The problem of saving electric energy does not pass over any of its consumers and is aggravated every year due to an increase in the number of samples of household appliances. Substantial help in overcoming it can be provided by the multi-tariff electricity meter installed today in most residential apartments. In order to fully appreciate the advantages of new electronic metering devices, you will need to familiarize yourself with the features and the subtleties that must be taken into account during their operation.
Features of multi-tariff accounting
A multi-tariff electric meter is a specialized electronic device that provides a combined approach to accounting for electricity consumed for domestic needs. With its help, payment for electricity consumption is differentiated at the following daily intervals:
- night zone (23.00-07.00 hours);
- peak mode with maximum loads (07.00-10.00 and 17.00-21.00 hours);
- semi-peak zone (10.00–17.00 and 21.00–23.00 hours).
In half-peak periods, payment corresponds to the norm for each Russian region, and at peak intervals for enterprises it exceeds the normalized figure by 2 percent. A substantial discount for the population is provided at night (the tariff is reduced by 30 percent).
Multi-tariff electricity metering allows the client, at his request, to choose time intervals for domestic operations requiring large energy costs. This can be the start of automatic washing in the morning or the night mode of ironing, for example. The question of the profitability of installing a meter with differentiated tariff accounting is not always resolved uniquely. Everything is explained by the attitude to night work by the population. Not every hostess has the desire and ability to do them at night.
Possible difficulties in relations with energy companies
Before installing a multi-tariff electricity meter, it is important to understand what it is and how it will affect the operation and maintenance of the device. Many consumers refuse to install it, explaining their actions by the reluctance to bear the extra costs for fictitious advantages. In this situation, they have to deal with fraudulent acts on the part of the energy supplier, imposing its services to the client.
The law is on the consumer’s side, since it clearly stipulates that a multi-tariff energy meter can be set only with the consent of the owner of the house or apartment.
As an example, we will consider a specific user request about the ability to install any model of your choice. In a particular case, the following question is asked: Does the energy supplier company have the right to demand the installation of a certain brand of electric meter? In particular, the question is: what to do if a Mercury 201.5 device is available, for example, and company representatives require Mercury 201.22 to be replaced in its place? A careful study of this issue reveals the following.
In accordance with article No. 16 of the Federal Law "On the Protection of Consumer Rights", the terms of the contract are recognized invalid, which in particular cases infringe on the rights of citizens. This comparison is made with those rules, the primacy of which is confirmed by applicable laws or other legal acts of the Russian Federation.
In addition, it is strictly forbidden by law to condition the purchase of certain product samples into private ownership by the obligation to purchase goods (works or services) that replace them. Losses caused to the consumer as a result of the unlawfulness of such a replacement and violation of his right to free choice should be fully compensated by the seller. Focusing on these provisions, the user has the right to keep the model of the meter that he already has.
Types of multi-tariff instruments and selection rules
A competent choice of a multi-tariff meter is impossible without knowledge of the existing varieties of these devices. To get acquainted with them, it is important to evaluate all the possible options by which such a classification is made.
Types of appliances
According to the principle of operation, multi-tariff meters, like all other samples of this technique, are divided into induction and electronic models. Both those and other devices by the type of electricity taken into account are divided into single-phase and three-phase devices installed in 380 volt circuits. Three-phase multitariff electric meters are used in private households where the installation of appropriate power equipment is possible. It includes pumps, turning and milling machines, as well as other mechanisms, which include asynchronous motors.
The difference in the metering devices offered to the user is manifested in the power that he is able to withstand, as well as in the declared cost of a particular sample.
There are models of electric meters that can operate at temperatures from -40 to +55 ° C. Such devices are suitable for use in “cold” and “hot” rooms. They are often installed on the outer walls of wooden houses from the street. This is done in order to allow incoming census takers to take readings in the absence of the owners. In addition to permanent household appliances, industry produces special samples of counting devices, called reference ones.
Criterias of choice
Before buying a meter, you need to master the rules of its selection, usually boiling down to the following points:
- determine the type of accounting: single tariff or with several tariff plans;
- decide what type of meter is required by type of supply: three-phase at 380 volts or single-phase;
- consult with experts on the power of the purchased device, depending on the amount of consumption in the household network: the number of devices connected to it simultaneously;
- make sure that you have a quality certificate that guarantees the reliability of the meter.
It is extremely important to determine in advance which device to choose according to the principle of operation (electronic or induction). Despite the fact that the cost of the first is slightly higher, it is best to choose it. Thanks to the integrated electronic circuit containing a microprocessor chip, this type of counter is considered more reliable.
Advantages and disadvantages
Among the advantages of multi-tariff meters include the following features:
- Electronic devices allow you to take readings in automated metering mode - directly from the control desk.
- The measurement results are processed by the microcontroller, stored in the internal memory and displayed - their visual control is possible.
- The data obtained for a certain period is stored for a long time.
- Electronic models provide protection against unauthorized access.
During the operation of the device, prepayment and control of the distribution of the load connected to it are possible.
Electronic meters are resistant to all types of external influences, including mechanical, climatic and electromagnetic.The disadvantages of multi-tariff electricity meters include their high cost and energy consumption for domestic needs. This value is not so great, but over time it is still added to the overall indicator.
The specifics of the operation of counters of various types
A good example of the nature of the operation of metering devices is an electromechanical meter that works by the interaction of electromagnetic fields. The number of revolutions of a mechanical disk placed in a field is proportional to its absolute value. The following samples can be attributed to devices of this type:
- single-phase counter CO-505, having an accuracy class of 2.0;
- its close similarity under the designation CO-1, with the claimed class of 2.5;
- three-phase models SA3U-I670 and SR4U-I673, having a class of measurement accuracy of 2.0.
The product range of electronic devices is represented by counters, in which the linear current and voltage form pulse signals with a frequency proportional to the energy taken from the mains.
The following samples can be considered as an example of such counters:
- single-phase "Mercury 201" or "Mercury 200.02", designed for accuracy class 2.0;
- three-phase electrical appliance "Mercury 230A" with accuracy class 1,0;
- ALFA A1R, designed to operate in 380 Volt networks and having a class of 0.5S;
- electric energy metering devices, in which special metering mechanisms are provided, which measure consumption for certain time intervals (with multi-tariff accounting).
Before buying a multi-tariff meter of any brand, you should carefully familiarize yourself with all its capabilities, as well as with the advantages and disadvantages of this device. Only making sure that it is really useful and will really save energy can we make the final decision on the acquisition.
