The Importance Of Energy Meter Testing

Energy Meter Testing

Electricity, we don’t know how much we depend on it until it’s gone. Everywhere we go, most everything we use, runs on electricity. Without it most of what we know of society would cease to function. A key component of this system is the energy meter, and it is an important utility that is installed at every building wired into the electrical grid.

Testing Energy Meters

There are a couple different methods for testing energy meters, a few of the most common include:

• Standard Tests. Performance tests on anyu energy meter must follow IEC guidelines and standards. They can be divided into 3 different categories: Climatic, electrical, and circuiting.
  1. A test of the basic mechanical components.
  2. A test of how components run in climatic conditions, and a specification of the limits where performance can be impaired.
  3. A test of electrical components and requirements, this can include: insulation, voltage input, electromagnetic compatibility, and heating.

  Testing energy meters this way helps to ensure that the meter is functioning properly, and will continue to function without error despite weather conditions.

• Electromagnetic Compatibility. When it comes to equipment for testing energy meters, the most important ensures the accuracy of the test meter. The test can be separated into two different parts.
  1. An emission test checks to make sure that the meter isn’t adversely affecting any surrounding equipment or instruments. By ensuring the meter isn’t acting as an EMI beyond a specified limit, it helps prevent any accidental malfunctions in other components. Depending on the initial results a conducted emission test can be used to check cables and the power lead to check the range of the EMI. Likewise a radiated emission test measures the range of EMI through the free space around the meter.
  2. An immunity test not only tests to see if the meter isn’t acting as a source, but it also ensures it isn’t acting as a receptor of interference. As with an emission test, there are two ways of conducting this meter testing. A conducted immunity test looks that the meters functioning and if it will be disturbed by background interference. This could be through nearby or direct power or interface lines. A radiated immunity test is conducted to see how the meter responds to EMI in the surrounding area. If any interference is detected it is then corrected without any additional repair, unless warranted.

  This form of meter testing is essential in making sure meters are functioning correctly, and giving correct readings without errors from conflicting signals.

Meter testing is an essential part in making sure that your meter is functioning without error or interference. Without this, false readings, or even shut downs could occur, especially in older models. If you think there is an issue with your meter, don’t hesitate to reach out to a technician to ensure everything is functioning as it should.