BASICS OF METERING

What is the basic difference between a Tri-Vector meter and multi function meter?
The basic difference between a Trivector meter and multi function meter is that a Trivector
meter cannot display the tariff it can display kWh and from that reading the tariff and cost has to
be calculated manually, where as a multi function meter can display tariff also if programmed
properly. Different tariff at different interval of time for normal and peak time load and also
different tariff at same time by two different display is possible in multi function meter.

What is accuracy class of meters?

Basic Current (Ib)
The value of current in accordance with which the relevant performance of the meter is fixed.
Rated Maximum Current (Imax) The highest value of current at which the meter purports to
meet the accuracy requirements of relevant standard, when this current flows continuously in
the meter.
Now in the light of above two definitions accuracy class can be defined as A number which
gives the limits of the permissible percentage error, for all values of current between 0.1 Ib and
Imax for unity power factor (and in the case of polyphase meters with balanced loads) when the
meter is tested under reference conditions (including permitted tolerances on the reference
values) as defined in IS 13779: INDIAN STANDARD AC STATIC WATTHOUR METERS,
CLASS 1 AND 2-SPECIFICATION (First Revision) & IS 14697: 1999 ac STATIC
TRANSFORMER OPERATED WATTHOUR AND VAR-HOUR METERS, CLASS 0.2 S, 0.5 S
AND 1.0 S SPECIFICATION.
Accuracy class of 1,2 0.5S & 0.2S are available.
Percentage Error
The percentage error is given by the following formula:
(Percentage error = Energy registered by the meter - True energy x 100)/True Energy
True energy
NOTE - since the true value cannot be determined, it is approximated by a value with a stated
uncertainty that can be traced to IS 12346 or standards agreed upon between manufacturer and
user.
Percentage Error Limits (Single-Phase Meters and Polyphase
Meters with Balanced Loads)
Values Of Current
Percentage Error limits for meters of
accuracy class:Power factor
For direct
For Transformer
connected
operated meters
1
2
meters
0.05 Ib to 0.1 Ib
0.02 Ib to 0.05 Ib
1
+ & - 1.5
+ & - 2.5
0.1 Ib to IMAX
0.05 Ib to IMAX
1
+&-1
+&-2

0.1 Ib to 0.2 Ib

0.05 Ib to 0.1 Ib

0.2 Ib to 0.2 IMAX

0.1 Ib to IMAX

When specially
requested by the
user:
0.2 Ib to Ib

When specially
requested by the
user:
0.2 Ib to Ib

0.5 Lagging
0.8 Leading
0.5 Lagging
0.8 Leading
0.25 Lagging
0.5 Leading

+ & - 1.5
+ & - 1.5
+&-1
+&-1
+3.5 & -3.5
+2.5 & -2.5

+ & - 2.5
+&-2
-

What is current limit for meter being directly connected or being CT operated?
Usually direct connected meters are available for total current not exceeding 5 Amp but some
manufacturer provide 10 Amp also beyond which it will become essential to go for CT operated
meters. Any meter to be direct connected has to satisfy the following criteria:

The meter shall be able to carry a short time over current of 30 IMAX for one half-cycle at
rated frequency.
Meters operating at unity power factor Percentage of basic current Ib for class 1 & 2
should not exceed 0.4 & 0.5 respectively.

After 5 Amps and for some manufacturers 10 Amps the meters have to be connected through
CT. Any meter to be connected through CT has to satisfy the following criteria.

The meter shall be able to carry for 0.5 s a current to 20 times the maximum current.

Meters operating at unity power factor Percentage of basic current Ib for class 1 & 2
should not exceed 0.2 & 0.3 respectively.

What are the relevant standards and codes for meters?

IS 13779: 1999 AC STATIC WATTHOUR METERS, CLASS 1 AND 2-SPECIFICATION.
IS 14697: 1999 ac STATIC TRANSFORMER OPERATED WATTHOUR AND VAR-HOUR
METERS, CLASS 0.2 S, 0.5 S AND 1.0 S SPECIFICATION.
What is initial start up time for meters?
The meter shall be fully functional within 5s after the rated voltage is applied to meter terminals.

Asif Eqbal
ABB Limited
FARIDABAD,INDIA
Phone: 91-129-2567758
Mobile: 91-9650045050
email: asif.eqbal@in.abb.com