In every room where a person consumes electricity, an electricity meter should be installed. This is a metering device, thanks to which it is possible to accurately calculate the amount of consumed resources per unit of time. For the counter to correctly display the data, it is necessary that it has a high accuracy class.
What is the accuracy class of an electric meter
There are several accuracy classes of electrical measuring instruments that have been provided for by international standards. Their main task is to “monitor” the quality of the determined measurements.
In accordance with the class, a certain digital combination is indicated on the device’s case, indicating the percentage error (%) that is permissible during measurements.
Existing Accuracy Classes
The Sl international measurement system has developed the following accuracy classes for electricity consumption meters:
- 0,05;
- 0,1;
- 0,2;
- 0,5;
- 1,0;
- 1,5;
- 2,5.
The listed sequence of numbers is inversely proportional to its digital value: the smaller the number, the higher the accuracy class. In order to identify the percentage of error in a smaller or larger direction, it is necessary to compare the readings of the tested and reference electric meters.
Any device with a class above no more than one step can act as a model metering device. Devices with an accuracy class of 0.05 are laboratory exhibits; they are not used either in industry or in domestic needs.
What CT should have an electric meter
The bodies of the state apparatus decided to switch to improved electricity meters with an accuracy class of at least 1.0. When buying a new device, it is important to pay attention to this, otherwise you will have to re-spend money on a new electric meter.
It is almost impossible to see induction-type devices with a similar class. In addition, their price is quite high, which is unjustified in the conditions of domestic use.
For an apartment
The percentage deviation from the real volume of the consumed resource depends on the indicators of the accuracy class. In apartment conditions it is allowed to use meters with an average level of accuracy class; in percentage terms, the error reaches 2% up or down.
The smaller the figure, which is recorded in the accompanying technical documentation for the meter, the smaller the error. You also need to consider: the more accurate the device, the higher its cost.
In order to correctly calculate the main indicators of an apartment meter, it is required, when choosing it, to obtain detailed explanations from consultants of an organization that provides services and sells electric meters. As a rule, all conditions and technical characteristics of the device are prescribed in the contract, which must be concluded between the supplier company and the consumer.
In accordance with Russian law, only the lower level of the accuracy class is indicated in the contracts. There are no restrictions on the upper statutory figures.
In each apartment building, introductory common-house metering devices with an accuracy class of at least 1.0 are required to be installed.Counters with an accuracy of more than 2.0 are non-repairable upon failure, must be replaced.
For a private home
Do not rush to purchase the first electricity meter you like. First you need to familiarize yourself with its main technical characteristics and the conditions of energy supply in the house.
If the accompanying documentation does not contain the necessary information, it is necessary to attract specialists who, using special equipment, will determine the type of voltage and analyze the number of connected household appliances.
Electricians are advised to take care of drawing up the correct electrical wiring diagram in a country house or in the country.
In private and country houses for domestic use, as a rule, they purchase electric meters with an accuracy class of no more than 2.5%. These are the permissible limits of electromechanical or induction type devices. Modern and more advanced digital and electronic models are characterized by an error level of not more than 1.0 - 1.5%.
How to determine
Most Russian apartments and private houses have electricity meters with an accuracy of no more than 2.5%.
Outdated metering devices are currently non-accounting, therefore, organizations supplying the resource have the full right to refuse to receive indications of energy consumption. Such meters are subject to mandatory replacement with advanced models with current technical characteristics.
To calculate the percentage of error in fact, as well as to obtain documented evidence of exceeding the established standards, you need to contact special metrological services, which using special equipment will check the operability of the device. The results are compared with the parameters declared by the manufacturer and a conclusion is made. This procedure is quite expensive, so it’s better to immediately install a new model, and dispose of the old electricity meter. After installation, the new meter must be registered with RES within 30 days from the date of installation, otherwise penalties will follow.
To calculate the accuracy with which the electric meter counts, a visual inspection is sufficient. All technical data must be fixed on the housing.
The accuracy class of the electricity meter is the most important characteristic indicator, which allows you to reduce utility bills. Costs will pay off within a few years.
