How to choose an electric meter for an apartment. Areas of application of electricity meters

Today it is rare to find a residential building in which there is no installed counter for electricity, since almost everywhere devices and equipment powered by electrical network. During installation work with wiring or during its reconstruction, it is necessary to replace old devices with newer, more accurate ones. In order to choose the right device for monitoring power supply, you should know what types of devices are, what parameters they have, as well as a number of features.

The electricity meter is a common device for monitoring the electricity consumed by the user. The reliability of the accounting system directly depends on right choice such equipment. To do this, you need to choose the appropriate type of device design for the corresponding electrical network. Thus, you can purchase an electricity meter for single-phase wiring and three-phase.

Specifications

When choosing an electricity meter, the buyer should be aware that, depending on the principle of operation of the control equipment, they are divided into two types: induction and electronic. Induction devices. This is a mechanical unit in which there are two coils (voltage and current). During operation, a magnetic field is generated that rotates the disk. And the disk, in turn, sets in motion a scale with values ​​​​for calculating the amount of electricity received.

The speed depends on the voltage level in the network. The higher the power, the higher the rotation speed of the disk. Induction meters have counting errors, and increasing the accuracy class is very expensive. Service life is about 15 years. The most common type of construction.

Electronic devices. The operation of such equipment is based on direct measurement of current on the line and voltage. Scale this counter It has electronic form, and is able to store values ​​in memory. The advantages include small dimensions. The device can carry out maintenance of one- and two-tariff accounting. It can also be integrated into an automated system for commercial electricity metering, thanks to an accessible simple meter interface. Numeric values ​​allow more accurate reading of information. However, they have a shorter warranty period and are not as reliable as induction type devices.

The passport of a particular model of an electricity meter indicates all the technical characteristics that it has - allowable temperature during operation, for what type of electric line it is intended, rated voltage and current strength, weight, dimensions, connection diagram, service life, accuracy class, as well as other parameters that are relevant to the installation.

Electricity meters are usually calculated for connection separately to a single-phase and three-phase line. This affects the rated current that can flow through the device. So for single-phase meters, the permissible current strength is in the range from 5 to 60 amperes, and for three-phase meters from 50 to 100 amperes with a connection transformer up to 100 A.

Since in private residential buildings and high-rise buildings with a load of 100 A is rare, then the installation of transformer three-phase meters is not often done. The rated voltage for single-phase devices is standard 220 volts, and for three-phase lines - 380 volts. When you need to choose an electricity meter for residential consumers, you should independently calculate the total power of all equipment that can be connected at the same time.

On average, this value is up to 5,000 watts. For such power, you need a device with a rating of up to 40 amperes. For the current of a three-phase line, you should also pay attention to their connection diagram. When buying, you need to take into account the technical characteristics that determine the possibility of their operation in certain conditions, all the advantages and disadvantages.

Video “Instrument selection options”

Which to choose

On the this moment on the electrical engineering market in the CIS countries, a common model is the electricity meter of the brand Mercury and Energomera. Mercury devices are produced both for a single-phase electrical network and for a three-phase one. A variety of models with various modifications and power allows you to choose a device for any consumer.

The Mercury counter is manufactured in the Russian Federation (Moscow). It occupies a leading position in the electrical equipment sales market. Due to their reliability and range, Mercury meters began to be used not only in residential premises, but also in industrial buildings, in public places. It has favorable price, in contrast to similar samples from other manufacturers. All Mercury devices comply with GOST standards.

• Mercury models are produced with one or two rates. Average term service life of devices is about 25 years, the warranty is issued for 3 years;
• model Mercury-230 is designed for a three-phase network of commercial or technical accounting;
• the Mercury-201 model is connected to a single-phase electrical line and has a simpler design.

Mercury readers are installed on a DIN rail with circuit breakers, occupying 6 modules. Energy meters are reading devices that are also available in various models for their respective purposes. For a three-phase network, an Energomer of the CE300 brand is used. To choose the right reading device, you need to know exactly what characteristics it should have or consult a specialist.

Advantages and disadvantages

The obvious advantages of electronic meters over induction meters include a wide range of functioning. In addition to the ability to count the electricity passing through the device and display its value on the dial, given type design can be used to connect to the system of separate metering of electricity consumption at different rates.

Two-tariff and multi-tariff models (for example, Mercury or Energomera) are gradually gaining popularity, which increases their demand. This feature allows you to calculate the cost of a unit of electricity for the consumer during the day and separately at night. Electronic meters have become in demand among consumers who live in regions with daily tariff zones. The efficiency of their operation at low temperatures does not decrease. So when placing the electricity meter on the street, the accuracy of the readings will not be affected by the air temperature.

Also to the merits electrical device carry a higher accuracy class (0.2S and 0.5S) than that of induction reading devices. As well as the stability of these values ​​\u200b\u200bwith temperature changes throughout the entire period of operation. They must work stably on single-phase and three-phase networks.

The choice of an electric meter is a responsible event, because, having bought a device, it is no longer possible to return it back with the words “did not fit”. This is due to the fact that when selling metering devices, a corresponding mark is necessarily put in the passport containing the seal of the state verifier and the serial number. The only reason for allowing the return of the electricity meter is the discovery of a manufacturing defect.

You can come to grocery store and there decide what you want to buy, what is useful to you and what is not. But in a metering store, this approach to shopping will not work. Personally, you may like anything, but only the meter whose parameters strictly match the parameters of your electrical wiring can count the electricity in your house.

Before choosing an electricity meter for an apartment, get acquainted with the criteria and determine the characteristics of the device that is right for you:

• Construction type;
• Number of phases;
• Class of the device in terms of current strength;
• Number of tariffs;
• Accuracy of indications;
• Mounting method;
• Working conditions;
• Date of manufacture;
• Date of last check and interval between checks.

by the most important criteria are the first 4 of the list. The rest are secondary. If you don't count them, you can still connect the meter and it will count. But he can count with a large error, or he may soon require mandatory verification, which you must pay.

Construction type

If we talk about what kind of electric meters are according to the principle of operation, then two types can be distinguished:

• induction. These are reliable counters of the old type with a spinning disk. Their advantage is durability and low cost. The disadvantage is the inaccuracy of the readings. This means that the device can wind up more than you actually spent. Therefore, when paying for electricity, you will be charged more than it should be. Although with the same probability the meter can wind up less, and you underpay, which benefits your budget. But there is no way to guess which counter saves money, and which one heavily winds up the expense. Induction meters are always single-tariff;
• Electronic. Let's start with the advantages: these are meters that allow you to account for electricity in two or more modes (single-tariff, two-tariff and multi-tariff). The accuracy of electronic metering devices is the highest, and their dimensions are small. Main disadvantage- shorter service life. In combination with high cost, it can discourage the buyer from buying it.

If you are still thinking about which electricity meter is better to put in an apartment, then focus on electricity consumption. If you almost do not spend it, then you do not need high accuracy and multi-tariff. Feel free to take an induction device. If the apartment has a lot of powerful electrical appliances that work every day or without a break, and in your region the tariffs for night and daytime use of electricity vary greatly, then it makes sense to buy an electronic analogue. You will spend more on its purchase, but it will pay off in a few months with a smaller “for light” fee.

Number of phases

Counters can be calculated for:

1. One phase (single phase);
2. Three phases (three-phase).

Everything is simple here: if your wiring is single-phase, then you need to take a meter designed for 1 phase, if three-phase - for 3 phases.

Advice! In city apartments, there are always single-phase metering devices, and which electric meter is better to put in private house? After all, there can be both one and three phases? Then look at the power line you are connected to. If there are only 2 wires, then take a single-phase device. If the line consists of 4 wires, then choose a three-phase meter.

Each meter has terminals for connecting conductive wires, in which the amount of energy transmitted is read. A single-phase meter has only 4 terminals: 2 for the input of the phase and neutral wires and so many for their output. Therefore, it will no longer be possible to connect a single-phase meter to a three-phase line. And if you made such a mistake with the number of phases when buying a device, you will have to buy a new one - for three phases. At the same time, it will no longer be possible to return a single-phase device.

A three-phase meter has at least 8 terminals (there may be additional ones for various ways connections). 4 of them are designed to input three phase and one neutral wire, and the other 4 - to output them. Therefore, if you accidentally bought a three-phase meter with a single-phase line, then it is quite possible to use it. Only in this case 4 terminals will remain empty.

Important! A single-phase meter for a three-phase line is not suitable. But a three-phase meter is allowed for installation with single-phase wiring.

Current class of the device

Single-phase devices are designed for flow metering electrical energy in circuits with a current strength in the range of 5-80 Amperes. Three-phase - in 50-100 Amperes. We have indicated the range with minimum and maximum currents, and individual models are designed to operate in a smaller range: the smaller the range, the less cost device. But how do you know which electric meter is better to put in an apartment?

You need to focus on the thickness of the cable suitable for your house / apartment. Below is a table that shows the maximum current for copper and aluminum conductors different thickness. More than this value, the current in the meter is not needed. But take into account that the PUE sets its own framework depending on the type of wiring (open or closed) and the number of phases (1 or 3).

Example . Do you have a single phase open wiring copper wire with a section of 6 sq. mm. Then you need an electric meter with a maximum current of 50A. Although with the same parameters, but with aluminum wiring, the current strength will not exceed 39A. Why overpay for a larger range if the power will automatically turn off if the current starts to exceed 39 Amps? Please note that if the wiring is closed, then the current strength for copper is 34A, and for aluminum it is 38A.

In the figure, the electric meter operates at a current strength in the circuit from 5A to 50A.

Number of tariffs

Counters can be:

• One-rate;
• two-tariff;
• Multi-tariff.

Payment for electricity consumption for a single-tariff meter is calculated as follows: all energy spent in one month is multiplied by the cost of 1 kilowatt * hour.

For example: consumed 100 kWh. And 1 kWh costs 3.5 rubles. Then the payment is: 3.5 * 100 = 350 rubles.

In two-tariff metering devices, the cost of a unit of energy depends on the time of day:

• Day (07.00-23.00) - the cost of a unit of electricity is 1-20% higher than the nominal value (which is taken into account in the single-tariff calculation);
• Night (23.00-07.00) - the cost of 1 kWh is 20-60% lower than the nominal one.

Attention! There is no exact formula for determining the cost of energy day and night, because each region has its own numbers. You need to check with your electricity supplier.

For example: The daily rate is 3.6 rubles per 1 kWh. At night - 1.8. They spent the same 100 kWh. But 60 of them - during the day, and 40 - at night. Then you have to pay: 3.6 * 60 + 40 * 1.8 = 288 rubles. This is 62 rubles less than with a one-tariff plan.

With a multi-tariff plan, the day is divided into three zones:

• Night (23.00-07.00) - the price of a unit of energy is 20-60% lower than the nominal value;
• Half peak (09.00-17.00 and 20.00-23.00) - the price of 1 kWh is equal to the nominal;
• Peak (07.00-09.00 and 17.00-20.00) - the price of a unit of electricity is 5-30% higher than the nominal one.

Example: Night tariff - 1.8 rubles, semi-peak - 3.5, and peak - 3.8. The consumption of 100 kWh over time was: 40 at night, 50 at half peak and 10 at peak. We calculate the monthly payment: 1.8*40+3.5*50+3.8*10=285 rubles. This is 65 rubles lower than with a one-tariff plan and 3 rubles less than with a two-tariff plan.

It is not necessary at all when installing a meter, taking into account the consumption of electricity at 2 or 3 tariffs. Benefits depend on factors:

• Difference between night and day or peak rate. The larger it is, the greater the benefit when using electrical appliances at night;
• The ratio of nighttime electricity consumption to daytime. The more you use electrical appliances at night, the more you can save.

If you are not ready to use powerful electrical appliances in the night or at least the semi-peak zone, then buying a two-tariff or multi-tariff meter will be a mistake for you - it will not reduce the payment, but increase it, since the daily and peak tariff is an order of magnitude higher than the nominal one. Although in Moscow and the Moscow region, the benefits are felt even in those families in which only the refrigerator is turned on at night.

Attention! Two-tariff or multi-tariff meters can only be of electronic type.

Indication accuracy

Which electric meter to choose: more or less accurate? According to the PUE, today it is possible to install metering devices with an accuracy class of at least 2.0 (previously they were allowed to be installed with an accuracy of 2.5). You can also bet with an accuracy of 1.0, 0.7 or 0.5, but their cost will be higher.

Attention! The accuracy class is indicated in a circle on the case of the accounting device and indicates the measurement error in percent.

The accuracy class shows how accurately the device calculates the power consumption. You can hear that in order for the counter to wind up less, you need to take a less accurate class. But then there is a risk that you will not save a certain amount, but overpay it.

For example: real consumption 100 kWh per month. Meter accuracy - 2.0 (measurement error - 2% up or down). If the meter measures in your favor, then it will show 98 kWh, and if in favor of the electricity supplier, then 102. With a single-tariff calculation with a cost of 3.5 rubles, the difference is 14 rubles. And with an accuracy class of 1% - 99 and 101 kWh, respectively. Then the difference is 7 rubles. With a class of 0.7 - 4.9 rubles. And at 0.5 - 3.5.

It can be seen from the calculations that with low electricity consumption, the difference in payment for various classes little change in accuracy. Therefore, you can safely take the counter with the lowest class - 2.0. But if your electric meter winds up about 1000 kWh per month, then you should think about buying a more accurate device. Because it will save up to 140 rubles. And the overpayment for the purchase of a more accurate device will pay off in a few months.

Mounting method

Types of electric meters for an apartment according to the method of attachment:

• Devices mounted on a din-rail;
• Devices attached to a plastic, metal or wooden shield with bolts.

There are no selection rules here. You just need to take into account your personal desire: if you bought a device with a bolt-on mount, but you wanted it on a DIN rail, you will have to look for a new installation location.

Working conditions

Electric meters can be designed for installation:

• Inside the apartment / house (in any heated room);
• Outdoors (such devices are not afraid of heat, frost and precipitation).

Keep in mind that everyone will have access to the street electricity meter. But to verify the evidence, you do not have to let civil servants into the house. What is more important to you, then choose.

date of manufacture

The rules for the installation of electrical installations define the "age" of unused electricity meters that are allowed for installation without verification (checking the accuracy of readings in a special organization at the expense of the energy consumer):

• Single-phase network - 2 years;
• Three-phase network - 1 year.

Attention! All electric meters after production are sent for state verification. If the device has successfully passed it, then a seal with a date is installed on it. When buying, inspect it: it must be intact! If there is even minor damage on it, you may be denied electricity supply to your home.

If you do not take this point into account when choosing an electrical energy meter, then the seller may take advantage of your inattention and sell you a product that was released 2 years ago or more. Then you will not be allowed to install without verification, which you will have to pay for.

Example. You came to the store on May 10, 2016, and you plan to install the meter during the same month (until May 31). Then, with single-phase wiring, you can buy a device that was released no earlier than June 2014, and with single-phase wiring, no earlier than June 2015. But it is always better to take electricity meters made recently.

When was the last check?

If you decide to install a meter that has already been used once, then the checking company will definitely specify when the last verification was. It should be evidenced by a seal indicating the date. Used devices are admitted to the installation according to the PUE, with a last inspection period of not more than 2 years for single-phase models and 1 year for three-phase ones.

Interverification interval (MPI)

This is the time after which it is necessary to perform the next verification of the electric meter after the last one. For induction meters, the MPI is 16 years, and for electronic meters - from 3 or more. The more MPI, the better for you, because for verification the meter is removed, and the power supply is temporarily interrupted.

Attention! You can make a premature (unscheduled) verification if you doubt the accuracy of the instrument readings. You will have to pay for the procedure, but in the event of a conclusion that the electric meter is in good condition, a new countdown will begin for the MPI - from the date indicated on the new seal.

Other factors influencing the choice of an electric meter

These moments can be decided in advance, or you can choose in the store, because little depends on them:

• Automated electricity metering. Attractive for those who do not like to take readings on their own. But you have to pay extra for this opportunity. And it is more convenient for the electric company than for you;
• Country of Origin. Russian electricity meters are practically not inferior in quality to foreign ones. And what difference does it make which counter to take, if the accuracy of the readings is checked anyway on Russian equipment? But on Russian products you can save a pretty penny. The manufacturing firms Intkotext and Concern Energomera have proven themselves well;
• Repair cost. Usually repairs do not cost more than buying and installing new equipment. But still, it is useful to clarify the cost of repairing a specific model: if it turns out to be much less than the price of a new device, then you should pay attention to it;
• Noise level. Sometimes meters buzz, which is very unpleasant when they are mounted in a residential area. Ask if the meter you like is noisy during operation.

Attention! Sometimes an induction meter is chosen only because it can be used to “rewind” the flow using a magnet. Yes, it was possible before, but now metering devices have an indication of magnetization. And if the indicator worked, then you can be accused of stealing electricity. Be careful.

Now, having come to the store of metering devices, you can confidently declare which model you need. For example: “I need an electronic and two-tariff single-phase electric meter for installation in a heated room for 5-50 Amperes with DIN rail mounting and accuracy class 1 with verification not later than 1 year ago, and an inter-calibration interval of at least 5 years.”

In many families, the question of budget savings is increasingly being raised. In part, this can be solved with the help of saved kilowatts. Get recommendations on which electricity meter is best to install in an apartment so that it meets modern requirements and helps reduce financial costs.

How to choose an electric meter in an apartment

Before you go to a store selling electrical energy meters, you need to decide which electric meter is better to put in the apartment, based on the individual needs of the family. A specialist associated with an electrician will help, according to several criteria, to choose the meter that is best suited for price and functions. There are several points to consider Special attention:

• savings that the device will bring;
• ease of installation and use;
• reliability;
• period between checks;
• silent operation;
• low power consumption by the recorder itself.

Which electric meter is better to put in the apartment

Knowing the rules on how to choose an electricity meter for an apartment, it is easy to determine more suitable option purchases. The advice of a specialist who regularly works with wiring and installation of electrical energy consumption meters is important. Recommendations will help you save money not only when buying on the cost, but also in the further process of work.

Types of electricity meters for an apartment by design type

Despite the fact that there is a massive replacement for new generation meters, both representatives have their drawbacks and positive traits. The difference lies in the applied principle of operation:

1. Induction - work on the principle of counting the number of disk rotations. Peculiarities:
   • Plus, ease of use low price, long term between checks.
   • Minus - low accuracy, the impossibility of breaking down by time to switch to multi-tariff calculation of energy consumption.
2. Electronic - have microcircuits that read information about the transformation of the flow of electricity. Peculiarities:
   • Plus - the accuracy of the readings, compact size, multi-tariff accounting.
   • Minus - high price, low reliability.

Choosing an electric meter for an apartment by the number of phases

Based on the number of phases connected to the apartment, the electric meter is selected for specific parameters. Devices are divided into the following categories:

• Single-phase, which have four terminals for fastening (two for the incoming core and neutral wire, and two for the output).
• Three-phase, having at least eight terminals (one zero and three conductive at the input and output). An electric meter of this type can be used for an apartment where both one and three phases are connected.

What accuracy class should the electric meter have

Any device has an error in readings. Fluctuations in indicators will depend on the accuracy class of the electric meter - the deviation by how many percent is allowed from the true amount of energy consumed. For domestic use in an apartment, the average parameter of the accuracy class is acceptable - no more than two percent. This means that with a real consumption of 100 kW, the readings will be from 98 to 102 kW. The smaller the number indicating the accuracy class indicated in the technical data sheet, the smaller the error. Such electricity meters are more expensive in their cost.

Determining which electric meter is better to put in an apartment, starting from the percentage of error, you can stop at the 2nd class. In total, there are several types of devices that record the consumed electricity. Allocate according to the class of accuracy of the device, "erroneous" on:

• 0,2-0,5%;
• 1,0-2,0%;
• 2,5%.

Which electricity meter to put on the number of tariffs

During the purchase, the question may arise which electric meter is better to install in the apartment, based on the number of tariffs that the device can switch to. There are three types of counters:

• one-rate;
• two-tariff;
• three-tariff and more (multi-tariff).

The choice depends on the lifestyle of the owners. For those who are accustomed to getting up at about 7 o'clock in the morning and already sleeping at about 23 o'clock, an old-style single-tariff electric meter is best suited. More economical option worth considering for those who, having a two- or multi-tariff meter, will perform some domestic work in the same periods. For example, it will be economical to work washing machine, maximum heating electric heating and other "expenses" after 23:00, when the payment for 1 kW is lower.

When calculating for a month or a year, the difference in the cost of paying for the service is significantly different. Installing electricity meters in an apartment, such as Mercury (with an event log), is becoming more and more popular. Devices keep records of several types of tariffs and automatically regulate the load on the network. Get used to counting and saving your costs. To do this, you will only need to program the mode when it is most advantageous to turn on one or another household appliances without creating a load peak.

Types of electricity meters by current strength

Single-phase electricity meters can operate in the range with a current strength of 5 to 80 A. Three-phase - from 50 to 100 A. More accurate data are indicated on the meters by the manufacturer. The smaller the current range, the lower the price of the device. The type also depends on the thickness of the cable that is connected to the building. The specialist who will install the meter in the apartment must have information about the condition of the electrical wiring.

The price of electricity meters for an apartment

When buying an electric meter, owners will not least be interested in the price. How much this or that device will cost depends on the number of tariffs, accuracy class, type of construction, specifications. According to the rating, single-phase multi-tariff meters TM Mercury are widely popular, the price of which ranges from 5955 to 16110 rubles, depending on the number of functions performed.

A wide selection of electrical energy meters TM Neva will help to make optimal choice. Devices costing from 2000 rubles are very affordable. A higher accuracy class and multi-tariff affect the price of the device. The choice of electrical energy metering devices for the population is great: you can purchase equipment in the catalogs of online stores, order with delivery directly on the site. It will cost less than in the salons selling appliances related to electricity. The equipment is provided Required documents required by law.

Video: which electricity meters are best for an apartment

Any homeowner must install devices for metering water, electricity, gas, etc. If there is a delay in the installation of devices for metering heat and water, then the installation of the electricity meter must be completed first.

electricity?

Absolutely all companies that produce such devices give them guarantee period in the amount of sixteen years, and this is a lot and suggests that frequent replacement not required.

But in rare cases, when it does come to buying a new measuring instrument, a buyer who does not have the full amount of information can do incorrect choice. Which is better to put? First you need to familiarize yourself with the principle of operation of the electric meter, as well as with the existing model range.

Induction electricity meter

There are two types of electricity meters: induction and electronic. What e-mail counter is best to use, decide by reading the information below.

So, the first type of devices is mechanical. The composition of the induction meter includes a voltage coil, a metal disk and a current coil. Because of magnetic field, which appears as a result of the interaction of two coils, the metal disk begins to rotate, also rotating wheels with numbers showing the amount of electrical energy expended.

These devices have their pros and cons. The advantages include their relatively low cost and long service life, and the disadvantages are the error in the readings of about 2%. But the long period of presence of this type of meters on the market overshadows a rather large percentage of the error and makes them quite popular among buyers. Therefore, in order to answer the question of which counter is better, let's look at the second type of device.

Electronic counter

The electronic device is fundamentally different from the above. It completely lacks any signs of mechanics, and the current is directly supplied to microcircuits and semiconductors. These microcircuits show the amount of electricity consumed, displaying numbers on the built-in electronic display. Main positive characteristics such - small size, more accurate data, electronic scoreboard, ease of reading and the ability to calculate consumption from several different tariff plans. And the high cost and relatively short service life are unpleasant additions to it.

Single-phase electricity meters

According to the type of network to which the connection is made, electricity is divided into single-phase and three-phase.

Single-phase meters are connected to a two-wire single-phase network. The total load on the network along with the number of wires are the main factors. Single-phase metering devices are used when electricity consumption does not exceed 10 kV. It gives out such a counter 220 V.

Three-phase devices

These meters are connected to three-phase networks, which becomes clear from their name. As needed a large number of energy for their work, have found their application in factories or switchboard high-rise residential buildings of electricity.

Which is better to install in a private house? Most often they put it single-phase. They can also be connected to a three-phase network, but only then such a device will be needed for each phase. The installation of a three-phase meter can only be justified by the use of some equipment with a high demand for electricity, for example, welding machine or something like that. At the output, the meter produces 380 V and protects the building from power surges.

Tariff classification

According to the tariff, there are also different electricity meters. Which is better?

1. One-rate. Calculates only one selected tariff. Often used in everyday life.
2. Two-tariff. Allows you to calculate the energy consumed by two tariff plans, for example, one tariff during the day, completely different at night. It is used at various factories and organizations where work is carried out in two shifts.
3. Multi-tariff. Calculates energy at several tariffs at once and reduces costs.

Classification by type of energy

Single-phase devices measure exclusively active energy passing through them, and three-phase devices, in addition to active, also measure reactive energy, also taking into account the direction of the flows. This helps to save a lot on large objects.

Electricity meters: which one is better?

To select the best meter, you need to consider some device parameters and learn a few things about the network.

Companies producing the best electricity meters

According to official data of the Abarcad company with the main office in Moscow, in 2012 in the territory Russian Federation more than eight million electricity meters were made, of which the lion's share (90%) was single-phase devices. This suggests that electricity meters are often replaced in the household sector.

Which is better to apply? It is known that more than ¾ of all production in Russia falls on three Russian companies. Among them are the Energomera concern (Stavropol), the Incotex company (Moscow) and the Moscow Plant measuring instruments". The leader in this trio is Energomera with 40% of production in the asset, followed by Incotex and Moscow Plant of Measuring Instruments with 29 and 7%, respectively. The price of domestic meters is much lower than foreign ones, but the difference in quality is not very noticeable.

Market leaders in electricity meters

In order for you to decide which counter is better to install, consider these companies in a little more detail:

1. The concern from Stavropol "Energomera" owns a couple of factories not only in Russia, but also in the near abroad. Specializing in production High Quality energy consumption meters of all kinds, the price of which varies from 13 to 330 units in European currency.
2. Incotex is a large domestic organization with factories in the Russian Federation and beyond. The specialty of this company is the development and assembly of electronic devices, which include electricity meters of all kinds.
3. "Moscow Plant of Measuring Instruments" (MZIP). An old enterprise engaged in the production of electricity meters and various radio equipment. The manufactured devices include single- and two-phase electricity meters.

With this material, we begin a series of articles under common name"Want to buy". Often people come to the store to buy some product, but do not know what they specifically need. So they say to the seller: "I want to buy, but I don't know what to choose." These articles will be, in a way, a detailed response of the seller to such a buyer.

So, let's begin. In the first article, we will answer the buyer's question: "I want to buy an electric meter, but I don't know which one to choose. Which one do I need?" After reading this article, you will know which electric meter to buy for you:,,,,, and. And when you come to the store, you can proudly say, for example, like this: "I need a single-tariff single-phase electric meter, for a current of up to 50 amperes, an accuracy class of at least 2.0, with a din-rail mount, from the date of verification of which no more than two years!"

If you have not yet decided which shield or box you will install, then buy a meter with a din-rail mount. Such an electric meter is more versatile: you can always buy either a rail or an adapter plate for it and install it on a flat surface (for example, the mounting plate of the ShMP shield) or on three screws.

For what current should I buy an electric meter?

As a rule, single-phase electronic electricity meters are produced for currents from 5A to 50-60A. Three-phase electronic electricity meters are produced direct for maximum current up to 50A and up to 100A and transformer connection - for currents up to 10 amperes. In residential construction and in the reconstruction of apartments, transformer connection meters are practically not used, since loads rarely exceed 100 amperes.

But there are exceptions. For example, there is a single-phase electronic device electricity metering Neva 103, which is designed for a maximum current of 80A. But as a rule, in apartments and houses connected to a single-phase circuit, current consumption is much less.

If you have new house, then there should be a project on it, in which it is prescribed for what current the electric meter needs to be installed, how much power is allocated to the house and which introductory circuit breaker you need to choose. If you are making repairs in an apartment and changing the wiring there, you can determine the required current according to the wire cross section that fits the meter. That is, if an aluminum cable with a cross section of 6 sq. mm is suitable for the apartment, which can withstand up to 39A, then it makes no sense to put Neva 103 on 5-80A.

What accuracy class should I buy an electric meter?

The accuracy class is indicated on the front panel in a circle and indicates how accurately it will count the consumed electricity. Sometimes you can hear the phrase: "You need to buy a less accurate meter and then you will pay less for electricity." But it is worth recalling that the phrase "less accurate" does not mean that he will count in your favor!

According to chapter 1.5 of the Electrical Installation Rules (PUE) for the population, the accuracy of active energy meters must be no worse than class 2.0. That is, you can install metering devices of classes 2.0; 1.0; 0.7 and 0.5. And metering devices with an accuracy class of 2.5 and below are no longer produced, since they can no longer be installed.

When should the counter be released?

In fact, it is not the date of issue that is more important, but the date of verification. All metering devices, before they go on sale, must go through state verification (testing for performance and measurement accuracy) at the manufacturer's factory. Based on the results of a successful verification, if the metering device has passed it, a state verification seal is placed on the meter case, and a seal is affixed to the passport. The date is also indicated in the passport, and the quarter and year of state verification are placed on the seal.

According to the PUE (clause 1.5.13), "each installed settlement meter must have on the screws securing the meter casing, seals with the stamp of the state verifier, and on the clamping cover - the seal of the energy supply organization. On newly installed three-phase meters there must be state verification seals with a prescription of no more than 12 months, and on single-phase meters - with a prescription of no more than 2 years.

That is, your single-phase meter must be installed and sealed by the power supply organization no later than two years after verification, and a three-phase meter no later than 1 year.

Periodic checks of meter performance and measurement accuracy are also required. Therefore, for each type of metering device there is also an inter-verification interval, which for electronic meters is usually 10-16 years from the date of production.

Something else?

There are meters of active and active-reactive energy. Reactive electricity metering is mainly used in enterprises with meters connected via current transformers.

There are also meters for work in automated control systems and electricity metering (ASKUE). But we did not consider this issue here, since the requirements for installing such meters are usually prescribed in the requirements for installing metering devices or in the connection project. These documents usually include specific model, which depends on the type of ASKUE used in the region. But it is still worth remembering that you can install any electric meter yourself, which is certified and included in the State Register of Measuring Instruments.

All of the above applies to electronic counters electricity. We did not consider induction meters separately, since they are produced and used less and less every year: they are more expensive, less accurate, larger in size, have a shorter calibration interval (usually 8 years).