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PRACTICE OF INSTALLATION AND SEALING OF Power Distribution

ENERGY METERS

Structure
10.1 Objectives of Activity

10.2 Equipment/Materials/Facilities Required

10.3 Brief Theory

10.4 Procedure

10.5 Precautions

10.6 The Points to be Remembered

10.7 Self Test

10.1 Objectives of Activity

 After performing this activity, you should be able to

 make the technicians familiar with the techniques and

methods of installation and sealing of energy meters.

10.2 Equipment/Materials/Facilities Required

 Different types of Energy Meter

 Service Cables of different size

 Meter Boxes

 Meter Seals

 Clamp/Clip-on meter.

 Electric/Hand Drill

 Drill bits

 Ball peen hammer

 Standard Tool Kit.

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10.3 Brief Theory

The distribution company charge a customer for the power consumed. As

this is the basic source of revenue for the company, and also as per the
law, it has to install an accurate electric/energy meter at the customer’s
premises.

An electric meter or energy meter is a device that measures the amount

of electrical energy supplied to customer. Utilities record the values
measured by these meters to generate an invoice for the electricity.

At present, energy meters based on electromagnetic technology and

static meters are being used in the Indian Distribution Network.
Single-phase meters are being used for most of the domestic and
some commercial consumers, whereas 3-phase meters are being
used for industrial, agricultural and large commercial consumers.

Energy meters typically consist of :

An energy measurement apparatus for measuring the energy

consumption and a gauge that is visible outside the meter, showing the
amount of electrical quantities including the energy consumed. Electricity
meters track among other things, the amount of energy consumed,
typically measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh), at each customer's facility.

The available technology options for metering are given as follows :

Available Technology Options for Metering

(i) Electromechanical meters;

(ii) Hybrid meters;

(iii) Static (electronic) meters;

(iv) Demand meters;

(v) Multiple tariff (variable rate) meters/Time of Usage (TOU) meters;

(vi) Prepaid meters;

(vii) Automatic Meter Reading (AMR) and Remote Meter Reading (RMR).

LOGIES
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(a) (b)

Figure 10.1: (a) Electromechanical Energy Meter, and (b) Electronic Meter

 Electromechanical Meters
Electromechanical energy meters (Figure 10.1(a)) are based on the
rotating disc Principle. The working of these meters is explained in
the Box below.

Working of Electromechanical Meters

The meters have a revolving metallic disc mounted on jewel
bearings/magnetic suspension bearings. The display is cyclometer or
mechanical counters and accuracy is typically 1% or 2%
(class 1.0 or 2.0).

They cater to limited tariffs applicable mainly to 1-phase 3-phase

direct connected segment (whole current meters). The
electromechanical induction meter operates by counting the
revolutions of the disc, which rotates at a speed proportional to the
power consumed. The number of revolutions is, thus, proportional to
the energy usage. The metallic disc is acted upon by three magnetic
fields, one proportional to the voltage, another to the current and a
third constant field supplied by a permanent magnet. One of the
varying fields induces currents in the metallic disc, which are then
acted upon by the other varying field to produce a torque. This results
in the torque being proportional to the product of the current and
voltage, i.e. power.

As the metallic disc rotates through the permanent magnetic field,

eddy currents are again produced which dissipate energy (since the
disc has some resistance) and act to slow the rotation. This drag is
proportional to the rotation speed. The equilibrium between the applied
torque and the drag results in a speed proportional to the power. The
rotating disc in this type of meter is, in fact, an electric motor of a type
called a reluctance motor or eddy current motor. It consumes a small
amount of power, typically around 2 W.
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Power Distribution
Electronic energy meters (Figure 10.1(b)) are replacing traditional
electromechanical meters in many residential, commercial and
industrial applications because of the versatility and low-cost
afforded by electronic meter designs.

The measurement circuits are electronic with LED (Light Emitting

Diode)/LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) display and their accuracy is
typically class 0.2, 0.5, 1.0.

They cater to multiple tariffs for all segments CT-VT (Current

Transformer-Voltage Transformer) operated, CT operated,
1-phase or 3-phase Direct connected segment.

These meters measure and record active, reactive and apparent

demand/energy. The static energy meters are microprocessor
based and have non-volatile memory to record and store data.

The electronic meter, in its basic form has : A power supply, a

metering engine, a processing and communication engine, i.e. a
microcontroller, other add-on modules such as Real Time Clock
(RTC), LCD display, communication ports/modules, etc.

These meters are extremely difficult to tamper with, and if

somebody does attempt to tamper with it, it will send alarm signals
and record the information. The programmability of microprocessor
has become a useful tool for incorporating different features like
tamper data, import-export, time-of day metering, load pattern
analysis, etc.

They can be made SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data

Acquisition) systems compatible. They can have communication
ports to support AMR/RMR on various communication platforms, as
well as, for downloading of data on external storage devices.

 Prepaid Meters
Prepaid metering is a system whereby consumers purchase
electricity through a smart card. The amount paid, together with
other information, is encoded on a smart card (fitted with a
microprocessor).

In order to transfer the credit, the consumer inserts the card in a

compatible meter. The meter reads the data and when the pre-paid
amount of energy has been used up, power to the consumer is
disconnected.

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The consumer gets the card reloaded/reprogrammed. The system Power Distribution
has the capability of programming with multiple rates, time of use
tariffs, etc. The consumer can read, among other data, the
remaining money, on the display of the meter.

The use of prepaid meters results in almost total elimination of

non-payment and delayed payment and enables transfer of reliable,
accurate and up to date consumption and billing data according to
tariff policy in use. This information can be utilized by the utility for
demand forecasting and for controlling peak demands. It also means
substantial reduction in staff for meter reading, bill serving, bill
complaints and bad debts, etc.

Figure 10.2 : Prepaid Meter

Full meter programmability allows maximum flexibility in changing

tariffs. Consumer can also decide in advance the affordable level of
expenditure, which may helps him and the utility in elimination of
disputes regarding inaccurate bills.

Automatic Meter Reading (AMR) and Remote Meter Reading

(RMR) describe various systems that allow meters to be checked
without the need to send a meter reader out. This can be effectively
achieved using off-site metering, that is an electronic meter is placed
at the junction point where all the connections originate, inaccessible
to the end-user and it relays the readings via the AMR technology to
the utility.

Remote metering enables online metering of energy consumption. It

is particularly useful for high value consumers where accuracy of
billing and delays in time taken for meter reading are important.
Monitoring of consumption patterns to detect theft/tampering of
meters is possible with these types of meters. 75
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The remote metering unit may be the RTU (Remote Terminal Unit),
Power Distribution
which receives the pulses generated by the electronic meters and is
connected to the Central PC (Personal Computer) Station through a
communication system, which could be PLCC (Power Line Carrier
Communication), public switched telephone network, radio, etc.

 Single-phase Meters
Single-phase meters are generally rated for 240 V AC supply; the
current ratings are 5/10, 10/20, 2.5/10 or 5/20 A and are for direct
connection to the mains. They start registration with small load of
about 6 W and record up to 4800 W.

The main feature of a single-phase meter (electromechanical

induction type) is its simplicity, compactness and robust design. It
comprises a potential coil and a current coil. The potential coil is
fitted on the middle limb of an E-shaped electro-magnet and
connected across the supply mains.

Similarly, the current coil consisting of a few turns of heavy gauge

copper wire is wound on two limbs of a U-shaped electro-magnet.
The two fluxes, produced by the voltage (pressure or potential) coil
and current coil, create a mechanical torque on the non-magnetic
aluminum disc (which is located between the 2 coils) causing it to
rotate.

A brake magnet of C-shaped alloy steel is provided to control the

movement or rotation of the disc set up by two fluxes. The disc
rotates through the narrow air gap of the C-shaped magnet and eddy
currents are set up, which interact with the field and exert braking
effect.

10.4 Procedure

 Energy Meters – Installation and Commissioning

The meters are connected before the consumer’s isolating device
(Main Switch), which may be a molded case circuit breaker,
miniature circuit breaker or an ironclad switch fuse unit. At the time
of commissioning, each meter is tested at site by the owner. A
reference standard meter of 0.2 class or better is used for testing.

 Supply Side Wiring

The supply side wiring is the responsibility of the utility and the
following must be ensured while carrying it out.
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 The supply wires provided are of suitable rating. Power Distribution

 In case of more than one meter on one service line, it is

preferable to use bus-bars. When a number of meters are
connected to a single distribution mains, for registering
electricity supplied to different consumer loads, separate
service lines – phase(s) and neutral, are used for each
meter. Each independently metered consumer load is
directly connected to the distribution mains through its
meter connected in specified phase sequence so as to
meet accuracy requirements of relevant standard.

 The supply wire is properly terminated.

 The connection is as per connection diagram mentioned

on meter.

 Utility should use its own earthing for its devices. Utility
provides phase and neutral (Single Phase) supply to
the consumers. The neutral is used for carrying return
current only. The neutral of one consumer should not be
connected to other consumers who have independent
and separate supply connection.

Utility provides separate neutral to each consumer up the

metering point and same is used by the consumer. The
consumer ensures that all the correct wiring practices are
followed and neutral is not looped with other consumers
or meters in the same premises. Consumer should not
earth the neutral after the metering point. Wherever there
is multiple meter installations, bus bar arrangement is
used for neutral, so that looping is avoided.

 Installation of Meters and Verification of Connections

Apart from testing and calibrating the meters they must be properly
installed as per the connection diagram.

The points that must be kept in view while meters are installed are
given in the Box below.

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Power Distribution Installation of Meters

(a) Position of meter should be such that reading is easily

visible.

(b) Mounting of meter should be on solid wall or DP structure or

on panel board.

(c) Vertical mounting of meters should be ensured. The utility

engineer should use a plumb bob and mark a vertical line
prior to installation. He could also use a spirit level and put
on the top of the meter after hanging on the screw hole.
Alternatively, he should put spirit level on the edge of the
terminal block to ensure vertical mounting.

(d) For HT metering equipment, CTs should be right on the

incoming side before the point of isolation.

(e) The meter box should be sealed.

(f) The meter recording should be checked at site.

10.5 Precautions

The following should also be ensured :

 Appropriate crimping device should be used for crimping the

lugs. Thimbles should be of appropriate configuration (pin type,
fork type, etc.) to match with the terminal block, for low current
connection. For high current terminations, crimping should be
used with cable crimping tools and multiple point crimping
should be done for the lugs used for higher current ratings.

 If the terminal block is of MS cage clamp type, there is no need

to use any lugs and the copper cables can be directly
terminated at the clamp.

 The recommended tightening torque must be exerted on the

screw to ensure proper tightening of the terminations. It is
recommended to use proper tools, equipments for this
purpose.

 Usage of lugs as per the recommendation of manufacturer and

ensuring proper crimping will protect the joints from failures.

 For high current terminations, tensile test and shock test should
be performed after crimping the lugs.
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 Where aluminum cable termination is to be done on copper Power Distribution
bus bars or brass studs, bimetallic type of lugs should be used.

 Some meters have lower terminal pitch. Because of this,

cables foul with each other while installation. Proper cable size
according to the meter rating should be defined.

 Aluminum conductor cables should be replaced by copper

cables for the whole current meters.

For indoor meters, the wiring should be done such that the cables enter
the meter box from the bottom or rear side. This is not only aesthetic, but
also prevents the service cable from tampering, etc.

10.6 The Points to be Remembered

The points that should be verified after installation of the metering system
are given in Box.

Points of Verification

(i) Phase association

(ii) CT polarity

(iii) VT polarity

(iv) Phase angles

(v) Phase sequence

(vi) System conditions – unbalanced capacitors

(vii) Actual CT/VT ratio

 Sealing Points

The meter seal should be tamper proof. The consumer should be

briefed about seals. The sealing of all metering systems should be
done at various points (as applicable) to avoid tampering. There
should be at least one seal at all points mentioned below
(wherever applicable) :

 CT Secondary Boxes (in addition to locking arrangement).

 PT Secondary Box (in addition to the locking

arrangement).

 Meter Cabinet.
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Power Distribution  Meter Test Block.

 Meter Terminal Cover.

 Meter Cover.

 Panel doors where CT and PT secondary circuits are

terminated or where possibility for shorting or breaking
exists and fuses/links are provided.

 PT selector relay box where automatic change-over of

potential supply to meter from one PT to another is
provided.

 CT Primary Links and Top Covers.

 MD Reset Push Button.

 Boxes/Cabinets containing terminals for remote

transmission of metered data via communication
channels, junction boxes in the system and boxes
wherein interface devices are mounted.

 Meter reading port.

Seals are necessary to guard against tampering with the

connections and internal parts of a meter. Tampering of seals will
give consumers access to the relevant part of a meter installation
where s/he can manipulate the unit to record less energy leading to
commercial loss. A seal is placed to detect unauthorized entry to the
meter internals.

The effectiveness of the seal depends on the type of seal (whether it

is tamper proof or not, whether a duplicate can be obtained or not,
etc.), and the procedures used in tracking the seals.

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Self Test Answer the following questions :

Q.1 List the different types of energy meters.

Q.2 What are the advantages of electronic meter over electromagnetic

meter?

Q.3 Highlight the salient features of electronic meter.

Q.4 Discuss the various available technology options for metering.

Q.5 Describe the important points that must be kept in view while meters
are installed.

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