Undoubtedly, everyone knows what an electric meter is. He considers the amount of electricity we use. These measuring devices fall into two categories, depending on what the electrical supply circuit is. We can use a single-phase (two-wire) and three-phase electric meter. In the lines of the latter there are three wires (there is no neutral conductor) or four (there is a neutral conductor).
The new generation is a three-phase electric meter, the creation of which uses a modern elemental base and which is in full accordance with the current level of technology development. These are programmable devices, and they, in addition to registering electricity consumption, provide users with a number of other parameters that determine the quality of energy supply. This approach to this technique is primarily due to the fact that modern consumers are trying to save as much as possible, reducing electricity costs, and multi-tariff metering allows you to do this best.
What is the principle of saving, which is provided by a three-phase electric meter? Conventional meters calculate electricity at a single rate around the clock, so consumers pay all the time to the maximum. In contrast, a three-phase electric meter calculates over certain zones according to the daily schedule or the time of year. As a result, when a certain time arrives, the counter switches automatically to the specified counting mode according to the tariffs of a given period.
A three-phase meter is more expensive than conventional models. But the price quickly pays off during operation due to significant cost savings. The average statistics show that the economic effect, even at high energy costs, can reach 60%.
A multi-tariff system is also beneficial for power plants that feel the load throughout the day: peak consumption is morning and evening, but at night, energy producers reduce electricity generation. This affects the functioning and condition of the equipment negatively. If the maximum consumption, the company producing electricity must maximize its capacity, electricity as a result rises in price. So for economic reasons, using electricity at off-peak times is most beneficial.
A three-phase electric meter is connected to a high-voltage network using two voltage transformers and two current transformers. The current coils of the electric meter must be connected to the secondary circuits of measuring current transformers.
Coils are connected to the secondary voltage of the
measuring transformer. By connecting them, between the beginning of the current coils, the internal jumpers are removed, and the coils are turned on regardless of the current circuits.
To purchase three-phase electricity meters in the domestic market is not difficult. For example, a three-phase counter "Mercury" is a worthy option. There are many other models.