With the advent of new modern metering devices, calculating electricity payments has become more complicated. For example, consumers often do not always understand how to take day-night electricity meter readings, because this device differs in operating principle from the usual single-tariff ones in that it records consumption at several tariffs. Since the maximum amount of energy is spent during the day and evening, in order to reduce the load on substation equipment, different rates were introduced for daytime and nighttime consumption. The night rate is significantly lower. Thanks to this, consumers can save significantly, and the supplying organization reduces the load on the network.
How to take readings from a two-tariff device
Many consumers, especially older ones, are faced with questions about how to take readings from a two-tariff meter and the likely complexity discourages them from purchasing a profitable mechanism. In fact, there is nothing difficult to remove. To make the purchase of a new device worthwhile, you need to use the device correctly and figure out how to take readings from a two-tariff meter. To avoid overpayments according to indications and the accrual of penalties, you must carefully monitor the transmitted indications, recording them monthly (preferably after the 25th day of the month) in a special notebook and paying regularly.
A time period is selected on the display (indicated by T01, T02): the readings of electricity consumed during the day are taken into account at the tariff T01, at night - T02. You should press the “Enter” button. After this, at intervals of less than a minute (depending on the manufacturer, model), readings for individual tariffs are displayed
You should pay attention to tenths and hundredths of kW/h - they are separated by a dot, comma or other color. Integer numbers will correspond to the electricity consumed in kWh.
Video material
Modern energy meters are far superior to older models. They are significantly able to save the family budget, since they keep records at double or even triple rates. Installing such mechanisms will pay for itself very quickly, so you shouldn’t hold on to old devices - it’s better to replace them with new ones. If you think that it is difficult to take readings from such a device, then you are making a mistake. By following the simple instructions given in this article, you can easily calculate the cost of the electricity you consume.
Three-phase or single-phase design
When purchasing, it is important to clarify for which network this electric meter model is intended. The signs are as follows:
The signs are as follows:
- A 1-phase device has two terminals on each side, that is, four in total.
- 3-phase has at least four terminals on each side, that is, at least eight in total (there may be additional ones).
Those who live in city apartments need to purchase a 1-phase meter. But owners of private houses, if they do not know the number of phases, should first calculate the number of wires in the line connected to the house. If there are two of them, the network is 1-phase, if there are four, it is 3-phase.
A 3-phase model can be connected to a single-phase network without any problems, so those who currently have one phase, but plan to switch to a 3-phase power supply in the future, can safely purchase a three-phase meter. But, of course, it is impossible to connect a 1-phase meter to a 3-phase network.
The electric meter cannot be returned or replaced if it does not fit. The fact is that when selling a device, a special mark is placed in the passport - because of this, the product, as they say, cannot be returned, unless, of course, a manufacturing defect has been identified.
Therefore, when purchasing, all parameters and characteristics of the meter must be checked with all possible thoroughness.
In addition to phasing, pay attention to:
- rated current: must exceed the maximum of the input circuit breaker by one step;
- accuracy class.
An important characteristic is the noise level (some models buzz).
Choosing the right electricity meter
Before going to the store, you must carefully familiarize yourself with the product and its characteristics that are provided to customers. What you should pay attention to first:
- What is the current voltage that enters the apartment or private house;
- How much power is consumed during the entire operation;
- What is the frequency?
Indirect characteristics include:
- memory storage devices;
- RCD;
- mechanisms to prevent surges from overvoltage in the electrical network.
It is definitely worth remembering that the electric meter must comply with all state standards. Therefore, before purchasing, experts advise contacting the supplier company for advice on the characteristics of the unit.
Under no circumstances should you purchase a meter from strangers or representatives of dubious companies. The company is required to provide a special permit for the sale of electricity, water and gas supply meters. It is best to purchase a meter from the ETM chain of stores. They have long been popular in the market for reasonable prices, reliability and excellent quality.
How profitable is it?
It is impossible to say unequivocally whether installing a two-tariff electric meter is beneficial or not. Tariffs in each region of Russia are set separately. In some, the difference between the night tariff and the single tariff can be 3-4 times. But, more often than not, night charges are approximately two times less (compared to day charges). And even under such conditions, you can save a fairly large amount - 1/3 of monthly charges or more. True, for this it is necessary to transfer the operation of electrical appliances to the night. Tariffs for some regions of Russia are shown in the table. It can be used to estimate the difference in tariffs.
Single-zone and two-zone electricity tariffs for 2021 for some regions of Russia
After analyzing the table, you realize that not everything is as rosy as it seemed. In some regions, where daily rates are much higher than single-tariff rates, savings are a big question. The night benefit is eaten up by overpayment during the day. In such areas, everything needs to be carefully calculated (see below for how). When making calculations, you need to take into account that you will buy a new two-tariff electricity meter with your own money, as well as reprogram it if necessary. So for a while you will simply be recouping your investment. And no one is immune from changes in tariffs or the legislative framework. And it may well happen that in a few years it turns out that you pay more on a two-tariff meter than on a single-tariff meter. There are already many such cases.
How you can save money
Modern household appliances may have a delayed start function. Thanks to it, you can do laundry at night, wash dishes in the dishwasher, prepare breakfast (multi-cookers, bread makers and other similar equipment). Some even heat water in storage boilers at night, closer to the morning, by setting timers on them. In addition, a fairly large number of “standard” equipment operate at night - a refrigerator, air conditioners or heating devices. So, it may well be that the consumption at night will be greater than during the day.
Most modern home appliances have a delayed start function.
If the tariffs in your region are “normal” and there are savings, it makes sense to install a two-tariff electricity meter in large families where consumption is high. This system is beneficial for night owls who go to bed long after midnight. Their main activity occurs at night, so the main consumption will be during the lowest rate. But you can accurately determine whether this innovation will give you any tangible benefit or not only after calculations.
Determining economic efficiency
First, you need to find out the dual-zone and single-zone tariffs in force in your region. Then, within a few days (preferably a week), conduct an experiment. Transfer all possible technical processes to the night, and track how much electricity you consume at night and how much at daytime. Readings will have to be recorded manually at 7 am and 11 pm. It is necessary to write down taking into account the decimal places - this way the calculations will be more accurate.
How long do ordinary household electrical appliances last?
You summarize the readings collected over the week - separately for daytime, separately for nighttime. Multiply by the corresponding tariffs. You receive the amount you pay when switching to a two-zone tariff. To have something to compare with, count the total amount of electricity consumed (add the night and day parts) and multiply by the single-zone tariff. Now you can calculate the difference and evaluate whether this idea is worth getting involved with.
Excerpts from the forum
How to correctly take readings from the device
To figure out how to take readings from an electric meter, you need to know its type. The principle of data recording may differ.
How to read an induction type meter
For old-style products, the numbers are visible on the display. If the wheel moves quickly, the values can change several times a day. The digital series varies within 6-7 units. The latter is often highlighted in color or the window in which it is located is larger than the others. It is not taken into account when fixing values. For a number of devices, any selection is not provided by the manufacturer, so the controller records a completely digital series.
Before reading the meter, the inspector checks the values for the past month or quarter recorded in the journal. The supplier often sends out receipts, which already indicate the difference in indicators after the controller has recorded the current consumption. If the property owner has submitted an application to change the device, then GorSvet is obliged to draw up an act that will display the amount of electricity wasted during the entire operation of the device.
How to take readings from an electronic meter
Electronic devices also have a window, inside which numbers and values periodically appear. They are updated with some frequency, which allows controllers to make calculations using a standard algorithm that is suitable for a single-tariff system.
The multi-tariff meter displays the difference depending on the time of day: at night the values are lower. The data recording algorithm changes slightly (the number of actions increases).
Mercury 200: taking data
Data recording from the Mercury electric meter is carried out in several ways, depending on the model of the device installed inside or outside the building. Multi-tariff ones have markings on the screen. It is fixed by pressing a special button located near the screen.
When using a single-tariff meter, the data is recorded with one press of the “enter” key. The designation T1 appears on the panel. A day-night device requires pressing the corresponding button twice.
How to take Mercury 230 electricity meter readings
Reading data from the two-tariff Mercury is carried out according to a standard algorithm. To record the readings, press the “enter” button once: the text T1 and a series of numbers appear in the window (kWh during daylight hours, from 8:00 to 00:00). The indicators are recorded in the log book.
Then the “enter” key is pressed again so that the T2 mark and other indicators indicating the amount of current wasted per night (from 00:00 to 8:00) are displayed in the window. The value is entered in the appropriate column in the journal.
How to calculate electricity using a multi-tariff meter
The final calculation is carried out using indicators for the previous and current months. Calculation example:
- for the current month: T1 - 1500 kW, T2 - 150 kW;
- for the last month: T1 - 1300 kW, T2 - 100 kW.
Mathematical calculations:
- 1500-150=1350;
- 1300-100=1200;
- 1350-1200=150.
How to read data from the Energomer meter
The main difference between the model and all the others is the presence of a key on the panel, which is designated by the abbreviation PRSM. Multi-tariff products "Energomer" are considered more innovative devices, so the models are almost identical in characteristics. The main disadvantages include the high price.
From the Micron counter
Micron electricity meters have a single key on the panel that needs to be pressed when recording data. After pressing, 2 dots should appear on the screen, moving chaotically around the window. The latter indicates zones divided into tariffs. When the point crosses the border of a particular zone, the display will display numbers indicating the number of kW wasted in 25-30 days. The T1 R+ and T2 R+ markings appear on the screen.
From the Saiman counter
Products of this brand replaced outdated devices from the 80s and 90s. release regardless of the region, so many are satisfied with Saiman devices. They are convenient to use in everyday life: there are no buttons on the display to record data. Numbers indicating the consumed kW appear on the display once a day.
You can track a certain periodicity: first, the device identification code appears, the kW value itself, the date and the inscription “Total”. Single-tariff products are easier to use; data is displayed on them instantly. In two-phase devices, the sequence is shown by zone (T3, T2 and T1).
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.
How are readings taken?
We take readings from the electric meter. Photo No. 3
Readings from any electric meter are taken either by the owners of the facility in which the device is installed, or by authorized persons from the management company that provides utility services to a specific group of people. At the same time, the owner of the property has every right not to allow his meter readings to be taken either by representatives of the management company or by other persons.
In this case, the cost of electricity provision services will be calculated at average regional tariffs.
The actual procedure for taking readings is different for different types of three-phase meters:
- When using a device with an inductive counting form, in order to obtain the required numbers, it is necessary to copy the available readings on the rotating display of the device onto a piece of paper. If one or two digits, usually out of five or six in general, have a different color than the rest, then when readings are taken, these numbers are discarded (they show an intermediate calculation of electricity consumption on a small scale, so they are not taken into account when determining monthly readings).
- When using an electronic meter, you will have to refer to its instructions. The fact is that different models of meters show 10-15 seconds: time, date, power consumption indicators for all time and by periods (T1 - 7-23:00, T2 - 23-7:00, T3, T4, etc.). d. – grace periods). As a rule, the sequence of displaying values corresponds to that described above, however, for the most accurate determination, you should refer to the previously mentioned counter instructions.
Taking readings from a three-phase meter is only half the battle. Next you will have to do the following:
- Determine how much electricity was consumed over the last month. To do this, it is enough to take the meter readings for the previous month and subtract them from the currently available ones. You can find out these readings either by monthly recording, or by looking at the last paid receipt for electricity.
- Multiply the resulting electricity figure by the current tariff in your region. So, for example, with an electricity consumption of 200 kW per month and a tariff of 4 rubles per 1 kW, you will have to pay 200 * 4 = 800 rubles.
As you can see, there are no particular difficulties in working with three-phase electric meters and taking readings from them is as easy as shelling pears. We hope the material presented above was useful to you. Good luck paying your utilities!
You can learn about the procedure for taking and transmitting electric meter readings by watching the video:
Energy meters
Taking readings from the Energy Meter day-night electricity meter (two-tariff or multi-tariff) occurs in exactly the same way. The difference is that the button on these electricity meters is called “PRSM” (view). There may be two or three buttons, depending on the modification.
Electricity meter Energomera CE301
When you click on this button, numbers appear showing how many kilowatts were “increased” for each tariff zone. There are no more differences.
Read more: Up to what age is a ticket considered a children's bus?
Take readings from the Micron electricity meter
In Mikron multi-tariff electronic electricity meters, there is only one button on the case, and you need to press it to display the required readings on the screen. Only in this case, you need to wait until “checkmarks” appear on the display above the letters “T1” and “R+” (see photo). This will be the reading for the first tariff.
How to take readings from the Micron electric meter model SEB-1TM.02M
Then click on the same button until the checkmarks appear above T2 and R+, if there are more zones, click further. This is how readings are taken from this day/night meter.
Saiman counters
Now in many regions they replace old induction meters with electronic ones free of charge and most often install devices from Saivan. These are very simple devices; they do not have buttons that can be used to forcefully “scroll through” the readings. You just have to wait until the required value is displayed. That is, in this case, take readings from the electricity meter - just wait until the required value (TOTAL) is displayed and write it down on the receipt (or transfer it to the appropriate service).
To make it easier to navigate, here is the order in which the data is displayed in this electric meter:
- date of;
- time;
- meter number;
- gear ratio (1600);
- TOTAL - readings of a single-tariff meter or are displayed sequentially T1, T2, TOTAL for day/night type meters (two-tariff).
It is necessary to record the TOTAL or T1 and T2 readings and also the general TOTAL readings on the receipt. Let us remind you once again that you only need to write down the whole part, without taking into account the numbers after the decimal point. You can watch the same information in video format.
Payment methods
Users who have switched to a differentiated electricity metering system are faced with the question: how to calculate payments for a two-tariff electricity meter?
Costs for different tariffs are calculated separately.
Calculations for a two-phase meter occur in several stages:
- Rewrite the daily readings.
- By pressing the “Enter” button, record the night readings.
- Calculate the difference in readings for each category.
- Multiply each indicator by the cost according to the tariff.
- Add up the resulting numbers.
- Enter the total amount on the receipt.
As you can see, there is nothing complicated in the procedure for taking readings. It is produced according to the usual scheme.
Reference! To find out how to pay the day-night meter readings for your model, refer to the instructions that came with the device.
According to the electricity meter
The current data is subtracted from the device data for the previous month. The difference will indicate the actual electricity consumption in kilowatts. This scheme is always used, regardless of the type of meter. If in one month you submitted less than actual evidence, you will pay less, and in the next month more. One way or another, if you submit readings taken from the meter, the actual consumption will coincide with the accrued one.
Payment taking into account the social norm of consumption
In the receipt for utility bills for light, specify the social norm of consumption. Subtract the value of the social norm from the readings obtained. Multiply the remainder by the cost of a kilowatt at the regular tariff, and multiply the social norm indicator by the cost of a kilowatt within the norm. Add both sums. The resulting number is the amount to be paid.
Without electricity meter data
You can pay for electricity without a meter in the following cases:
- The device is broken.
- There is no counter.
- There is no way to take readings.
If the meter breaks down, the date on which this happened is recorded. If it is not known, then the month in which the device failed. Three months are given to replace the meter, during which charges will be made based on the average for the last six months. After 3 months, payment will be calculated according to the standard.
Attention! If supervisory authorities suspect that the meter has been deliberately damaged, then payment will be calculated according to the standard increased by 10 times. Such calculation will be carried out from the date three months before the discovery of the breakdown and until it is eliminated.
There is no meter in the apartment. Most often, this situation occurs in former dormitories. In this case, payment for electricity is calculated according to the standard.
Three indicators are taken:
- number of registered;
- electricity consumption standard;
- electricity tariff.
The product of these indicators is the cost of electricity to be paid.
If you stop submitting meter readings, then charges will occur based on the average for three months, after which the standard will appear on the receipts. This is less profitable, so it is better to transmit the correct readings to the energy sales company on time.
Types of three-phase multi-tariff meters
According to the type of design, three-phase metering devices are divided into 2 groups:
- electronic - transmit the number of counted pulses to the controller;
- induction - read the number of revolutions from a disk that moves through a magnetic field.
According to the type of connection, the following three-phase multi-tariff meters are distinguished:
- straight;
- semi-indirect;
- indirect.
The direct connection device is connected to the cable distribution, the cross-section of which varies between 15-25 mm2.
The maximum current parameter of three-tariff devices is no more than 100 A, and the power is 60 kW.
Instructions for installing the meter are indicated in the instructions. Installing a three-phase device is quite complicated; the devices are designed for heavy loads, so it is recommended that an experienced electrician carry out the installation work.
Rules for taking readings from electronic electricity meters
Devices of this type are equipped with an electronic display containing information relevant to the user. Here you can find not only current energy consumption readings, but also information regarding the date and time of operation of the device. For most models, this data replaces each other on the display with a specified frequency. For multi-zone models, readings are displayed in the corresponding zone.
To take readings, just wait until the relevant information appears on the electronic electricity meter. You can also press the corresponding “enter” button several times until the display displays the relevant information, which should be written down on a specially prepared piece of paper.
It is necessary to take readings from electronic devices according to all the rules
How to take readings from the Mercury 200 meter
The manufacturer offers two types of devices: single-tariff and multi-tariff. The first ones are marked as 200.00. Multi-tariff ones have not two zeros after the dot, but a certain digital value: 01, 02 or 03. Some models are supplied with a control panel and may have a different number of zones on the display.
The display of the Mercury 200 device alternately displays:
- time;
- date of;
- tariffs by zone, indicating additional tariffs. The marking appears in the upper left corner. Tariffs are displayed one by one, which allows you to record readings of consumed electricity. Values after the decimal point should be discarded.
The data is changed after 5÷10 seconds. If this time is not enough, you can switch tariffs using the “Enter” button.
The display of the Mercury 200 meter displays all the necessary information
How to take Mercury 230 electricity meter readings
The model is three-phase. Calculation of readings is carried out at once according to several tariffs. On the device display you can see data related to a specific tariff.
Let's look at how to take Mercury 230 electricity meter readings
You should pay attention to tariff zoning:
- T1 – peak zone;
- T2 – night period;
- T3 – half-peak zone;
- T4 – grace period.
Light meter readings are taken in the following sequence:
Photo | Description of operations |
The “ENTER” button on the front panel allows you to switch the displayed information. | |
Tariff T1 corresponding to the peak zone. The numbers up to the decimal point are significant. | |
After pressing the “ENTER” button, the readings corresponding to the T2 tariff are displayed. | |
Another press will allow you to see the readings for the third tariff. | |
A subsequent press will display the data for T4. | |
If payment is not made at a differentiated rate, you should press the button again to see the total value. |
How to take energy meter readings Energomera
The manufacturer offers the device in various modifications. You can choose a single or multi-tariff meter. The latter are more popular. The number of buttons on the front panel of the meter depends on its design features. As a rule, there are 2 or 3 of them. The data is reflected by tariff zones.
To view digital values, press the “PRIM” button. If you still have questions about how to read the electricity meter, you should carefully read the instructions included with the meter.
“Energomera” is a device that has various modifications
How to take readings from a Micron meter
Multi-tariff device equipped with an enter button. To display the necessary readings, press it sequentially so that the current values appear on the display. “Ticks” will appear opposite the tariff marking, for example, T1 and the value that should be taken into account when calculating (R+). This is done so that the subscriber knows exactly what electricity meter readings need to be transmitted. By subtracting the readings for the previous month from the current value, you can find out the consumption according to the T1 tariff. To move to the readings corresponding to the next zone, press the enter button, after which the “tick” from T1 moves to T2.
"Mikron" - multi-tariff metering device
How to take readings from a Saiman meter
The device is simple in design. Saiman counters do not have a special input button designed to scroll through data. To read the current values, you have to wait until the symbol TOTAL and numerical data appear on the device display. The information is displayed in the following sequence:
- date of;
- time;
- device number;
- gear ratio (1600);
- If the meter is single-tariff, the current reading is immediately displayed; if it is a two-tariff meter, T1 and T2 are displayed sequentially.
Saiman is a high-quality device with a simple design
Functionality
Models with advanced capabilities are equipped with a network interface. It provides a connection to a personal computer. Thanks to specialized software, you can keep track of electricity consumption and transmit readings.
The digital meter may contain memory cells that allow you to record readings by month. This function allows you to avoid conflict situations in the event of an erroneous invoice.
It is also possible to view current indicators:
- current consumption;
- tension;
- power (active or reactive).
Why does the meter consume a lot of energy?
And before considering the immediate causes of phenomena that can generate more electricity than necessary, it is worth analyzing the likely sources of distortion of real results. As a rule, these are:
- Season. In winter, the use of light and heat-producing devices increases. This is not entirely obvious and a person does not always notice that he has begun to use more than usual.
- Replacement of conventional devices. If the meter has a disk, then it may not respond to a small device, but if it is a digital version, then the count will be kept until the phone is charged.
- Meter components. If the device itself is assembled from cheap materials, then the accounting will be exceeded several times only due to technical instability.
- Wear. It can be either during prolonged use or under constant high load. Nothing but replacement can be done here.
There is no perfect device, and therefore absolutely everyone can have distortions
It is important to understand where the indicator deviates from the norm and where it shows a completely incorrect result.
The principle of operation of a two-tariff meter or how electricity consumption is calculated
A meter that counts according to two tariffs looks similar to a regular one. It has two display screens. One calculates daily consumption, and the other calculates nighttime consumption. The “day zone” is from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., and the “night zone” is from 11 p.m. to 7 p.m.
The following tariffs apply in the Moscow region:
Let's calculate whether there will be any benefit from splitting tariffs. The tariff for a regular meter is 5.38 rubles/kWh and the tariff, differentiated day/night: the cost during the day is 6.18 rubles/kWh, at night – 2.29 rubles/kWh. So, if you use two-tariff metering, then during the day you pay 80 kopecks more for one kWh, and at night you save 3 rubles 9 kopecks for one kWh. To equalize consumption, it is necessary that for each kWh used at night, there should be no more than 3.86 kWh of the “day zone”. If the ratio is higher, then there will be no savings; on the contrary, it will be more expensive.
Advantages and disadvantages of a three-tariff meter
Before installing a three-tariff control unit, it is better to familiarize yourself with its positive and negative characteristics.
The undoubted advantages include the following:
- Significant money savings when using household appliances outside the T3 (half-peak) and T1 (peak) tariffs.
- A legal method of saving, in which not only consumers, but also electricity suppliers are interested.
- If you lose your receipt, it will not be difficult to restore the readings, since all the information is contained in the memory of the electrical equipment.
- An excellent option for rooms where a large number of household appliances are used and the load on the electrical network is increased.
In addition to the advantages, three-tariff meters, like any devices, also have disadvantages:
- Not everyone is comfortable using household appliances in the T2 (night) tariff zone, which is the cheapest.
- There is a possibility that the electricity supplier will increase tariffs over time and the use of this type of device will become unprofitable.
- The payback of the meter and the economic benefits from its use may extend over time due to the fact that during peak hours (tariff T1) the need for the use of household appliances is higher than in the half-peak zone T3 or night T2.
- It is necessary to take into account tariffs depending on the daily interval of electricity consumption. Mosenergosbyt has established tariff application times: T1 (from 7:00 to 10:00 and from 17:00 to 21:00), T2 (from 23:00 to 7:00) and T3 (from 10:00 to 17:00 and from 21:00 to 23:00).
How to calculate electricity if there is no meter
If a meter is not installed in the house or its calibration interval has expired, then it is impossible to transmit the readings. In such situations, accruals are made according to the standards, that is, according to the indicator established in the region. Here it is worth considering that the energy supply company has the right to apply an increasing factor of 1.5 if residents have the technical ability to install a meter, but they do not do this for some reason.
The following indicators are taken into account:
- Number of permanently and temporarily registered persons.
- Living space area.
- The current standard in the region.
All data is multiplied and, if necessary, increased by a factor of 1.5. The result is the amount to be paid.
Electricity consumption rates without a meter directly depend on the following points:
- Number of rooms.
- Number of residents, including those temporarily registered.
- The region where the object is located.
- Type of stove installed (gas or electric).
Methods for transmitting readings
There are several ways to transfer information about energy consumption data to the organization that is the supplier:
- Go to the company yourself . The information taken from the meter and entered into the required document is taken to the company. Here you have the opportunity to pay immediately for the services provided.
- You can transfer information remotely via computer . To do this, you need to log in to the service provider’s website. The readings are transmitted through your personal account or the corresponding fields on the website.
- Some multi-tariff meters are multifunctional devices , and therefore can themselves send data on energy consumption. If this service is activated, then there is no need to remove or calculate anything - the meter will independently perform all operations automatically.
Description
Electricity consumption is recorded using a meter at a certain tariff. However, in practice it is known that at certain times of the day energy consumption is more intense than at others. Therefore, organizations selling this resource enable consumers to switch to different tariffs depending on the time of day.
Tariff validity periods
The benefit of switching to three-tariff metering is that if the consumer distributes electricity consumption in such a way that the most energy-intensive actions are performed during the period with the minimum tariff, then he will be able to save on payments. It should be taken into account that night rates may differ from day rates by four times.
When using three-tariff metering, the highest cost of electricity will be at the time of day when its consumption is maximum. At half-peak consumption, the tariff will be less high, and during the night it will have a minimum value.
Types of counters
Advantages of modern meters
How to view and read two tariff meters? Having replaced the old meter with a new one, many people begin to complain about the inconvenience of using it and its incomprehensibility, thwarting their neighbors’ intentions to save with their complaints. This is the primary reaction. After a detailed study of the mechanism, you understand how it works and all the advantages of the device are revealed, which result in significant savings in the family budget.
Modern models are definitely better than old ones, because:
Mercury counters: varieties
First you need to familiarize yourself with all the Mercury meters that have gained popularity in our country. Let us note the fact that the Incotex company, which is a manufacturer of these units, has been a leader in modern markets for quite some time and produces not only electric meters, but also many other electronic equipment.
So, among the best Mercury counters are:
- Mercury 200;
- Mercury 201;
- Mercury 221;
- Mercury 230;
- Mercury 231;
- Mercury 321.
Separately, you should pay attention to the 200 series. Such units are mainly used in single-phase networks, with alternating current in the main circuit
In nominal metering, voltage is coded in volts. In this situation, electricity metering is done according to a single tariff plan.
The 201 series meters are considered to be the most popular. They have become widespread and therefore are currently used as the main installation for monitoring electricity metering not only in private homes, but also in enterprises. Such meters are the most functional; they can be not only single-phase, but also two-phase. As for the design, it is of excellent quality and is protected from any type of hacking.
An electric meter from this manufacturer can be:
Each electric meter requires a separate approach, and it is very important to know how to correctly take readings from them. The meter must be installed by a person from a special service, who will put a seal after installation
The meter must be installed by a person from a special service, who will put a seal after installation
This category includes several more serious types of counters:
All of them are used depending on the area in which the measurement should take place. The listed types are designed to operate with a rated current of 5A, while the maximum operating mark is 60A.
Manufacturers and prices
Electricity meters of any type are single-phase and three-phase. Two- and multi-tariff too. There are no differences in this, as well as in appearance. The difference is usually in price, but this is understandable - more complex equipment has a higher cost.
The most in demand on the market are two-tariff electricity meters from the Moscow Electrical Instruments Plant (MZEP). It’s not so much about the quality (it’s average, by the way), but about the price - these are the most inexpensive metering devices of this type. The company produces two-tariff energy meters SOE-55. They are available in eight modifications. They differ in the maximum current they are designed for and the number of zones that can be programmed. Any model can have two types of housings: for installation on a Din-rail or in a special box. The price of two-phase electricity meters SOE-55 is from $20 to $30, and this is in the retail chain.
Two-tariff energy meters SOE-55 in two cases - on a DIN rail and in a box
Energomer meters are available with the marking 102 in 4 modifications, with the marking 208 - in two. Each of the modifications can be made in several housings - a standard one for mounting in a box and one with protrusions for a DIN rail. There is also a housing with a remote reading indicator.
According to reviews, the units are quite good; products of this brand are distinguished by powerful terminals for connection, which is always good. They also have a warranty period of 5 years from the date of issue. In terms of prices - simple models cost about $23, with a remote control - $130.
Two-tariff electricity meter Energomera CE 102
Quite popular products from Moscow are Mercury counters. There are three modifications of multiphase meters of this brand: Mercury 200, 203 2T, 206. They can count 4 different tariffs, it is possible to program up to 8 zones per day, set 8 types of days (sometimes weekends and holidays are also counted at a reduced tariff). It is possible to set up to 12 seasons. Cost from $25 to $70 (depending on the degree of sophistication).
Meter Mercury 200 for electricity metering at two (three) tariffs
A two-tariff electricity meter is connected in the same way as a single-tariff one. There is no point in dwelling on this, everything is described here .