Electric meters are usually installed in all apartments and private houses. They measure the costs of the spent AC electricity, because in any living room there is a lot of modern household appliances. The presence of an electricity meter is a must for all local energy sales companies unless, of course, you are on an uninhabited island and do not use electricity that is yourself derived from the energy of the sun or wind.
Counters are different and differ in type of construction and connection. In this article, we will figure out how to choose a single-phase electricity meter and connect this device to your home.
What is a single-phase electricity meter?
So, single-phase meters are designed to measure alternating current in a network with a voltage of 220 V and a frequency of 50 Hz (one phase and zero). It is these devices that are installed in all urban apartments, small shops, cottages, garages, etc. They are quite convenient to work with, they are easy to take readings.
Unlike single-phase, three-phase meters are designed to operate with a network of 380 V / 50 Hz (three phases and zero). Usually it houses, offices, administrative and industrial buildings with a large electricity consumption. That is characteristic, three-phase models of counters are used and for single-phase accounting.
How to choose a single-phase electricity meter?
When buying, pay attention to the marking: the devices transmitting single-phase current must have the inscription "CO", in contrast to the three-phase, marked "CT". As we have already found out, both types of meters are suitable for a single-phase network, but do not rush to buy a "more powerful" three-phase device for your housing without special need. After all, because of higher voltage in the event of a short circuit, the consequences will be much more dangerous. At the same time, installing a three-phase meter in an ordinary residential house makes sense if you are afraid of overloading the electrical network with an abundance of powerful appliances such as heating boilers, heaters , etc. The main thing is to take the issue of fire safety with all responsibility.
However, conventional single-phase counters are also different. First of all, they are divided into single and multi-tariff. By this means the division of energy consumption over periods of time, which is differently charged. And since tariffs and conditions in regions and cities are different, the expediency of installing a single-phase multi-tariff electricity meter instead of a single-tariff meter should be calculated separately for each specific case.
In addition, there are induction (conventional) electric meters and electronic models, some of them are equipped with a liquid crystal display. The latter are considered more convenient and accurate.
How to connect a single-phase electricity meter?
A single-phase electricity meter is easy to use, but it should only be installed by a professional electrician or a person with appropriate skills and qualifications. To do this,
After installation, the meter should be sealed by employees of the local energy sales organization. And in the case of replacing the meter, it is necessary to contact the communal workers in advance, so that they remove the seal from the old one and immediately install it on the new device.