Transmission and transportation of electricity is one of the prerequisites for the normal functioning of all household and industrial facilities. This is one of the most important resources, the consumption of which in any field of activity is carried out in huge volumes. An electricity meter is used to display and analyze the current flow power and work for a certain unit of time.
Content
- The principle of the counter
- Types of devices
- main parameters
- Password access system
The principle of the counter
An electric meter allows you to take into account and measure changes in the indicators of DC and AC energy consumption. The readings are usually recorded in A / h or kW / h. The principle of operation is based on technical features and equipment.
The induction-type design provides an aluminum disc - a movable element of the device. Considering the consumption of electrical energy, it rotates under the influence of eddy currents generated in the magnetic field of the coil. The number of completed revolutions displays the amount of energy consumed.
In electronic devices, the counting principle is based on the effect of voltage and alternating current on electronic (solid-state) elements. As a result, pulses are generated at the output, by the number of which energy consumption is measured. Such devices are more convenient to use at facilities with high energy consumption.
Types of devices
Manufacturers offer a choice of several types of equipment, which allows you to conduct an accurate analysis of energy consumption and pay for it in accordance with the fixed volumes. The classification of electricity metering devices is based on several parameters:
- type of construction;
- connection method;
- type of measured parameters.
According to the method of connection, all devices are divided into meters for direct connection to the power circuit and transformer connection meters (function by means of special transformer meters).
By the type of measured parameters, the equipment is divided into single-phase (designed for measuring alternating current at 50 Hz and 220 V) and three-phase (50 Hz and 380 V). In modern three-phase models used, the function of accounting and single-phase current is provided.
Classification of devices by type of design allows you to isolate:
- induction meters (electromechanical) - are gradually leaving the market and are being replaced by newer models due to a number of disadvantages (single rate accounting, significant errors in readings, vulnerability from theft, inconvenience in operation);
- electronic meters - convert analog signals of input voltage and current into pulses, counted as electricity consumption.
Electronic metering devices have almost completely replaced induction meters. They allow you to keep one-, two- and three-tariff accounting (differentiated counting), that is, display the amount of consumed electricity in a separate, programmed time period. Such structures are reliably protected from burglary and theft, there is no error in them. One of the significant advantages of using electronic meters is the ability to record readings remotely.
There is another type of equipment - hybrid devices. They are used relatively rarely, equipped with a mechanical counter, inductive or electronic measuring part, and the readings are displayed using a digital interface.
main parameters
The choice of metering devices for electricity is based on technical specifications. The installation of meters for a specific object is determined by the volume of energy consumption and the ability to use different tariffs. The main parameters of the devices are:
-
tariff rate - the ability to configure and program the equipment to work in one of the modes, for example, separately record readings during the day and at night, at different times of the year or by day weeks; the cost of the consumed energy also varies; - accuracy class - a characteristic that reflects the possible permissible error in measurements; in old-style devices this figure was almost 2.5%, in new models the accuracy class is 1-2%, which meets the requirements of energy metering at household facilities;
- verification interval - equipment that is operated for a long time, wears out, and individual elements fail, which affects the performance of the device and the correct execution of it functions; verification is carried out periodically - the process of measuring the accuracy of readings (the frequency is indicated in the technical passport).
In everyday life and at industrial facilities, strict accounting of energy consumption is kept, and the responsible for control of readings, maintenance of networks and meters, acceptance of payments, appropriate service.
Password access system
In modern devices, a function is provided that allows you to limit the rights of consumers in admission to equipment and its settings. User capabilities are determined by the password level.
The zero level is set for the ability to view and take readings directly on the meter or remotely, as well as for time synchronization and data correction. This right is granted to those who have permission to work and maintain the device installed at the consumer.
First level of clearance allows you to carry out commissioning work at the installation site of the device and make changes to the settings, operating parameters in the RAM. Any changes made should not affect the criteria for commercial operation.
Level 2 clearance the possibility of collecting information from the metering device to employees of energy regulatory authorities after it is installed and prepared for commissioning is provided.
Level 3 clearance intended for persons who have the right to dismantle the terminal block cover when working with an optical port or clamps. The fourth level is possessed by persons who have the right to remove seals, install or change hardware keys, upgrade device configuration parameters and calibrate correction coefficients.
Electricity meters are necessary equipment in domestic and industrial conditions, allowing you to establish the correct and stable operation of networks, timely identify malfunctions and exercise control over consumption volumes energy resource.
