Whether you have an analog, digital or smart electric meter, understanding how it works and how to read your energy usage can help you save money. A traditional mechanical, electric meter uses two conductor coils to create magnetic fields. These fields turn a thin aluminum disc at a controlled rate to record electricity use in kilowatt-hours.
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Dials
The dials on your electric meter show you the number of kilowatt hours that you have consumed since the last reading. The numbers on the top row indicate the cheaper ‘night’ rates, while the bottom row shows the normal day rate. Often, the meter will display the two rates simultaneously or have a button you need to press to cycle through them. Dial meters may be of the cyclometer type (an odometer-like meter with a single dial for each digit) or the pointer type. Most of them are configured so that each dial rotates counterclockwise to the dials next to it. So the first dial will be read clockwise, the second anti-clockwise and so on. When a dial’s hand appears to be directly on a number, record that number as it is the correct reading. However, if the hand is between two numbers, write down the lower number unless the dial to its right has passed zero. For example, the dial one pointer in the above meter is directly on 5, so you would record this as 5. It will ensure that you are staying undercharging for electricity.
Pointers
Whether digital or analog, your electric meter measures energy use in kilowatt hours (kWh). Each dial has a pointer – similar to the hand of a clock – that indicates a digit from 0 to 9. When all the leads are shown, they represent the total kWh used. Each dial is numbered from left to right. The dial hand (pointer) advances when electricity is used, so if the tip is between two numbers, read the smaller number. If the direction is directly on a number, write that number UNLESS the dial to its right has passed zero. Some meters have a day-night register, so daytime usage is recorded on the top set of dials and nighttime use is recorded on the bottom. Some customers have meters that require the kWh reading to be multiplied by a number displayed on the meter face or in the space labeled “Multiplier” on your bill. You can better understand your energy usage habits by keeping track of your meter readings, especially in Texas. You must know how to read your electric meter in Texas. The amount of gas and electricity you use is revealed by meter readings to energy providers. Your supplier must estimate your usage if you don’t provide meter readings. When this occurs, you usually pay too much or too little. It implies that you may establish credit depending on how you handle debt.
Electronics
The clock-like device on your home’s exterior and sometimes inside a shared utility room or in the basement of apartment complexes measures a house’s electricity usage in kilowatt-hours. In an electrical circuit, the product of voltage and current is known as a watt. However, this formula only measures potential energy; time must be added to calculate actual energy use. The electronics on an electric meter take analog signals proportional to voltage and current and convert them to digital values transmitted or read serially. Depending on the model, an electric meter may also provide a variety of other information such as real power and energy, apparent power and energy, power factor, harmonic distortion and, in some cases, wave and event capturing.
For older meters with dials, subtract the initial reading from the final reading to find your total monthly electricity usage. This process is identical to rotary meters with spinning numbers (although they are technically analog, you read them like digital meters). This reading shows how many kilowatt-hours your household has used since the start of the month.
Battery
The battery in an electric meter is used to power a communications chip that allows it to transmit data and real-time clock (RTC) events. The battery is also a backup power source if the meter is disconnected. Smart meters allow energy companies to track how much electricity is consumed and when it is being used – the “when” part is critical as power prices vary widely throughout the day and night. Utilities are seeking better ways to match consumption with generation. Many local power utility companies do not allow any person but an authorized employee to break the seals and remove a meter. It is to prevent tampering that can be done by placing magnets around the meter. It slows the speed at which the electromechanical disk spins and can cause an overstatement of power usage. In some states, this may result in your electricity being disconnected. It is not something that any person would want to do.
Troubleshooting
Electric meters can be confusing despite being the most common type of meter. They work continually, measuring your usage and allowing the utility company to bill you for energy. Whether your meter is digital, analog or smart, it works similarly. If you’re experiencing flickering lights, breakers tripping or outages, the electric meter might be faulty. If that’s the case, you should call your energy supplier immediately. They must send someone to your home to fix the issue within 3 hours of contacting them or 4 hours on weekends and bank holidays. Your meter is usually located near the power line coming into your house, or it might be in your basement or on the ground floor of your building. Most meters are mechanical, but some use LCDs. The meter records the electricity that flows into your house in kilowatt-hours (kWh) units. A kWh equals 1,000 watt-hours of electrical power used in an hour. Ask your electricity provider for instructions if you need help reading your meter.
