Although electrical power delivered with both active and reactive components our interest lies primarily in the useable power component — watts (power) and watt-hour(energy). A secondary concern is whether or not energy useage meters are over-specified; particularly on points in building power chains downstream from the utility service meters.
Electrical meters, used for measuring electricity consumption, must comply with various codes and standards to ensure accuracy, safety, and reliability. Today at the usual hour – from the user point of view – we will review the status of key codes and standards relevant to electrical meter manufacturing, primarily focusing on North American standards. Use the login credentials at the upper right of our home page.
ANSI C12.1 – Code for Electricity Metering
- Specifies performance criteria for AC watt-hour meters, demand meters, pulse devices, and auxiliary devices.
- Covers testing, installation, accuracy classes, voltage/frequency ratings, and environmental tests (e.g., RF interference).
- Current edition: ANSI C12.1-2024.
ANSI C12.10 – Physical Aspects of Watt-hour Meters
- Defines physical and dimensional requirements for watt-hour meters, including socket and bottom-connected meters.
- Ensures compatibility with metering installations.
ANSI C12.20 – Electricity Meters – 0.1, 0.2, and 0.5 Accuracy Classes
- Establishes accuracy requirements for revenue-grade meters (0.1%, 0.2%, and 0.5% accuracy classes).
- Note: Content merged into ANSI C12.1 in recent updates, with C12.20 withdrawn.
ANSI C12.31 – Standard Definitions of AC Electrical Power
- Defines terms for active, reactive, and apparent power/energy, ensuring consistent measurement methodologies.
- Under revision as ANSI C12.31-202x.
- Published by the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA).
- Aligns with ANSI C12 standards, focusing on metering equipment specifications and safety.
UL 2735 – Standard for Electric Utility Meters
- Safety standard for electric meters, addressing electrical shock, fire hazards, and mechanical risks.
- Ensures meters meet safety requirements for installation and operation.
NFPA 70 – National Electrical Code (NEC)
- While not specific to manufacturing, NEC governs meter installation requirements (e.g., meter base mounting, grounding).
- Relevant for ensuring meters comply with installation safety standards. We cover this topic of a safety point of view in the sessions linked below:
Related:
Comparative Feedback on Consumers’ Energy-Saving Behavior: A College Dormitory Example
