Living in a private house is very convenient, and even statistically. Of course, the convenience depends on the connected communications. But in addition, it is necessary to install and metering devices. For example, an electricity meter. What kinds of these devices exist and how to properly install them in the house will be described in this article.
Content
Types of electricity meters
The meter counts the number of kilowatts spent. But, these devices can differ in the way they are connected:
- single-phase;
- three-phase.
They can also take into account the energy spent at several tariffs (two rate meters). According to the principle of work, they can be electronic. More details about each of these types of devices will be described in more detail.
single-phase electricity meter
This meter is designed for installation in private houses or office premises with a two-wire network. Energy accounting takes place according to one set tariff. They are designed to work in networks with a voltage of 220 - 330 V. Single-phase device is very simple in the device and easy to use. From it is very easy to take readings and calculate the payment according to the current tariff. Usually, this device is marked with the "CO" marking.
three-phase electricity meter
The three-phase device is designed to account for power consumption, but it is already used in three-wire networks with a voltage of 380 V. This device is complicated in the device and more accurately conducts measurements. Of course, such a meter is installed mainly in industrial facilities. Three phases are needed to power the device. Such a counter is indicated by the marking "ST".
two-tariff meter
Consumption of electricity by the population during the day is diverse. There is a peak time, which occurs in the morning (7 - 10 hours) and evening (18 - 23). This is the time when people get up in the morning, have breakfast and are going to work. Or, on the contrary, they come home at the end of a day's work and begin to actively use household appliances. Two tariff meters take into account energy, dividing it into day and night. Everyone knows that the night tariff for electricity is less than the daily one. Using instruments at night, you can save money on paying bills. To do this, you need to restructure your daily routine a little.
electronic energy meter
The electronic counter operates on the principle of converting an analog signal into a pulse, counting which the device gives the amount of electricity consumed. These devices have several advantages:
- absence of rotating elements;
- large range of input voltages;
- the ability to view energy consumption for a certain period of time;
- easy organization of many tariff systems.
These devices are very accurate and operate on the basis of chips and processors. In modern homes, they are trying to install just such devices.
Three-phase meter, when you can put
What counter to put in your house? This question is faced by every homeowner. First of all, you need to determine how many phases your network consists of. If four wires (phases and zero) are suitable for the introductory automaton of your home, you can easily connect a three-phase meter. Of course, it can be connected to a single-phase network, the acceptance and sealing of such a device will depend on the inspector. They can accept, or they can refuse. And it does not affect the accuracy of the testimony. When buying the device, be sure to pay attention to the release date. The meter should be manufactured no more than a year ago, otherwise you will be asked to perform an instrument check. The three-phase meter makes it possible to include in the network of powerful boilers, electric stoves and heating appliances. And there will be no "phase distortion" effect, due to competent load distribution. Of course, when installing such a meter, a number of difficulties arise. It is necessary to get permission from the power supply company to install the device, and also to observe all the conditions for installing the meter. But it's worth it.
The location of the electricity meter (legal)
Before installing the meter, be sure to visit your energy sales company and make a contract with them for the provision of services. It should be written all the rules and conditions for installing a counter in the house.
According to the rules for the installation of electrical devices the meter must be:
- The meter must be located in an easily accessible dry place with a temperature in the winter not lower than zero degrees. It is also possible to install the meter in a non-heated room with the provided insulation of the device.
- The meter can be mounted in special cabinets, boards, on the wall. The design must be rigid. You can also install the device on wooden and metal panels.
These rules must be observed unconditionally. It depends not only on the acceptance of the device by the inspector, but also on the safety of you and your loved ones.
where it is allowed to install an electric meter in a private house
Let's consider in more detail where it is allowed to install an electricity meter in a private house.
The most suitable places are:
- an entrance hall;
- veranda;
- warm dressing room.
In these rooms the device will be reliably protected from atmospheric precipitation and temperature fluctuations. Also, access to it will not be difficult in the case of scheduled testing and maintenance. The meter is mounted at a distance from the floor of 80 - 170 cm. First, the circuit is connected to the machine at the input, and then to the device itself. It is necessary to provide for the earthing of the flap, to which the meter itself is attached. Recently, many house owners are obliged to put the meter on the street, leading to the order of a certain energy sales company. At the same time, this contradicts the rules for the installation of electrical installations, where it is said that the device must be in a dry place with a temperature in the cold season of not less than zero degrees. If you have not succeeded in convincing the inspectors, you can install a counter in the place where you plan to add a veranda or a warm vestibule. In fact, sharp temperature changes and atmospheric precipitation can adversely affect the accuracy of the instrument.
Connecting the electricity meter
Before connecting the device you need to prepare everything you need. Modern counters are a modular system consisting of separate elements. They are mounted in a special box on the mounting rail. The box itself consists of the outer (protective cover) and internal (rails with zero bus) parts. First of all, it is necessary to attach the box to the wall, it is best to do it at eye level (approximately 160 - 170 cm).
Installation of the meter is carried out in several stages:
- installation of the input automat, which is fixed to the rail by means of a latch on the reverse side;
- the meter itself is mounted;
- then single-pole machines are mounted.
After installing the necessary equipment, the meter can be connected. To do this, unscrew the filling screw, which is located in the central part of the bottom cover. We remove it and look at the connection diagram on the reverse side. There are four contacts under the cover.
First It is intended for connection of a feeding phase.
Second for the outgoing phase.
The third for a suitable zero wire.
Fourth for the outgoing zero wire.
Also on the circuit breakers are provided contacts for connecting the incoming and outgoing wires. The first are located at the top, and the second - at the bottom. On one pole machines, the phase from the device is applied to the upper terminals. The bottom contacts are designed to lead the wires in different directions. According to these data, the meter is connected in the house. The main thing do not forget about observance of safety precautions. And, if you are unsure of your abilities, it is best to ask for help from specialists.
Filling of the electricity meter
First you need to clarify that there are two types of seal counter:
- it is installed by the manufacturer to limit the access of unauthorized persons to the device;
- is established by the employees of the energy sales company, which will serve the consumer.
Sealing the meter is a mandatory procedure, for which you may be required to pay. It depends on the company. Without sealing the device, you will not be connected to the network. To seal the counter, the owner of a private house must contact the electricity supplier with the application. It must specify its data, the date of installation of the meter and the request for commissioning the meter. After that, the company will review your application and set a date for sealing the device. On the appointed day, an employee of the energy sales company will arrive and carry out the necessary manipulations. From this point on, the consumer is considered connected to the network. All you have to do is get a bill to pay for electricity and enjoy the benefits of civilization.
Helpful Tips
When choosing a meter, you need to pay attention to small items that will not affect the operation of the meter as a whole, but will save you money and facilitate installation.
- pay attention to the method of fixing the device (DIN rail, bolts), these are the simplest and quickest methods of installation;
- many devices are equipped with additional functions and display information on the voltage in the network, power consumption, it is not really necessary, but can increase the cost of the device;
- be sure to look at the accuracy class, it shows how inaccurate the device works, for private houses and apartments this figure does not exceed 2%;
- be sure to pay attention to the date of manufacture of the device, if the meter is more than 1 year (for three-phase) or more than 2 years (for single-phase) you have to send it for verification, otherwise you will not be connected to the network.
- insist on installing the device indoors, if you are refused, try applying with the appropriate application to the management of the service company.
These tips will help to avoid the most frequent mistakes among people installing electricity meters.
This article describes different types of electricity meters. The rules for their installation and sealing are specified. Using the advice of the article, you can easily select the necessary meter and set it according to the rules. Successful work.
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