Choose the most appropriate electricity meter for your apartment - an important point. It determines the service life of the device, and your money savings. In addition, electricity meters are installed for a long period, usually ten years or more, so you should choose responsibly to avoid problems in the future.
Choosing the most suitable electricity meter for your apartment is an important consideration. It will determine how long the meter lasts and how much money you save. In addition, electric meters are installed for a long time, usually ten years or more, so you should choose responsibly to avoid problems in the future.
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What criteria must meet the electric meter?
Before you go to the store, you should determine the main points according to which you will choose the meter. Here are the main parameters by which you should choose a meter:
- the type of construction of the device;
- single-rate or multi-tariff;
- number of phases;
- amperage readings;
- accuracy class of the device;
- mounting method;
- meter size;
- date of issue of the device;
- the verification 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
Electricity meters are divided into types and types according to different characteristics. Among them: design, number of phases and rates.
Induction and electronic
Induction meters are familiar to everyone. They used to be everywhere, this type of device was developed a long time ago. It looks like a disc device. Electricity passes through such a meter, a magnetic field is formed, and because of this, the disc already produces rotations. Each turn of the disc equals a certain amount of electricity consumed. The main advantage of such a device is its reliability - they can work properly for up to thirty years! But there is a big disadvantage: the measurement error is very high.
Electronic meters appeared quite recently. They measure the consumption of electricity directly and can store or transmit data. Such devices are many times more accurate than induction meters, taking into account the smallest load.
Single-rate and multi-tariff meters
An induction meter can only work on one tariff. But if you buy an electronic meter, you can choose a multi-tariff device. In this case, the recorder will count electricity depending on time: by day or night tariff.
This is convenient because the cost of electricity is different during the day and at night. Therefore, a consumer with a two-tariff meter can turn on the heater at night and pay less for electricity.
Important! A multi-tariff meter costs more than a single-rate meter. Therefore, you should calculate its rationality before buying it. Perhaps in your region there is virtually no difference between the day and night tariff.
According to the number of phases - single-phase and three-phase
Electric meter can be suitable for Single-phase 220 V or three-phase 380 V.. Before you buy, you should make sure to specify which network is used in your home.
Technical characteristics of the meters
Maximum current load
Electricity meters are divided into classes according to the current intensity. To choose the right one, it is worth considering the real power requirements. Single-phase meters typically have a current load range of 5 to 80 amps. Three-phase meters can handle loads up to 100 amps.
Note! Usually, meters with a range of 5-50 amperes are suitable for apartments. If you still have doubts about the current load - consult a specialist.
Accuracy class of an electricity meter
The accuracy class shows the maximum error of measurement of the device. This value is set by law. An electricity meter in an apartment or house must have an accuracy class of 2.0 or higher.
Meters with an unsuitable accuracy class are no longer manufactured, so you cannot install them. But if you already have a meter with a forbidden accuracy class (e.g. 2.5), you can use it until it breaks or nears the end of its service life.
Method of mounting on a din rail or on a panel
Devices are also differentiated by the way they are mounted. Two types of devices are available:
- With din rail mounting.
- With bolt-on panel mounting.
The type of mounting should be selected on the basis of the enclosure or electrical boxwhere you want to install it. In the old type of control panels is used mounting under the bolts. In this case, the meter is mounted with three screws, there is usually no difficulty with the installation.
Modern electrical panels use din rail. Installation in this case becomes even easier: there is a special slot on the device with a latch.
Dimensions of the meter
Almost all modern meters have small dimensions and light weight. On average, they have a size of about 14x20 cm. This criterion when choosing a meter should be considered last. Yes, appearance plays an important role, but still much more important is the functionality and accuracy of the device.
Date of issue of the meter and the verification interval
After assembly the meters are checked for accuracy of measurements. After that, if everything works in accordance with the norms, the device is sealed, which necessarily indicates the date of verification.
Important! Be sure to check the factory seals on the meter before you buy it! If their integrity is broken, the power supply company may refuse to register the device.
You should check the date on the seal when you buy it. Meters can only be installed without additional verification of measurement accuracy for a certain period of time: single-phase meters for two years and three-phase meters for one year. If the meter is overdue, you will need to give it an unscheduled check, which is an unnecessary expense.
Also, manufacturers set the interval between checks for meters, it is also better to specify when buying. Usually, the induction meters have a longer interval (up to 16 years) than electronic meters.
What company to choose
Due to the fact that electric meters are installed for decades, you should buy the device from reliable manufacturers. In the future, this will avoid problems with equipment replacement, documentation, and measurement accuracy.
There are three reliable manufacturers of electricity meters in Russia:
- Taipit (Neva);
- Inotex (Mercury);
- Energomera.
All three - large companies with 10 years of experience, experts recommend choosing devices of these companies.
TOP popular models
Consider the most popular models of electricity meters. They all have the necessary certificates and licenses.
Single-phase single-tariff
Neva 103 1SO. The voltage is 220-230 volts, the current strength is 5/60 amperes. Works at temperatures from -40 to +60 ° C. The first class accuracy. Intersampling interval is 16 years. Installed such a device is easy because the installation is carried out with a DIN-rail. The model has a small size, but at the same time counter readings 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 meter with an LCD screen. It has the first accuracy class, the voltage is 220-230 V., the current is from 5 to 80 amperes. The permissible temperature range is from -45 to +75 ° C. Working at high humidity of 90%. The device has backlight of the screen. The device is mounted on DIN-rail. The time interval between the tests is 16 years and the service life is 30 years.
Single-phase multi-tariff models
Energomera CE102M S7 145-JV. The device has a high resistance to mechanical and electromagnetic effects. Accuracy class 1, voltage 230-220 volts, current 5-60 amperes. Up to four tariffs can be connected. Readings are visible even when de-energized. 16 years between regular calibrations.
Mercury 200.02. Accuracy class 1.0, can meter up to four tariffs. Voltage 220-230 V, amperage 5-60 A. Operates at temperatures from -40 to +55 °C. It is possible to regulate the load and control the electricity consumption. The manufacturer gives 3 years warranty on this model, and the service life is estimated at 30 years. It is necessary to carry out checks once every 16 years.
Three-phase meters
Energomera CE300 R31 043-J. Accuracy class 1. Can be connected through a transformer. The voltage of this model is 230-400 volts, the current is 5-60 amperes. Works at temperatures from -40 to +60 ° C. Can meter in two directions, easy to operate. The test interval is 16 years.
Mercury 231 AM-01. This meter is available in both single-rate and multi-tariff versions. It has the first class of error, 230-400 volts voltage, 5-60 amperes current. Mezhverchetrovoy interval of 10 years. 26 months manufacturer's warranty. The temperature corridor for the device operation: from -40 to +55 ° C. Such a device should be mounted with the help of a rail.
Electric meter should be chosen based on the place of installation. Before you buy it, it is better to calculate everything, because the right device can help you save a lot of money on electricity. And the wrong one, in turn, can be a senseless waste of money.
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