The metering and electricity consumption device is one of the main devices on the way of electricity from a supplier to a consumer. Many models that are classified by design, operating principle and rating, allows you to choose an electricity meter for an apartment and a private house.
Which electric meter is better to put in an apartment
All household appliances consume electricity. In addition, its number is growing steadily, modern devices have great power. Home Saving Indicator - Cost reduction for bill bills. A competent choice is a functional and reliable meter for electricity metering.
Newer devices often puts power sales. All issues are regulated by local legislative acts, are stipulated in contracts and other documents. By purchasing a light meter yourself, you need to clarify all the nuances at the place of residence. The device can not be returned and exchanged. When applying for the passport, appropriate marks are made - the serial number and seal of the state calibration office. The reason that prevents the installation of the meter can only be a factory defect.
According to the type of construction, the meters are induction or mechanical and electronic. Classic induction is still used in buildings of the old type. Their advantage is reliability and durability at a low price. This is a magnetic disk counter. Rotating, the disk starts the counting mechanism.
Among the shortcomings can be noted a low accuracy class. This means that the consumer is underpaid for electricity or pays extra money. To increase accuracy, replace old induction meters with electronic meters.
The electronic meter is multifunctional and can be designed for several tariffs. Consumption data is displayed on the scoreboard. The registrar can store information and transmit it. The compact device takes up little space on the entry plate. The disadvantage is the high price and short service life.
The choice according to the type of measured value - a single-phase meter or three-phase, depends on the type of power supply. Single-phase devices are often installed in a house or apartment. A three-phase power grid is required for large equipment. Three-phase meters are used for industrial facilities.
Counters with a remote control began to appear. This is illegal artisanal equipment. Such savings are regarded as theft. Upon detection, a penalty is imposed on the owner.
Charging of electricity meters
Multi-tariff meters take into account the consumption of electricity, depending on the congestion of the networks and the time of day. Two-tariff is distinguished by indicators day and night. In a three-tariff meter, the price is below normal during low network load, the minimum at night. During the peak period of consumption, the tariff increases.
The rationality of choosing a single or multi-tariff meter depends on the region of residence and household appliances that the consumer uses. For small households with a flow rate of 200–300 kW per month, it is better to install a single-phase meter. For those who have a nocturnal lifestyle, multi-tariff is more suitable, both in an apartment and in a private house.
The owners should analyze the existing way of life. Consider which equipment requires the most electricity. How convenient it will be to change the mode of operation and what is the amount of savings due to low tariffs.Everything should be calculated so that the purchase of an expensive device with a dubious payback is not in vain.
Electricity tariffs by region may vary. In the countryside it is cheaper than in the city. Often, tariff plans are designed so that a daily increase in cost negates the efficiency of the night tariff. In this case, there will be no benefit from switching from single-tariff to multi-tariff, and perhaps bills for payment will also increase.
If you do not use powerful consumers of electricity at night, there is no need for a multi-tariff meter. Refrigerators have a relatively low consumption class. Turning on electric heaters at night makes no sense. The difference in payment is possible if you transfer the washing, heating the boiler or the operation of the dishwasher at night. But this is not always convenient.
Having a multi-tariff meter, you need to remember the need to switch from summer to winter. Transition date and tariff are programmed during installation. Otherwise, the distribution company reprograms for an additional fee.
Accuracy class electricity meters
One of the characteristics that can affect the payment is the accuracy class of the meter. The more accurate the device, the less likely it is to overpay for electricity. The marking shows the percentage error. So a class 2 meter can make a mistake of 5 kW, with a consumption of 250 kW per month.
If the power consumption is up to 1000 kW, the error is not in favor of the owner can reach large numbers. Class 0.2 counters; 0.5; 1,0 are expensive three-phase devices. They are designed for powerful consumers. High accuracy provides savings only during long-term operation. The accuracy class is indicated on the device and in the instructions for it.
According to the rules of electricity metering and legislative acts, for household purposes, devices with a designation of at least 2.0 can be used. Since with a large error, weak currents are not recorded at all. If a low-class counter was installed before the law was issued, its use is allowed until the expiration of the interval between verifications, the end of its useful life or breakdown of the counter. Then it must be replaced in accordance with the accuracy class.
The meter connection diagram is simple, but due to the risk of electric shock, the possibility of fire or property damage, all installation or replacement work must be carried out by a specialist.
Current Meter
The more household appliances and other appliances turned on, the higher the current flowing through the meter. So that it does not fail, you need to determine the necessary value of the current load taking into account the increase and choose the appropriate model.
A device with a load of up to 10 Amps is suitable for a small apartment, cottage or garage. In a house or apartment with a standard set of household appliances, a load of 60 A is enough. This is because the probability of its simultaneous inclusion in the network is small.
To determine the current load, you need to find out the total power of the equipment used, which connects to outlets. All parameters can be taken from the device passport. To this figure should be added a few kilowatts for lighting consumers. If the result is a digit up to 10 kW, you can use a counter of 60 A. When the result is higher, you will need a device of 80 or 100 A.
If the total current load in the circuit reaches 100 A, a three-phase device is required. Such meters are installed in cottages, houses with a private household or the presence of a small business. To install and use devices with these parameters, a power distribution permit will be required.
Counters differ in a way of fastening. Release devices with bolt-on or din-rail mounting. The latter option is used in switchboards and boxes indoors.With joint installation - RCD, counter, automatic devices, it is better to purchase a modular device on a din-rail. Equipment with fasteners for bolts is installed in street panels, switchgears of private households.
Installation of equipment with the help of bolts reliably fixes it, protects against shifts and loss of contact.
The best models
The counter is designed to serve for decades, so you should choose a quality device. The device must be purchased from reliable manufacturers of measuring electrical equipment. The largest Russian companies Incotex, Taypit, Energomera supply reliable metering devices.
Most often, owners use single-phase single-tariff devices as an apartment meter. The models of this series have approximately the same technical characteristics, differ in some operational capabilities and the method of fastening.
- Neva 103 1SO is a certified device equipped with a 7-bit mechanical device. Accuracy class 1.0. It is designed for amperage from a nominal 5 to a maximum of 60 A, a voltage of 220–230 V. It can operate at temperatures from -40 to +60. The time interval between verification is 16 years.
Energomera CE 101 - Energomera CE 101 - a profitable device in terms of price and quality. Suitable for apartments, private houses, villas, garages. There is no loss of readings even during interruptions in the light. Not afraid of low temperatures. Reliable design, small dimensions, large numbers are clearly visible. Among the disadvantages is an inconvenient fastening with three screws. The device can last up to 30 years.
- Incotex Mercury 201.5 occupies a leading position due to the low price - 550-600 rubles. Incotex Mercury 201.8 has a LCD screen with LED backlight. It works in conditions of humidity up to 90%. A special feature is the current transducer, modular housing and screw terminals. Installation is carried out using a DIN rail.
If the load is carried out around the clock, you need to choose a single-phase two-tariff electricity meter. The following devices deserve special attention from this category.
- Incotex Mercury 200.02 pays off quickly. At a low cost, the device allows you to properly distribute electricity throughout the day, without compromising the comfort of living. The device memory stores the readings of past months. The built-in modem allows you to synchronize readings with an automated accounting system. There is a digital display, protection against theft of energy, the ability to customize an individual schedule.
Energomera CE 102 S7 - ABB FBB 11205-108 operates with a current range of 10 to 80 A. Accounting is carried out at two rates. There is a built-in clock, a tariff switch in accordance with a given schedule. Protection against moisture and dust. Mounted on a DIN rail.
- Energomera CE 102 S7 is considered the most affordable among multi-tariff single-phase. All necessary information is displayed. The information for the past year remains in my memory. The average price ranges from 1390 rubles. Depending on the modification, there may be a different interface. The warranty on the device is 5 years. Nevertheless, homeowners note some unreliability of the device.
At enterprises, firms, in some private homes, a three-phase network was installed. A high-tech and secure metering device will be required. In accordance with the work schedule, you can choose both single-rate and multi-rate meters.
- Incotex Mercury 230 ART-01 CN is a universal device for a three-phase network. It can work independently and as part of an automated system. All information is shown on the LCD. There is an automatic self-diagnosis and protection against penetration. Only active energy is measured.
- TsE2727 counter - a high-frequency meter has several degrees of protection. There is a load current limitation of 10 A, the ability to remotely take readings.This is one of the most efficient power controllers. The average price of the device is about 4255 rubles.
- Energomera CE300 R31145-J - a device for a three-phase network. The single rate model has an LCD display and a light indicator. The network can be connected via a transformer. Mounted on a DIN rail. The meter is resistant to low temperatures, so it can be installed in an unheated room. There is protection against theft of electricity.
Regardless of which meter is selected, it must comply with all the requirements of applicable regulations. Only in this case, you can get permission to install, register and connect the device.
