Direct wiring diagram

This circuit of connecting an electric meter (single-phase and three-phase) is called direct. This scheme is the simplest and most common in its use in practice in everyday life.

According to the norms, up to 3 kW is allocated for one apartment (for apartments with an electric stove - 7 kW). At this power, the current will lie within 13.5 A.

On the counters there is an inscription about its characteristics, among which the rated and maximum currents are indicated (for example, it is usually written like this: 5 - 15 A, or 10 - 40 A.). Since the counter current lies in the normal aisles of the current consumption, they are connected in a direct way (without additional current transformers).

Despite the huge variety of electric meters produced, the location of the connection terminals they all have the same. On the terminal cover itself (on the inside) there is a drawn connection diagram (just in case you forgot how to connect the meter).

The main task of the electric meter is the metering of consumed electricity. First of all, this accounting is needed for those organizations that provide the supply of this same electricity. Consequently, those meters that are installed for metering and subsequent payment of electricity must necessarily comply with certain norms and rules. That is, installation, verification, control is strictly under the supervision of these organizations.

After approval of the correctness and compliance with all standards, the meter is sealed. It eliminates the possibility of spontaneous completion or alteration of both the connection itself and the change in the overall operation of the metering device.

Those electricity meters that are installed by the owners themselves for their needs and certain purposes (for example, several families live in one apartment and there is a need to take into account the electricity consumed by each of them) are not subject to the control of organizations. They are regarded as ordinary electrical devices that are installed in an electrical panel and work on the side of the consumer.

Electric meter connection diagram (single-phase and three-phase)

In multi-storey residential buildings, through the cable (wire) of the appropriate section, the phase (s) are connected to the input terminals of the electric meter. Sometimes between the main highway and the meter a breaker or an automatic switch is installed. It allows you to replace obsolete or faulty electricity meters without voltage at the input.

From the output terminals of the meter, the input power is supplied to protective and distribution devices. The phase goes to RCDs, automatic machines, fuses, and zero usually sits on a common terminal block.

Depending on the specific case, circuit breaker, electric meter, automatic machines, terminal blocks, fuses, etc. may be in the same panel. With it, the connection of specific premises and existing equipment is made.

In the case of a private house, the lead-in wires are connected to the nearest pole of the common electric highway. Then they get into the house (the most suitable place for installation of an electric meter), and then everything is as in the case with an ordinary apartment.

Read also: Connecting an electricity meter - how to connect correctly and10 advantages of electronic energy meters compared to induction