Installing electricity meters with your own hands in the apartment. Connecting a single-phase electric meter and automatic machines: standard diagrams and connection rules How to install a single-phase meter

A meter for metering the amount of electricity consumed is not so much a useful as a necessary device. Residential or industrial premises not equipped with this device, but consuming electric current, are considered illegal. Owners of such houses are subject to heavy fines, and their houses are disconnected from the electrical network. Therefore, installing electricity meters is simply a necessary measure.

Differences in meters based on operating principles

• The most common type of counters, which has been used for many years, is mechanical. The second, younger type of meters is electronic. Mechanical counters work on the principle of rotation of round metal elements in them. The current flowing through the device initiates the movement of this element. Energy consumption is recorded based on the number of revolutions completed. This type of meters has a lower cost than electronic ones, the intervals between their checks are also longer, but the accuracy of the readings is not always absolutely correct.

• Electronic electricity meters work on a different principle. There are no mechanical elements, and accounting is carried out using semiconductors or microcircuits. The absence of mechanics means the absence of moving elements. Information about the incoming current is directly transmitted from the voltage sensors. This device has a higher cost, but gives the most accurate result.
• Another important difference between meters is the number of phases they support. Devices with one phase and three are connected respectively to a network with one or three phases. There are varieties of three-phase devices that are connected to a single-phase network. As for single-phase meters for networks with three phases, in this case three devices will be needed.

Differences between meters based on other characteristics

• One of the main characteristics that plays into the hands of the electricity consumer himself is the accuracy of the device’s readings or its error. Previously, this figure varied from 0.2 to 2.5%. The majority of devices had the maximum permitted percentage of inaccuracy in readings. But after a new state standard for accounting for errors for household measuring instruments was introduced, this figure decreased to 2%. Accordingly, most of the instruments sold have just such an indicator of inaccuracy in their measurements.

• Another characteristic of household and industrial meters is the connection method. They are connected directly or through a current transformer. This characteristic is important when connecting and is calculated based on the total load on the electrical network. If this figure does not exceed 100 A, then a direct connection method is allowed. If the indicator is exceeded, then additional installation of equipment is necessary, which has a secondary current of 5 A. When choosing a meter, they are guided not only by the total load of the network, but also by the voltage class of the device itself. This figure is most often 220, 380 or 100 V.
• It is important to take into account the voltage class of the current counting device because it directly affects the type of installation. For example, if the equipment is installed on the high side, then during installation, measuring voltage transformers are also installed in the network, which at the output will give a figure of no more than 100 V. The high side is considered if a high-voltage line with indicators from 6 to 10 kV, or if high-voltage transformers are available.
• The next characteristic of meters is their tariff. The most common devices in private homes are devices that take into account only one tariff. Two-tariff and multi-tariff meters are more expensive and require the preparation of appropriate documents, which is why they are not used in private homes. In addition, for an individual, division into tariffs is not always provided. This is necessary mainly for legal entities, that is, various industrial or office buildings. The essence of a multi-tariff meter is that it counts according to several specified tariffs. For example, day and night rates.

Basic rules for installing a single-phase meter

Installation and replacement of electricity meters is demanding not only in terms of connection diagrams, but also in the remaining stages of installation and preparation for it, which boil down to the following rules:

• Selecting a room for installation. For installation, choose dry rooms that will not interfere with installation and maintenance of the device. The temperature range of the room is allowed from 0 to +40°C. If the intended installation location does not fit into these parameters, then they are organized by insulating and heating the voltage cabinet.
• Selecting an installation location. There are prescribed rules that determine possible locations for installing the meter. Installation is permitted on walls, on panels and in metering panels, in cabinets, in relay compartments of a complete switchgear.

• Choosing a mounting method. Possible options are on metal shields, on plastic shields and boxes, on wooden shields.

• Selecting the mounting height. The optimal distance from the floor level is 80-170 cm. The meter should be located at eye level, this will make it easier to maintain and take readings.
• When installing equipment, monitor the angle of its inclination; it should not be more than 1o, since a larger inclination will create an additional error in accounting for electric current consumption. This note is relevant only for induction devices.
• Selecting the size of the structure for installation. By design we mean a niche, cabinet or panel in which the metering device is placed. The size of this element is selected in such a way as to provide access to all output elements and the counter itself.
• When connecting wires, be sure to take into account their color markings. All wires are stripped to at least 12 mm.
• Provide for the installation of automatic switches in front of the meter. This measure will help when replacing or repairing equipment, as it will make it possible to turn off the power during the period of work. Organizations that control energy consumption often make claims of energy theft if switches are installed in front of the meter. To avoid this kind of problem, you need to take care of sealing this element. To do this, the machine is installed in a special plastic box, which has an eyelet for a seal.

Installation diagram of a single-phase electric meter

When purchasing an electric meter, you should pay attention to ready-made electrical panels that contain all the necessary components. If there are no such shields, then you need to purchase the following items:

• Counter.
• The shield is a box made of wood or plastic in which all equipment is installed.
• Automatic switches.
• The level for mounting switches is DIN rail.
• Contact plate, desired material is copper. This part must be designed to connect at least 10 wires.
• Three-core cable with a cross-section of at least 3 mm, quantity - about 1 m.
• Self-tapping screws for mounting all equipment in the panel. Choose products with a wide stainless steel cap; plastic dowels are also suitable for this purpose.

Connecting an electricity meter looks like this:

• First, you need to first distribute all the equipment in the panel in order to mark a place for each part and make sure that the compactness of the panel will not interfere with the operation of the meter and its maintenance. When distributing, all parts are placed in such a way that there is enough space left for fasteners.
• Fix the plate, DIN rail and counter to the places marked for them.
• The automatic switches are fixed on the rail with a click.
• Start wiring the wires, the connection diagram looks like this:

• Wiring begins with the phase output directly to the circuit breakers of household appliances that are available in the apartment. Electric stoves, water heaters, underfloor heating or autonomous heating systems, etc. are equipped with such separate circuit breakers. They are necessary in order not to create voltage surges in the general network and not to overload it.
• Most often, the phase of the electric meter is located on three contacts on the left side, but to accurately determine it, it is necessary to study the diagram of the device. To output the phase to individual machines, the cable sheath is cut and a red or brown core is pulled out of it. Measure the required length of the wire, taking into account in which plane it will be mounted - vertically or horizontally. Pulling the wire diagonally is strictly prohibited.

• The wire removed from the cable is stripped to 2 cm, inserted into the terminal intended for it and tightened with fasteners. On the side of the machine switch, the wire is stripped no more than 1 cm. Next, jumpers are formed from the wires in the shape of the letter P, all ends are stripped and all the machine switches located in the vicinity are connected to the system. It is important to ensure that when connecting the wires to the machines, they lie without overlapping each other, otherwise the connection will overheat.

• After connecting the phase, zero is output. Any other wire color can be selected for it. The required length from the electricity metering device to the copper plate is also measured. Most often, the terminal for zero is the very first terminal on the right or the fourth on the left side. The wires for the zero are stripped and connected on both sides.
• The shield is attached to the wall after the meter is connected. Mark the installation location, drill holes and screw the shield to the wall with self-tapping screws.
• Grounding installation. For steel panels, grounding is carried out according to the meter - shield - contact plate scheme. If the shield is made of a material that does not conduct electricity, then the grounding is routed directly to the plate.

Before connecting the meter to the network, it is necessary to check with the control authorities about the possibility of carrying out this work independently. Often, employees of these institutions allow self-installation and only check the correctness of the design and seal the meter.

Why do you need to install a three-phase meter?

Meters with a three-phase system are installed in places that have high energy consumption. In private households, this figure is not high, which is why single-phase devices are often installed. But if consumption exceeds 10 kV, then a three-phase system is used.

The three-phase system produces at the output not the usual 220 V, but 380 V, which is convenient and simply necessary for carrying out some work, such as electric welding. Such equipment eliminates voltage surges in the house on which it is installed and in neighboring buildings. This helps to increase the service life of all electrical household appliances and completely eliminates their breakdown due to a sudden change in voltage in the network.

When installing a three-phase device, there is no need to install large cross-section wiring, since Ohm's law applies in this case. Devices with three phases are either directly connected or indirect. The second option is applicable for current transformers and very large loads in the network. For private households, a direct connection is sufficient, which operates at a load of up to 100 A and a power of up to 60 kV.

Installation diagram of a three-phase electric meter

Equipment such as a three-phase electricity meter is optimally installed in special panels that have a platform and fastening with 3 screws. The equipment is installed quite quickly, the algorithm for attaching all the elements is similar to connecting a single-phase meter and has already been described above, and the connection diagram itself looks like this:

Connection diagram in detail:

• The power cable has three phases, a fifth conductor for grounding and zero, it goes into the electrical panel. The yellow phase is connected to the first contact, the green phase to the third contact, and the red phase to the fifth. When connecting phases, it is important not to make a mistake, otherwise the device will generate an error. The phases are determined using a special device or by trial and error. That is, after connecting one phase, they check the device for errors and continue until all wires are connected.
• Energy is removed from the device from contacts number 2, 4 and 6.

• Zero comes to pins 7 and 8.
• The grounding, or rather its conductor, is attached to a special bus. It is mandatory to connect the zero to the ground, this protects against overvoltage in the network.
• The circuit for old-style induction three-phase devices looks a little different. Here the first phase arrives at the first contact, then a jumper is made between this contact and the next one, and the phase approaches the load from the third. The remaining phases are also connected - jumpers between pins 4 and 5, 7 and 8. The input is on pins 4 and 7, and the output is on 6 and 9.
• New samples of electronic devices are equipped with an add-on that connects a remote data transmission system to the network. This necessitates the presence of additional contacts.

At the end of the 18th century, electricity meters became necessary and indispensable in everyday life. Such devices are needed to determine AC or DC electricity consumption. Like any technical devices, they must be constantly checked and, if necessary, replaced.

The service life and verification of such a device are determined by the manufacturer himself. If necessary, the old device is dismantled and a new one is installed. Replacement of the electric meter must be carried out by qualified specialists, for example, specialists from the energy supply company Mosenergosbyt PJSC.

Classification and types of meters

Today, consumers mainly use two types of electricity meters to account for used electricity - induction and electronic. Early mass consumers used induction meters.

Today, they are physically and morally outdated and do not provide adequate reliability in accounting for electricity use.

Due to its primitiveness, this device will not allow for multi-tariff accounting; it does not have the ability to read the device readings from a distance.
Important

Electronic meters provide accurate indicators of electricity consumption and the consumer will not have to pay more.

Such devices come with multi-tariff options, for example, “day” or “night”, which will allow you to rationally distribute energy costs and save money. Such devices tolerate changes in temperature and humidity well and can be installed even outdoors.

Therefore, if possible, such induction devices can be replaced with electronic ones, and all new houses are equipped only with such devices.

Electronic meters have certain differences in functionality. For the client, such indicators as “accuracy class” and “tariff” are fundamentally important.

• “Accuracy class” is one of the main characteristics that determines the level of deviations in meter measurements. Until the middle of the last century, all devices had an accuracy class of 2.5 - the error in measurements was slightly more than two percent. In 1996, a new accuracy standard began to be applied - 2.0, which was the main reason that induction meters began to be replaced with electronic ones.
• “Tariff” is an important detail when calculating for consumption. Previously, all devices were only single-tariff, calculated at a single price per kW. Modern devices require recording consumption not only by time of day, but even by time of year. Their price depends on the model and the type of tariff.

Any meter has a certain period - an inter-verification interval, after which the meter must be verified.

For induction it is 8 years, and for electronic models it is 16 years. If damage or inaccuracies in the readings are found during verification, it will be necessary to dismantle and replace the device.

When and at whose expense this will be done is decided on the spot with the consumer.

Most clients, upon expiration of the period of use, immediately order a new meter, which will allow them to avoid unnecessary costs in the future.

Why is it necessary to change electricity meters?

After a certain time, the meters have to be changed. This may be a planned replacement after verification, or repairs may be made. All these procedures are mandatory and must be carried out in accordance with current legal regulations.

In this regard, the consumer has questions about how to properly replace the device, and how much it will cost. The main reasons why it is necessary to change:

• The device is about to expire;
• verification has not been carried out for more than two years;
• a certain breakdown - a crack in the glass, the disk does not rotate, the error is more than 2.5);
• improvement of the device;

Those meters that are approved and meet the standards are suitable for recording electricity consumption. The choice of a meter should be entrusted to a specialist who, when choosing a device, will take into account all the necessary details - the type of electrical wiring in the house, the existing power, the condition of the internal wiring. Consideration of technical capabilities will also be important:

• what type of connection - direct connection to a circuit or transformer;
• what type of meter – single-phase or three-phase;
• what consumption accounting structure is single-tariff or multi-tariff;
• what is the meter model?

Who pays for the meter replacement?

The question of how the meters can be replaced at whose expense worries many. The owner is responsible for ensuring that the device is intact and working properly. If the housing is privatized, the owner will bear all financial costs for installation and maintenance. If the housing is not owned, all costs will be paid by the city government.

If the device is located outside the apartment, for example, on a staircase, it is the property of the house, and all questions about at whose expense the device will be replaced should be asked to the management company.

Replacing a Mosenergosbyt electricity meter may be free for certain groups of the population.

These include preferential categories - veterans of the Great Patriotic War, large families, people with low incomes. If a planned replacement occurs, the device is under warranty from the manufacturer.

Mosenergosbyt can also make a replacement free of charge, but sometimes the invoice for payment may only be for the work of the master.

Replacement of an electric meter by Mosenerggosbyt

It is often necessary to install (change) an apartment meter in the staircase entrance. This is due to the fact that the meters, and with them the machines, are technically and morally outdated and require replacement.

In addition, energy supervision services in plain text require replacement. They cannot directly force a replacement, but when the owner re-registers (sale of an apartment, house) significant problems may arise with the old meter.

People are changing meters, and doing the right thing. And it’s not just about my professional interest and problems when selling an apartment. It is really dangerous to live with such “electrical equipment”. Even I, despite the saying “a shoemaker without boots,” put my electrical panel in order. Now I’m calm, I installed a new meter and machines.

You can call an electrician to your home, or you can install the meter on the landing yourself, using the step-by-step recommendations given in this article. If anything is unclear or you have any comments, please write comments!

1. This is what we had at the start of work (the apartment in which I am changing the meter is on the right, number 65):

Apartment electrical panel with an old meter

This is not the worst option - the contacts (walnut) are in good condition, there are only two counters, although the switchboard is designed for 4 (two apartments on the site). By the way, the meter is not that old - even younger than me, but a replacement is overdue due to the upcoming sale of the apartment. You can ignore the machine below - this is the cable TV supply.

The worst thing in this picture is the rusty phase bus on the lower poles of the machines, which is completely open and located a few millimeters from the body (from zero and ground, or rather from the metal mounting strip), which is not even painted in this place. This is what happens when the screwdriver comes off in such cases:

Short circuit when replacing machines after the meter

But let’s forgive the Soviet designers their sin and move on.

Update 12/31/2014. Here's another picture. Two apartments, 4 meters?

2 apartments - 4 counters. A jamb in the movie?

By the way, a few seconds later, when Ipollit pushes Zhenya Lukashin away, an electrical panel and a movie camera are also visible. A jamb in the film. But that didn’t make it any less New Year’s. Happy New Year 2015! (I’m writing these lines, and the smell of Olivier is coming from the kitchen!)

Where does the installation of a new meter begin? That's right, as it is written on SamElectric, starting with finding out how we will register (re-register) a new meter. I have the simplest option - I have my own person who, for a certain amount, will officially settle all the problems. The owner doesn't have to go anywhere. Otherwise, the owner needs to go to the energy supervision office in advance and find out the replacement and registration process; different regions have their own characteristics of meter design, which are also constantly changing.

Disconnecting the introductory phase from the counter

We isolate the phase (wire in white electrical tape at the bottom left), we will return to it at the end of the meter installation. We check with an indicator screwdriver that the connection is correct - you never know...

Let me remind you that the meter is easy to connect. From left to right – phase input, phase output, zero input, zero output. The connection diagram for the meter is usually given in the instructions and on the cover that covers its terminals.

I wrote in the article how to connect the wire BEFORE the meter and what safety measures should be taken.

3. We dismantle the electrical equipment - old Soviet machine guns (not to be confused with the Battleship machine gun for 15 kopecks) and the AK-47)), and the electric meter. Making room for upcoming accomplishments:

We remove the counter and machines

4. After dismantling, we see that there are well-placed holes for mounting the DIN rail, which we will use. In fact, I noticed this detail when I came to preliminarily agree on the work, noting to myself that there was no need to take a drill.

install a din rail

Two self-tapping screws would have been enough. But it's more reliable.

5. We install circuit breakers.

Installation of circuit breakers

The attentive reader will, of course, note that since there are four wires, it is better to install 4 machines, and that with such wiring, the machine is on the right. But “that’s ce la vie,” I will answer and continue the story.

6. I didn’t buy a bus for the machines, so we make the following comb for distributing the phase:

For such purposes, it is better to use a wire as in the picture - hard, single-core, . The wire will provide one hundred percent both mechanical and electrical strength. But 2.5 mm can be disappointing in some cases. By the way, bus + wire is an additional contact, and in my version of contacts there is a minimum number. Accordingly, maximum reliability.

7. We connect the supply bus and the zero bus.

The wires are immediately measured to the required length so that it is enough to reach the meter contacts.

8. We install (Mechanically mount) the meter.

Installation of residential electricity meter Energomera CE 101

The electric meter - Energomera CE101 - has the same seats as the old Soviet meters. It was with this in mind that he was bought. Otherwise, it would be necessary to make another DIN rail. Therefore, it is attached to the same 3 screws.

9. Connecting an electric meter.

Now attention. We connect the zeros first. , has already been told. We make sure that there is no excruciating pain in the next 50 years.

Connecting wires to the meter

The phase conductor has black electrical tape wrapped around it, a throwback from the past. In the past, electricians designated a phase in this way. But you should always check. We leave the electrical tape, just as we leave the wires that go to the neighbors and the connections in the nuts. In such electrical panels, the slogan “do no harm!” is important. Where there is open access, contacts can be tightened up for prevention.

10. We put on the lid. That's it, the meter is installed and connected. In a couple of days, a specially trained person from the electrical networks will seal it, and that’s it!

Meter installation completed

We get our thousand rubles for our work.

Sometimes people said that it was expensive for an hour of work. In other words, an 8-hour working day – 8,000 rubles. To this you can object that if the temperature of the finger is 36.6, this does not mean that you can fry eggs on your palm.

But seriously speaking, the work is retail, individual. And the payment is appropriate, negotiable.

Who charges how much and in what region for such work? Write in the comments. In general, did the article touch you? Feedback is important to me.

Update, August 2016. Example of installing a meter at the entrance

Reader Anton sent me a photo of what problems can arise if the contacts are not tightened well and the machines .

Here are the consequences:

Electrical energy metering has recently become increasingly important, due to the fact that correct and timely metering can significantly facilitate and simplify the relationship between the energy supply organization and consumers.

Electricity meters, depending on the number of phases in the network, are single- and three-phase. A single-phase meter is usually used in the residential sector. By type of design they are divided into induction and electronic.

The electrical meter connection diagram also divides metering devices into direct (directly to the supply network) and indirect (through current and voltage measuring transformers) meters.

Induction meters today are giving way to modern electronic meters due to the high error of the former, as well as the presence of rubbing parts and mechanisms in them, which significantly reduce the reliability of operation.

The use of electronic electricity metering devices significantly increases service capabilities. For example, an electric meter with a remote control allows the user to read the readings without going to the meter, but simply by pressing buttons on the remote control to get the required values ​​on the latter’s display. Or a two-tariff meter installed in an apartment allows you to maximize the use of energy at times when a reduced tariff is in effect (for example, at night), and vice versa, limit its consumption during morning and evening peaks (highest cost). Thus, using a two-tariff meter, the consumer can significantly save on paying electricity bills.

Provides much more information about electrical energy consumption parameters. In modern devices their number reaches several dozen. To control the metering of active and reactive energy in the case of using induction types of meters, two devices were required, separately for each type of electricity. Now the Mercury 230 ART electricity meter allows you to take into account these and many other parameters in one device.

All modern metering devices are compatible with the commercial electricity metering system (ASCAE), which allows the energy supply organization to control consumption remotely. And installing an electric meter with a built-in release makes it possible to remotely disconnect the consumer in case of debt for the supplied electricity.

Separately, I would like to highlight counters with card reader. The consumer pays for electricity in advance, the funds are transferred to a special plastic card, which is inserted into the card reader of the meter. Thus, as long as there is money on the card, the consumer receives energy, but as soon as the funds on the card run out, the supply of electricity stops. Shortly before switching off, the counter itself begins to signal that the money is running out, and the amount of the balance can be set programmatically.

Procedure for replacing the meter

The process of installing an electric meter differs from other types of installation work in the presence of mandatory legal procedures. The process of installing/replacing an electricity meter looks like this:

1. Obtaining permission from the electricity supply organization for installation/replacement;
2. Verification of electricity meters (if necessary);
3. If you replace the meter with a new one, you need to have on hand a certificate of removal of the old one, which will reflect the latest readings of electricity consumption. This act makes it possible to remove seals on all connections for subsequent replacement.
4. Removing the electric meter;
5. Work on installing/replacing the meter;
6. Checking on the part of the energy supplying organization whether the electrical meter connection diagram has been assembled correctly and drawing up a commissioning report for the new electricity meter and sealing the wire connection cover. In this case, the report must record the readings of the new device at the time of installation, and also indicate the number of the seal of the energy supplying organization;

Before installing an electric meter, the owner must contact the energy supply organization with a corresponding application. After this, if the old device is replaced with a new one, a representative of this organization must come and draw up a report in which the latest readings of the electric meter will be indicated. According to the rules for the use of electrical energy, during the absence of metering, the calculation for consumed electricity is based on the average readings of the old device.

Replacement/installation procedure

During installation/replacement of an electric meter, safety regulations must be strictly observed. If the consumer does not have the necessary qualifications, it is best to invite professional electricians. Before starting work, you need to make sure that there is no voltage using proven measuring instruments.
Here is the meter connection diagram:

Before replacing an old or installing a new meter, it is necessary to ensure that there is no voltage on the conductors in the terminal box of the meter, for which you need to turn off the circuit breaker that is installed upstream of the meter.

Important: According to the rules for the use of electrical energy, the terminal covers of switches installed in front of the metering device must be sealed. These seals can only be removed if there is a certificate of removal of the metering device. It is best to do this in the presence of a representative of the energy supply organization.

The electric meter must be installed in places specially provided for by the project. For example, in apartment buildings - in floor electrical panels. It is not allowed to install the meter directly on surfaces made of wood or other flammable materials. If the metering device is installed separately, then for its installation it is necessary to use special metering panels, which are presented in a large assortment in retail chains.

Most modern meters have a special unit on the back surface for mounting on a DIN rail. This installation option allows for quick and easy installation of the metering device and its subsequent removal (for example, for verification or repair). When choosing a DIN rail, you should pay attention to the thickness of the material from which it is made - the thicker the better.

From a “geometry” point of view, there are certain installation requirements when replacing an electric meter or installing a new one, especially for induction-type devices. Deviations from the center lines should not exceed 2 degrees. Violation of these requirements affects the correctness of the accounting and, therefore, during subsequent inspection by the energy supply organization, problems may arise in the form of penalties.

After the electric meter is installed in its place, it is necessary to connect it. The cross-section of the wires for connection must be selected in such a way as to ensure the passage of the maximum possible load current through them. When choosing a material, preference should be given to conductors made of copper. It should be borne in mind that no connections or twisting of wires located on the power supply side are allowed. If you still have to make additional connections between the circuit breaker and the meter, then their places must be sealable.

IMPORTANT: The vast majority of cases of failure of electrical metering devices occur due to “burnout” of the terminals at the places where the wires are connected. Therefore, special attention must be paid to tightening the screws on the terminal clamps. Therefore, before installing the terminal connection cover, you need to “tighten” all the screws again.

Installing an electric meter, from the point of view of connecting wires, is usually not difficult. The connection of the electric meter in the form of a diagram is shown on the back surface of the terminal cover, as well as in the device passport. It is quite difficult to make a mistake in the order of connecting the wires; you just need to be careful and strictly follow the attached diagram.

When installing an electric meter, you must be especially careful not to damage the integrity of the seals installed on it. As a rule, there are two such seals (excluding the cover for connections): a seal installed at the manufacturer and a seal of the organization that carried out the verification. It is important to keep in mind that violating any of these seals can lead to very serious consequences, including being subject to a “maximum possible load” and a large monetary fine.
Installation and connection of the electric meter CE101 S6 - Energy meter is shown in the video:

About verification

According to the Law “On Metrology”, all measuring instruments must undergo mandatory verification. Verification is the compliance of the actual error with the metrological characteristics declared by the manufacturer. Simply put, this is a check to see if the device is counting correctly. All electric meters undergo initial verification at the manufacturer. For each type, there is a verification interval established by the manufacturer, but it can be changed (usually downward) by state bodies for certification of measuring instruments. Therefore, before installing the meter, you need to make sure that at the time of installation its verification certificate is not expired. Otherwise, it is necessary to carry out its next verification.

NOTE: You can find out about the date of initial (factory) verification of the meter by looking at its passport, which should contain an imprint of the verifier's stamp with the date of verification. The calibration interval must also be indicated in the passport. If the next verification is successful, a verification certificate is issued, indicating the date of the next verification.

In the case of an indirect connection (usually a three-phase meter is used), in addition to the electric meter, the current and voltage measuring transformers to which the meter will be connected are also subject to mandatory verification.

Conclusion

Strict adherence to the rules for using electrical energy when installing or replacing an electric meter will help you avoid many troubles in the future. There are no particular difficulties in this work.

The main measuring device for electricity consumption in an apartment is the electric meter. As a rule, the installation of this type of metering devices is carried out by specialist specialists (electricians) who have experience, knowledge and appropriate qualifications. However, if you wish, this event can be carried out independently. The main thing is to first familiarize yourself with the rules for installing an electric meter and prepare the necessary materials.

Important ! Strict adherence to the instructions when connecting meters to account for electricity allows you to eliminate any negative consequences during its operation. You need to understand that when installing an electric meter with your own hands, all responsibility for metering errors falls on the owner of the apartment.

Types of meters

According to the type of mechanism, electricity meters are electronic and induction.

Today, induction-type electricity meters are gradually leaving the market. By government order, it is prohibited to use this type of meter, since it is believed that such a meter is very easy to “cheat.”

Counters with an electronic mechanism are distinguished by the highest accuracy, compact size and versatility of use. It is also worth noting that it is the electronic electricity meter that can be used in a multi-tariff mode. This property will be appreciated by consumers in those regions where electricity tariffs vary depending on the time of day.

When choosing between induction and electronic electricity meters, an electronic type meter has an undoubted advantage.

In order to determine the value of the rated current, it is worth dividing the active power indicator provided by the energy company per consumer by the voltage indicator in the general network.

A three-phase connection is characterized by higher power. But for a household consumer, it is preferable to use a single-phase network.

Difficulties with installing an electricity meter may arise in a situation in which the apartment owner needs to power areas with a rated current of over 100A. Under such conditions, direct connection of the electric meter is simply impossible. The use of any additional elements leads to an increase in the error in accounting for electricity consumption.

When choosing a metering device, special attention should be paid to the date of installation of the seal and its integrity.

Attention ! The electric meter seal for a single-phase network must be no older than one year. If the meter for a three-phase network is verified, the validity of the seal reaches two years.

Is it legal to install an electric meter yourself?

You can handle the installation of an electricity meter on your own without any problems. But before you get down to business, you must obtain permission from the relevant services. To this end, contact your local network provider office and request that you be given a technical assignment to carry out the work. In the same organization you can conclude the necessary agreements.

According to current regulations, a home owner can install electricity meters within the limits of the capacity of his consumer networks. The best location for the electric meter will be a heated distribution meter in the apartment. But in recent years, a requirement has been made that the electric meter be installed only outside the apartment, and representatives of inspection organizations have free access to them.

The local power company may also require that the meter be mounted on an exterior wall of the building. Each of the proposed options can always be discussed individually. Apartment owners are required to place an electricity meter in a common electricity meter on the floor area.

The official version of energy companies, according to which they force home owners to install electricity meters on street poles, is to ensure unhindered access for company employees to the electricity meter for the purpose of taking readings and carrying out routine repairs.

According to the unspoken version, by forcing electricity meters to be installed outside residential premises, energy suppliers are trying by any means to prevent hacking attempts.

Electric meter connection diagrams

For an ordinary person who is far from installing an electrical network, it is not at all necessary to know complex wiring diagrams for an electric meter. It is quite enough to understand how to simply and quickly connect an electric meter.

The simplest and quite popular installation method is to connect the electric meter using a single-phase circuit. To work you need six wires. Phase, ground and zero cables are connected to the meter input. Similar actions are carried out at the counter output.

In order for the operation of the electric meter to be simple and convenient, and most importantly safe, it is recommended to install a circuit breaker in front of the meter. This device will help prevent a fire in time by turning off the power, for example, in the event of an emergency.

It is worth noting that employees of electricity supply companies do not support the installation of switches. To avoid unnecessary proceedings and problems, the switch must be sealed. To do this you will need: a plastic box, seals and DIN rails. All these devices are not very expensive, and it will take no more than five minutes to install them. All this is worth doing everything right, while avoiding misunderstandings and troubles with regulatory authorities.

The general design of the electric meter includes a special terminal block. This element is presented in the form of a copper strip, which is fixed with special dielectric clamps. It has several holes through which cables are connected using clamping screws. This connection option is recommended in cases where there is a need to combine all cables into one whole element.

Rules for installing the meter

When installing an electricity meter, it is very important to comply with a number of specific requirements and rules. First of all, they relate to safe operation techniques, which is always important for electrical appliances.

It is not recommended to install metering devices if the ambient air temperature is below 0C. Electronic boards do not tolerate low temperatures and failures may occur in the overall system. For a large number of modern metering devices, low air temperature during installation is unacceptable. The best option is the air temperature in the place where the meter is mounted, about +5C.

Important ! If the electricity meter is installed outside the residential premises, then it is necessary to provide a special metal, hermetically sealed cabinet.

The height at which the electric meter is mounted is about 90-160 cm. If you mount the meter on a wall above or below the specified parameters, the reading procedure can become very problematic.

Main stages of connecting an electric meter

Installing an electric meter yourself takes place in several stages:

1. Select the necessary tools and materials. You will need:
   • electricity meter;
   • protective shield;
   • insulating elements;
   • fasteners;
   • DIN rails;
   • voltage sensor;
   • circuit breakers.
2. Be sure to check how many phases the electrical network in your home has. Based on this, calculate the required number of circuit breakers.
3. Install the electricity meter into the panel. For its installation, you can use special fasteners.
4. Install protective shutdown sensors (plugs). They are attached to a DIN rail, which is pre-installed on support insulators. The machines are secured to the rail with special spring-loaded latches.
5. Mount the protective and earth bus in a common shield. The busbars must be placed at a sufficient distance to avoid short-circuiting the cables.
6. Connect everything to the load. The phase is connected to the lower terminals, the neutral to the neutral bus, the ground is connected to the corresponding ground bus.
7. Connect the upper terminals of the machines using jumpers. This item can be purchased in specialized stores.
8. Connect the electric meter to the load. To do this, connect the phase output to the upper terminals of the machines, the zero output to the zero bus.
9. Mount the electrical panel housing on the wall. The height should be such that the operation of the electric meter is comfortable and unhindered.
10. Identify the neutral, phase and ground cables. To do this, use a special indicator.
11. Turn off the power supply to the house.
12. Connect the phase cable to the first terminal of the electric meter. Zero must be connected to the third terminal.