Energy resources are necessary for the normal functioning of people. To account for electricity consumption, special devices are used - meters. They help representatives of companies supplying electricity to find out how much energy the residents of the apartment spent and how much they have to pay. The modern electric meter Mercury is characterized by high accuracy of the readings of the consumed electricity.
How to choose a power meter
There are many devices on the market that record energy consumption data. It will be difficult for an inexperienced user to understand all the characteristics and choose the optimal device. First of all, you need to pay attention to such criteria:
- For what current counter will be used - AC or DC.
- Single tariff or multi tariff.
- The data output method is electronic or mechanical.
- Which network will be connected to - single-phase or three-phase.
Then the model is selected according to such parameters as load, operating current, cost, and service life. You can find the best device for your home among Mercury products.
Description of electricity meters Mercury
Mercury counters are produced by the Russian company Incotex. Devices are available in various modifications, differing in their technical characteristics. The design of all models is the same. Externally, the counter looks like a rectangular plastic case with a liquid crystal screen. Mercury is screwless, therefore, the possibility of unauthorized hacking of the metering device is excluded.
Standard equipment includes an electric meter itself, a passport and an instruction manual. The device must have a hologram sticker that can be used to determine that the device is original.
On the front side there is a display with which readings are read. Nearby there is a plate with the technical characteristics of the appliance. The bottom panel is removable and is used to protect contacts. Connection is made by screw connection. On the rear panel there is a sticker with a connection diagram.
The electric meter has compact dimensions 105 x 105 x 65 mm. Its weight is approximately 250-350 grams. Mounted on a DIN rail without the use of additional locking devices.
Basic requirements for the counter
When buying an electric meter Mercury, you should make sure that it meets the following criteria:
- Accuracy class one or two. The error should be 1-2%, no more.
- The counter should indicate the date of issue and verification. These data must coincide with those recorded in the passport.
- The presence of an identification number by which you can find the counter in the State Register. The number on the case must necessarily coincide with that written in the passport and warranty card.
- There is a protective hologram.
- The warranty seal must not be damaged or torn.
Only after checking compliance with all these factors can you make a purchase.
Main and additional characteristics
Specifications in each modification are different.For them, various parameters such as the maximum allowable load, operating voltage, operating current, display method and gear ratio are different.
Additional features include:
- Operating temperature range. Average values are from -20 to +55. On some versions, the minimum temperature is -40 - usually on devices with drums that display energy consumption. At temperatures below -20 degrees, the clarity of the image on the LCD monitor is lost.
- Instrument operating conditions.
- Warranty period. The average is 36 months.
- Life time. Counters serve for 30 years.
- Intertesting interval. When buying, you need to make sure that the meter has passed the test after release. Then inspections are carried out by the inspector. The verification period of the electricity meter Mercury 201 is every 15 years.
In some models, not a liquid crystal screen, but a mechanical counting unit can be installed. There are also PLC models for capturing all device changes.
Benefits of Mercury Counters
The electric meter Mercury 201 is popular due to a number of advantages:
- low cost - the minimum price is 600 rubles;
- specifications;
- high accuracy of electricity measurements;
- protection against energy theft implemented by means of polarity reversal: when the phase and zero are reversed, the device will also read the consumed electric energy with high accuracy;
- compact sizes;
- ease of installation without the use of additional clamps;
- ease of use;
- burglary protection;
- tight mechanism.
It is also worth noting the long life of the device. With proper operation, the meter will operate for at least 30 years.
How to take readings
It is easy to get the value of the consumed electricity. At the beginning of each month, an integer is written on the meter. At the end of the billing period, the following number is written in the same way. The initial reading is subtracted from the final reading and multiplied by the tariff. As a result, the resulting value will be equal to the amount that must be paid for energy.
Varieties of models
The Mercury 201 counter is represented by several modifications. They differ in limit and normal current, value display panel and gear ratio. Specifications:
- 201.1 has a working current of 5 A, the limiting current is 60 A. The data are output mechanically.
- 201.2 has the same characteristics as 201.1, but the data is displayed on the liquid crystal panel.
- 201.22 is similar to 201.2, it differs only in power indicators.
- 201.3 operating current 10 A, maximum 80 A. Data is read by the electromechanical method.
- 201.4 is similar to 201.3, but the energy consumed is displayed on the liquid crystal screen.
- 201.5 normal current 5 A, limit 60 A. Mechanical indication. It differs in gear ratio - 3200 imp./kW.h instead of 6400 imp./kW.h.
- 201.6 is similar to 201.5, but differs in an operating current of 10 A and a maximum permissible 80 A.
Single phase meter connection
You can set the counter yourself without calling the wizard. This is a fairly simple procedure - the connection diagram is on the device itself, it is only important to connect the wires correctly.
The Mercury 201 counter has the following contacts:
- two contacts for phase connection - for input and output;
- terminal for connecting zero;
- terminal for outputting zero to the load.
All wires must be connected in the sequence indicated on the housing. The counter scheme Mercury 201 is the same as that of other modifications. It is important to de-energize the apartment before starting installation. It is forbidden to work under voltage.
At the first stage, the protective cover is removed.On the second, you need to loosen the clamps, strip the insulation on each wire and proceed to the connection. The phases are switched on first, then the neutral conductors. Then you need to tighten the screws securely. The last step is twisting the lid. When properly assembled, a red indicator LED should light up next to the screen. If it does not light, you should call an electrician.
