Who today can imagine existence in the modern world without electricity? Few, actually. Electricity consumed by each needs to be measured. Therefore, you need to install the device, which will help in this.
Which counter to install
Meters are electronic and induction, this unit is based on a functional principle. Induction meters are not so durable and accurate, so more and more consumers are replacing them with electronic ones.
There are still classifications that are based on the accuracy of the devices and the rated current. When the error is smaller, the measurement is more accurate. Meters with a rated voltage of 0.4 kV are usually selected for country houses where there is no powerful equipment.
Electric meter in a private house: what you need to consider when installing
An electrician with average skills can install the device. But there are rules for installing an electricity meter and a number of documents that you need to get before this. A standard contract, for example, needs to be requested from a network provider, you also need a task to perform work, in which there will be an act of separation of the balance sheet property. This package of papers contains those requirements that must be followed by the consumer in order for his house to become connected to the mains. In addition, documents delineate the responsibilities of the owner of the house and the electricity supplier. Just in connection with this, it is recommended to install the electric power device inside the house in a heated distribution panel.
Electricity meter installation: list of requirements
It is best to install the device in the vestibule, hallway, so that in case of checking or working with it there is access.
The input line must be de-energized in advance. This is done in agreement with the electricians of the company or with the network provider.
An interval of 0.8 - 1.7 m is the optimum height if the hinged installation of an electricity meter is performed. The device is mounted horizontally on the surface.
First, the incoming electricity circuit must be connected to a circuit breaker, and then to the meter itself.
All electronics in the building must be secured. To do this, there must be a protective earth. If phase imbalance or short circuit occurs , it will be a protection.
Connection of the general wiring for the whole house (usually a shield with automatic machines) is made to the output of the meter.
If the consumer saw that the integrity of the seal was violated, an urgent need to make a call to the representative of the network provider to re-seal the meter.
The requirements of the PUE during installation must be adhered to.
It is important to make a trial inclusion.
Electric meter in the apartment: what should be taken into account during installation
The rules for installing an electricity meter (PUE) contain all important aspects, being guided by them, representatives of the network company install devices in apartments.
Finding out the date is the first thing to do before you begin installation. She should stand on the seal. For 3-phase meters, the statute of limitations should not exceed one year, for single-phase meters - two.
Distribution panels located on the platforms of apartments are a traditional place for the installation of mechanisms. If they are nevertheless installed directly in the living room, where the entrance is located, then this should be a special closed shield in the hallway or in the corridor. A group of machines for the entire apartment is also set here.
Basic requirements for installation
It is necessary to prepare a place where the electric switchboard will be installed and the installation of an electricity meter with automatic devices.
Having agreed with the electricians of the company or the network provider, it is necessary to disconnect the input line.
We prepare a place for installing an electrical panel with a meter and automatic devices.
It is necessary to disconnect the input line from the voltage. This can be agreed with the representatives of the electrical installation company.
Do not forget about grounding, which in case of phase imbalance allows you to secure all electrical equipment in the room.
First, the input current circuit must be connected to a circuit breaker, then to the counter.
It is necessary to connect the output of the device to the input machine or their group.
A trial inclusion is carried out.
Installing an electricity meter on the street
Often, these units are installed in the open air, and not in the room itself, but this must also be done in accordance with a number of technical and operational requirements.
The best option is to install an electricity meter on the facade at a height of 0.8 - 1.7 meters, which will allow representatives of a network company or service maintenance to get free access to the device. The circuit breaker is also best installed on this switchboard.
Installation of the counter on a column
There are a number of uncomfortable moments for servicing devices mounted at height. Although, on the other hand, installing an electricity meter on a pole eliminates the possibility of theft of current, which is a big plus.
The inconvenience that occurs first of all is the inaccessibility of the device when it is necessary to read its readings. To see its display, you need to climb to some support, etc. In principle, you can use the electricity metering system , which works in automatic mode, as, for example, SOUP 04. It makes it possible to read the meter readings remotely from the unit on any poles. Installing an electricity meter on a pole is the cheapest and least costly material.
Basic requirements for installing a meter on the street
Given the rules of the PUE, it is necessary, before proceeding with the installation, to disconnect the network line.
An interval of 0.8 - 1.7 meters is an ideal height for wall mounting.
The electrical panel must be heated. Since at temperatures from - 5 ° C, the meter may begin to give incorrect readings.
First, the input current circuit must be connected to a circuit breaker, then to the counter.
Protective grounding will protect the electronics in case of phase imbalance or short circuit.
It is necessary to connect the counter output to the input automaton or to their group.
A trial inclusion is carried out.
Features of the two-tariff system
The installation of a two-tariff electricity meter is due to the fact that various metering of consumed electricity is carried out. Alas, few even know about it. Such a system is differentiated by time of day, so we pay for energy consumption at night - from 23:00 to 7:00 - at a price four times lower than during the day.
This is due to the fact that there are two main modes of operation of power plants - peak and low. In the morning hours from 7 to 10 there is a maximum power consumption. It is during this period that the work of many enterprises begins. Also, the maximum falls on the evening hours - from 19 to 23, when people come home. A sharp decrease in the level of electricity consumption is observed at night. An unstable rhythm of work badly affects the life of equipment in power plants. With a uniform load, the consumption of resources â coal, gas, and oil â also decreases. If you align the operation mode of stations, you can save them.
The cost of installing an electricity meter with multi-tariff accounting will pay off over time, since it will be possible to pay only 40% of the price for each kW / h for night consumption, that is, savings of up to 60%. It is also convenient that many models make it possible to track the statistics of the load, current, and see graphs. Since such meters are equipped with a current loop interface, they have a pulse output and also have an event log.
To switch the user to a multi-tariff tariff, you first need to contact the energy supplier - in city or district power networks, apply for the installation of this unit. After receiving a response to the application with permission to switch to a new tariff, you can install a new device and then renew the contract for the supply of electricity with the organization in accordance with the new tariffs.
Who should install electricity meters
Since settlement devices are the property of the energy sales organization (usually), their specialists must install them. They also seal the counter. The consumer is only responsible for its storage and use.
Self-installation of the counter
A consumer who has decided to install this device on his own should know that he takes full responsibility. DIY installation of an electricity meter is not too complicated. The main thing to consider and be sure to adhere to is electrical safety rules.
When installing wiring under the meter, the ends of the wires near them should have a length of at least 12 centimeters.
The zero wire at a distance of 10 centimeters in front of the device should have insulation or a shell of a different color. If aluminum wires are connected to the meter, it is important that the surface of the conductor (with a file) be brushed with a steel brush and covered with a layer of special neutral technical petroleum jelly.
Before connecting, contaminated petroleum jelly must be removed from the conductor and immediately apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly again. The screws are tightened in two steps. The first one is tightened without jerking with the greatest allowable effort, then the tightening is not completely, but greatly weakened, followed by a secondary one with normal effort. So the installation of an electricity meter is carried out. The price that representatives of the service organization will ask you in case of self-installation will consist only of a service for sealing the device.
The junction box of the meter, adapter box or test block - must be sealed. The chamber of the voltage transformer, as well as the handle of the drive of the disconnector, again, the assembly of clamps is sealed if the installation of the meter was carried out at the consumer's substation.