the laid lines. This can be done by an electrician who has information on the number of lines and the size of the cable cross-section.
- Obtain information from the Criminal Code or the Housing Office about the number of amperes on the input line connected to the meter.
- Calculate the total power of the electrical appliances used.
The easiest option is the last one. The owner will need to add up the rated power of all home appliances. Add to the resulting number a certain amount of kW “in reserve” so that when purchasing new units you do not have to change the electric meter. The result within 10 kW indicates that you can install a 60 A meter; if the total power is greater, take a device with 80-100 A.
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terms of Use
The recorders are designed to operate in different temperature ranges. Thus, they produce devices for working in heated buildings. At temperatures below zero they are inoperative. They are recommended to those who are looking for which electricity meter is best to install in an apartment. Models are available that are not temperature sensitive. They are allowed to be installed in unheated rooms or outdoors. The devices are installed in dachas and private homes. Do not operate the flow meter under unsuitable conditions.
Mounting method
All manufacturers produce recorders with two mounting options:
- Under the bolts. Fixes the device as securely as possible, preventing possible loss of contact and small shifts. Most often used for mounting on street signs. Installed with three bolts.
- On DIN rail. It is mounted on a rail device in the electrical panel, so there is a groove with a locking latch on the rear wall of the case. It is not difficult to install or remove the equipment; it is put on with a groove on the rail.
Most manufacturers produce recorders with similar performance characteristics with different fixation options.
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Single-tariff op-amp
People who are not used to doing business at night are better off purchasing an old-style single-tariff electric meter (OU), for example, a certified mechanical 7-digit model Neva 103 1SO or screwless Mercury 201.3 or 201.5 from. These are the best single-tariff electricity meters in their model range, as they have:
- LED indicator, shunt and reverse stop;
- compact and convenient dimensions;
- light weight, due to which the mounting is carried out on a DIN rail;
- high accuracy class;
- low price;
- significant service life (30 years).
Similar: Two-tariff meter
Checklist for choosing a metering device
To choose the right registrar, we offer a small checklist. He will tell you what to focus on.
- Recorder type. For your home or apartment, they often choose electronic, for the street or cottage, induction. Select the necessary technical characteristics.
- Date of issue. Electrical equipment is tested at the factory. Its date and results are entered in the registration certificate. A seal is placed on the body; its integrity must be checked. From the date of the first verification, the period until the next is calculated.
- Intervalidation interval. To be specified according to technical documentation. If it is small, it makes sense to choose another model. A new single-phase recorder must be installed no later than 2 years from the date of first verification, a three-phase recorder - one year. If this is not the case, a scheduled verification is carried out at the expense of the user who purchased the “overdue” device.
- Completeness. The box must contain technical documentation marked with factory control. The recorder must be certified and approved for installation and operation in Russia. The integrity of the case and seal is checked.
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We figured out which electricity meter to install in a house or apartment. The correct choice depends on individual operating conditions. There are a lot of manufacturers producing accounting equipment. This is the case when domestic products are not inferior to imported ones. Russian brands “Mercury”, “Electromera”, “Neva” have proven themselves well. The line of models includes the simplest measuring devices, as well as complex ones with many additional functions.
