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The Hall Effect and Its Impact on Solid-State Electric Watthour Meters

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The Hall Effect and Its Impact on Solid-State Electric Watthour Meters

Introduction

Blondel’s Theorem is probably the most important concept for meter technicians to internalize, but there is also another mathematical phenomenon you should be aware of as well, and that is the Hall Effect. The Hall Effect, discovered by Edwin Hall in 1879, is a fundamental principle in physics with widespread applications in various technological domains, including solid-state electric watthour meters. These meters, essential for modern energy management, leverage the Hall Effect to provide accurate and reliable measurements of electric power consumption. This article moves beyond Watthour Meter Basics and dives into the Hall Effect, its underlying principles, and its significance in enhancing the functionality and accuracy of solid-state electric watthour meters.

Understanding the Hall Effect

The Hall Effect occurs when a magnetic field is applied perpendicular to the flow of electric current in a conductor or semiconductor. This phenomenon results in the generation of a voltage, known as the Hall voltage, perpendicular to both the current and the magnetic field. The magnitude of the Hall voltage is directly proportional to the strength of the magnetic field, the amount of current, and the type of material used.

Mathematically, the Hall voltage (VH​) can be expressed as:

VH=IB/qnd​

where:

  • I is the current flowing through the conductor,
  • B is the magnetic field strength,
  • q is the charge of the carriers,
  • n is the carrier density,
  • d is the thickness of the conductor.

The Role of the Hall Effect in Solid-State Electric Watthour Meters

Solid-state electric watthour meters, also known as digital or electronic meters, have largely replaced traditional electromechanical meters due to their precision, reliability, and advanced features. These meters employ the Hall Effect for accurate measurement of electric power by detecting the magnetic field generated by the current flow through the power lines.

Key Components and Operation
  1. Current Sensing:
    • Hall Effect sensors are strategically placed to measure the magnetic field generated by the current in the conductor.
    • These sensors produce a Hall voltage proportional to the current, providing an analog signal that represents the current flow.
  2. Voltage Sensing:
    • Voltage dividers or transformers are used to scale down the line voltage to a manageable level.
    • Analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) digitize the voltage and current signals for further processing.
  3. Digital Signal Processing:
    • Microcontrollers or digital signal processors (DSPs) analyze the digitized signals to calculate power consumption using algorithms based on the sampled voltage and current values.
    • The integration of these values over time provides the total energy consumption, displayed in kilowatt-hours (kWh).
  4. Communication and Display:
    • The processed data is communicated to utility companies via wireless networks or power line communication (PLC).
    • Consumers can view their energy usage in real-time through digital displays or connected smart devices.

Advantages of Hall Effect-Based Solid-State Meters

  1. Accuracy:
    • Hall Effect sensors provide precise measurements of current, significantly reducing errors compared to electromechanical meters.
    • The digital processing of signals ensures high accuracy in power and energy calculations.
  2. Reliability:
    • Solid-state meters have no moving parts, leading to fewer mechanical failures and longer lifespans.
    • They are less susceptible to wear and environmental factors, maintaining performance over time.
  3. Advanced Features:
    • Integration with smart grids allows for real-time monitoring and management of energy consumption.
    • Advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) supports remote reading, dynamic pricing, and demand response programs.
  4. Compact Design:
    • The use of Hall Effect sensors enables a more compact and lightweight design compared to bulky electromechanical meters.
    • This facilitates easy installation and integration into modern electrical systems.

Challenges and Considerations

While the Hall Effect offers numerous advantages, there are challenges and considerations in its application to solid-state electric watthour meters:

  1. Temperature Sensitivity:
    • Hall Effect sensors can be sensitive to temperature variations, potentially affecting accuracy.
    • Temperature compensation techniques and calibration are necessary to mitigate this issue.
  2. Magnetic Interference:
    • External magnetic fields can interfere with Hall Effect sensors, leading to measurement inaccuracies.
    • Shielding and filtering techniques are employed to minimize the impact of such interference.
  3. Cost:
    • The initial cost of solid-state meters may be higher than traditional meters.
    • However, the long-term benefits in terms of accuracy, reliability, and advanced features often justify the investment.

Conclusion

The Hall Effect has revolutionized the field of electric metering, providing a robust and precise method for current sensing in solid-state electric watthour meters. These meters offer numerous benefits, including enhanced accuracy, reliability, and the ability to integrate with modern smart grid technologies. As the demand for efficient energy management continues to grow, the Hall Effect will remain a cornerstone in the development of advanced metering solutions, driving the evolution of the energy industry towards greater efficiency and sustainability.

By understanding the principles and applications of the Hall Effect, utility companies, engineers, and consumers can appreciate the technological advancements that enable accurate and reliable measurement of electric power, paving the way for smarter energy consumption and management.

Impact of Renewable Energy on Metering: Navigating the Transition

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As the world embraces renewable energy sources, the landscape of energy metering undergoes significant transformations. In this blog post, we delve into the impact of renewable energy on metering, exploring how solar panels, wind turbines, and other sustainable sources intersect with the metering ecosystem.

Impact of Renewable Energy on Metering

1. Net Metering: Empowering Solar Panel Owners

Understanding Net Metering

Net metering is a critical component of the solar industry. It allows homeowners and businesses with solar panels to connect their systems to the grid. Here’s how it works:

  1. Energy Exchange: When your solar panels generate excess electricity during sunny days, the surplus energy flows back into the grid.
  2. Credit Accumulation: The utility credits you for this surplus energy, effectively “storing” it for later use.
  3. Balancing Act: On cloudy days or at night, when your panels produce less energy, you draw electricity from the grid, offsetting it against your accumulated credits.

Benefits of Net Metering

  • Efficiency: Automated data collection reduces the need for manual meter readings.
  • Accuracy: Automation minimizes human errors associated with manual readings.
  • Real-Time Data: Net metering provides real-time consumption data, aiding better energy management.
  • Improved Customer Service: Utilities can offer detailed consumption reports and data analytics to respond promptly to customer queries.

Challenges and Real-World Applications

While net metering brings benefits, challenges include initial investment costs, skilled personnel requirements, and data security concerns. However, successful implementations are evident worldwide.

2. Wind Turbines and Net Metering

Wind Turbine Integration

Net metering isn’t exclusive to solar panels. Small wind turbines can also benefit from this system. Here’s how:

  1. Behind-the-Meter Connection: Wind turbines connect behind the meter at homes, businesses, or farms.
  2. Offsetting Electricity Usage: Energy generated offsets part or all of the electricity consumed.
  3. Excess Energy Sale: If the turbine produces more than needed, the excess is sold back to the utility.

State-Specific Programs

Many U.S. states and the District of Columbia have net metering programs. Each state has unique rules and regulations. To explore your state’s net metering options, visit the Database of State Incentives for Renewable Energy.

3. Buy All Sell All Arrangement

Understanding Buy All Sell All

The “buy all sell all” arrangement is another approach to renewable energy metering. It allows small-scale renewable energy producers to connect back into the grid. Here’s how it works:

  • Two-Meter Setup: In this arrangement, two meters are typically employed. One meter measures the energy consumed by customers, while the other measures the energy they produce.
  • Utility Interaction: You continue buying all the power you use from the utility company as usual. Simultaneously, any excess power generated by your solar panels or wind turbines is sold back to the utility.
  • Avoided Cost Credit: Instead of reducing your bill directly, you receive an avoided cost credit. The utility pays you at a predetermined rate (usually close to the wholesale rate they pay).

Is It Right for You?

  • If it’s the only option available, then yes.
  • If net metering is available, it’s probably a better option, allowing you to trade retail kWh per retail kWh.
  • Always read your rates carefully to ensure they make sense for your specific circumstances.

5. Demand Response and Solar Energy

Demand Response: Balancing Consumption and Production

Demand response is a crucial aspect of energy metering, especially in the context of solar energy. Let’s explore how it impacts the transition to a sustainable future:

  1. Understanding Demand Response:
    • Demand response involves adjusting electricity consumption based on supply conditions.
    • For solar energy, this means aligning energy usage with solar production peaks.
  2. Solar Energy and Demand Response:
    • Solar panels generate the most electricity during sunny hours.
    • By shifting high-energy-consuming activities (like running appliances) to coincide with solar production, homeowners can optimize their energy usage.
    • This practice reduces reliance on non-renewable sources during peak demand.
  3. Benefits of Demand Response:
    • Grid Stability: Balancing supply and demand enhances grid stability.
    • Cost Savings: Efficient energy use leads to lower bills.
    • Environmental Impact: Reduced reliance on fossil fuels benefits the environment.
  4. Challenges and Opportunities:
    • Education: Educating consumers about demand response is essential.
    • Policy Support: Policies that incentivize demand response can accelerate adoption.
    • Smart Meters: Advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) enables real-time monitoring and facilitates demand response.

Learn more about demand metering.

In conclusion, as we transition to cleaner energy sources, demand response becomes a powerful tool for balancing consumption and production, contributing to a sustainable energy future. Another way to reduce consumption using renewable sources is by installing a solar water heater.

Edison and the Electric Chair: A Story of Light and Death A Review

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Recently I read Edison and the Electric Chair: A Story of Light and Death. I wanted to give a quick review of the book in case anyone was thinking about reading it.

Review

When I picked this book to read I thought that it would be more about the Thomas Edison electric chair. Not that I am totally interested in the electric chair or the death penalty or anything. Also, I did not know that Thomas Edison had anything to do with the electric chair.

It turns out though that this book does not focus a ton on the Thomas Edison electric chair. It does do a decent job offering a bit of biographical information on Thomas Edison. I feel like the book focused more on the battle between alternating current and direct current, also known as the battle between Westinghouse and Edison.

Obviously Thomas Edison was a proponent of his own direct current system over the alternating current of George Westinghouse. So, the book focused more on the war between George Westinghouse and Thomas Edison than it did on Edison and the electric chair. Which, in my opinion was not a bad thing.

The book talks about the discovery of the light bulb and how it changed the world. It also talks about how different electric companies started.

How does it relate to Metering?

There are actually a couple of mentions of meters in this book. One is from one of the metering pioneers Elihu Thompson.

What about Thomas Edison and the Electric Chair?

There is a good discussion of the electric chair and how it was chosen to become the new humane way of enforcing the death penalty. Several examples of different methods are described and there are pictures included as well. I am not going to spoil the book but it also talks much about Thomas Edison’s role.

Would I Recommend Edison and the Electric Chair: A Story of Light and Death?

The answer is yes. Overall I thought that it was a good book and I would recommend it. I was able to learn something and anytime you can learn something it is usually a good thing. If you are interested in checking this book out follow the link for Edison and the Electric Chair: A Story of Light and Death.









What is Electric Current and how it relates to Metering

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What is electric current? A good question indeed. What is the unit of measure for electric current? How can we measure electric current and the difference between current and voltage? And finally how does it relate to metering? These are the questions that will be tackled in this post. So, let’s get started with the first one.

What is electric current?

Electric current is the flow of electrons in a circuit. It is also what is used to power our stuff. Remember that in a circuit we have both voltage and current available. But, without the current flow our electrical stuff does not move. So, now that you know that electric current is the flow of electrons in a circuit what is the unit of measure used?

What is the unit of measure?

Current is measured using what are known as amperes, or amps for short. This is typically notated as an “A” in formulas but can also be notated as an “I”. This “I” stands for intensity of current. As with any unit of measure amps can be smaller or larger. So, it is not uncommon to see milliamps or kiloamps. Milliamps is typically notated as mA and kiloamps as kA. So, now that you know the unit of measure, how do you measure amps?

How do you measure Amps?

Amps, or electric current, are measured using what is known as an ammeter. An ammeter can come in a couple of different varieties. There is the common clamp on ammeter. The clamp on ammeter comes with a spring loaded jaw that enables you to open the jaw and place it around the conductors. This places the ammeter in parallel with the circuit. Clamp on ammeters can be found in digital and analog variants.

Another type of ammeter is placed in series with the circuit. These are typically found on multimeters. Also, when an ammeter is placed in series in the circuit it typically is not able to measure a very substantial load. Make sure you read the specs on your meter before you place it in series in any circuit.







How does electric current relate to Metering?

Ah yes, finally, the meat of the article. Electric current is very important to metering. This is because we are essentially measuring the changes in current flow. Remember that using Ohm’s law and the power formula that Watts = Volts x Amps. This means that the amount of watts used are in direct proportion to the amount of current that is being used. As the amps go up, so does the watts. As the amps go down so do the watts.

We as meter techs should know how amps relates to watts and how to convert amps to watts. We should also know how to go the other way and convert watts to amps. This will help us in troubleshooting with customers. Let’s have an example.

A customer is complaining of a high bill. You go to the meter and notice it is spinning pretty fast. So, you take the cover off the meter base and check the amperage. Let’s say that it is 30 amps. How do you convert this 30 amps to watts? Using Ohm’s law we plug in the numbers. Assume this is a 240v service. W = 240 volts x 30 amps = 7,200 watts. Let’s convert that to kilowatts and divide 7,200 by 1,000. We get 7.2 kw. This means that whatever the customer has on is pulling 7.2 kw and if left on for one hour it will use 7.2 kwh. A load like this could mean that an appliance like the air conditioning is not functioning properly and is running all day.

Conclusion

Electric current is one of the most important units we have in metering. It is measured by using ammeters and its unit of measurement is the amp. Using Ohm’s law we can convert amps to watts and back again.








What is Voltage and how it relates to Metering

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What is voltage? This is certainly an important term to know in the electrical field. You hear it all the time. What is the voltage on the machine? Or, can you check the voltage on that circuit? We hear it, we say it but, what is voltage and how does it relate to metering?

What is voltage?

The most commonly used voltage definition states that voltage is the difference in potential between two points in a circuit. What a definition of voltage right? Another way that voltage is defined is by talking about water. Some find it easier to understand the voltage definition when we talk in terms of water pipes. Voltage is the driving force in an electrical circuit. We can think of it as the pressure in the circuit. So, what is voltage? It is the driving force in an electrical circuit.

How is voltage measured?

Voltage is measured using a voltmeter. With a voltmeter we can choose two different points in the circuit to measure the difference in potential across those two points. The unit of measure for voltage is known as the volt. The volt is named after Alessandro Volta who created the first battery known as a voltaic pile.

How does voltage relate to metering?

Ah yes, the big question is, how do we use voltage in metering? Well, we have to remember that meters measure kilowatts. So, what does that have to do with voltage? To find the kilowatts, we first need to find the watts. To calculate watts we need to know the current and the, you guessed it, voltage. Using Ohm’s Law we know that power is equal to voltage times current or stated mathematically, P = I x E. There are several ways you can remember this formula. One is by remembering the word PIE. Another is to change the letters to W = V x A.








In the first example, P = power measured in watts, I = current measured in amps, and E = voltage measured in volts. Just a quick fact here, E is the letter used because it stands for electromotive force which is a fancy way to say voltage.

In the second example, W = watts, V = voltage, A = amps. So, the two equations are equal they are just using different terms. The easy way to remember W = V x A is to think of West Virginia or W VA. Pretty simple right.

So, now that we know the terms we need to know how they relate to metering. Well, the nominal voltage in a typical metering circuit remains pretty much constant. A common household voltage is 120/240. So, the meter measures this voltage and then multiplies the voltage times the current in the circuit to get watts. And then as if by magic the readout is in kilowatts.

What?

Look at the equations again and go back to algebra I. If the voltage stays constant and the amperage goes up that means that the wattage will go up. If the amperage goes down, the wattage goes down. To get kilowatts from watts, divide the watts by 1000. In the older electromechanical meters the voltage coil, also known as potential coil, produced a magnetic field in the meter. When current flows through the meter it produces a magnetic field as well. The interaction between these two fields are what causes the disc to turn. So this is why it is important to make sure that the meter chosen for each installation is crucial.

Conclusion

Voltage is the driving force behind each and every electrical circuit. We can use Ohm’s law to calculate watts using the power formula. It is the interaction of voltage and current in a circuit that causes the meter disc to spin. To check the voltage in a circuit we use what is called a voltmeter.









Truper Automatic Wire Stripper Review

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An automatic wire stripper can really add to your arsenal of electric tools. The ability to quickly, easily and cleanly strip wire can increase your productivity and reduce waste. Until the automatic wire stripper came about, you really had two options. You could use your knife to strip wire, or you could use a regular wire stripper like the Klein Tools 11047 Wire Stripper/Cutter. What I want to do is give my review of the Truper Automatic Wire Stripper.

Using a knife to strip wire works but there is always the risk of cutting yourself in the process. There is also the risk that you may nick the wire and degrade its capacity. You can also use the standard wire strippers. They work well but there is some skill involved with those as well. You need to know your strippers to know which slots correlate to which size wire. There is also a risk of cutting into the wire as well.

Truper Automatic Wire Stripper

truper automatic wire stripperThese wire strippers can be used to skin wire from 22 AWG – 10 AWG. This gives you a very wide range of wire sizes to choose from. And the best thing about them is that they are automatic. This means that you will not need to squint really hard to see which hold in your regular wire strippers you need to use. You just lay the wire in there and squeeze. That’s it!

I have used normal wire strippers for most of my career. I have also used a knife to skin wire for most of my career as well. So, when I bought these automatic wire strippers I was a bit skeptical. But, they really do a great job of stripping the wire.

Details

truper automatic wire stripper jawsThe Truper automatic wire stripper features a guide that can be set up so all of your strips are the same length. This can be very useful for really anything you are doing. If you are making up a panel and you want all of your strips to be the same length so that just the right amount of bare wire is under the connector, you can do that. All you have to do is move it until you get the right length. Then set it and forget it. It really is that easy.

These automatic strippers also feature a wire cutter. However, it is not the best. It is located between the handles so you do not get a ton of leverage. When I was using them there were a few times where it did not cut all the strands of the stranded wire I was working with. But, these are not really made for cutting wire, they are made for stripping wire. If you are looking to cut wire then check out my review of the Truper Lineman’s Pliers.








Another feature of the this automatic wire stripper is the ability to crimp wire. It offers three different positions for crimping. Again, these are in the middle of the handles. I have never had good luck with any strippers or wire crimpers where the stripping, cutting or crimping is in between the handles.

The grips on these automatic wire strippers are comfortable. They offer plenty of leverage to carry out fast and precise wire strips.

Conclusion

The Truper Automatic Wire Stripper is a tool I wish that I would have had many years ago when I started in the meter field. I think about all of those meter bases I have wired up through the years where I used my knife or regular wire strippers to skin the wire. All of those CT’s and PT’s that I have wired up through the years could have been done much faster.

I highly recommend this tool. After using this tool on the first job you will not regret buying it. It makes stripping wire practically effortless.









Truper Heavy Duty Lineman’s Pliers Review

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Lineman’s pliers are one of the most important hand tools in a meter tech’s arsenal of tools. A good set of lineman’s pliers allows you to cut and bend wire with ease. They also need to be durable enough to be used at times as a hammer. Now, trust me I know that they are not a hammer but can you honestly tell me that you have never used your pliers to beat on something? One of the things that meter techs use lineman’s pliers for is cutting meter seals. Most of these types of meter seals have a steel wire which is harder than copper. This means that the pliers must be up to the task of cutting the steel day in and day out.

Now, I know that the Klein Tools 9-Inch High Leverage Side Cutting Pliers are pretty much the standard in the electrical field. But what if you need a set of pliers that work just as well but are different than everyone else? Are there any options out there?

Truper Heavy Duty Lineman’s Pliers

Truper Heavy Duty Lineman's Pliers

Truper is not a new company but it is not as well known in the electrical field as names like Klein, Greenlee and Ideal. But, they do make a good set of lineman’s pliers. Their 9″ heavy duty pliers are made of forged chrome vanadium steel which is supposed to be two times stronger than carbon steel. They also feature a good comfortable grips. The finish on the pliers is a satin finish which helps with rust resistance.







My Review

Truper Heavy Duy Pliers LengthSo, what do I think about the Truper Heavy Duty Lineman’s Pliers? All in all I think that they are a good tool for any toolbox out there. I do not think that you would be disappointed if you made the purchase. Now, there are a couple of things that I would like to mention about these pliers. The overall length is about 9.5″. The distance from the pivot point to the end of the handle is about 7.5″. This means that you get good leverage when using these pliers.

The grips are comfortable and they offer a raised portion to help aid in holding on to the pliers. I also feel like this helps keep your hands from slipping if you need to use the pliers to push something as well. I also want to note that the grips are not for use on live circuits. So, keep that in mind when using these pliers. I have used Klein Pliers most of my career and one difference that I notice between these and the Klein are that the head of Truper pliers seems to be larger. That could be a good thing if you are using the pliers to bang on things because of the added mass. It could also be bad if you need to get into tight spaces.

My biggest complaint with the pliers is the jaw design. You can see in the picture below what I am talking about. Just below the cutters there is a gap when the jaw open. More than once while using these pliers to cut wire the wire has fallen into that gap. This prevents you from cutting the wire because the gap portion clamps down on wire. Once you get used to it, there is no problem. Just something I though I would point out.Truper heavy duty lineman's pliers jaw

Conclusion

Would I buy the Truper Heavy Duty Lineman’s Pliers? The answer is yes. Although they are not perfect they are perfectly capable of handling any task with ease. Whether it be cutting, bending, pulling wire or wiring up CT’s these pliers get the job done.









All about A Base Meters

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A base meter

A base meters are one type of meter that has been used for many years. What are the typical characteristics of an A base meter? What are A base meters used for? How many different types of A base meters are there?

What are the typical characteristics of an A base meter?

Older A base meters typically had a baseplate that was flat on the back. This held all of the components of the meter and gave them a base to mount to. The base was flat because the meter was mounted to the wall inside a meter base enclosure. The older A base meters were characterized by a rectangular bottom where the terminals were and a rounded top. This is also where the globe and disc assembly were mounted.

The connections to an A base meter are on the bottom. This is also where the power is brought in. It is also where the power is sent to the customer in the case of a self-contained meter. These meters can be used, depending on the type of meter it is, with single phase or three phase power. A base meters are also used in transformer rated installations as well. In this case they are used with CTs and PTs.

What are A base meters used for?

A base meters are used for metering residential, commercial and industrial customers. Although they are not as widely used as they once were, A base meters are still in use today. There are also even models that are available with AMR and AMI modules installed. This allows easier reading and communications than were once possible. When used with most residential customers an A base meter will normally have four terminals. Two of the terminals are line in terminals and the other two are line out terminals.








So, to figure out which are which you can do a simple test with a voltmeter. Note that this only works if the meter is energized and the power is on to the service. To figure out which terminals are which check the voltage between each terminal. So, start with the far left terminal and check it against the one beside it. If you get a voltage then those two are different phases. If you get zero then those two are the same phase.

A base meters are also used for commercial and industrial customers. However, in this capacity they are normally used as transformer rated meters. If this is the case they will normally be enclosed in a large meter base with a glass window on them so the meter can be read without opening the meter base.

How many different types of A base meters are there?

Well, this can be sort of a loaded question. The way that I look at this question is how many different service types can be measured by an A base meter. And the answer to that is, all of them. There are A base meters that can meter the entire scale of service types. Whether it be 120/240v, 240v delta, 120/208v etc. So, there are just as many meter types in the A base world as there are in the S base world. This means that for whatever need you may have an A base will cover you.

Conclusion

A base meters were once a mainstay in the electric meterman’s arsenal.

They are not used nearly as widely as they once were since socket type meters have taken over, but they can still be a viable option for those older installations where an upgrade may be difficult or too expensive. Furthermore, A base meters are characterized by flat baseplates and terminals on the bottom. They are also used in many different types of installations. This also means that there are many different types of A base meters still out there in use today.







What are test switches for?

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Every now and then in the electric metering field you will run across a transformer rated metering installation that does not have a test switch. Is this a good thing or a bad thing? Most CT rated installations require that test switches be installed. These switches can be used for a few different things, like performing a load check. To test the meter, to shunt the CT’s, to safely remove the CT rated meter from service and they can also be used to check the voltage and the amperage on the service without actually having to open an enclosure or go into a fence.

Why do certain installations not utilize test switches? The answer here would most likely be cost. The meter bases or CT rated installations that you will typically find without test switches are form 3s and form 4s meter bases. Form 3s and form 4s meters are many times found on large residences and sometimes large temporary services such as construction services or school trailers that are not thought to be in service very long. The cost of installing the test switch along with the cost of the larger meter base to hold the test switch is often times a deterrent. Also, in the case of residences one could argue that they just do not use enough power to justify putting a large meter base and test switch on the wall because the meter will be changed out when all of the form 2s meters are changed on their neighbors homes.

Installing a transformer rated service without a test switch can be a bad thing. One thing that you have to remember is that when you pull the meter in a CT rated service and you do not use a test switch is that you are opening the circuit of the secondary side of the CT. This leads to a build up of voltage on this circuit which is dangerous to metering personnel. The proper procedure without a test switch would then be to shunt the secondary side of the CT before pulling the meter.

Test switches can be used to test the meter. With different types of test equipment they can be used to test the meter in service using the load that is available at the customer’s site. This can be a good test to show exactly how the meter is metering the service under the load that is currently on the service. You can also test the meter using a phantom load while it is still in the meter base using the test switches.








Test switches are also used to test the CT’s in the service. You can use various different types of test equipment to test the CT’s. You can test the burden on the CT circuit as well as determine how many amps are on the CT circuit as well.

To remove the meter from service you need to shunt the CT. There is a switch that does this for you. Shunt the CT out and you can safely remove the meter from service. You can also use the test switches to remove all voltage from the meter as well before removing the meter from service and before installing the meter in service.

With the new regulations regarding arc-flash hazards and safety, many utilities have adopted safety policies that no longer allow their personnel to work inside energized cabinets, pad mount transformers or other enclosures if the service is too large or if the voltage is too high. This is yet another thing that the test switch can be used for. It can be used to check and make sure that the customer is getting the proper voltage. You can also check the rotation in the meter base at the test switch as well.

All in all, it is a good practice to install test switches in all of your CT rated metering installations. They will allow you to test the meter in service, test the CT’s in service as well as allow you to check voltage and rotation. Test switches also allow you to safely install and remove meters from service by isolating the blocks of the meter base from current and voltage.








The Meter Technician Profession

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So you are thinking about getting into a career in the electric utility industry and you are not really sure what you want to do. There are several career paths that you could choose. A few are power lineman, or engineer, or even maintenance mechanic. What I want to persuade you to do is to think about becoming an electric Meter Technicians.

The electric meter technician is possibly a job that you have never even heard of. In addition, you may have never given any thought to becoming one. So what does and electric meter technician do?

Well, contrary to popular belief, metering technicians do more than just read watthour meters. We are not just “meter maids” as some lineman would have you think. Electric meter technicians do read electric watthour meters. But we meter techs also do much more than that.

To be an electric meter technician one should have, or be able to develop, a strong electrical background. Furthermore, you will want to have graduated high school. In addition, if possible, have taken some college courses in electrical theory. It would be even better if you could get an associate’s degree in electrical technology. This education will be helpful in understanding how watthour meters work and in understanding some of the more technical things like phasors. It will also help in understanding how the entire electric utility works as a whole.

Electric meter technicians test watthour electric meters either in the shop with test equipment or in the field with watthour meter test equipment. They also check residential, commercial and industrial metering installations for proper wiring and metering accuracy. There are field meter technicians who specialize in some of these areas. Some meter technicians only deal with residential metering installations and customers. Others deal only with commercial and industrial customers. While others may only stay in the shop and test watthour meters.

The ideal electric meter technician will be able to work outside all day. Outside the field meter technician will do things such as change out electric meters, check on high bill complaints, low consumption or stopped meter orders. Meter techs will also work outside installing new metering equipment on instrument rated metering applications.

The electric meter technician will also be called upon to explain billing to customers and have experience dealing with the public.







Many times customers do not understand their bill and the meter technician is usually the last person the customer will talk to. The customer has normally already called in and talked to someone on the phone. They were not satisfied over the phone and now want to talk with someone in person. The meter technician is that someone. Because of this the meter tech will need to have strong interpersonal skills to be able to answer the customer’s questions. In addition they will also need to be as professional as possible. You do not want to go out a customer’s residence or business dressed like a slob. That ruins your credibility right away.

Electric meter technicians will also need to be able to perform above basic tasks on the computer. Part of the job requires the meter technician to be able to program watthour meters, download information from the meters, create new programs for the meters as well as run reports out of the billing system to find out if there are any errors. You will need to have an eye for detail. Many times you will be looking for something that stands out as unusual. Being able to determine from that information if there is a problem that needs to be checked and repaired is crucial.

An ability to do algebra also comes in handy as well. Electric meter technicians also use many formulas to complete their work. If current transformers and potential transformers need to be installed you will need to know how to calculate the meter multiplier. Also, you will need to know how to size the current transformers to the service to be metered. Another thing that you will need to be able to do is calculate and electric bill with demand. Many times customers will not understand demand. So it will be up to you to explain it to them in a way they can understand. There will be times that you will need to explain the math to the customer so that they understand what is going on.

Being a meter technician is a highly rewarding career. Notice that I said career and not job. The electric meter technician is a specialized field and most who are in the field work until retirement. Which also means that there are not a ton of jobs available. So when you get one, keep it! Also worth noting is that it will typically take between 5-7 years to become fully proficient as a meter technician. But even then you will constantly be learning new technology.

So, with that I hope that you give the electric meter technician career a chance.