Mercury 201: technical characteristics of single-phase electric meters, advantages and disadvantages

Electronic and inductive devices that record readings in electrical networks are installed at each consumer of energy resources. One of the largest meter manufacturers is Incotex. Its devices stand out against the background of competitors with low cost, modest size, error-free readings. In the product line of this manufacturer, the single-phase electric meter Mercury 201 stands out.

How to choose a metering device

There are a lot of devices that calculate data on the consumption of electrical energy. To purchase and install a device with the required specifications, you need to deal with the parameters common to all electricity meters:

• Alternating or direct current.
• Single-rate or multi-rate.
• Electronic or mechanical.
• Single-phase or three-phase.

Line of counters Mercury 201

There are several types of devices on sale under this name. All of them are subdivided into separate modifications. In the series Mercury 201 el. counters can be distinguished by their appearance - it is the same for all devices.

Requirements for devices of the series

When buying a metering device of this series it is necessary to make sure that the characteristics match, placed in the technical data sheet of the device, with printed on the case:

• Accuracy class. It should be the first or the second, which ensures that readings are taken with one to two percent error.
• The date of manufacture and verification is the same both in the documents and on the meter.
• Guarantee seal - no damage.
• The serial number of the device is present in the State Register of Measuring Instruments.
• The stamp of the sovereign and the holographic sticker must be in place.

Design features

For the entire line of Mercury 201, electricity meters are enclosed in a plastic rectangular case. Its halves are connected using special locks instead of screws, which ensures tightness and prevents unauthorized access to the device circuit. On the front there is a liquid crystal or mechanical data display panel. On the right, there is a nameplate with the main technical parameters.

The case is small:

• Width 10.5 cm.
• Length - 10.5 cm.
• Depth - 0.65 cm.

The weight of the meter depends on the batch number and ranges from 250 to 250 grams. Due to its low weight, the device is mounted without additional fasteners, by means of a DIN rail.

The bottom panel is removable to cover the electrical terminal block with screw terminals for wires. Such devices are used to record indicators in a single-phase alternating current network, both independently and with the help of AIIS KUE.

By electrical parameters, all devices of the series include:

• Shunt - current sensor.
• Pulse telemetry output used for device verification and communication with an automated system via telemetry systems.
• For the counter Mercury 201. 22 M has a PLC modem located inside the case.

Specifications

Due to the screwless mounting of the case, all devices of the series exclude theft of electricity by changing the phasing. In addition, all devices meet the following requirements:

• Wide range of ambient temperatures at which correct operation of the device is possible.
• Various options for reading data allow you to connect devices to the Automated system of commercial metering of electricity.
• The readings can be taken both for manual recording and with the help of electronic reading devices.

Passport data

All devices in this line were created taking into account the latest developments in the field of instrumentation and are adapted for use in any area of ​​life. Individual instrument options may differ in the following characteristics:

• The highest current load can be 60 or 80 amperes.
• Mercury 201.5, 201.6, 201.7 models are equipped with a mechanical display.
• Counters 201.2, 201.4, 201.8 have a liquid crystal monitor.
• Pulse transmission is different for different modifications.
• Some devices can be equipped with a modem.

All characteristics are freely available on the manufacturer's website.

Installation and connection

Before starting work on the installation and connection of the Mercury 201 meter it is necessary to thoroughly familiarize yourself with the instructions supplied with the device, technical data sheet and cable connection option. The single-phase electric meter Mercury 201 in the terminal compartment has numbered screw clamp connections:

• At number one, the phase contact of the input cable is connected.
• The second connection is intended for the output of the phase of the cable supplying the consumers.
• The zero core of the input network is inserted into the terminal under the third number.
• The fourth pin feeds zero to the output cable.
• You need to connect your own zero of the device to the fifth terminal.

The sequence of actions and labeling must be strictly observed.

Disconnect the lead-in cable before connecting. To do this, you need to turn off the appropriate switching equipment: a circuit breaker, plugs, a circuit breaker or a bag. Ideally, disconnect the power cable. This will prevent the supply of voltage in the event of spontaneous or erroneous switching on of the equipment.

After connection, the wires are placed in the terminal box. Holes are cut in the cover for the phase-by-phase cable outlet and the terminal block is closed with a screw with a hole for the seal. It is installed by a specialist in the energy metering and control service. If everything is connected correctly, you can apply voltage. When switched on, a red LED next to the display will light up.

Reading rules

It is easy to remove the current data on single-phase meters Mercury 201 with an electromechanical display device. The digital drums are colored in two colors. The black ones on the right, in the amount of four, reflect whole kilowatt-hours, and the red ones, on the left, are tenths. Only whole numbers are transmitted to the utility.

Advantages and negative points

Before launching the Mercury meters on the market, the manufacturer analyzed the experience of competitors. The terms of reference for the development included the creation of an accurate, reliable and simple device with a lower price than other manufacturers. After testing, the device underwent refinement and in the end a meter appeared with maximum efficiency and simple engineering solutions. The latest components from leading manufacturers were used in the construction of the meter.

The ability to meter electricity at several tariffs encourages consumers to adjust their needs to the most favorable cost. In turn, this relieves the power system during peak hours due to the redistribution of capacities. This results in savings on the personal budget and the possibility of using the released energy for industrial needs.

But, as practice shows, the number of those who switched to two or three tariff electricity metering systems is not enough to talk about the widespread saving of energy resources. Among those who are strongly against the transition or hesitate, the following reasons are relevant:

• The cheapness of electricity increases the payback period of the device.
• Not everyone will agree to change their nightly laundry or cooking regimen.
• Many are confused when recording readings of multi-tariff metering devices.

But despite these shortcomings, the economic efficiency of two-tariff devices is beyond doubt.