To control the energy consumption, special metering devices, called meters, are used. Mercury devices are gaining particular popularity due to their positive qualities. It is presented in several models, each of which has its own characteristics, pros and cons.
Counter description
The electricity meter Mercury was invented by Incotex. It produces various electronic equipment, but it is the meters that are widely used.
Mercury is available in a miniature case that fits into any interior of the room. Manufacturers thought out all the little things on fixing the device, so fixing will not cause difficulties. It is impossible to open the case, since there are no bolts in it, which positively affects the safety of the device. Mercury is moisture resistant, so it can be mounted even in basements.
There are models (for example, 201.22) that have a built-in PLC module. It additionally protects the meter and eliminates the possibility of theft of electricity. There is also a Mercury electric meter with a remote control.
The service life is 30 years. These are some of the most durable meters that are used in homes. The manufacturer gives a guarantee of 3 years, which is enough to solve most of the emerging problems. Every 15 years, a check of the metering device should be carried out, in some modifications the period is different.
The device has instructions for use, as well as a passport in which all the properties are indicated. In addition, a device connection diagram is attached, as well as a description of the reading.
You should buy the product in a specialized store so as not to purchase a fake. Each counter has its own identification code, which is then registered in the registry.
Types of metering devices
On sale you can find various modifications of the Mercury meter. All of them can be used to account for electricity in the house. There are single-tariff, two-tariff, three-tariff products.
Mercury 200
The Mercury counter two-tariff single-phase 200 series is used infrequently. It operates at a frequency of 50 Hz.
Mercury 201
This is one of the most popular types of metering devices for use in homes and enterprises. There are single-phase, two-phase, single-tariff, multi-tariff. Thanks to its design, it is completely protected from hacking and attempts of unauthorized interference in the operation of the device. They are also divided into several types and have their own distinctive features. Such devices include models 201.2; 201.5; 201.22. Designed for a rated current of 5 A and a working current of up to 60 A. Models 201.4 and 201.6 have an increased maximum current of 80 A. They are used in places with a large amount of electricity. 201 series meters display energy differently. In 201.4 and 201.22 a digital indicator is set, in 201.5 and 201.6 - mechanical.
Mercury 230
The meter is suitable for domestic and industrial use. Often put in cottages and private homes with a lot of electronics and household appliances.
There is a special modification on sale designed for transformers. It can perform its duties autonomously and in conjunction with a system of automated metering of energy consumption.
The electric meter Mercury 230 works similarly to other metering devices. It receives signals from sensors and translates information into a form that is understandable to the consumer - energy and power. It is possible to read data directly from the device or remotely.
The main structural elements:
- housing;
- grounding device;
- contact block;
- cap.
The information in the counter receives and converts the microprocessor.
Mercury 231
Three-phase single-rate meter Mercury 231 is used to account for energy in networks with three phases. It can be connected directly or via a transformer.
The most famous modification is 231 AM-01. The device measures the load digitally. Included are mounts for din rails, an anti-reverse reading device with a magnetic screen. The device has a simple mount and does not cause difficulties in operation. It is compact and lightweight.
Characteristics Mercury 231:
- First class accuracy.
- Rated voltage 3 * 220/380 V.
- Rated current 5P.
- Maximum current strength 60 A.
- High sensitivity.
- Power consumed by a parallel circuit is not more than 0.1 W, full power is not higher than 7.5 W, active - not higher than 1.5 W.
- Operating temperatures from -40 ° C to + 55 ° C.
You can set a single tariff.
Mercury 234 ART
The Mercury 234 model is designed for one-and two-way metering of electricity in three-phase networks. Connection can be made through a measuring transformer and directly with the possibility of tariff accounting for the zones of the day. Information can accumulate for a long time, it can be transmitted via digital interfaces via wired or wireless channels.
Specifications:
- PLC-I interface.
- It is possible to connect additional power supply voltage of 230 V.
- Galvanically isolated pulse output.
- Automatic device self-diagnosis with error detection. The device itself can stop working if a problem is detected.
- The presence of a built-in relay at 60A.
- LCD backlight.
Main functions:
- Measurement, accounting, display, storage, transmission of information. Able to perform all these actions with active and reactive energy, readings per day, week, month.
- Tariff metering by zones.
- Accounting for losses in power lines.
- Measurement of auxiliary components - instantaneous power values, effective values of phase currents, network frequency.
- The event log.
The main application is in everyday life, in production.
Wiring diagrams
In houses, single-phase and three-phase devices with a power limiter are installed. The connection method depends on the number of phases.
The Mercury single-phase counter has 4 connections:
- An exit to an external network of 220 Century.
- Phase output from the meter to the apartment.
- Terminal for connecting zero from the external power supply to the device.
- Terminal from zero from the counter to the room.
The wires are connected in the same way.
Three-phase products have a more complex connection scheme, which depends on the type of meter. The most popular is direct connection without the use of transformers. It can be used at home, but in factories an AC-to-voltage converter is required.
Advantages and disadvantages
In the manufacture of the product, developers are subject to the highest requirements for accuracy and reliability, as well as wide functionality and developed functions.
The main advantages:
- A wide selection of models.
- Quality and reliability.
- Low cost of the product.
- Protection against hacking and unauthorized access.
- Simplicity and usability.
- The use of modern components.
- Multifunctionality.
- Miniature size.
- The possibility of dividing energy consumption into zones, which allows you to save significant financial resources.
- Extended temperature range.
- High accuracy of determination of results and low energy consumption.
- Ability to create an automated control system.
- Possibility of manual and automatic reading.
Not the entire population is ready to switch to Mercury energy meters. This is due to the following factors:
- The low cost of electricity prevents people from switching to new metering devices, as they will pay off for a long time.
- Dividing the tariff for daytime and nighttime may require citizens to change their daily routine. For example, using powerful installations is more profitable at night. Similarly with production.
- Some populations may have problems reading data from the meter.
Despite the shortcomings, the electricity meter Mercury is one of the most convenient and profitable devices.
Meter reading
There are two types of devices - with mechanical wheels and with an electronic scoreboard. The second is an easier way to take readings. Mechanical products have numbers on wheels that are responsible for the date, hours, amount of electricity and other indicators.
Regardless of the model, data is read the same way. The difference is only in pressing the enter button. On multi-zone products, readings are displayed in the order of T1, T2, etc. To obtain information on an electronic counter, you need to wait for the numbers to appear and write down the data.
There is a second way to get data: press the enter button several times until the desired values appear. Then numbers without symbols after a period are written down.
