Undoubtedly, everyone knows what an electric meter is. It counts the amount of electricity we use. These measuring instruments are divided into two categories, depending on what the electrical supply scheme is. We can use single-phase (two-wire) and three-phase electricity meter. In the lines of the latter there are three wires (there is no neutral conductor) or four (there is a neutral conductor).
New generation - a three-phase electric meter, which is created using a modern element base and which is in full accordance with the current level of technology development. These are programmable devices, and in addition to recording electricity consumption, they provide users with a number of other parameters that determine the quality of power supply. This approach to this technique is primarily due to the fact that modern consumers are trying to save as much as possible by reducing electricity costs, and multi-tariff accounting allows you to do this best.
What is the principle of saving, which is provided by a three-phaseelectric meter? Conventional meters calculate electricity at one tariff around the clock, so consumers pay the maximum all the time. In contrast, a three-phase electric meter calculates according to certain zones according to the daily schedule or the season. As a result, when a certain time comes, the meter switches automatically to the specified counting mode according to the tariffs of this period.
Three-phase electricity meter is more expensive than conventional models. But the price quickly pays off during operation due to significant cost savings. The average statistics show that the economic effect, even with high electricity costs, can reach 60%.
The multi-tariff system is also beneficial for power plants that feel the load during the day: the peak of consumption is in the morning and evening, but at night the power generation reduces electricity generation. This affects the functioning and condition of the equipment negatively. If consumption is at a maximum, the electricity generating company must accumulate its capacity as much as possible, and as a result electricity becomes more expensive. So, for economic reasons, it is most profitable to use electricity during off-peak times.
A three-phase electricity meter is connected to a high-voltage network using two voltage transformers and two current transformers. The current coils of the electric meter must be connected to the secondary circuits of the measuring current transformers.
The coils are connected to the secondary voltage of the measuring transformer. By connecting them, the internal jumpers are removed between the beginnings of the current coils, and the coils are switched on regardless of the current circuits.
It is not difficult to buy three-phase electricity meters on the domestic market. For example, the three-phase "Mercury" counter is a worthy option. There are many other models.
