Meter accuracy class: determination of characteristics, selection of an electric meter for this and other parameters

Fixing the amount of consumed electricity is carried out using special devices - electricity meters. All of them have certain parameters and differ in the specified characteristics, including the accuracy class of the electricity meter. This value determines the maximum error of the electronic mechanism in calculating the consumed kilowatts. Different models are suitable for users with different power consumption levels.

Classification of electricity meters

First of all differences in error affect the price level. In addition to cost, it does not really matter if the user purchases a device with a higher class than he needs. Now there are 4 classes of accuracy of electricity meters, which are used not only in everyday life, but also in industry.

Previously, devices were produced with an acceptable level of calculation error within 5%, but not so long ago the production of such counters stopped. Induction-type electricity meters have a class of 2.0, while electronic meters are characterized by increased accuracy and have indicators from 1.0 to 0.2.

In everyday life, such accurate measurements are not so important, however, when buying, the seller may advise you to buy a device with a higher class, since it costs an order of magnitude more.

Main characteristics of devices

In addition to error indicators, electricity meters have other parameters. All of them influence the purchase and are very important for the installation in a specific location.

Phase power supply

Depending on the number of phases produce single-phase and three-phase meters. The first ones are used in ordinary houses, apartments, garages, country houses and other buildings in which the load does not exceed the average. Such devices operate at a voltage of 0.22 volts, while three-phase devices require 0.4. Three phases are usually used in the case of an abundance of electrical engineering in the building, in which case the electricity consumption will be much higher, and more voltage is required in the network.

A three-phase meter can be connected to a single-phase network, but this choice will not be justified - the price of such a device is much higher, and there is no need for it. On the contrary, the installation is not performed, since it will not work to measure the consumption of electricity in a three-phase network with a meter designed for one phase.

Maximum load

The maximum possible current is indicated on the case of each type of device. The standard load level in a typical home environment is 60 A - these are the models used in private premises. With increased load, for example, when connecting powerful electrical appliances and heating electrical systems, it is required to install a meter with a permissible maximum load of at least 100 A.

Multi-tariff device

Another parameter by which you can select and purchase an accounting device is meter tariff. In some cases, electricity providers set multiple rates, such as day and night. When using a meter that provides for two tariffs, you can keep a separate count for each tariff, which is very convenient when paying for the electricity supply service.

In addition, when buying a device, you should pay attention to the method of its attachment in order to easily replace an outdated meter and put a new one in its place.

Features of choice

Given the many options on the market, you should choose a device taking into account all its characteristics. First of all, you should pay attention to the design of the electricity meter. The main types of these devices are induction and electronic. Each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages.

The induction device differs in the way of operation, which consists in the effect of a magnetic field on the disk, rotating in proportion to the consumed amount of electricity. This is due to the passage of current through the wiring on special induction coils. The positive qualities of such meters include low price and relative reliability - all old models were made according to this principle, and for many users they still work without breakdowns. True, it has much more disadvantages:

• Low accuracy class - 2.5 or 2, maximum value - 1, which makes it possible to install only in private premises.
• The functionality is also low.
• There is also no protection against theft of electricity, so any knowledgeable electrician can easily "wind off" kilowatts in their favor.

The electronic meter does not have such problems. This is a modern device with many different convenient functions and high quality characteristics.

• High accuracy class - up to 0.2. Because of this, such devices are very successful in laboratory installations.
• Comparative durability versus mechanical device.
• Availability of multi-tariff models that allow you to save.
• Electronic meters are more often checked by the electricity supplier.
• The device has an internal memory element capable of storing data for up to 90 days.

With all these advantages, it is worth noting that such electricity meters cost 2.5-3 times more. mechanical, besides, they cannot be repaired in case of failure and are very sensitive to current surges and voltage. The last nuance can be smoothed out by installing special network stabilizers, which, however, are also expensive.

In addition to electronic and mechanical, they produce models with a combined type of work. In this case, the electronic component allows you to register indicators with high accuracy, and then display them in the usual electromechanical way.

The cost of some models

The most popular devices are distinguished by either good technical characteristics or affordable budget prices, but most often there is a combination of these two qualities. For example, Typeit NEVA 101 1S0 151499 device has a modern electronic principle of operation, meter accuracy class 1. Available for single phase only. The average cost ranges from 1100-1200 rubles.

Another interesting model is three-phase Incotex Mercury 230 AM-02 53469. The quality of this device is quite high, which could not but affect its price - you can buy such a counter for no less than 3400 rubles. It belongs to the 1st class and is able to take into account only one tariff.

Energomera CE 102 M R5 145 J 253295 is an average model in the price range - you can buy it for 2300 rubles. This is a single-phase electronic meter with 1 class of accuracy. It has good quality, reliability and durability.

Skat 105E / 1-5 (60) TOI4 1f 5-60A has a two-tariff accounting system - buttons for switching between tariffs are located on the front side of the product. But this option is available for use only in a single-phase network, for a three-phase one you will have to find another model. The price of the Skat counter is only 1900 rubles.

The representative of mechanical meters with the second accuracy class - PSK Lyubertsy SO-51 PC. Its price is significantly lower than electronic counterparts - only 850 rubles. Such a device can be installed in private houses and apartments with a single-phase network.

Brief Recommendations

When replacing an old electricity meter, it is imperative to pay attention to the requirements of the electricity supplier for the technical characteristics of the new device. In addition, the installation must take place in the presence of his representative, who will supply the seal and register the replacement. Self-installation is strongly discouraged - all work of this nature should be performed by a professional electrician.

When choosing electronic models, you should choose a suitable mains voltage stabilizer in order to avoid breakdowns due to voltage surges. Differences are negatively reflected not only on meters of this type of action, but also on all household appliances, therefore, the stabilizer will in any case be useful to extend the life of all devices connected to networks.

You should select a meter with an accuracy class not less than the required one - the higher it is, the smaller the measurement error.

One month before the intended replacement of the device, it is mandatory to notify the electricity supplier of the planned actions.

Rules for the operation of metering devices include the following requirements:

• in no case should the seal be torn off - this could lead to a fine;
• do not allow water to enter any parts of the electrical appliance;
• and it is also unacceptable to open the device yourself and damage the external glass or display.

Any damage indicates the mandatory replacement of the meter.

When buying a new device, you need to pay attention to the manufacturer, because a dubious manufacturer could not pass metrological certification, and therefore, its products may not be included in the ERIS - a unified register of measuring funds. The meter must be completed with a passport, which contains the manufacturer's stamp and the seal of the state auditor.

It is worth refraining from buying used meters primarily because the buyer does not have the opportunity to perform a qualified check of the quality of the device.