The time comes, and it becomes necessary to replace one or another electrical device. There are many reasons for this, for example, the current model is outdated, the service life has ended, the device is out of order (burned out), and simply the outdated model does not fit into the new interior of the room after the repair. If we talk about electric meters for accounting and controlling electricity, then there is another reason - the transition to a differentiated billing system. Hence the logical question from many consumers - how to choose two-tariff meters?
Multi-tariff accounting system
Probably, it is not worth explaining that at different times of the day, electricity is consumed differently, meaning its quantity. Therefore, energy supply organizations divide the day into five periods. What is the difference between them:
- Night. This is the most economical period, where there is a minimum consumption. Its time limits are from 23.00 at night to 7.00 in the morning.
- Morning - is considered the maximum period, especially in the winter season. The population is waking up, lighting is turned on, household electrical appliances are turned on, plus all existing enterprises and organizations are starting to work. Limits from 7.00 to 9.00.
- Day. This period can be called semi-peak. Electricity consumption is reduced by reducing household load. And yet electricity is consumed in large quantities by businesses and organizations, plus educational institutions. Limits from 10.00 to 17.00.
- Evening. This period is divided by electricians into two parts, one of which will be the peak. Its limits are from 17.00 to 21.00. Everyone is returning home, including a huge amount of lighting and household appliances. Entertainment establishments are starting to work in full force, street lighting is turned on, electric transport is working to the maximum.
- Evening half-peak. Household loads are gradually decreasing, the population is getting ready to go to bed. Limits from 21.00 to 23.00.
The worst thing is that all these uneven surges in electric current consumption negatively affect the operation of power plants and connecting power lines. And as a result, the uneven consumption of the energy carrier, one might even say, irrational consumption, plus the rapid wear of equipment (transformer and generating). And, of course, this has a bad effect on the ecological situation in the region.
To minimize unpleasant consequences and smooth out the above-described fluctuations, a system of differentiated approach to the billing of electricity consumption was developed. The main goal of this event is to force the population to reduce the load during peak periods, and transfer part of the load, for example, to the night period. Therefore, the night rate is much lower than the day rate. It should be noted that there is no single tariff for the country, each region and even the city sets its own tariffs.
How can the consumer benefit from this? A simple example is laundry. Washing machines are energy-intensive appliances, their work consumes a lot of electricity. Therefore, it is best to transfer this household process to the night, especially since modern washing machines with computer software allow you to do this. And there are many such examples. Hence the conclusion - a multi-tariff accounting system makes it possible to save a good family budget. And this is a reality today, if you approach the accounting itself correctly.
Choosing a two-tariff meter
So, back to the main question of the article - how to choose a two-tariff electric meter? But before that, I would like to warn that the purchase of a two-tariff electricity meter should be justified. This device costs more than usual, so first of all you need to find out if two tariffs are valid in your region. And after that it will be necessary to purchase and install it.
In addition, it is necessary to clarify how many tariffs apply. For example, there are three tariffs in Moscow, so the installation of a two-tariff model is not justified. In some European countries, consumption sharing is valid on weekends. Therefore, manufacturers of multi-tariff meters today offer different models, the main thing here is not to make a mistake before you buy and install it.
Attention! All two-tariff electricity meters are electronic. You will not find electromechanical models (induction).
That is why experts recommend the correct installation of the device. Here we mean the installation location, because at low temperatures and when exposed to direct sunlight, the indicators will not be displayed on the display, although the meter itself will work properly. Therefore, the advice is to install the device only inside heated rooms.
Currently, manufacturers offer two-tariff electricity meters with different accuracy classes. This is 2; 1 and 0.5. The lower the number, the more accurate the device in consumption readings (lower error), the more expensive it is. But know that there is a Government Decree, which says that today in everyday life you can install meters with an accuracy class of "2". Decree number 442 dated 4.05.12. Therefore, you must choose it, even if a representative of the energy sales organization requires the installation of a different model. His actions are illegal.
Other selection criteria
Two-tariff meters can be single-phase and three-phase. It is clear when which device and where should be used. Pay attention to the maximum load current, which must be indicated on the body of the device near the display. Most often, electricity meters of this type are designed for a maximum load of 60 amperes, which corresponds to a power consumption of 10 kW.
If during the calculation it turned out that the power consumption in your house or apartment is more than 10 kW, then it is recommended to install a metering and control device with a current load of 100 amperes. Usually all these models are connected directly to the mains. But if in your house the total power consumption is above 100 A, then you need to supplement the meter itself with a current transformer.
These are the main indicators on which you need to make a choice. But there are, so to speak, additional options. For example, entering into the memory of a meter with two tariffs a certain number of recent readings (usually per month), you can transfer them via a computer to the network of an energy supply organization, you can immediately, without leaving the installation site of the device, remove all technical characteristics. In some models, there are so-called event logs, by which you can easily determine the peak and failure periods. True, it should be noted that ordinary consumers do not use additional options. There's just no need.
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