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Electric meter connection diagram, step-by-step photo instructions. Cost of installing an electric meter in an apartment How an electric meter should be installed correctly

Residential owners need to know how to install an electric meter, even if they are sure that there is no need to do it themselves.

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Let's consider the basic rules for installing such devices in apartments and private houses, which must be strictly observed.

Electricity consumers should find out all the nuances of installing and operating electricity meters.

After all, in the absence of a device that will keep track of the resource consumed, not a single energy supply company will draw up an agreement with residents. That is, it will not be possible to use electricity.

What you need to know

When it comes to electricity and electrical appliances, safety precautions cannot be underestimated.

There are also certain requirements for the installation of meters, which apartment owners and service companies should comply with.

Definitions

An electric energy meter is a device that measures the consumption of electricity (AC or DC).

A meter with ASKUE requires the connection of additional cables through which information is transmitted. install a numbered seal.

To keep track of active and reactive energy of alternating current, install a single- or three-phase device.

Accounting for DC energy consumption is carried out using electrodynamic meters. The consumed electricity is determined by counting mechanisms.

There are these types of electricity meters:

Meter classifications:

three-phase, single-phase;
single-tariff, multi-tariff;
with conventional and simplified reading schemes;
having digital or mechanical indication of readings;
super accurate, ordinary.

What are its functions

Without this device, it will not be possible to use electricity, as they will refuse to draw up a contract with the user.

The purpose of the meter is to keep track of the amount of electricity that is consumed. Basic functions:

used to measure electricity;
displays data about the consumed resource on meters or an electronic display.

Additional functions:

it is possible to record the amount of electricity consumed in the device’s memory;
you can display data on consumption and the amount of free space in storage;
displaying the established tariff.

The meters can be programmed at 4 tariffs for 16 time zones per day.

Modern devices can be configured in such a way that they can record energy consumption for each month separately.

This gives you the opportunity to save on payments. It is possible to keep records of energy loss, effective phase voltage, current and frequency.

Current standards

The installation of electricity meters and their use is carried out in accordance with several laws, rules, and regulations.

It is worth following:

Rules for the technical operation of consumer electrical installations (Chapter 2.11).
Rules for electrical installations.

Rules for installing an electric meter in an apartment

If consumers do not pay close attention to energy consumption, then their costs will become colossal. Don't underestimate the importance of installing the device.

In accordance with the new rules, the electric meter is changed in this case:

To prevent fire or damage to the device, it is worth replacing it. Consumers will be allowed to use a larger load when replacing the metering device and circuit breaker.

Change counters:

if the inter-verification period has expired (regular verification cannot be carried out in this case);
if the old electricity meter is faulty;
if a planned replacement of devices is carried out.

Where to go

Inside the apartment, the citizen himself is responsible for everything and rents the premises. Representatives of the management company should think about the same objects that are outside the premises.

The management organization replaces the meters at its own expense and organizes the installation of the devices itself.

How much does it cost (price)

Who should pay for the installation of the meter? Repair work, dismantling and installation is carried out at the expense of the apartment owner.

If the meter is installed indoors, the costs will be borne by the consumer. This applies only to privatized objects.

When installing a meter in municipal housing, payment is made by the municipality. Residents do not need to pay even when the house is served by housing cooperatives.

If the electric meter is installed on the landing, then the costs will be borne by.

If the consumer is responsible for damaging the device, then he must pay for its replacement. Planned installation of new devices is carried out at the expense of the service company.

The price for replacing the device is set from the cost of the device itself and the cost of installation services (in Moscow it is approximately 800 rubles).

Installation costs may vary in each region. On average it is 500 rubles.

Some companies charge from 1000 rubles for installation of electricity meters. for single-phase models and 1500 rubles. for three-phase. If the device is installed on two tariffs, the cost increases.

At what height do you need

Basic requirements to consider:

Devices are installed by those that have passed state verification	It is often carried out at the factory, confirmed by a seal consisting of Arabic and Roman numerals.
The installation height of the electric meter in the apartment is 0.8 – 1.7 m	The minimum height is 0.4. In the apartment, the device is mounted on a distribution board in the entrances, installed at a specific height. Such intervals are chosen so that it is convenient to take meter readings
Installation is carried out in the correct horizontal and vertical position	A deviation of 1 degree is acceptable. For an electronic sample, this requirement is not important, but the norm is worth complying with.
There are no special rules regarding the distribution board or box	The main thing is to provide easy access to connect wires, install and dismantle
When installing three-phase 380 V devices	It is necessary to install a disconnecting device (switches, circuit breakers, etc.). Distance – up to 10 m

When replacing it yourself

Residential property owners have the right to install meters themselves. Only in this case is it necessary to follow the installation rules.

The meter can be mounted in a cabinet, chamber of complete distribution devices, on panels, a panel, in a niche, on a wall of a rigid structure.

Devices can be installed on a wooden, plastic, or metal panel. So, you decided to install the device yourself. The first step is to enter into an agreement with your electricity supplier.

Apply for current bills to pay for your electricity consumption.

The energy supply company will issue technical certificates, which will reflect the type of device, input circuit breaker, length of wires, etc.

To obtain permission to operate an electric meter, write an application indicating:

agreement or personal account number;
address and contacts.

Photo: application for installation of an electric meter

Once the device is installed, it must be put into operation. For this purpose, documents are prepared by an employee of the supplier company after inspection and checking whether the circuit is connected correctly.

The act must contain information about:

device type and number;
initial indications;
number of the seal that was installed.

After receiving the technical documents, installation can begin. If the device is mounted indoors, use a YUR box or mounting boards.

It is advisable to install protective elements in the shield instead of plugs. The connection must correspond to the following diagram:

Installation procedure

The process of installing an electricity consumption meter is quite simple:

An energy sales worker will remove the seal from an old device.	And will record control readings
The person who will install the meter	Must be sure that there is no current in the network. The machine is turned off and removed
When wires and cables are disconnected	Install a new device, reconnecting all loads and the supply line
Quality verification is carried out	Each wire connection on the terminal to prevent sparking
Apply voltage to the meter	And turn on the machine, fuse and RCD
A thorough check is carried out	Is the electric meter working correctly?
It needs to be sealed	And enter it into the State Register of certified devices

Twisting and soldering on input cables should not be allowed. It should be a single piece from access inputs to metering devices.

When connecting the device, pay attention to the color coding:

Apartment

We will describe the basic rules for installing electricity meters in an apartment building. Meters in apartments are not installed independently - this is done by representatives of the energy company.

In a multi-storey building, the meter is placed on a common area. Although recently they have been practicing moving them into the apartment itself.

In a new building, the device is mounted in an electrical panel, which is located in the hallway. There are machine guns located nearby.

They are connected to incoming machines, de-energizing the main circuit.

From the main machines, electricity goes to the meter, and then through wiring to other machines. It is worth taking care of grounding to prevent short circuits.

In a non-privatized

Meters can be placed indoors or on staircases. In the latter case, the device should be considered an object of public use.

It is worth stipulating in the agreement with the management company who will bear the costs if it is necessary to replace the electric meter.

To carry out installation, you need to submit an application to the management company. Indicates the reason for replacement and the date of last installation.

In the communal

Meters must be installed by residents. If such an obligation is not fulfilled on time, then the energy supply company acts. There are two types of instruments - accounting and calculation.

The first option does not involve sealing or other actions on the part of government agencies. The counter is not monitored.

This is an internal tool so that you can keep track of the energy consumption of individual consumers. In the second case, installation is carried out only by specialists, since verification is required.

When installing a meter, it is worth considering the following rules:

The input and output circuits of the device are switched.
Grounding is carried out so that in the event of phase imbalance and short circuits, the safety of all electrical appliances in the room is ensured.
The input current circuit is connected to circuit breakers and then to meters.
Connect the output of the counters to input machines or a group of machines.
A trial run is carried out.

In a private house on the street

The installation location may not be heated. It can also be a corridor of switchgears of a power plant and substation, or an outdoor cabinet.

You just need to organize stationary heating in the winter. For this purpose, insulating cabinets and heated hoods are installed. The maximum temperature that is allowed is 20 degrees above zero.

Video: replacing a single-phase electric meter. Apartment, house

Installation of electricity meters outdoors outside premises is carried out taking into account several technical and operational standards.

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 that 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.

The main purpose of the electric meter is to measure the level of electricity consumption. Typically, the installation of such equipment is carried out by specialized employees, but if you wish, you can handle the installation of the electric meter yourself. The main thing is to carefully prepare for the upcoming event and do everything in accordance with the instructions, because if you install it yourself, all responsibility for the actions performed and possible consequences will rest solely with you.

Depending on the mechanism of action, electricity meters are divided into electronic and induction. Induction equipment is gradually being forced out of the market, mainly on the initiative of the government - such meters are very easy to “deceive”.

Electronic electricity meters are characterized by higher accuracy, smaller dimensions and excellent versatility. For example, modern electricity meters support operation in multi-tariff mode. This advantage is relevant for regions where electricity tariffs vary depending on the time of day. Therefore, when choosing between induction and electronic equipment, preference should definitely be given to the latter.

Electricity meters are classified according to the rated current value and accuracy indicators (class). The lower the class number of your meter, the less deviation it will work with.

To determine the approximate required rated current, divide the permissible value of active power provided by the network organization per consumer by the voltage of your network, i.e. 220V or 380V.

Typically, a higher power is allocated for a three-phase connection, however, the use of single-phase networks in domestic conditions is more appropriate and preferable.

Difficulties with connecting the meter arise in situations in which the owner needs to power a building with a design current above 100 A. In such conditions, direct “insertion” of the meter is not feasible. To install metering equipment, you will need to additionally connect current transformers.

The use of any intermediate components leads to an increase in the error in metering electricity consumption, so the transformer circuit must be properly planned. This task must be solved by a qualified specialist.

When choosing a meter, pay attention to the age of installation of the seal and the integrity of this element.

The state verifier's seal is attached to the screws of the casing of the metering device. The meter seal for a single-phase electrical network must be no older than 1 year. In the case of meters for three-phase networks, the maximum permissible period increases to 2 years.

You can handle the installation of an electric meter yourself without any problems. However, before you decide to “uncover” the pliers, obtain the necessary permits and other documents. To do this, contact your local network provider office with a request to issue technical specifications for the work. There you can conclude the necessary agreement.

The mentioned documents list a number of requirements that the user must fulfill before connecting the building to the power grid. The documentation also clearly delineates the responsibility between the electricity supplier and its consumer.

In accordance with current legislation, the homeowner must install a meter within his consumption networks. The best place to install the meter is a heated distribution panel in the house. However, recently, regulatory organizations have required that accounting equipment be installed strictly outside the residential premises and be freely accessible to inspection organizations.

For example, a representative of the network company may require that you install an electric meter on the facade of your house or even on a nearby power pole. All these points are discussed individually. Apartment owners are usually required to place the equipment in question in a common panel on the site.

According to official statements, electricity suppliers are forcing owners to install meters on the street to ensure accessibility to the device for the purpose of taking readings and performing maintenance. According to unofficial data, suppliers are trying to prevent the possibility of unauthorized access to metering equipment in order to steal electricity.

Electric meter connection diagrams

It is not necessary for a home master to understand any complex wiring diagrams for accounting devices. Therefore, we bring to your attention the most popular and basic options for connecting an electric meter.

The simplest option is a single-phase connection. To install such a network, you will need no more than 6 electrical wires without taking into account the load. The working “zero”, phase and ground cables are connected to the device input. Similar cables are placed at the output of the metering device.

For greater convenience and safety, it is recommended to install a circuit breaker in front of the meter. This device will automatically turn off the power supply in the event of an emergency.

Energy sales services do not have a very favorable attitude towards the mentioned switches. To avoid unnecessary problems and disputes, the switch should be sealed using a special plastic box, a DIN rail and the seal itself. All these additional devices cost little, take up virtually no space, and are very easy to install, so take a little time and save yourself from unnecessary headaches.

The design of the accounting installation contains special terminal blocks, also known as buses. This device is a copper strip fixed using special dielectric clamps. There are several holes in the bar through which wires are connected using screw terminals. This connection option is suitable for situations where there is a need to connect several separate wires into a single whole.

Video - How to install a single-phase electric meter

There are a number of important requirements that you will have to strictly comply with when installing an electric meter. First, review the safety regulations that apply to any electrical equipment.

It is not recommended to install an electric meter at sub-zero temperatures. Electronics do not tolerate cold very well - under its influence, the accuracy of measurements decreases.

For most household models of electric meters, the minimum permissible installation temperature is +5 degrees. Therefore, if the metering device is installed outdoors, it is necessary to provide for the possibility of installing it in a special heated and hermetically sealed cabinet.

The mounting height of the unit is 80-170 cm above the ground. If you install the counter lower or higher, it will simply be inconvenient for you to take numerical readings from the screen.

Electric meter connection procedure

Self-installation of an electric meter is carried out in a few simple steps.

First step. Prepare the necessary equipment for installation, namely:

Second step. Find out how many phases (1 or 3) your electrical network has. Calculate the required number of circuit breakers.

Third step. Install the meter into the panel housing. To fix the product, use the fasteners included in the kit.

Fourth step. Install circuit breakers. These devices are fixed to the DIN rail. The rail is pre-attached to the support insulators using screws. The machine itself is fixed on the DIN rail using a spring-loaded latch.

Fifth step. Install the protective and ground bus on insulators inside the panel body or on a special DIN rail. Use nuts and mounting screws to secure the elements. Place the busbars at a distance to prevent cable short-circuits.

Start installation by connecting the load to the machines, then connect the machines to the electric meter and only then connect the meter directly.

Sixth step. Connect all loads. The phase will go to the lower terminals of the machines, connect the “zero” to the “zero” bus, run the grounding cable to the corresponding ground bus.

Seventh step. Connect the upper terminals of the circuit breakers with jumpers. You can buy ready-made jumpers at a specialized store.

Eighth step. Connect the meter to the load. To do this, connect the “phase” output (represented by the third terminal of the electric meter) to the upper terminals of the circuit breakers, and connect the “zero” output (the fourth terminal of the electric meter) to the corresponding zero bus.

Ninth step. Attach the electrical panel housing to a wall or other flat surface at the optimal height for you.

Tenth step. Find the neutral, phase and ground wires. In the absence of grounding, the work will be extremely simple: you check each core using the indicator pointer, and it itself indicates the phase. If there is grounding, its core is usually placed in green.

Eleventh step. Turn off the power at home.

Twelfth step. Connect the “phase” wire to the first terminal of the electric meter, and the “zero” wire to the third terminal.

At this point, the independent connection of the electric meter is considered complete. Check the device at idle and begin to gradually apply the load. After the preliminary check, contact the energy sales office with a request for additional checking and sealing of the meter.

Good luck!

Video - Installing an electric meter yourself

To install an electricity meter in an apartment, you do not need knowledge of certain installation technologies; any owner who owns basic tools can cope with such a task. In cases of self-installation of devices, violation of the installation procedure is not allowed. In addition, such actions are associated with the legal component of this event and must be registered at the nearest branch of the official supplier.

It should always be taken into account that the specified device, intended for metering the amount of electrical energy consumed, is the permanent property of the organization providing its services for the energy supply of a certain area of living space, within which the operation of the available power meter is allowed.

The use of electrical equipment is subject to certain rules, the responsibility for compliance with which rests with the user, as well as ensuring the integrity of the safety seals. It is worth paying attention to the fact that the organization exercising control can only allow the installation of an electric meter by the consumer when replacing faulty equipment, or when completely replacing the filling of the electrical network, or connecting the facility to the power supply.

The amount of payment for the use of electricity in a specific premises under its control is directly dependent on the accuracy of the electric meter readings. This creates the need:

Check the idling speed of the electrical appliance.
Counter error calculations.

In apartments, electricity meters are placed in switchboards located on the landing. In order to install an electric meter inside an apartment, you must have a dedicated electrical panel.

In the private sector, meters are installed in hallways or in special technical rooms. According to the new rules, the electric meter must be installed in places with free access to easily take readings from an electrical device without the need to penetrate the fences of the site. These requirements are designed to protect the electricity supplier from consumer fraud. Premises exposed to frost are not recommended for DIY installation of an electric meter in an apartment.

Models of electronic meters are adapted for use both in single-phase (utility) networks and three-phase (industrial) networks, depending on the location of their installation. Devices designed for installation in a single-phase network are distinguished by their lower price and simplicity of design. Among users who use electricity for domestic purposes, connections to a three-phase network are very rare.

The main criterion for distinguishing electricity meters is their operating principle. Currently the following options are available:

Based on the regulations from 1996, the requirements for the accuracy of electricity meter readings must meet the established limit of 2 - 2.5%. Why was GOST established, number 6570−96, according to the terms of which the accuracy requirements for the class of devices approved for use in domestic conditions must be at least 2.

Today, meters have been used that are capable of recording both active and reactive types of load. In public electrical networks to which all apartments, as well as private houses, are connected, it may be possible to install electric meters yourself. Here they use devices to account for the active component of electricity. Therefore, models with these characteristics will be subject to consideration.

If it is necessary to install an electricity meter of a two-tariff model or a three-tariff model at the consumer’s request, it will be necessary to obtain permission from the supplier providing the electricity supply service. In this case, a specific agreement will be drawn up, providing the consumer with additional opportunities. Over the past decades, the amount of power consumed in utility networks has increased significantly. This fact forces suppliers to create all kinds of conditions for transferring the population to two-tariff meters, which allow more accurate calculations.

Installing a two-tariff meter makes sense only if the consumer uses the maximum limits of his capacity during peak hours, when the network is already overloaded. The two-zone meter has a significant drawback. It is a rather expensive device; in addition, programming this device is also a paid service.

The main area of application of three-tariff meter models is in the industrial zone, but current laws allow the use of this equipment in domestic conditions.

The next criterion that allows us to classify electric meters is the voltage and rated current. Connection of devices that are necessary for operation, in conditions where the rated current readings exceed the 100 ampere mark, is carried out using indirect connection using a current transformer. Such devices are used in three-phase networks that include consumers with high power. Only specialists with the established level of qualification are allowed to install these devices.

When choosing an electric meter model if it will be installed independently, it is necessary to record the time at which the seal was installed on the device body. According to the established rules, the installation time of the seal located on the device body should not exceed 1 year.

Connecting the device

Before you start connecting the meter to your electrical network, you need to prepare the place where it will be installed. In addition, all necessary tools, as well as materials with which the device will be installed, must be prepared in advance.

In modern stores that provide an assortment of electrical goods, you can choose an electrical panel suitable for installing an electric meter. Here you can find both fully equipped devices and any elements to complete them. In such a store you can purchase a meter equipped with an installation panel, which will greatly simplify its installation.

When installing the electric meter on the wall, it is necessary to fix its vertical position. The device should be installed in an electrical panel specially designed for this purpose or on an installation panel, which should be purchased in advance at an electrical goods store. There are no special standards defining the height of the meter, but there is a provision prohibiting the installation of the device in places inaccessible to direct visual contact. The recommended height of the meter is 1 meter 70 centimeters from the floor level.

Before you start connecting the electric meter yourself, you need to obtain accurate data on the electrical wiring layout in the selected room. The number of machines installed in the electrical panel is determined by the number of groups formed; powerful consumers (washing machine, boiler) are connected directly to the electrical panel to a separate machine.

The procedure for performing work when installing an electric meter yourself:

For comfortable operation of the electrical network, it is necessary to install signs on the machines that identify the groups connected to each of them.

Every home must have an electricity meter. Without it, it is impossible to measure electricity consumption, as well as turn off power in a particular area of the house. Today, many people prefer to replace an old electric meter with their own hands, which allows them to save on electrician services.

Electricity meter

But here you should know that such a task is associated with a certain risk, because you will have to work with a device connected to the network. From this article you will learn how to properly install an electric meter so as not to suffer, but to get the desired result.

Where do we start?

At the very beginning, you should not run and remove the counter from the wall, but figure out what it is. A meter for accounting for electricity consumption is a variant of an electrical measuring instrument. It is used in everyday life to account for the amount of electricity consumed in the home, as well as in industrial enterprises and other structures.

Note! An electric meter provides control over the consumed electricity over a certain period of time.

There are various models that can take more accurate measurements, taking into account additional parameters (for example, day-night).
Today, having decided to replace an old device with more modern models, you can choose the device you like from a fairly extensive market offer. At the same time, you need to know that each model has its own characteristics and advantages.
It is worth noting that all electricity meters can be divided into two large groups:

old ones are equipped with a mechanical disk, the rotation of which reflects the amount of energy consumed. These are inductive models. The devices most often used in homes are NE-1-44 and SO-I446;

Note! These are the models that are being replaced today by more modern products.

Induction electricity meter

modern. They have an electronic operating principle. Such devices no longer have a mechanically rotating disk, but are equipped with a liquid crystal screen. They have a large number of advantages, as they make it possible to significantly expand the number of parameters to be determined, which reduces the cost of paying for utilities. The most popular models of electronic electricity meters today are CE 102, TsE6803V and SOE-55.

Electronic electricity meter

Today it is possible to install both induction and electronic models of devices in the house. Therefore, in order to make the right choice, you need to know the pros and cons of each operating principle.
The advantages of induction models include the following points:

affordable price;
long service life;
favorable period of inter-verification interval.

In turn, electronic products have the following advantages:

more advanced operating principle. It uses semiconductor chips, which makes it possible to do without a rotating mechanism. As a result, the signal here is sent directly to the voltage sensor;
characterized by a higher accuracy class;
allow you to save more on utility bills.

As you can see, modern electronic electricity meters are more profitable in our time.

What other types of counters are there?

In addition to the classification based on the operating principles of the devices, electric meters are also divided by the number of phases:

single-phase. They are used for single-phase networks;
three-phase. Such devices must be used in the presence of a three-phase network.

Note! Recently, three-phase electronic meters have appeared on the market, which can be connected to single-phase networks.

Three-phase electricity meter

In addition, measuring instruments may differ in the number of tariffs that can be calculated with their help:

single tariff devices;
two-tariff meters;
multi-tariff meters.

As the name suggests, these meters can be used to measure one, two or more tariffs. Naturally, multi-tariff devices will allow you to save much more efficiently on utility bills, because in this case, each calculated tariff will have its own cost.

Note! The difference between the two tariffs lies in the cost of electricity consumed. It can differ almost twice, which allows for significant savings.

All of the models listed above will differ from each other in various characteristics and parameters. You need to be aware of these differences in order to choose the most suitable option.
The differences between electricity meters relate to the following parameters:

accuracy class. It can range from 0.2 to 2.5. The accuracy class reflects the degree of error of the measuring device. A meter with an accuracy class of 2.5 has an error of 2.5%. Today, this parameter for household appliances should have an error of at least 2%;

Electricity meter accuracy class

voltage class. Electricity meters come in 100 and 220/380 Volts. It is recommended to use 100 Volt products;
connection method. According to this criterion, measuring instruments can be connected directly or through current transformers;

Note! Meters with a direct connection type are used for currents not exceeding 100 A. For higher loads, it is necessary to use devices connected through current transformers with a secondary current of 5 A.

Once we have understood the types and principles of operation of various electricity meters, we can proceed with the actual installation. But there are also nuances and subtleties that you should be aware of.

Where does installation begin?

Installation of any type of electric meter always begins with the layout of its main elements. For example, if you plan to install a single-phase electric meter, then you will need the following components:

DIN rail;
wiring;
contact plate. It is made of copper and is used to connect ten cables;
screws made of stainless materials;
circuit breakers;
the counter itself.

Note! The given set of elements required to install an electric meter will depend on its type and may undergo some changes.

Circuit breakers

You will also need a plastic or wooden box. All components of the electrical system will be placed in it. In addition, you will need a three-core cable with a cross-sectional diameter of at least three millimeters.
It is worth noting that electrical panels with single-phase electricity meters, as well as automatic switches, are now sold already assembled. But you can always assemble them with your own hands, if there is such a need or desire. If you do not have extensive knowledge in assembling devices and parts with your own hands, then it is better to purchase a ready-made kit. Otherwise, there is a high risk that you will do something wrong, which will lead either to incorrect operation of the meter itself, or to the risk of a fire.
When purchasing all the necessary components for installation, you must additionally purchase a ready-made panel and circuit breakers for the purchased meter model from the store.
With this kit, you will be able to complete the installation of the electric meter yourself.

Direct installation

Like the installation of any electrical appliances, installing an electric meter yourself occurs in several stages. The step-by-step instructions have the following operating algorithm:

first you need to evenly distribute the electric meter, circuit breakers and contact plates in the panel;

Note! After uniform distribution, there should be space left in the panel in order to install the panel itself on the wall using special fasteners. In addition, the free space will allow you to comfortably distribute and connect the wires.

Electric meter connection diagram

after this, you should fasten the counter, as well as the plate and DIN rail;
then you need to finally snap the circuit breakers onto the DIN rail;
only after this should the wiring be done.

Note! The phase from the meter is immediately output to the “automatic machine” intended for the stove. If it is not there, then the conclusion is made to any other “machine”.

To ensure everything goes as it should, be sure to read the instructions for the electric meter before starting the installation yourself.
The wiring is done as follows:

remove the brown or red wire from the wire;
then carefully cut off the shell from it;

Stripped wire

after this, the wire in the meter itself should be stripped by about two centimeters;
then insert it into the desired terminal and tighten it with bolts;
for an “automatic machine” we strip the wire by 1 cm and insert it without clamps;

We connect the “automatic”

after this, you need to make U-shaped jumpers from the wires, strip their ends by 1 cm and connect them;
then we clamp the contacts on all circuit breakers.

Note! The wires on the “automatic machines” should lie flat during clamping. It is necessary to avoid their overlap with each other. Otherwise, the connection will weaken over time and begin to heat up. After some time they will burn out and fail.

When connecting an electric meter, it is necessary to display “zero”. For this purpose, a white wire is used to create a contrast with the other wires. We measure it from the meter and bring it to the contact plate. Remember that the wire itself must be placed horizontally or vertically. Usually, according to the rules for installing an electric meter, the very first terminal on the right or the fourth from the left acts as the zero circuit.

The finished result

As you can see, installing an electric meter yourself, if you follow all the rules and recommendations, can be done quickly and efficiently, even without the involvement of experienced specialists.

Conclusion

When installing any type of electric meters, you must first read the instructions supplied with the device by the manufacturer. When installing the meter, you must follow the sequence of actions and carefully check all connections. This is the only way the electric meter will serve you for a long time.

Correct check of the high-voltage diode of a microwave oven