All about A Base Meters

  By








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.







Primary Metering vs Secondary Metering

  By








Primary metering and secondary metering are two different ways of metering the usage of different customers. Though the way they are installed differs, there are some similarities as well. There are also reasons why you choose primary metering over secondary metering and vice versa.

What is the Difference Between Primary Metering and Secondary Metering?

The biggest difference between primary metering and secondary metering are the voltages. In primary metering, the metering is installed on the high voltage lines. Many times when referring to primary metering we are talking about distribution lines. Some common voltages for distribution lines are 12,470v and 24 kv.

Since primary metering installs its equipment on the primary, the metering equipment is rated for this higher voltage. This means that the instrument transformers, CTs and PTs, are bigger than what you would find in a secondary metering installation. Primary metering installations are typically found in three places. They are found overhead on a pole, underground in an enclosure, and they are found in substations.

Whether on a pole, in an enclosure or in a substation, a primary metering installation uses basically the same things. Depending on the type of service, from one to three CT’s and PTs are used.

In secondary metering installations the voltage is lower than in primary installations. Secondary metering is installed on the secondary outputs of both overhead and underground transformers. It can also be installed in CT cabinets or at the riser of an overhead installation.

Depending on the utility PTs may be optional on voltages over 120v. Other utilities require PTs on anything over 240v. This is my recommendation.








What are the Similarities Between Primary Metering and Secondary Metering?

Actually, they are quite similar. The secondary sides of the CTs and PTs wire the same. They are both marked with H1 H2 and X1 X2. This lets you know where to put your wires. Believe it or not, you actually use the same meter form numbers for both. Obviously this depends on the service being metered of course. If you have a single phase tap line that you want to meter with primary metering you have one CT and one PT. You can meter this with a form 3s meter. Just like if you were to have a two wire secondary service. You can use a form 3s meter.

The meter multipliers are calculated the same way. Use the CT ratio times the PT ratio and you have your multiplier.

Why Choose Primary Metering Over Secondary Metering?

This is best described with an example. Lets say that you own an apartment complex and the utilities are included with the rent. The tenants do not pay electric bills to the power company. Instead of having an hundred power bills in the mail every month you have one bill with the total usage.

The same works if you are large factory with several buildings all feeding off of the same primary. You can get one bill from just one meter. This may actually save you money as well in demand charges as well as facilities fees. Check with your utility on this though.

Another scenario may include metering a cryptocurrency operation.

Why Choose Secondary Metering Over Primary Metering?

The biggest reason to choose secondary metering over primary metering is the ability to monitor the usage of each transformer. This alerts you to problems early on that can be fixed before they get too big. This can also help if you are a landlord over an apartment complex. You can make sure that everyone is paying their fair share of the electricity by having them pay their own bills.

Conclusion

Primary metering and secondary metering are both good ways to meter a customer’s service. They are two different approaches to the same problem. You can meter a large industrial customer with primary metering equipment even though they may have ten different transformers on their site. You could also meter those ten transformers with secondary meter and come out the same. Another option for combining readings is totalizing. If you want to learn more about CT meters, our readers have found CT Meters: Understanding Current Transformer Meters and Their Applications to be helpful.








CT Meters: Understanding Current Transformer Meters and Their Applications

  By









CT meters, or current transformer meters, are essential for measuring electrical consumption in large-scale systems where direct metering is impractical. Typically used in commercial and industrial settings, CT meters work in conjunction with current transformers (CTs) to provide accurate measurements. Understanding how to calculate CT ratios and multipliers is crucial for ensuring accurate billing and system monitoring.

What is a CT meter?

A CT meter is simply a meter that is used in conjunction with instrument transformers known as current transformers. These are also known as CTs. In electrical metering, meters are divided into two types. There are self-contained meters. In addition there are transformer-rated meters. Transformer-rated meters are also known as CT meters.

What are the characteristics of a CT meter?

The characteristics of a CT meter include its ratings. CT meters now are generally rated at 20 amps. This means that the current coils of the meter are capable of handling 20 amps. You may think that this is low. But, remember that CT meters are used with CTs. Also remember that CTs have outputs determined by their ratios. They are rated with an output on the secondary side of 5 amps. If you remember, when using the rating factor of a CT it is possible for the CT to put out 20 amps.

CT meters also have voltage ratings. Many of the meters now are multi-range. This means that the meter can sense the incoming voltage and adjust its calculations based on the incoming voltage. Most meters now show the voltage on the display. Before digital meters, one had to be careful to make sure that the meter with the correct voltage rating was chosen.

What types of CT meters are there?

When talking about meter types what we are really referring to are the meter forms. Meter form numbers are used to designate what type of meter we have. These meter form numbers help us to decide which meter to use in which installation based on Blondel’s Theorem.

The normal transformer-rated meter forms are as follows:

Form 3s

Form 4s

Form 5s

Form 9s

Now remember that these are the most common. There are more.








Where will you find CT meters?

CT meters are installed on services that are too large for self-contained services. This normally means services that are larger than 200 amps. Although there are now self-contained 320 amp meters as well as 400 amp bolt in meters. CT meters are also used whenever PTs, potential transformers, are used to step down the voltage.

Large residences, commercial and industrial buildings, hospitals and schools are all examples of where you will find a CT meter installed.

Troubleshooting Common Issues with CT Meters

Troubleshooting CT meters often begins with identifying discrepancies in meter readings compared to expected values or other monitoring equipment. One common issue is incorrect readings caused by improper installation of current transformers (CTs). For example, if the CT polarity is reversed—where the primary and secondary markings (H1, H2) or (X1, X2) are incorrectly aligned—the meter may display negative power readings or incorrect energy consumption values. Verifying that the CT orientation matches the system’s design is crucial during the installation or inspection process.

Another frequent issue arises from incorrect CT ratios being programmed into the meter. A mismatch between the actual CT ratio (e.g., 400:5) and the ratio configured in the meter will result in inaccurate multipliers and billing errors. This can be resolved by cross-checking the physical CT labels with the meter’s programmed settings and making adjustments as needed. Additionally, loose or corroded wiring connections between the CTs and the meter can disrupt signal integrity, leading to inconsistent readings. Inspecting and securing connections regularly is essential for maintaining accuracy.

In high-load environments, overloaded CTs can also pose a problem. While CTs are designed to operate within specific ranges, exceeding their rating factor can result in saturation, where the CT no longer accurately reproduces the primary current on the secondary side. This typically manifests as distorted or limited readings at higher loads. To address this, ensure that the selected CTs are appropriately rated for the system’s maximum load, considering any potential surges. Regular testing and calibration of both CTs and meters are recommended to prevent and address these issues, ensuring reliable system performance.

Conclusion

CT meters play a vital role in accurately measuring electrical consumption in large-scale systems where direct metering is impractical. Their use in conjunction with current transformers allows for safe and precise monitoring of high-voltage and high-current environments, making them indispensable in commercial, industrial, and utility applications. Understanding the basics of CT ratios, meter forms, and installation practices is essential for ensuring accurate billing and reliable system operation.

By addressing common issues such as improper installation, incorrect ratio programming, and wiring faults, users can maintain the integrity of their metering systems. Regular testing, maintenance, and an awareness of advancements in metering technology can further enhance the reliability and efficiency of CT meters. As the electrical industry continues to evolve, CT meters remain a cornerstone of accurate energy measurement and system monitoring, ensuring the seamless operation of modern power systems.








Prepaid Metering

  By ,








Prepaid metering is a way that both customers and utilities can benefit from the technological advances in metering that have been made in recent years. When it comes to paying for electricity it seems that the electric industry has fallen behind the rest of the retail world. Electric utilities allow customers to use their service and then at the end of the month calculate how much each customer used and then sends them a bill. This has worked well almost since the first electric bills were sent out. However, with post-pay when customers cannot afford to pay their bills they end up working out arrangements with the utility to pay at a later date. Also, some customers decide that they need to move and they do not think that they need to pay their final bills.

If only there were a way to change some of this. But there is. Prepaid metering is a way that utilities can collect the money from their services up front.

Prepaid Metering Is Good For Customers

There are several advantages that prepaid metering has to the traditional way of billing. One being that payments are collected before the customer uses the power. Just like a prepaid phone service, when the purchased time runs out, the service stops. With smart meters now including remote disconnect devices the utility can monitor the usage from the office. This allows the utility to turn the power off to customers when their purchased kwh time runs out.

Some people will cry foul here and say that it is unfair to the customer to be turned off without notice. But, the companies who offer this service provide customers with text an email alerts notifying them that they need to pay or be turned off. Many of these services offer the ability to pay from the customer’s smartphone.








In addition to being able to pay their bills from their smartphones, customer can purchase blocks of power. Customers can purchase what they can afford at the time to keep the lights on. This is beneficial to many customers who may not have the money to pay a $300 light bill at the end of the month. They may only have $50 to get them through the next few days. This ensures that they do not lose service.

Customers also have the added benefit of an online portal where they can monitor their usage. They can keep up to date with the amount of power that they are using as well as the amount of power they have left. Many studies show that customers who are on prepaid rates are more conservative with their energy usage.

Prepaid Metering Is Good For The Utility

Prepaid metering allows the utility to reduce its bad debt expense. The bad debt is debt that is written off because it will never be collected. This can be due to customers leaving without paying or customers who cannot afford to pay and change the name on the account. What happens is the utility ends up being a lender of sorts. When a customer does not pay the utility often gives them a grace period. All the while the customer is using more and more power. Their bill is getting higher and higher.

The utility eliminates some of its bad debt by collecting up front. If the customer decides to leave the utility reimburses, depending on the rate, the customer. This can be good for utilities who have meters in high turnover areas such as college towns, and apartment complexes.

One way to implement this would be to offer it on a voluntary basis. This is where customers sign up voluntarily. Another way is to start with new customers. Still yet, using credit checks is another.

Conclusion

Prepaid metering is not for everyone. But there are instances in which it is perfect for some. Utilities should examine whether it is beneficial to both the bottom line and the customer. Customers should view prepaid metering with an open mind and look at the potential benefits it offers them.








Time of Use

  By ,








Time of use is a metering concept based around changing your usage behavior to not only lower your costs, but the costs of the utility as well. What is time of use? How can you take advantage and benefit from time of use? How does the utility benefit from time of use? These are three important questions that surround the time of use concept.

What is time of use?

Time of use is actually a very simple concept. Utilities use on peak periods and off peak periods. On peak periods are those periods during which the utility normally hits their peak. This is defined as a time period. For instance, the on peak period could be from 2pm – 5pm, Monday – Friday. In this example, the off peak periods would be everything outside 2pm – 5pm, Monday – Friday. Or, the periods of time in which the utility does not peak.

These time periods are typically have names with letters such as, period A or B. The electric meters are programmed with these time periods. Typically these meters have more than one register reading that is displayed. The readings that are displayed are for the different time periods.

In a time of use rate, on peak and off peak prices are different. On peak prices are more expensive than off peak prices. This is to encourage businesses and even some individuals to change their usage during these times. Which leads to the next point.








How can you take advantage and benefit from Time of Use?

To take advantage of time of use and reap all of the benefits you need to do a study of your usage. Some utilities will provide you with this service free of charge. They will install a load profile meter (often called a load survey meter). After a few months you can view the data. The data lets you know what times during the day you use the most power. Armed with this information you can make decisions about the available time of use rates offered by your utility.

It may be that you can come in an hour earlier to avoid hitting that peak. Or maybe completing some of your processes in the morning instead of the afternoon. The data lets you know.

Time of use offers a discount during off peak times. This is where the big advantage lies. New industries like crypto mining can benefit from TOU rates. Compare the prices of on peak versus off peak for the rates at your utility. You can save big. But beware, once your are on a time of use rate usage during the on peak time are higher.

How does the Utility benefit from Time of Use?

The utility benefits by being able to shift some load to off peak times. Looking at the utility’s consumption on a line graph shows when they peak. The normal line graph has peaks and valleys. They too are billed on the peak. Or if they generate their own power when the peaks are high they have to bump up their generation. Ideally, looking at a line graph, a utility wants their line to be straight. This means that the generation is constant. Moving some customers from on peak periods to off peak periods is one way of achieving this. The utility benefits from the lower cost of generation or price and passes that on to the customer.

In conclusion, time of use is a rate structure that is comprised of on peak and off peak time periods. It can be a great way for customers to lower their bill by shifting some of their normal routines. Utilities benefit by being able to shift some of their on peak load to off peak times thus reducing their overall demand costs as well.









Totalizing Meter Readings

  By









Totalizing meter readings can be a very effective way to lower your demand and KWH costs. So, if you are a commercial or industrial customer and have multiple meters you may benefit from totalizing your meter readings. What is totalizing? How can you benefit from totalizing? What are the different methods of totalizing?

What is totalizing?

Totalizing, at its simplest form is nothing more than addition. You take the meter readings from all of the meters that you have and you add them together. This, in turn, gives you one meter reading. Furthermore, it is much easier many times for the customer as they only have to keep up with one bill. A more advanced definition of totalizing is that by combining your meter readings the peak demand can be effectively reduced.

To explain this we need an example. Look at the picture below. In it you see that there are three lines. In this example we have meter A, B and totalized meter C. Also note that the numbers on the bottom are hours of the day. Here we are assuming that the demand interval is hourly. Notice that meter A peaks at 3:00 PM. The peak demand for meter A is 24 KW. Notice that the peak demand for meter B is also 24 KW but it occurs at 9:00 AM. If you do not remember how demand works go over to my page on demand for a better understanding.

.totalizing chart




Now that you have seen where meters A and B peak, let’s look at the totalizing meter C. Meter C peaks at 12:00 PM with a peak of 19.5 KW. This is 4.5 KW less than both meter A and meter B. This is because the totalizer effectively averages out all of its inputs. With KWH totalizing simply adds all of the KWH readings of the meters.

How can you benefit from totalizing?

Well, using the example above I am sure that you can see that your demand is reduced. So, let’s put that into dollars. Assume that your per KW demand charge is $15.00. For each meter that you have, A and B you will pay $360 each (24 KW x 15). So, for both meters you pay $720 per month just in demand charges. In addition, if you totalize with meter C your demand charges would only be $292.50 (19.5 KW x 15). A savings of $427.50! This is huge! However, remember that this is just an example, it is exaggerated.

You also save with your KWH charges. The reason for this is that most rates are tiered. Meaning that the price changes as you use more KWH. Also, in most cases the price goes down. If meter A uses 10,000 KWH in a month and meter B uses 15,000 KWH in month then in total they use 25,000 KWH. However, if the price buckets are as follows:

  • $0.10 for the first 5,000 KWH
  • $0.08 for the next 10,000 KWH
  • $0.06 for all over 15,000 KWH

then if your meters are billed separately you will not be able to take advantage of the cheaper rate bucket. If you totalize however you will be able to take advantage and save on your KWH as well.

What are the different methods of totalizing?

There are two main methods of totalizing. Totalizing with software is the first. Using hardware, such as the meter is the second. To totalize with software the utility downloads readings from each of the meters that are to be totalized. The utility then uploads the readings to a totalizing program. This program looks at all of the readings adds them together and averages them out. Then it gives you the totalized readings.

Using hardware to totalize is a bit different. Wires are run from the meters that need to be totalized. Then to a central meter that totalizes the readings internally. The utility then reads this totalized meter to get the readings. Finally, the utility bills the customer with the totalized readings.

Final Thoughts

Although it sounds like totalizing is definitely worth it you need to be aware that your utility may charge a premium to totalize your readings. This can vary and also may not be worth it. Instead of paying facility charges for the meters that you already have, you may pay for those and the totalizer. In addition, totalizing meters are expensive.

It is best to talk with your utility to determine if you are a good candidate for totalizing.








Computers and the Meter Tech

  By ,








As a Meter Technicians a computer will be very useful in your job. Many tasks in the metering world are not possible without the use of a computer. You can use a computer to help you with troubleshooting and performing load checks. Because of the this meter techs will need to know how to use different programs. They will also need to know how to analyze data.

Programming meters as a meter tech is an easy streamlined process. Many of the meter manufacturers have easy to use programming software. Once the program is built all you need to do is connect the probe to the meter. Then click the program and go through the prompt. Building the program can be tricky for those who do not know their way around a computer. If you need to change variables you need to know what the changes will do in the program.

Outside of programming meters, meter techs will need to be able to use Microsoft Word and Excel. Word is not used as much as Excel but is good to know. Many tasks can be completed with Excel. However, it will mostly be used to view data. At times data will also be exported to Excel. At other times data will need to be calculated in Excel. You can also use Excel as a small database for things such as test sites, or new installations. Meter techs also use Excel to view .CSV files and bill details.








One of the most important uses of the computer to the meter tech is billing system. Here the meter tech will look up the details of customer bills when talking to customers about their high bill complaints. It is important to know how to use this system and use it effectively. There are typically historical comments where other techs may have gone out before you. Also, you may find out that this is a problem customer. If that is the case you will know that you need to be on your game. This means meeting the customer with all of the facts.

In the billing system, meter techs will also assign multipliers to meters. This is very important. An incorrect multiplier in the billing system is one of the easiest mistakes to make. Especially if you have just completed a new installation. Billing systems are typically good at kicking out readings that appear to high or too low. And if a meter was just changed and the incorrect multiplier for that particular meter was put in the system it will generally get kicked out. However, with at new installation the computer has no history of that location to go on. Noticing this error could take years. Furthermore, this could be in the customer’s favor or in the favor of the utility.

In conclusion, being a meter tech is more that just going out in the field and swapping out meters. You need to have a good grasp on technology. Computers are essential to meter techs. The sooner you can master at least the basics the better.









PPE in Metering

  By









When it comes to working with meters as a meter tech you always have to remember that there will be times that you are working around energized equipment like transformers. And because of this you need to make sure that you protect yourself in the case of an accident. In order to protect yourself you need to make sure that you are always wearing your PPE. What is PPE you may ask? PPE stands for personal protective equipment. It is safety equipment that is designed to make sure that in case of an accident or in case of incidental contact with live conductors that we are not injured or even worse, killed. What I am going to detail here are the minimum requirements for Meter Technicians. Also listed are a few things that may not be required by your utility but are good idea. Be reminded however that these are minimums and that you should always wear the minimum that is required by your company. Also remember that anytime you are working near high voltage equipment, you need to keep High Voltage Safety in mind.

Minimum

Hard Hat

A hard hat is first on our list. The hard hat is generally made of a hard plastic material that has a webbed support system inside. The support system inside ensures that the hard hat is a cool as possible as well as provide a bit of a crush zone should something heavy fall. Your hard hat protects you from falling objects, but that is not all. The hard hat can also keep you from hitting your head if you are in an area with a low ceiling or if you are working in an enclosure or transformer it can keep you from hitting your head or having accidental contact with conductors. Another thing that a hard hat protects you from is the sun.

Your hard hat also keeps the sun off of your shiny head and keeps you from getting sun burned. Be sure that you inspect your hard hat on a regular basis for any cracks or sun damage. In addition, if you suspect any damage it is best to go ahead and replace your hard hat. It is easier to replace your hard hat than your head!

Safety Glasses

Safety glasses are essential as a part of your PPE arsenal. They protect your eyes from flying objects! Safety glasses also seem to be one of the most neglected pieces of PPE. People think that they just do not need them, especially if they are working at night. It is imperative that you wear your safety glasses to protect your eyes. There are even models now that are designed as sun glasses so that you look more stylish. Safety glasses do have ratings so make sure that you check with your company policy before wearing a pair of sunglasses to work.

Rubber Gloves

Rubber gloves are essential if you are going to be working on or near anything energized. I know that many of the old timers used to work secondary with just leather gloves. I also know that there are those of you out there that think there is nothing wrong with changing meters or checking voltage with just your bare hands. Yes you make get away with it a few times, or you may never even have a problem. However, it only takes one time for electricity to kill your or to burn off a finger. Make sure that you are testing your rubber gloves before each use. Also, make sure that you know the rating of your rubber gloves. Many meter techs will have two different sets of rubber gloves. They may have a low voltage set that are rated for 1000v and they may have a high voltage set. The high voltage set will vary based on the primary that your utility uses. Do not try to use your secondary gloves on primary! They are not rated for that voltage and you will be hurt or killed! For this reason, many utilities do not give their lineman secondary gloves. The rubber gloves will have leather protectors with them. Always use them. And also do not forget to check your protectors for holes either.








Clothes

This will vary from utility to utility because of the different arc flash ratings. Make sure you are wearing whatever your utility mandates. This will keep you safe in the event of a flash. In addition, most utilities now require flame retardant clothing. Do not wear any jewelry or watches or even metal belt buckles. In the event of an electrocution these items will act as heat sinks and burn your skin.

Safety Toe Shoes

Shoes with a safety toe will keep falling objects from crushing your toes. Make sure also that your shoes, or boots, are rated for electrical hazards. This will ensure that they are not building up static electricity as you walk.

Recommended

Face Shields

Face shields are one of the controversial pieces of safety equipment right now. Some people hate them, mainly the people wearing them, and some love them, mainly management. If your utility requires face shields, wear them. If your utility does not require face shields but provides them, use them when you think they may be necessary. Face shields can protect you in the event of a flash.

Rubber Sleeves

Rubber sleeves are something that you typically see lineman wearing working out of a bucket. But, they have their place in the metering world as well. If you are working in an enclosure such as a transformer it can be a good idea to use rubber sleeves to protect you in case of accidental contact.

Summary

PPE is important to you as a meter tech. Do not take it for granted. However, do not think that just because you are wearing all of the PPE your utility provides that you are working safely. There is no substitute for knowledge when it comes to safety. Learn the best practices for working safely from those around you. Just because you are wearing rubber gloves does not mean that you need to just go around touching all of the live conductors just be cause you can. Be cautious. Be safe. If it will be safer to turn something off to work on it, then plan an outage. And remember however, that safety is up to you not your company. You are the one who will go home to your family everyday not your company. Also remember that the list I provided above is just a basic list. Do what your company says. If I have left anything out let me know. Work at your own risk. I take no responsibility if you get hurt.








Testing a Form 9s transformer rated installation

  By









The form 9s meter is perhaps one of the most popular meter forms used in metering. It is a versatile meter that can be used to meter either a 120/208 three phase four wire wye service or a 277/480 three phase four wire wye service. Can the form 9s be used to meter other services? Yes but I am only going to cover these two here. When testing a form 9s transformer rated installation you will be looking at a few different things. You will check the meter, the wiring, the CT’s and/or PT’s, and the voltage as well as the transformer.

First a disclaimer. If you are not a meter tech or a qualified person then you do not need to attempt anything that is written below in regard to the form 9s. It can kill you if you do not know what you are doing.

When we perform a load check the form 9s meter in a transformer rated installation there are a couple of things that we will look at and take note of. First we want to check the meter number. I know this sounds simple but you want to make sure that you are in the right place. Now write down the readings of the meter. There should be a simple kwh reading as well as a kw reading. It is also possible that your utility uses more than these such as kva. You may also be required to download the information from the meter as well. If the meter is a solid state meter you want to make sure that there are no diagnostic codes in the meter. If there are you will need to check them and find out what the problem is.

Solid state meters have come a long way. If you do not have a piece of test equipment that is capable of showing you the vector diagram of your form 9s meter you can logon to the meter and view the vector diagram there. The vector diagram can alert you to things that you may not be able to see right away. Vector diagrams can also let you know if you have any wires crossed as well as the amplitude of the current and voltage on all three phases. Using vector diagrams you can also view all of your phase angles.

We are still talking about the meter here. If you have an electro-mechanical form 9s meter then the procedure is a little different. There is nothing to logon to. The meter may have lights for each voltage phase. If so, you want to make sure that they are all lit up. Next, you want to do what is know as an element check. You will also do this with the solid state meter but you will have to leave all of the voltage switches in as the display likely comes off of A or C phase. To do the element check you will open all of the switches with the exception of the neutral switch. Then you close the voltage switch and the current switches for the phase your will be working on. You are doing this to ensure that each element in the meter causes the disk to rotate in a forward direction. Remember that the disk rotates in a counter-clockwise rotation.








After checking the meter you will want to check the wiring of the form 9s. Give the wiring a good visual check. Look at all of the terminations that you can see and make sure that the color code is correct. If you suspect overheating and think the wire needs to be replaced do so as soon as possible. Wires that are out in the sun tend to crack after several years so you want to make note of this. If the wiring needs to be replaced make a work order to do so. Look at the wiring on the CT’s and PT’s. Does everything look good? Improper wiring is one of the biggest causes of lost revenue with a form 9s metering installation. If the wiring looks good, let’s move on to the CT’s and PT’s.

I am not going to go in depth in this post about testing the CT’s and PT’s, that is for a later date. What I want to tell you here is to visually inspect the CT’s. If you can see the nameplate then that is great. Make sure that the multiplier on the meter matches whatever the CT ratio says that it should be. After that, make sure that the multiplier on the meter is what the multiplier is in the computer system.

This is one of the other big mistakes that you will find with the form 9s. It is so easy to input a multiplier incorrectly into the system. That is why you need to check it for every transformer rated meter that you test. After you verify the CT ratio on the nameplate use test equipment to test the CT. This may be a CT burden test or an admittance test. You can also do a ratio test.

After the CT’s you will want to check the PT’s. Verify the wiring and make sure that you do have voltage on all three phases. The PT’s are so much easier than the CT’s. On the subject of PT’s we always want to check the voltage and make sure that it is the correct voltage for the service.

Next we want to check the transformer. Look at the transformer and make sure that it is not leaking oil anywhere. Also, visually inspect all of the secondary connections that you can see and make sure there is no overheating. If you have an infrared camera now is a good time to use it and check the connections for hot spots. Be very careful when working around transformers as it is possible to have the primary connections very close to the secondary. Make sure that you are wearing all of your PPE before doing any of the aforementioned work.

You will want to check the KVA of the transformer and compare it against the KW reading of the meter which is called demand. If you cannot get the power factor from the meter either because it is a mechanical meter or you do not have a way with another piece of equipment you can use 80% for the power factor.

To convert KW to KVA you will divide the KW by the power factor. This will give you KVA. Let’s do the calculation. Let’s say that you have a form 9s meter that has a KW reading of 0.8 with a multiplier of 80. First, multiply 0.8 x 80 = 64 KW. Then if you cannot get a power factor reading assume 80%. 64/.80 = 80 KVA. Now that you have the KVA check to make sure that it is in the limits of the transformer. If it is you are good. If not get with engineering to make a change.

There it is. That is how to can check a form 9s metering installation. As always, be careful and always wear your PPE.








What are test switches for?

  By









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.








Can Compact Fluorescent Lights Lower Your Power Bill?

  By

Save Money on Your Power Bill with Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs

Save Money on Your Power Bill with Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs

Are you wondering if those little curly compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) can actually save you money on your power bill? Are you looking to have a more Energy Efficient Home? The answer is a resounding yes! When comparing CFLs to traditional incandescent light bulbs, there are a few key factors to consider: light color, wattage, and initial cost.

Understanding Light Color

Light color ultimately comes down to personal preference. Before CFLs became popular, many of us were accustomed to the soft white light of incandescent bulbs. Today, CFLs come in a variety of light colors, allowing you to choose the best illumination for your space.

  • Soft White/Warm Light: These CFLs mimic the warm, yellowish light of incandescent bulbs and are ideal for bedrooms and living areas.
  • Natural/Daylight: These bulbs emit a white to bluish light, resembling natural sunlight, and are great for home offices or kitchens.

To determine which light color suits you best, try purchasing a few different types and see which one you prefer in various rooms.

Wattage and Energy Savings

Wattage is another crucial consideration, both for illumination and cost savings. CFLs are designed to use less power while providing the same amount of light as their incandescent counterparts. For instance, a typical 60-watt incandescent bulb can be replaced by a 13-watt CFL, which provides the same amount of light.

Here’s a breakdown of how much energy you can save:

  • A 60-watt incandescent bulb uses 60 watts of electricity per hour.
  • A 13-watt CFL uses just 13 watts per hour, saving you 47 watts of electricity for every hour of use.

Initial Cost and Long-Term Savings

While CFLs may have a higher upfront cost compared to incandescent bulbs, the long-term savings on your power bill make them a worthwhile investment. Prices for CFLs have decreased significantly in recent years, making them more affordable than ever.

Calculating Your Savings

To better understand the potential savings, let’s take a typical home with 30 light bulbs, each using 60 watts, and 4 spotlights using 150 watts each. Here’s the math:

Incandescent bulbs:

  • 30 bulbs x 60 watts = 1,800 watts
  • 4 spotlights x 150 watts = 600 watts
  • Total = 2,400 watts per hour

CFLs:

  • 30 bulbs x 13 watts = 390 watts
  • 4 spotlights x 40 watts = 160 watts
  • Total = 550 watts per hour

Assuming electricity costs $0.12 per kilowatt-hour (kWh), running all incandescent lights for one hour costs $0.288. Running CFLs for the same time costs only $0.066. Over a month (24 hours/day for 30 days), this translates to:

  • Incandescent bulbs: 720 hours x $0.288 = $207.36
  • CFLs: 720 hours x $0.066 = $47.52

While it’s unlikely you’ll use all your lights continuously, this example highlights the potential savings. Over time, these savings add up, making CFLs a cost-effective choice.

Conclusion

Switching to CFLs is a smart move for reducing your energy consumption and lowering your power bill. Though you might not see a drastic change immediately, the cumulative savings over time will be significant.

For more detailed information on how to calculate your power bill, check out this guide.

If you’re ready to make the switch to energy-efficient lighting, consider Purchasing Some CFLs. Your support helps us continue providing valuable information.


Ductless Heating and Cooling Systems

  By ,









Ductless heating and cooling systems are an alternative to traditional central heating and air conditioning systems. What are they? Are ductless heating and cooling systems better than the traditional central heating and air conditioning systems? Can ductless air conditioning systems save you money on your power bill? Keep reading to find out.

What are Ductless Heating and Cooling Systems?

What is a ductless air conditioning unit? Ductless air conditioning units, also known as ductless mini split systems, are smaller self-contained air conditioning units that are meant to keep a space climate controlled. I say climate controlled because there are also ductless heat pump models as well. I will also refer to these systems as ductless heat pump, ductless air conditioners and ductless mini split systems, remember that they are all the same thing. Ductless mini split systems contain an evaporator that is mounted inside that also house the fan that blows the cool air or warm air into the space that it is keeping warm or cool. There are coolant lines attached to the evaporator that run outside to the condenser.

The units typically come with a remote control so that you can choose the setting that you want from the ground. They have built in thermostats that allow you to choose the temperature that is right for you. Ductless air conditioners also allow you to choose the fan speed. So, if you are hot and you want to feel more air rushing past you, you can do that. You can also use the unit as nothing more than a fan. If, for instance, it is already cool in the house but you just want a breeze you can use the fan setting.

Additional Features of Ductless Heating and Cooling Systems

Another feature that ductless mini split systems offer is a dehumidifier setting. This is good if you live in a humid climate. It is also good to prevent the growth of mold. Also, often times just by removing the moisture from the air you will feel cooler.

With all of these features, are ductless air conditioners better than the traditional central HVAC unit? That depends. Ductless A/C units are zone heating and cooling units. This means that if you like your bedroom to be 65 degrees while you sleep at night but you do not want to pay to keep your entire house at 65 degrees then a ductless solution could be right for you. One of the biggest advantages of the ductless heat pump system is that you do not have to run duct-work. This means that if you are remodeling and you have a tiny crawl space and you are looking to add some sort of air conditioning to replace your window units a ductless heat pump could be a better option than a traditional central system.

Saving Money with Ductless Heating and Cooling

Can a ductless mini split system save you money? This is the ultimate question and if used properly the answer is yes. Ductless air conditioners are efficient and being able to control one room at a time means that you do not have to have one central unit that is sized to heat and cool your entire house. You can have individual units that run only when you need them too. One thing to remember about most A/C systems is that they basically know one speed and that is on.

There are some systems out there that are more advanced that do not use as much power when it is not needed but the majority know one speed. This means that when they are on they are using x amount of power as long as they are on. They will use x amount of power for x number of hours to keep your entire home comfortable. But if you have a room such as an office or guest bedroom that is rarely used, why heat and cool it? You can use smaller units that use less power when they are running. So if employed correctly you will use less power and save money.

If you are interested in ductless heating and cooling then check out the links below.







Water Stoves

  By ,








So you like the idea of heating with wood because you have endless supply of it or you just don’t want to pay the power company or the gas company any more than you have to. You know that your home heating system can be the number one consumer of electricity during the winter months and that you are tired of seeing your electric meter spin so fast you think it is coming of its bearings. You want to lower your power bill and have the most energy efficient home but still be comfortable. If this is you continue reading. A water stove can do all of these things for you, and if you are not afraid to do a little work you can lower your power bill and slow down that pesky electric meter.

Water stoves are a wonderful alternative to heating with a fireplace or using a wood stove. They can provide heat more evenly than any space heater or baseboard heater and they can do it all while burning practically anything. Are they the perfect heating source? Maybe, maybe not depending on your perspective. What can they do for you?

Water stoves can be installed alongside existing central heating and air systems. They use a heating coil that can be placed in the air handler and you and your guests are none the wiser. The heat coming from the water stove is dispersed just like your central heating and air is. It is controlled by a thermostat just like your normal heat is.





Another thing that water stoves can do is supply all of your hot water. They can totally replace your conventional hot water system or be used in conjunction with it with your conventional system being used as a backup. Many users have reported that they have seemingly endless hot water. This means that gone are the days when company comes over and you let them all take showers first because you know that there will be no hot water left and you end up taking a cold shower. No more! And let’s remember that the water is being heated by wood. Remember also that your water heater is typically number two on the electricity consumption list behind your heat.

A water stove is installed away from your house so that you do not have to smell the smoke created by it. Here lies the biggest con. The biggest con is that the water stove is away from the house. This means that if it is raining or if it is snowing you will need to go out in the weather to load wood into the water stove to keep it running. However, there are models that can use oil and gas as a backup and if you get one of these models you will not need to go out in the weather.

Also to be noted is the fact that you can use solar water heater panels to heat the water. This means that as long as you have good direct sun that you will not even need to build a fire! Many users of water stoves say that this is the way to go if you get a water stove. Many people do not even build fires everyday in the summertime because the heat from the solar water heater panels do all of the work for them! So, is a water stove right for you? Let me tell you the story of a friend of mine.

A friend of mine grew up heating with a wood stove. He grew up in a very small house and always knew that he wanted a bigger one. He also know what it was like to wake up cold because the fire in the wood stove had burned out overnight. But, he still wanted to heat with wood because he lives on a property with an abundance of free wood. Cutting, splitting and stacking wood has been a part of his life since he was a small boy. So, he builds his house on the same property as his family. His house was close to 5,000 square feet! That’s right 5,000! So, after the first couple of months of the winter I asked him how his water stove was working out and what he was using it for. He said that it was working great and that he was heating his entire house and heating his water with it. So the next question was, how much is your power bill? He told me that it was about $40. I could not believe it even though I know how all of the systems work and what causes your power bill to be high or low. But to me, that is the proof that I needed to know that one day I will install a water stove.

If you are thinking about getting a water stove, rest assured that they can lower your power bill. Make sure that you have it installed by a licensed professional.









Wood Stoves: Advantages, Drawbacks, and Essential Tips For Home Heating

  By ,

Wood stoves were once a very popular way to heat your home. One of the advantages that a wood stove offers over a fireplace is that it uses less wood. This means that if you are buying wood that you will be buying less. Or, if you are cutting and splitting your own wood you will be cutting and splitting less and saving yourself time as well. Wood stoves can be an excellent alternative to electric and gas furnaces if you are willing to do the work. Here I will list some advantages and disadvantages of wood stoves.

Advantages of Wood Stoves

  1. Efficient Fuel Usage: Wood stoves use less wood compared to fireplaces. Their design allows better regulation of oxygen flow using dampers, resulting in efficient combustion. This translates to lower costs if you purchase wood and less effort if you cut and split it yourself.
  2. Heat Retention: Wood stoves, often made of cast iron, retain heat effectively. Unlike fireplaces, where much heat escapes through the chimney, wood stoves keep warmth inside the house.
  3. Heat Distribution: Some wood stoves come with fans that disperse heat throughout the room, ensuring even warmth.
  4. Cooking Capability: Wood stoves can double as cooking surfaces. In emergencies or power outages, you can prepare meals on them.

Disadvantages of Wood Stoves

  1. Safety Concerns: Any indoor fire poses risks. Wood stoves can be hot to the touch, and improper use may lead to burns or smoke inhalation. Chimneys and flues must also be cleaned regularly to prevent creosote buildup, which could lead to chimney fires.
  2. Installation Challenges: Installing a wood stove requires creating a vent hole in your house’s side. Proper installation by a skilled person is crucial to avoid hazards.
  3. Wood Collection: Owning a wood stove means sourcing dry firewood. Dry wood burns hotter and longer, so maintaining a good supply is essential. Green or wet wood burns inefficiently, produces more smoke, and can lead to creosote buildup.
  4. Temperature Regulation: It can be tricky to maintain a consistent temperature with a wood stove. You’ll need to adjust the wood supply based on weather conditions.
  5. Indoor Dryness: Wood stoves tend to reduce indoor humidity. Some people place a pot of water on the stove to add moisture, but caution is necessary due to boiling water and steam risks.

Alternatives

If you love the idea of heating with wood but want a system with greater efficiency and convenience, consider exploring water stoves, which use a boiler system to distribute heat throughout your home. They combine the charm of wood heating with modern heating technology, and I’ll cover them in more detail in an upcoming post.

For those considering a wood stove, choose a model that suits your space and needs. Look for EPA-certified stoves for better efficiency and lower emissions, and always follow safety guidelines.

Conclusion

Wood stoves offer a compelling mix of efficiency, cost savings, and sustainability, making them a great option for heating your home if you’re willing to put in the effort required for proper use and maintenance. While they come with some challenges, such as safety precautions and sourcing dry firewood, their advantages—like efficient fuel usage, heat retention, and even the ability to cook during emergencies—make them a versatile and reliable heating solution.

If you’re considering a wood stove, take time to evaluate your space, heating needs, and lifestyle to ensure it’s the right fit. With proper care, a wood stove can provide years of warmth and comfort while reducing your reliance on traditional energy sources. Whether as a primary heat source or a backup during power outages, a wood stove is an investment in both your home and your self-reliance.

Stay safe, stay warm, and enjoy the cozy benefits of wood heating!




Heating with a Fireplace

  By ,









There is nothing quite like sitting next to a warm crackling fire in the fireplace, drinking hot chocolate and reading a book or watching a relaxing television show while the cold wind outside beats against the side of the house. But, is a wood-burning fireplace a feasible and cost effective way to heat your home during those long winter months? The short answer is no! To find out why, keep reading.

As mentioned before, sitting beside a wood-burning fireplace can be one of the most enjoyable experiences in the winter. And if this is all it is too be used for then you can expect that your power bill will not suffer much because of it. If you light a fire a couple of times a week or only on the weekend to enjoy the smells and the sounds of the wood-burning fire you will not have to worry about your power bill very much.

If you are planning on heating an entire home with one centrally located fireplace, or one that is in only one room such as the living room, then I hope you are prepared to turn off you electric or gas furnace completely and prepare to sleep in the cold. Think about your typical wood-burning fireplace for a moment. There is the fireplace itself which also includes this huge hole to the outside called the chimney. What is the purpose of the chimney? The purpose of the chimney is to evacuate all of the smoke from the fire so that your house does not fill up with the smoke. Another purpose of the chimney is airflow. Let’s remember from elementary school that a fire needs three things to burn and continue burning. A fire needs, fuel, in this case wood, heat, started usually with matches or a lighter and sustained by the burning wood, and oxygen or air.728x90

We know where the wood comes from, we put it in the fireplace to burn. We know where the heat comes from, we used matches or a lighter initially for the heat source and once it caught we used the wood to sustain it. But, where does the air come from? The air comes from all of the air in your home and when there is not enough, it is pulled in through all of the cracks around the windows and doors. We are talking about the cold blistering air that is outside your house being pulled into your house. But no worries right? We are heating that air with our fireplace and it puts off enough heat to counter-act that cold air. Wrong! It is a good train of thought but the problem is that most of the heat that is generated by the wood-burning fireplace is expelled up the chimney. Remember that heat rises. As the heat rises in the chimney and cold air is pulled in through the cracks, all of the other rooms in the house are not as warm as the room where the fireplace is.

Let me rephrase that last statement. The room where the wood-burning fireplace is will be warm and all of the other rooms in the house will be cooler because cold air is being pulled into them. Now, earlier I said that if you are planning on trying to heat your house with just a wood-burning fireplace I hope that you turn off your electric or gas furnace. That is because it does not matter where the thermostat is the house will not be heated evenly. If the thermostat is near the fireplace it will think it is warmer than it is and it will cause the heat not to run. This will make the other rooms in the house cooler. If the thermostat is not near the fireplace and is in a cool place it will cause the heat to come on and run longer because of all the cold air that is being pulled into the house.

Another thing to consider when heating with a wood-burning fireplace is your wood supply. Do you or will you have access to free or cheap firewood? If so, it may be worth your while but it is a lot of work and you will most likely get cold at night and want an extra blanket or two.

If you decide that you just like your wood-burning fireplace and the cost and the comfort do not matter there are a few things that you can do to help keep some of that heat in. One being that you should try to seal as many air gaps as possible. Also, in the room where the fireplace is you can crack a window just barely that way the air is drawn from there and not other parts of the house. You should also see if it is possible to use glass doors with your fireplace. You will want to consult a professional when dealing with these glass doors because they use a special glass that is made to withstand the high temperatures of a wood-burning fireplace. Insulation is also key in keeping in the heat that is generated by the fireplace. Make sure that your attic is well insulated so you can keep that heat in the house.

Heating a house with a wood-burning fireplace is not the best way to heat your home. It may end up cheaper if you have access to free or very cheap wood but you will sacrifice some of your comfort and need extra blankets at night. Seal those air gaps and most of all if you are trying to heat with a wood-burning fireplace BE CAREFUL! Be careful because houses do burn down and people are killed every year using their wood-burning fireplaces.