Choosing the most suitable electric meter for your apartment is an important point. It affects the life of the device, and saving you money. In addition, electricity meters are installed for a long time, usually from ten years, so you should make a responsible choice in order to avoid problems in the future.
Choosing the most suitable electric meter for your apartment is an important point. It affects the life of the device, and saving you money. In addition, electricity meters are installed for a long time, usually from ten years, so you should make a responsible choice in order to avoid problems in the future.
Content
What criteria must an electricity meter meet?
Before going to the store, you should determine the main points according to which you will choose a meter. Here are the main parameters by which you should choose a counter:
- device design type;
- single-tariff or multi-tariff;
- number of phases;
- indicators of current strength;
- instrument accuracy class;
- installation method;
- counter size;
- date of issue of the device;
- check interval.
Each of these points is important in its own way, and together they give the most complete picture of what kind of meter you need.
Types and types of devices
Electric energy meters are divided into types and types according to various criteria. Among them: design, number of phases and tariffs.
Induction and electronic
Induction counters are familiar to everyone. Previously, they were everywhere, this type of device has been developed for a long time. It looks like a disk drive. Electricity passes through such a meter, a magnetic field is formed, and because of this, the disk already produces revolutions. Each rotation of the disk is equal to a certain amount of electricity consumed. The main advantage of such a device lies in its reliability - they can work properly for up to thirty years! But there is also a big drawback: the measurement error is very high.
Electronic meters have appeared recently. They measure electricity consumption directly and can store or transmit data. Such devices are many times more accurate than induction ones, they take into account the most minimal load.
Single-tariff and multi-tariff
An induction meter can only operate on one tariff.But when buying an electronic meter, you can choose a multi-tariff device. In this case, the registrar will count electricity depending on the time: according to the day or night tariff.
This is convenient because the cost of electricity during the day and night is different. Therefore, a consumer with a two-tariff meter can turn on the heater at night and pay less for electricity.
Important! A multi-tariff registrar is more expensive than a single-tariff one. Therefore, before buying, you should calculate its rationality. Perhaps in your area there is practically no difference between the daytime and nighttime rates.
By the number of phases - single-phase and three-phase
The electric meter can be suitable for single-phase networks 220 V or for three-phase 380 V. Before buying, be sure to check which network is used in your home.
Technical characteristics of meters
Maximum current load
Electricity metering devices are divided into classes according to current strength. To choose the right one, it is worth considering the real needs for electricity. Single-phase meters usually have a current load range of 5 to 80 amps. Three-phase can handle loads up to 100 amps.
Reference! Typically, meters with a range of 5-50 amperes are suitable for an apartment. If you still have doubts about the current load, consult with a specialist.
Electric meter accuracy class
The accuracy class indicates the maximum measurement error of the device. This indicator is set by law. An electricity meter in an apartment or house must have an accuracy class of no higher than 2.0.
Meters with an unsuitable accuracy class are no longer produced, so it will not be possible to install them.But if you already have a counter with a forbidden accuracy class (for example, 2.5), then you can use it until it breaks or reaches the end of its service life.
DIN rail or panel mounting method
Devices are also distinguished by the method of installation. Two instrument options are available:
- With din rail mount.
- With fastening bolts on the panel.
You need to choose the type of fastener based on the cabinet or electrical panelwhere it should be installed. In electrical panels of the old model, bolt-on mounting is used. In this case, the meter is fixed with three screws; installation difficulties usually do not arise.
Modern electrical panels use din rail. Installation in this case becomes even easier: the device has a special groove with a latch.
Overall dimensions of the counter
Almost all modern counters are small in size and light in weight. On average, they have a size of about 14x20 cm. This criterion should be considered last when choosing a counter. Yes, the appearance plays an important role, but still, the functionality and accuracy of the device are much more important.
Date of issue of the meter and intertest interval
After assembly, the meters are checked for measurement accuracy. After that, if everything works in accordance with the standards, seals are placed on the device, where the date of verification is necessarily indicated.
Important! Be sure to check the factory seals on the meter before buying it! If their integrity is violated, then the power supply company may refuse to register the device.
When buying, check the date on the seal.Meters can be installed without additional verification of measurement accuracy only for a certain time: single-phase - for two years, three-phase - one year. If the meter is overdue, then it will be necessary to give it for an unscheduled check, and this is an extra expense.
Manufacturers also set an inter-check interval for metering devices, it is also better to clarify it when buying. Usually, on induction meters, such an interval is longer (it can reach 16 years) than on electronic meters.
Which company to choose
Due to the fact that electricity meters have been installed for decades, you should buy the device from reliable manufacturers. In the future, this will avoid problems with the replacement of equipment, documentation and measurement accuracy.
There are three reliable manufacturers of electricity meters in Russia:
- Taipit (Neva);
- Inotex (Mercury);
- Energomer.
All three are large companies with over 10 years of experience, experts recommend choosing devices from these companies.
TOP popular models
Consider the most popular models of electricity meters. All of them have the necessary certificates and licenses.
Single-phase single-tariff
Neva 103 1SO. Voltage 220-230 volts, current 5/60 amperes. Works at temperatures from -40 to +60 °C. First class accuracy. Check interval is 16 years. It is easy to install such a device, since the installation is carried out using a DIN rail. The model is small but meter reading easy to read - the numbers are clearly visible. The service life of such a device is up to 30 years.
Mercury 201.8. This is an electronic counter with a liquid crystal display. It has the first class of accuracy, voltage 220-230 V., current strength from 5 to 80 amperes.The range of permissible temperatures is from -45 to +75 °С. Works at high humidity of 90%. There is a screen backlight. The device is mounted on a DIN rail. The check interval is 16 years, and the service life is 30 years.
Single-phase multi-tariff
Energy meter CE102M S7 145-JV. The device has a high resistance to mechanical and electromagnetic influences. Accuracy class 1, voltage 230-220 volts, current 5-60 amperes. You can connect up to four tariffs. Readings are visible even when the power is off. There are 16 years between regular inspections.
Mercury 200.02. Accuracy class 1.0, can keep records of four tariffs. Voltage 220-230 V, current 5-60 A. Operates at temperatures from -40 to +55 °C. You can regulate the load and control the consumed electricity. The manufacturer gives a 3-year warranty for this model, and estimates the service life at 30 years. Inspections must be carried out every 16 years.
Three-phase meters
Energy meter CE300 R31 043-J. Accuracy class 1. Can be connected via a transformer. The voltage of this model is 230-400 volts, the current strength is 5-60 amperes. Works at a temperature of -40 - +60 °С. Can keep records in two directions, easy to operate. Check interval is 16 years.
Mercury 231 AM-01. This meter is available in both single-tariff and multi-tariff versions. It has the first class of error, voltage 230-400 volts, current strength 5-60 amperes. Check interval is 10 years. Manufacturer's warranty 26 months. Temperature range for device operation: from -40 to +55 °С. You need to fasten such a device with a rail.
The electric meter should be selected based on the installation location. Before buying, it is better to calculate everything, because a properly selected device can help to significantly save on electricity.And the wrong one, in turn, can be a waste of money.
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