How to choose an electricity meter and which is better in 2019

Variety of devices

To begin with, we will briefly figure out what kind of electricity meters are, after which we find out which one is needed for a house, apartment and cottage.

So, today there are the following types of metering devices:

1. Induction (mechanical) and electronic. The former are classics of the genre and are still used in buildings of the old type. The advantage of induction energy meters in durability, reliability and low price. At the same time, the main disadvantage is the low accuracy class, as a result of which you can either overpay the extra money or underpay. In turn, electronic metering devices are multifunctional, can be designed for several tariffs, and also better because they take up less space on the opening panel. As you know, the disadvantage is a higher cost and shorter service life, which discourages buyers. Judging by their material capabilities, you need to choose the type of meter. About how one and the other option works, we described in the article: https://our.electricianexp.com/en/kak-rabotaet-schetchik-elektroenergii-starogo-i-novogo-obrazca.html.
2. Single tariff and multi tariff. There has already been a whole discussion among the owners of two / three tariff meters and conventional single-tariff metering devices. We have already considered advantages of dual tariff meterswhere both negative and positive customer reviews were provided. Once again we repeat that the rationality of choosing an electric meter for several tariffs depends on the region of residence and on which household appliances you use more often. If you have a nightly rhythm of life, it is better to choose and buy a multi-tariff meter for home and apartment.
3. Single phase or three phase. Everything is simple here and the choice of meter depends on the type of power supply for your house or apartment) - single-phase or three-phase.
   
4. Accuracy class. This characteristic shows the percentage error of the electricity meter when taking into account the energy consumption. Today it is necessary to use devices with an accuracy class of no lower than 2.0. The more accurate the account, the less likely it is to be deceived when paying "for the light."
5. Power. Another no less important characteristic that must be considered when choosing an electricity meter is the total electric load (power). The market of electrical products offers direct connection meters in the current load range from 5 to 100A. About, how to determine the power consumption of electrical appliances, we told in a separate article.
6. Mounting method. The housing can be mounted either on DIN rail either bolted.
7. Conditions of use. There are devices designed for use only in heated rooms, and there are street models. The meters must be operated in the conditions that are installed in the passport of the meter.

Short video review on choosing an electric meter for home and apartment:

Which option to give preference

So, we have provided the types of electric grids, now let's talk about which is better to choose and buy for a house, apartment, garage and cottage.

Firstly, rely on power characteristics metering devices. In order to choose the right electricity meter for power, or rather current, it is necessary to calculate which electrical appliances you will use. For modern household appliances, the nominal values ​​are indicated in the passport (in kW). Summarize them and take into account the stock (suddenly you buy something else), on the basis of which make a decision on choosing a specific characteristic. If in total it turns out no more than 10 kW, buy a 60 A model, which will be quite enough. If the average daily power consumption is more than 10 kW, it is better to choose a 100 A electricity meter. Typically, 60A is enough for the house and apartment.

Secondly, determine the type of device - mechanics or electronics, one tariff, two or three. Here, again, only you are an adviser to yourself, because each has its own preferences and material capabilities. If difficulties arise at this stage, consult our specialists in the category "Question to the electrician". We recommend that you select only single-rate electricity meters for summer cottage, because save electricity once a week (or even a month) is not correct, given that the rest of the time you will overpay for a daily rate.

Third, choose the right one type of mount. Here we recommend choosing a model that is mounted on a DIN rail, as it is universal - when buying a adapter strip, you can fix the case on the wall too.

Well, the last thing to say - manufacturer. High-quality electricity meters are produced by domestic companies such as Incotex (a popular Mercury model), Energomera Concern, Leningrad Electromechanical Plant and the Moscow Plant of Electrical Measuring Instruments. Among foreign firms, Elster Group, ABB and General Electric are popular. As for which electricity meter is better to choose according to the manufacturer, here we recommend actively looking at reviews of various models on the forums. The best quality rating can only be given by one who has already used one or another model.

Rating of the best electric meters of 2019

In 2019, according to reviews of buyers and companies that are engaged in the sale of electric meters, the best models to date are the following models:

• single phase, single tariff: Energomera CE101 R5, Neva 103/5 1s0, ABB FBU11200, Mercury 201.8,;
• single-phase, multi-tariff: Energomera CE 102 MR5, Neva MT 114, ABB FBВ 11205-108, Mercury 200.2;
• three-phase, single tariff: Energomera CE300,Energomera TsE6803V, Neva 303-306, Neva MT 324, Mercury 231 AM-01;
• three-phase, multi-tariff: Energomera CE301, Mercury 231 AT-01.

Useful tips for choosing

And finally, I would like to tell you how to choose the right electricity meter. Adhering to the following recommendations, you can definitely choose and buy the most suitable model:

1. For a garage, purchase a metering device more powerful, because very powerful equipment can be used here, and several types at the same time: a welding machine, a compressor, etc.
2. Check the date of verification of the meter (indicated in the attached passport), as well as the presence of seals on the case. The date of state verification should be no more than two years old for single-phase devices and no more than a year for a 3-phase electric meter.
3. Do not listen if you are told to overpay and buy an apparatus with automated metering. For you, such a function will not change anything for the better, because it only helps energy companies keep track of readings, while the extra money will have to be paid to you.
4. Manufacturers produce no less high-quality products than foreign ones. Take a good look at domestic models, read reviews on thematic forums, and choose a cheaper but still reliable version of an electricity meter.
5. Also read on the Internet how expensive it costs to repair your chosen meter, as sometimes service prices are simply astronomical in relation to a particular firm.
6. A small but very important nuance - before buying, take an interest in the noise level of the electric meter so that after installation you will not get upset in an unpleasantly buzzing device.
7. Electronic devices have a longer intertesting period than induction ones. Learn more about What is calibration of electric meters, you can find out from our article.
8. Mechanical equipment can be “unwound”, unlike modern electronic equipment. This, of course, is prohibited by law, but nevertheless, our people do not stop.
9. If you still decide to choose a mechanical electric meter, check it before you buy. This is done as follows: by hand, rotate the disk and if it rotates by inertia, it means that the move is normal and the mechanism is suitable for work. Any violation of the stroke indicates that the wheel is not in working condition.

So we have provided all the basic tips for choosing an electricity meter, as well as a rating of the best electricity meters for 2019. We hope that now you know which option is better to choose and buy for your conditions!

We also recommend that you read:

• Cheapest electric heating
• How to connect an RCD to the network
• Installation of lighting in the apartment