According to accepted world practice, electricity consumers must install devices that take into account its consumption and pay according to their readings. In the Russian Federation, this requirement is enshrined at the legislative level. Taking readings and calculating payment based on them is the responsibility of the consumer (owner of the device). But if, as a rule, there were no problems with induction electricity meters, then with the advent of electronic devices, many consumers have questions about taking readings. The answers to them can be found in this publication.
Induction meters
This process for old-style devices is quite simple; it is enough to rewrite the information from the mechanical indicator, where the numbers display the total amount of electricity consumption over the entire period of operation of the device. After this, the readings for the previous period are subtracted from the resulting number. The result is multiplied by the current tariff.
The information is included in the payment receipt. Once every six months, energy companies have the right to monitor the metering device, which obliges the consumer to provide access to it.
Induction meter readings with drum
In the figure above, the segments of the mechanical indicator that display an integer are marked in red, and tenths of kilowatt-hours are marked in blue. There are models without displaying the fractional part. The meter's rated current, voltage, and frequency parameters are shown below. By the rotation speed of the drum, you can visually assess the current load power.
Important! Tenths are not included in the receipt.
Induction devices are gradually being replaced by electronic ones due to their undoubted advantages. Let's tell you what they are.
Overview and technical specifications
The metering device has a 30-year service life. After three years of operation, repairs may be required. The reason is a manufacturing defect or non-compliance with the conditions for using electrical equipment. Please see the table below for technical specifications.
| Options | Mercury 200 electric meter models | |
| 200.02 (two-tariff) | 200.04 | |
| Rated voltage, V | 230 | 230 |
| Accuracy classification | 1.0 | 1.0 |
| Base current, A | 5(60) | 5(60) |
| Sensitivity to starting current, mA -class 1.0 -class 2.0 | 20 25 | |
| Operating temperature range | -40+55 degrees | |
| Dimensions, mm | 156x138x58 | |
| Load management | Through RCD 4 | |
| Digital interface | CAN | CAN modem, PLC-I |
| Ability to add a schedule | There is | There is |
Before putting the device into operation, it undergoes verification. This procedure is carried out once every 16 years, if the device has worked that long. Information based on the results of the analysis of the electric meter is recorded in the passport by authorized employees of the Distribution Zone.
The electric meter has several worthy qualities:
- has antimagnetic property. This will prevent the readings from rewinding in the opposite direction. It will not be possible to stop such an electric meter with a magnet;
- connection and operability in an automatic power supply system;
- presence of indication of errors that have appeared and malfunction of the metering device;
- a wide range of possible settings, flexible parameters and the ability to change modes at any time;
- has convenient standard sizes, suitable for standard DIN rail mounting, easily fits into the panel housing;
- It is characterized by reliable operation and is not afraid of voltage surges in single-phase networks.
Each modification of the Mercury meter is designed for 150 thousand hours of operation without failures. Errors may occur in the future. They are eliminated by an electrician's intervention in the software. The device has non-volatile memory. It is capable of transmitting data to reading devices without hindrance.
The electrical device is equipped with protection against unauthorized entry into the housing.
The following information is displayed on the meter screen:
- voltage value and power indicators;
- information for the previous year;
- time period when switching tariff zones;
- indication of signal strength;
- tariff price index;
- indication for each tariff (six-digit designation).
The estimated price of a single-phase Mercury meter will be 1600-2700 thousand rubles.
Another popular model is the Mercury-202 electricity meter.
Advantages of new electronic metering devices
The first glance at the front panel of an electronic device can cause some confusion. Instead of the usual mechanical indicator, there is a digital display and some strange buttons.
Electronic meter front panel
In fact, there is nothing complicated; below we will describe in detail how to take readings from various electronic models. As for their advantages, these include:
- Indication of the current date and time.
- Saving readings for the previous month in the device memory.
- Transferring data with readings to the control center of the energy company providing the services.
- Possibilities of multi-mode tariffing.
- The current sensor can be a shunt, a current transformer, or both.
It makes sense to consider the last point in more detail.
Why does the electricity consumption for the single-circuit heating unit change monthly and how can we achieve a reduction in the amount for the single-unit heating unit?
The amount of electricity consumption for one unit is calculated and depends on several factors and may change every month.
The cost of ODN depends on factors such as:
- Intensity of operation of electrical equipment installed on the ODN;
- Regularity of transmission by residents of the house of individual readings of metering devices to PJSC Mosenergosbyt (if the readings are not transmitted, then the calculation is formed based on the calculated average monthly volume of consumption, and when transmitting or taking readings in the subsequent billing period, the volume of consumption will be recalculated based on actual data);
- Absence of unaccounted and/or non-contractual consumption;
- Technical condition of intra-house wiring (electrical wiring in old houses may be worn out and this increases technological losses of electricity in intra-house networks);
- Equipping residential premises with working metering devices.
What is multi-tariff mode and its purpose?
As you know, the load on the energy system is uneven. During the day, electricity consumption is several times higher than at night (to be precise, the peak occurs in the morning and evening). In order to motivate the population, multi-tariff systems have been introduced in many countries, including Russia, taking into account the characteristics of a particular city (settlement).
The most common is the two-tariff system (day-night), and its three-tariff modification (peak-half-peak-night) is also found. The transition to such metering schemes can significantly reduce electricity costs. As an example, we give the prices for various time zones for the city of St. Petersburg (for an apartment with a gas stove).
Example: tariff table for St. Petersburg.
| Tariff name | Cost, rub) | |
| Single | 4,32 | |
| Dual zone | day – T1 (7:00-23:00) | 4,55 |
| night – T2 (23:00-7:00) | 2,62 | |
| Three-zone | peak – T1 (7:00-10:00 and 17:00-21:00) | 4,58 |
| half peak - T2 (10:00-17:00 and 21:00-23:00) | 4,32 | |
| night – T3 (23:00-7:00) | 2,62 | |
As you can see, the difference in price between night and day rates is slightly less than twofold. Even if you only turn on the washing machine when the nightly tariff is in effect, you can save a lot.
To switch to a two or three tariff system, it is necessary to install an electronic electricity meter, the design of which allows for such a count. As for induction modifications, they do not have such functionality.
Calculation of power consumption
Sometimes an owner needs to know the approximate energy consumption in his home without a meter in order, for example, to switch the house to an alternative energy source.
To do this, all household appliances and light bulbs in the house are rewritten.
The power of each of them is indicated (if it is not visible on the case, it is taken from the technical documents).
Those devices that do not give off heat while they are working are called condenser devices. For them, you need to take into account that the starting power will be 2 - 2.5 times greater than that indicated in the documents.
Add up all the powers of induction appliances (giving off heat - irons, incandescent lamps, stoves, etc.) and condenser appliances (TV, washing machine, refrigerator, etc.), multiplied by 2 - 2.5.
Add 10% to stock. The required power is obtained.
How to take electricity meter readings day-night?
Due to the large assortment of electronic models, it is not possible to give a single algorithm of actions. Detailed instructions are given in the technical documentation that comes with each device. Later in the article we will describe in detail the process for the most common models, but for now we will talk about the general principle of calculations using a two-tariff system.
All electronic meters have a built-in clock, which allows you to record electricity consumption for different time zones. In two-tariff models there are two of them - T1 (day) and T2 (night), their validity periods were given in the table above. A separate count is kept for each period. At the same time, the device stores the readings of the previous reporting period in memory, which is quite convenient for calculations. The easiest way to explain the process is with an example.
Let’s say we need to take readings on October 20, for the current date they are as follows:
- For tariff T1 – 2052.95 kWh.
- T2 – 1024.16.
- Total – 3077.11.
We rewrite this data into a receipt and call up information for the previous reporting period (September 20), let’s say we display:
- T1 – 1892.81.
- T2 – 926.1.
- Total – 2818.91.
We calculate the difference and then write down the result:
- T1 – 160.14.
- T2 – 98.06.
- Total – 258.2.
We enter this information on the receipt. Next, we calculate the payment by multiplying by their cost in accordance with current tariffs. For example, according to the information in the table above, for St. Petersburg these calculations will be as follows:
T1 - 160.14 x 4.55 = 728.67 rubles.
T2 – 98.06 x 2.62 = 256.92 rubles.
Total – 728.67 + 256.92 = 985.59 rubles.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pW1977Cfpds
Taking readings on an electronic reading mechanism (multi-tariff) 201.8 TLO
The multi-tariff version of Mercury 201 includes 201.8 TLO - this is a multi-tariff meter for metering electricity according to the day/night plan, also if there are more than 2 tariffs, then peak, half-peak.
This counter has an automatic mode for displaying information on the display with a short interval of 4 seconds. What information will be displayed is configured through the configurator program when programming the meter. If the cyclic display is not turned off, the information on the display will change; if it is turned off, we will see the readings at the current tariff.
Read
SO-I4491M2-5 - technical specifications
To take readings from the meter, we will need the following indicators: The total number of kilowatts/hour for all tariffs (if we pay according to a single tariff plan) The number of kilowatts for tariff 1 The number of kilowatts for tariff 2
To do this, wait until a numerical value appears on the display with the [Tariff 1] icon in the upper left corner and [kWh] in the lower right corner. This is the current value of the total electricity consumption at tariff 1. We write the number from left to right to the point.
Next, we need to record the meter readings at tariff 2. To do this, wait until the meter cyclically displays a numerical value with the [Tariff 2] icon in the upper left corner and [kWh] in the lower right corner. We write down this value.
To calculate the total amount payable 1) The number of kilowatts at tariff 1 is multiplied by the price for 1 kilowatt/hour according to your tariff. 2) Multiply the number of kilowatts at tariff 2 by the price for 1 kilowatt/hour at tariff 2 3) Add up the resulting values.
To calculate the number of kilowatts that were wound over the last (current month), you need to subtract the meter readings at the same tariffs that were a month ago from the current indicators for tariffs, then proceed to calculating the amount to be paid in 3 steps as shown above.
If you pay according to a single tariff plan, then you only need to rewrite the value of the total consumption of kilowatts for all tariffs. To do this, wait on the display for a number with icons [Tariff 1 2 3 4][kWh]
Read
Counter CA4-I678 - Taking readings
To find out the total value for the last month from the current one, subtract the total value for tariffs for the last month. To find out how much to pay for light, multiply the resulting number of kilowatts by the price for 1 kilowatt/hour according to your single-tariff plan.
At this point, the mission to take readings from the Mercury 201 meters is considered completed. In order not to get confused in the readings, it is recommended to take readings monthly, or even better, on the same day of the month. Additionally, for general knowledge, you can watch a video about meters of this model. We also attach instructions to the article for the 201.8 TLO meter, which may come in handy; it contains detailed characteristics of the meter and operating rules. Instructions Mercury 201.8TLO_РЭ.PDF
How to take readings from electricity meters Mercury 200, 206, 233, 230, 231, 234
The listed models have a similar interface. Control is carried out using two buttons (see Fig. 3). One, with the inscription “ENTER”, is used to select indications of various tariffs, the second, which shows a ring with an arrow pointer, is used to select a mode.
Front panel of three-phase meter Mercury 230
The procedure for taking readings is as follows:
- It is necessary to set the appropriate mode, in this case “A”. To switch modes, you need to briefly press the button with the ring until a dash appears under the corresponding letter on the display (marked in red in Fig. 3).
- After setting the “A” mode, the display will show the readings for the T1 tariff; to view the data for other tariffs (T2 and T3), you must briefly press the “ENTER” button. The number of tariffs is determined by the meter settings; they are made by employees of the energy company.
- Information is displayed in the following format:
- Tariff name (T1-T3).
- Actually, the readings (a number with two decimal places).
Please note that these devices have special software. Thanks to it, you can get more detailed information when connecting the meter to a PC.
Universal configurator for the Mercury line of meters
Summarize
Taking electricity meter readings is not a difficult task. The main thing is not to forget to do it on time. Then no conflict situations will arise.
We hope our reader learned something new and useful from today’s article. We will be happy to answer questions if they arise during reading in the comments. Perhaps someone will share their experience of submitting testimony - we will be happy to publish it for all readers. Good luck!
And finally, a video on anti-magnetic fillings:
How to take readings from the electricity meter Energomer CE 101, CE 102, TsE6803V?
For electronic devices of Energomer models, the procedure for obtaining readings is quite simple and does not require any pressing of control keys; in fact, on some modifications they are absent altogether.
Front panel of meter CE 102
Every 10-15 seconds, the display cyclically displays the data of time zones from T1-T2 or T1-T3 (depending on the modification of the device) and their total value. In this case, the name of the tariff (T1-T3 and T - the total amount) and, in fact, the readings in the form of a number with two decimal places are displayed at the top of the screen.
Front panel of meter TsE6803V housing type P32 (for DIN rail)
It is not possible to view readings for the previous period.
How to use the Voice Control service?
When you contact the Contact Center by phone +7 (499) 550-9-550, you can independently, without waiting for an operator’s response, transfer meter readings or obtain the necessary information. To do this, in the voice menu after the question “Tell me what interests you?” you need to say your question.
You can read the instructions for operating the voice service on the website of PJSC Mosenergosbyt.
Attention!
The personal account number and meter readings must be given strictly in one digit. You can enter data using the telephone keys. To undergo automatic identification, we recommend linking your phone number to your Personal Account in the Client’s Personal Account.
How to take readings from a Micron electricity meter?
This procedure is also not difficult. Using the button (marked in red in Fig. 7), the appropriate information display mode is selected.
Micron Counter
On the case, below the information board, the names of the modes are printed; a “bird” is depicted on the screen above the current one. To take readings correctly, you need to use the button to set the T1-T3 mode. For example, if the mark is above T2, then the displayed data will correspond to the indicators of the selected tariff.
We hope that the information provided will help those who do not know how to take meter readings.
Why is the meter installed?
According to the rules, electricity meters must be installed in every room, be it a private house or an apartment in a multi-storey building. This is necessary so that energy sales employees are aware of the residents’ electricity costs. Because it costs money to generate electricity, users pay money for consumption.
Electricity meter readings are taken monthly
If you imagine a situation where the device is missing, then confusion will begin. After all, one neighbor turns on the light around the clock, while the other uses it as needed, so with the advent of electricity, a corresponding system was introduced.
