ALPHA METER USERS MANUAL

INE 900 013 DU

ELSTER Metering (P) Limited, India

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DISCLAIMER AND LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

The information, recommendations, descriptions and safety notices in this document are based on
the experience of ELSTER Metering (P) Ltd. and judgment with respect to operation and
maintenance of the described product. This information should not be considered as all-inclusive or
covering all contingencies. If further information is required, please contact our front-end
technically qualified personnel. In no event will ELSTER be responsible to the user in contract, in
tort, (including negligence), strict liability or otherwise for any special, indirect, incidental, or
consequential damage or loss whatsoever, including but not limited to, damage to or loss of use of
equipment; cost of capital; loss of profits or revenues; or claims against the user by its customers
resulting from use of the product, information, recommendations, descriptions, and safety notices
contained herein.
RELEASE NOTE
This document is supplied with each ALPHA meter, sold from our factory.
This document is intended to provide the general technical and operational details of ALPHA meter.
Note: - Some of the features discussed in this manual may not be available in the meters supplied
prior to the release date of this document. All features discussed in this manual are not part of
standard equipment. As a part of our endeavor to continuously improve product design, the
specifications are subject to change
SAFETY INFORMATION
Installation, operation and maintenance of this product can present potentially hazardous conditions
(high voltages for example) if safety procedures are not followed. To ensure that this product is used
safely, it is important that you review, understand and observe all safety notices and
recommendations within this document. Inform personnel involved in handling the product about
safety notices and recommendations contained in the document.
Within this document safety notices appear preceding the text or step to which they apply. Safety
notices are divided into the following four classifications:
• Danger
• Warning
• Caution
• Notice
CONVENTIONS USED
Type Style Significance
Italic Font Used as a point of emphasis when needing to distinguish one part
of a description more than the surrounding text.
Used to alert personnel to the presence of a hazard that will cause
severe personal injury, death, equipment damage or property
damage if the notice is ignored.
Used to alert personnel to the presence of a hazard that can cause
severe personal injury, death, equipment damage or property
damage if the notice is ignored.
Used to alert personnel to the presence of a hazard that will or can
cause minor personal injury, equipment damage or property
damage if the notice is ignored.
Used to alert personnel to installation, operation or maintenance
information that is important but not hazard related.

- Electricity Metering, Elster Metering (P) Ltd. INE 900 013 DU

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1 INTRODUCTION ___________________________________________________________ 4
2 HARDWARE DETAILS ______________________________________________________ 7
3 GENERAL FEATURES ______________________________________________________ 8
4 OPERATING MODE________________________________________________________ 11
4.1 Normal Mode ________________________________________________________________________ 11
4.2 Alternate Mode ______________________________________________________________________ 11
4.3 Test Mode ___________________________________________________________________________ 12
4.4 Error Mode _________________________________________________________________________ 12
4.4.1 Error Codes _____________________________________________________________________ 12
4.4.2 Warning Codes __________________________________________________________________ 13
4.5 Push buttons_________________________________________________________________________ 14
4.5.1 Power ON Switch / Socket ________________________________________________________ 14
5 LIQUID CRYSTAL DISPLAY (LCD) __________________________________________ 15
6 INSTALLING AN ALPHA® METER TO SERVICE _____________________________ 17
6.1 Meter Installation Check _____________________________________________________________ 18
6.2 Removing an ALPHA® Meter from Service ____________________________________________ 18
7 TESTING OF ENERGY METER _____________________________________________ 19
7.1 General Test Setup ___________________________________________________________________ 19
7.2 General Test Procedure ______________________________________________________________ 20
7.3 Formulae used in testing ______________________________________________________________ 20
7.4 Calculating Meter Accuracy __________________________________________________________ 21
7.5 Determining the Power from the Output Pulse Rate _____________________________________ 21
7.6 Calculating Power ___________________________________________________________________ 21
7.7 METER SHOP TESTING ____________________________________________________________ 21
7.8 TESTING points _____________________________________________________________________ 22
7.9 Installation Site Testing_______________________________________________________________ 22
7.9.1 Accuracy Test ___________________________________________________________________ 22
7.9.2 Procedure for testing the meter with standard meter having pulse pickup _____________ 22
7.9.3 Procedure for testing the meter with standard meter with manual pulse counting ______ 22
7.9.4 Procedure for testing the meter by manual pulse counting & time reference ___________ 23
8 TROUBLESHOOTING ______________________________________________________ 23
8.9 Returning the meter to the factory _____________________________________________________ 23
9 SYS ERROR ON METER DISPLAY __________________________________________ 24
10 APPENDIX A. CONNECTION DIAGRAMS OF ALPHA® METERS_______________ 25

- Electricity Metering, Elster Metering (P) Ltd. INE 900 013 DU

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INTRODUCTION

1 INTRODUCTION

Congratulations on your selection of the ALPHA® Static Electricity Meter. The ALPHA® meter has
been the standard for Static Electricity metering since its introduction in 1992. New features have
continually been added, enabling the ALPHA® to maintain its position as the leader in solid state
metering technology.

The ALPHA® product line provides a meter design platform, which supports a variety of metering
requirements.
From a simple one–rate kWh and kW demand meter up through a multi–rate,
Real/Reactive/Apparent meter which automatically validates the meter service connections,
provides instrumentation readings, performs power quality monitoring and provides load profile
reading with remote communications: the ALPHA® meter does them all.

This document is a guide to the features, flexibility and operating characteristics of the meters
belonging to the ALPHA® family. The different meters of this series are identified from the
nameplate of the meter. All the features mentioned in this manual may not be available in your
product due to customer specific requirement and flexible programmability of the ALPHA® meter.
Some of the features may not be described explicitly due to delays involved in continuous upgrade
of the product and the revision of this document.

The ALPHA® meter is a Static Poly-phase Electricity Meter having integral register that collects,
processes and stores Energy, Demand, Load Profile, Instrumentation & Event data. It has been
designed to meet the quality, performance and functional requirements of utility customers and also
to address the very important economy aspects of the utility business environment. It is intended
for use at industrial and commercial installations. Accuracy and stability is built into the ALPHA®
meter from the ground up. Based on an innovative electronic circuit design, using surface mounting
technology (SMT) and Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) .The ALPHA® functions over a
wide dynamic current range and under extreme environmental operating conditions.

The ALPHA® meter provides several additional functional features that goes beyond the normal
energy meter requirements. The features include System Service Tests, Instrumentation Displays,
Power Quality Monitors and Harmonic measurement. The Instrumentation Displays provide system
and per phase electrical values and quantities in a programmed sequence on the LCD. The Power
Quality Monitor process can provide an event counter, a cumulative timer, a warning and an alarm.
The Power Quality Monitors can also provide a date and time stamped record of any events
reflecting the quality of the delivered power. These include monitoring voltage sag, low voltage,
high voltage, power factor, reversal of current, reduction or loss of phase current, current
unbalance and exceeding a Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) for each voltage and current. With the
optional add on cards ALPHA® meter can provide up to six relay outputs, data transfer over RS485
bus or RS 232 network using PSTN line, GSM or radio network.

The ALPHA® meter is designed with the following in mind:

Reliability: The ALPHA® meter is fully electronic. Unlike electro-mechanical, it has no moving parts
thereby improving service reliability and ensuring many years of trouble free use. Its design utilizes
EEPROM and RAM backed up by a lithium battery to prevent loss of real time clock during power
outage. The Meter’s low current requirements during a power outage allow the service life of the
lithium battery to last for the life of the unit.

- Electricity Metering, Elster Metering (P) Ltd. INE 900 013 DU

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Maintainability: The ALPHA® meter is easy to maintain. The meter and register functions are fully
integrated on a single, surface mount technology circuit board – there are no separate meter and
register assemblies. This combined with its modular design and limited number of styles lets you
upgrade parts quickly and easily.

Adaptability: The ALPHA® meter is flexible. It offers a broad range of demand and TOU function,
as well as load profile recording features that let you customize rate structure. The availability of
System Service Tests, Instrumentation display features and the Power Quality Monitor (PQM)
feature permit this one meter to address a wide variety of metering, measurement and monitoring
requirements. Functional upgrades are easily accomplished and it accommodates virtually all
common services and mounting configurations. Its wide voltage operating range, which allows
installation at any of the common metering voltages, is unique in the meter industry.

Economy: The ALPHA® meter is accurate, with metered quantities within (up to) +/- 0.2%. Its
electronics measures and displays metering data precisely through a wide range of current,
voltage, temperature and power factor variations. Its low current sensor burden improves the
accuracy of external current transformers when measuring light loads. The ALPHA® meter saves
your time and money.
It will dramatically increase your personnel’s productivity because of these productivity-enhancing
features:

‰ No calibration required / Reduced test times.

‰ Fewer styles to learn and maintain.
‰ Automated data retrieval.
‰ System Service Verification /On-site Instrumentation Displays.
‰ Power Quality Monitor Tests.

Security: The ALPHA® meter is virtually tamper proof. It is password protected to prevent
unauthorized access through the optical port. The absence of any moving parts make the meter
impervious to the kinds of tampering that can occur with electro-mechanical meters. Its auditing
capability let you keep track of program alterations, number of resets and other security-related
quantities. The Power Quality monitors can identify meter tampering that results in the loss of
voltage, loss of current or the injection of signals meant to distort the energy measurement.

- Electricity Metering, Elster Metering (P) Ltd. INE 900 013 DU

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Types of ALPHA® Meter

The ALPHA® meters are available with different configuration for use at different types of industrial
and commercial installations.

‰ 3 Phase 3 Wire CT/PT Operated Meters.

‰ 3 Phase 4 Wire CT/PT Operated Meters.
‰ 3 Phase 4 Wire Whole Current Meters.

Based on your feed back, ALPHA® meter is continuously enhanced to meet the changing market
requirements. Some time these enhancements are major in nature and can be identified with
different logos on the meter nameplate. Like

ALPHA
ALPHA J1
ALPHA P+
ALPHA R+ etc

- Electricity Metering, Elster Metering (P) Ltd. INE 900 013 DU

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HARDWARE DETAILS

2 HARDWARE DETAILS

The ALPHA® meter is housed in a UV stabilized polycarbonate case. All its components are
interconnected in a modular assembly.

LCD Display

Meter Serial #
Utility Details

Demand Reset

Test Mode ALT Mode

Optical Port
Aux. Power-up

Connecting
Terminals

Terminal Cover

- Electricity Metering, Elster Metering (P) Ltd. INE 900 013 DU

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GENERAL FEATURES

3 GENERAL FEATURES

Working of ALPHA® meter

The power line currents and voltages are sensed using specialized current sensors and resistive
voltage dividers respectively. Multiplication and other calculations are performed using a custom
integrated circuit (IC). This custom IC is a digital signal processor (DSP) with built in analog-to-
digital (A/D) converters capable of sampling each voltage and current input.

Demand or Time-of-Use Metering

TOU Metering calculates energy and demand and stores this data relative to one of four separate
rate periods based on time, day or seasons in accordance with the programmed rate schedule.
Conversely, demand metering calculates energy and demand and stores this data without regard to
rate periods.

Energy- Use Data

The ALPHA® meter collects and computes energy - use data using the Ke (Watt-hour/pulse)
constant. The constant is set at the factory and need not to be programmed into the unit for
secondary metering. For primary metering, an alternate Ke is loaded. Energy data is stored in
memory as a cumulative total quantity. The ALPHA® meter provides cumulative total quantities for
all the energy parameters depending on meter capability. In TOU applications, energy data
accumulated during each rate period is stored as energy usage for that rate period. The TOU data
accumulated can be kWh or kVAh and kVARh depending on meter capability. In TOU applications,
the total energy value is the sum of the individual TOU rate energies. The TOU rate energy values
are displayed without any rounding of the energy value although the actual rate energy contains
fractional energy use. When the TOU rate energies are summed to obtain the total energy, these
fractional energy values are included. The Meter stores TOU energy data for all the metered
quantities.

Demand Data
The ALPHA® meter collects pulses over a demand interval, computes demand from these pulses
and stores indicating and cumulative demand for each rate period or for all rate period combined.
The time and date of the highest indicating demand level for each rate period is available for TOU
applications. The demand data can be kW, kVA or KVAR depending on the meter capability. The
meter stores Demand data for any two selected quantities only.
The ALPHA® meter can be programmed to store Rolling Demand data (sliding window). Rolling
Demand uses a sub-interval of shorter duration than the demand interval. The selected sub-interval
must be evenly divisible into the demand interval. The rolling interval is made up to consecutive
sub-intervals and the demand value calculated is based upon the average of these sub-intervals
demand. For example, a demand interval can be defined as 5 minutes sub-intervals rolled into a
15-minute interval. This 15-minute interval will be based on the most recent three consecutive 5-
minute sub-intervals. Looking at a traditional clock face, the 15-minute “block” interval appears to
“roll” around the clock face in 5-minute increments.

Load Profile Data

The ALPHA® meter uses nonvolatile EEPROM memory for storage of program information and
metered data. EEPROM memory is also used for storage of load profile recorded data. This
memory can be allocated for load profile recording of up to ten data channels, out of 10 channels 4
channels are used for energy and demand quantities and another 6 channels are for
instrumentation quantities, depending on the meter capability. ALPHA® meter can record the load
profile data for a predefined/ programmed interval of 1 min or in multiple of 5 minutes, i.e 1 min, 5

- Electricity Metering, Elster Metering (P) Ltd. INE 900 013 DU

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min, 10 min, 15 min, 20 min, 30 min, 60 min. The number of days for which this data can be stored
depends on the number of channels and the interval duration. Typically for all 10 channels with 30
minutes interval the meter can record the data for about 60 days.

Continuous Register Time

The ALPHA® meter uses a crystal oscillator to maintain the register’s time and date functions. In
the event of power failure, the clock gets the backup supply from the internal battery.

Demand Reset Counter

The ALPHA® meter stores the number of demand resets that have occurred since the last
initialization. The demand-reset counter automatically rolls over to zero after 99 demand resets
occur. The date and number of days since the last demand reset are also stored. Enabling the
event log entry permits the date and time-indexed storage of multiple resets.

Demand Reset Lockout

You can program the ALPHA® meter to ignore all subsequent demand reset attempts for a period
of 1 to 255 minutes after one reset has occurred. With this repetition of manual demand reset,
which may happen at site by mistake, can be avoided.

Outage Log
The register records the cumulative number of power outage. The cumulative number of power
outage automatically rolls over to 0 after 9999. In TOU applications, the outage log also contains
the cumulative total of all power outages expressed in minutes and the time and date of the start
time and end time of the last power outage. Enabling the Power Fail event log entry permits the
date and time indexed storage of multiple outages.

Event log
The ALPHA® meter has extensive event detection capability. Any possible form of abnormalities in
current or voltage circuit is detected and stored in the meter register with date and time of all such
events. Up to 255 event details can be recorded in first-in-first-out (FIFO) basis. An Event Log is a
record of the date and time of a specified operation within the ALPHA® meter.
ALPHA® meter also records the cumulative count of the PQM event along with the total time of
occurrence in the memory.

Communication Log
The register records the cumulative number of data-altering optical communications. The number
automatically rolls over to zero after 99 total communications. In TOU applications, the register also
records the date the register was last programmed and the date any data within the register was
changed by optical communications.

Instrumentation Data
The ALPHA® meter is capable of measurement and display of various system instantaneous
quantities like per phase voltage, current, power factor, active load, reactive load, apparent load,
system frequency etc.

Harmonic Measurement
The ALPHA® meter is capable of measuring and displaying harmonic content of each phase of
voltage and current circuit of the meter. Total harmonic distortion (THD) values are calculated
relative to the fundamental and expressed as percentage. Total harmonic measurement and
second harmonic distortion per phase and total can also be displayed on meter LCD screen.

- Electricity Metering, Elster Metering (P) Ltd. INE 900 013 DU

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Integral Optical Communication Port

The optical communications port is provided in the front of the meter. Through this data can be
transferred from or into the meter. All the communications are protected with multi level access
control password.

Non – Volatile Memory

Whenever the line voltage is interrupted, the meter circuit immediately transit to a mode of orderly
shutdown and data preservation. Critical meter configurations data and key billing data are written
to a non-volatile memory not requiring any battery support. When power is restored, data is
returned to activate RAM memory and data collection resumes.

Auto Read
The ALPHA® meter can be programmed to automatically read itself, reset the demand register and
store the data as previous billing in a separate register. Depending on the meter configuration
meter can hold up to twelve such billing data.

- Electricity Metering, Elster Metering (P) Ltd. INE 900 013 DU

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OPERATING MODE

4 OPERATING MODE

The ALPHA® meter has four operating modes. They are

a. Normal (Auto Scroll Mode)

b. Alternate (Push Button Mode)
c. Test (High Resolution mode)
d. Error mode.

The ALPHA® meter always operates in the normal mode (Auto scroll mode). The Alternate mode
(Push button mode) or the TEST Mode (High resolution mode) can be selected by operating the
respective push buttons available on the front of the meter. For all operating modes other than error
mode, the displayed quantities, their sequence and display hold time are set depending on the
users requirement.

4.1 NORMAL MODE

Normal mode is the default-operating mode of ALPHA® meter. It is generally used to display billing
data. In normal mode the meter is fully operational, processing and recording data while the LCD
cycles through the various displayed quantities. Typically the normal display cycles through all the
parameters selected in this mode, with the predefined time duration typically six second (or as per
users specification). After displaying the last parameter the display again starts from the first
parameter.
Values displayed for the measured quantity will be refreshed only on the next cycle.

4.2 ALTERNATE MODE

The alternate (ALT) mode is used to display a second set of quantities. This mode can be activated
by soft press (about two seconds) of the ALT button “ALT” appears on the display to indicate that
the meter is now in alternate mode. The Meter is fully operational in alternate mode. Press and hold
the ALT button to cycle through display quantities. Each quantity is displayed for 0.5 second and
the display continues to cycle through the sequence for as long as you keep the button pressed.
When you release the button, the display freezes on the currently displayed quantity. Press the
button again to step to the next display quantity. Pressing and holding the button will resume the
fast display cycle. To return to normal mode, allow two minutes for the sequence to time-out. While
in ALT mode, ALPHA® meter sends infrared watt-hour pulses equal to the Kh value of the meter
through optical port. The ALPHA® meter also enters alternate mode immediately after it is powered.
The Meter automatically cycles through the alternate display sequence and then returns to the
normal mode.

- Electricity Metering, Elster Metering (P) Ltd. INE 900 013 DU

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4.3 TEST MODE

Test mode is used to display the energies in the high resolution mode. The energy is represented
in the XXxx.xxxx format in the test mode. It is a very effective solution to achieve dial test in the
meter.
Pressing TEST activates the test mode. The parameters programmed in the test mode starts
scrolling with the display hold time equal to the hold time programmed for the normal scroll mode.
For latching any parameter in the test mode press ALT button when the desired parameter appears
on the display. The parameter gets locked and the value keeps on incrementing.
Press the test button again to come out of the test mode.
The “TEST“ icon is present on the display while the meter operates on the test mode.
Note: - ALPHA® meter will not communicate via the optical port while in test mode.

4.4 ERROR MODE

If the unit detects a condition that adversely affects the operation of the meter or the integrity of the
stored data, it automatically locks into error mode. Depending on the severity of the error, the unit
will continue reading and storing information to the best of its ability. When the unit is in error mode,
it displays an error code Er XXXXXX. To view the normal display cycle while in error mode, press
and release the ALT button. The display cycles once through the normal display sequence, then
returns to the error display. Continuing to hold down the ALT button causes the display to cycle
quickly and also allows viewing of the alternate display quantities after the normal display. The
error display will return after completion of display cycle or if the demand reset or test buttons are
pressed,
Error codes generally indicate a condition, which is likely to be affecting the meter data, which are
measured and stored.
Warning codes generally indicate a condition, which is not yet affecting the meter data.

4.4.1 Error Codes

Error codes are indicated on the LCD by the identifier “Err” suffixed by a numerical error
code and indicates a serious condition, which is affecting either stored data or the ALPHA®
meter operation. See table 4-1 for the error code list.

- Electricity Metering, Elster Metering (P) Ltd. INE 900 013 DU

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Table 4-1, ALPHA® Meter Error Codes

Display Definition
Err 000000 Display inhibited by a warning condition
Err 000001 Carryover / Battery error
Err 000100 Memory checksum / internal communication error.

Error codes can be displayed in combination indicating that more than one error condition
has been detected. For example Err 000101 is combination of Err 000100 and Err 000001.
Note: - If Err 000001 is displayed on after power is restored to the meter; further billing data
is accumulated in the default rate & the LP data will not be available.
Meter should immediately be removed from the service once Err 000100 is seen on the
meter display.

4.4.2 Warning Codes

Warning codes are indicated on the LCD by identifier “F” suffixed by a numerical warning
code and indicate a potential problem, which is not yet affecting the ALPHA® meter
operation or stored data. Warning codes are inserted automatically as the first display
`quantity in a display sequence. See Table 4-3 for the warning codes, which may be
displayed.

Table 4-3, ALPHA® meter Warning Codes

Display Definition
F000000 No warning
F000001 Battery warning
F000010 Improper meter IC operation warning
F010000 Potential indicator or PQM warning

Note: - Meter should immediately be removed from the service once this warning F000010
is seen on the meter display.

- Electricity Metering, Elster Metering (P) Ltd. INE 900 013 DU

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4.5 PUSH BUTTONS

The ALPHA® meter has two or more pushbuttons depending on the requirement or type of meter

‰ Demand Reset (RESET).

‰ Alternate display (ALT).
‰ Test display (TEST).
‰ Power ON switch / Socket.

Pressing RESET sets the maximum demand quantity to zero, adds one to the cumulative
demand reset count and restarts the display cycle.
On pressing the RESET button the LCD displays all zeros to confirm that demand reset has
occurred.
Pressing ALT activates the alternate operating mode. Refer 4.2 for details on ALT mode.
Pressing TEST activates the test mode. Refer 4.3 for details on TEST mode.

4.5.1 Power ON Switch / Socket

If specifically ordered for, ALPHA® meters are provided with the facility to power it ON with
either an internal battery backup or with a handy external inverter. This is useful for reading the
meter even if the mains supply is not available.

- Electricity Metering, Elster Metering (P) Ltd. INE 900 013 DU

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LIQUID CRYSTAL DISPLAY (LCD)

5 LIQUID CRYSTAL DISPLAY (LCD)

The ALPHA® meter LCD provides an exceptional level of detailed information to the user. It is used
to display meter data and status information. As shown in Figure 5-1, the LCD can be divided into
different display regions, each displaying a particular set of information.

Figure 5-1, Liquid Crystal Display

Table 5-2, Liquid Crystal Display Identifiers

Identifier Description Appears with
RATE Indicates that TOU rate data is being shown on the LCD ABCD
Indicates rate for presently displayed data;
ABCD RATE
Blinking letter indicates present TOU rate
CUM Indicates cumulative demand value Power units - KWARH
MAX Indicates maximum demand value Power units - KWARH
RESETS Indicates number of demand resets --
TOTAL Indicates total energy value Power units - KWARH

Note: -These identifiers may be shown individually or in combination to describe a particular

displayed quantity.

Table 5-3, Liquid Crystal Display Operating Mode Indicator

Indicator Mode Description

None Normal The ALPHA® meter is in this mode under normal operation.

ALT Alternate This mode appears whenever the meter is forced to ALT mode.
TEST TEST This mode appears whenever the meter is forced to TEST mode.

- Electricity Metering, Elster Metering (P) Ltd. INE 900 013 DU

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Real Energy Indicators

The set of arrow & a square block indicates the direction of flow of active energy & the completion
of one revolution respectively. The right hand side arrow indicates that the total active energy is
forward & the left hand side arrow indicated the reversal of the total active energy.

Reactive Energy Indicators

The set of arrow & a square block indicates the direction of flow of reactive energy & the
completion of one revolution respectively. The right hand side arrow indicates that the total reactive
energy is lagging in nature & the left hand side arrow indicated the reactive energy is leading in
nature.

Potential Indicators
The presence of these potential indicators indicates the healthiness of the respective phase
voltages. In the event of missing potential the respective indicator will start flickering. In case of
three phase three wire meter the Y phase being the reference only R (as “A”) and B (as “C”)
indications are displayed under normal condition.

End of Interval (EOI) Indicator

This will appear & remain on display for last 10 seconds of the demand integration period. At the
end of this display, new demand integration will start.

- Electricity Metering, Elster Metering (P) Ltd. INE 900 013 DU

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INSTALLING AN ALPHA® METER TO SERVICE

6 INSTALLING AN ALPHA® METER TO SERVICE

The ALPHA® meter is calibrated and tested at the factory to be ready for installation. Proper
installation and removal should be adhered to for personal safety and for protection of the meter
from damage.

WARNING
1. Circuit-closing devices must be used on current
transformer secondaries. This applies to CT operated
meters. Dangerous currents and voltages are present if
secondaries are open-circuited. Personal injury, death, or
equipment damage can result if circuit-closing devices are not
used.
2. Ensure that a switch or circuit breaker is included as
means for disconnection, in the building installation and
installed within close proximity of the equipment and also in
easy reach of the operator. It shall be marked as
disconnecting device for the equipment.
3. Connecting wire specifications should be selected as per
the rating of the energy meter installed.

Make sure the meter being installed matches the service type, maximum current and capacity
required. Installing a mismatched meter can damage equipment. Once the meter is firmly in place,
power should be applied to it.

WARNING
Use authorized utility procedures to install the meter.
Dangerous voltages can be present. Personal injury, death, or
equipment damage can result if safety precautions are not
followed.

After installing and powering the ALPHA® meter, verify the following:
The system service voltage test (if enabled) shows the valid service for this installation. The phase
rotation, service voltage and service type should be indicated on the LCD. Additional validation
information may be obtained using the system instrumentation display quantities.
All potential indicators (from one to three depending upon the wiring) are present and not flashing.
The potential indicators appear as stylized light bulbs surrounding each phase indicator on the
LCD. If an indicator is blinking, this means that the phase is missing the required voltage or that it is
below the programmed minimum voltage threshold value.
The pulse indicator on the LCD should be flashing and the arrows should indicate the correct
direction of energy flow.
NOTICE
The purchaser or delegated contractors is responsible for the
“Putting into Service “ of any Elster Metering Systems Products
that have been supplied as “ Non-connected”, All related activities
must therefore be carried out with due regard to any applicable
legislation, standards and good practice.

- Electricity Metering, Elster Metering (P) Ltd. INE 900 013 DU

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6.1 METER INSTALLATION CHECK

A common cause of incorrect meter operation is improper installation or wiring of the ALPHA®
meter. Below are some other areas around the installation site that should be checked:

‰ Verify that the meter installation matches the meter nameplate.

‰ Verify that the correct type of ALPHA® meter is installed for the existing service.
‰ Verify that there is no evidence of mechanical or electrical damage either to the meter or its
installation location.
‰ Verify that the service voltage falls within the operating range on the meter nameplate.
‰ Verify that the CT’s are connected with correct polarity.
‰ Verify that the meter optical port is free of dirt or other obstructions.
‰ Verify that the seal has not been broken.
‰ Verify that an external switch or circuit breaker is employed as a means for disconnection.

Note: A broken seal could be an indication of tampering with the ALPHA® meter installation.

6.2 REMOVING AN ALPHA® METER FROM SERVICE

The removal procedure should be used according to the service wiring type.

WARNING
Use authorized utility procedures to install the meter.
Dangerous voltages can be present. Personal injury, death, or
equipment damage can result if safety precautions are not
followed.

If it becomes necessary or desired to remove an ALPHA® meter from service, the following
procedure should be used:

‰ Prior to disconnecting the ALPHA® meter, make sure that existing meter data has been
obtained using meter support software provided by Elster Metering (P) Ltd. or written
manually from the LCD display.
‰ Remove powers from the meter (remove voltage and disconnect or short current circuits).
‰ Break the seal holding the ALPHA® meter terminal cover in place.
‰ Remove the terminal cover screw and take off the terminal cover.
‰ Disconnect the wiring.
‰ Remove the lower supporting screws.
‰ Lift the meter off of the top supporting screw and remove the screw as well.

- Electricity Metering, Elster Metering (P) Ltd. INE 900 013 DU

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TESTING OF ENERGY METER

7 TESTING OF ENERGY METER

ALPHA® meters are factory calibrated and tested to provide years of trouble free service. No field
calibrations or adjustments are required to ensure accurate operation of the meter. It is
recommended, however, to periodically test installed ALPHA® meters in order to ensure accurate
billing.
The ALPHA® meter performs its own self-test as described in section 3.14 of this document. There
are also additional tests, which can be performed to ensure that the ALPHA® meter is performing
and recording billing data properly. Testing procedures are the same regardless of the type of
meter.

WARNING
Use only authorized personnel and proper test procedures to
test metering equipment. Dangerous voltages are present.
Personal injury, death, or equipment damage can result if
safety precautions are not followed.

7.1 GENERAL TEST SETUP

Meter shops develop testing configurations specific to their own needs. Below is a list of standard
test equipment, which can be useful in testing an ALPHA® meter:

‰ Stable mounting for the ALPHA® meter to be temporarily installed in order to ensure proper
orientation and allow the necessary voltage and current connections to be made.
‰ Reliable power supply with at least the following characteristics:
o Voltage source for energizing the meter at its rated voltage.
o Provides unity/ lag / lead power factor.
‰ Reference Wh / VARh standard.
‰ Phantom load device or other loading circuit, which has the current capacity, ranges
suitable for the desired test amperes.
‰ Control equipment for counting Pulse and timing etc.
‰ Voltmeters, ammeters, phase angle meters, power factor meters and any other measuring
equipment being used.
‰ At least one of the following:
o An infrared pick-up heads for detecting the Kh pulses of the optical port while in test
or alternate mode.
o A reflective pick-up for detecting the pulse indicators on the meter LCD.
o A method for counting the pulse output from output relays (Available only with meter
supplied with optional relay board).
o Test equipments preloaded with meter testing software.
Table 7-1, Nameplate Kh and Energy Value of LCD Arrow indicators
Nameplate Meter Kh Pulse Ratio Energy Value of LCD Arrows
0.12 24 0.01
0.36 24 0.03
1.20 24 0.10
1.80 24 0.15
21.6 24 1.80

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Note: Wh Pulses are available on the optical port during manually initiated test mode ( by aid of
“Test Mode “ push button) or while the meter is in the Alternate mode. Output can be selected as
Wh or VARh when Meter support software provided by Elster Metering (P) Limited is used to
initiate test mode.

7.2 GENERAL TEST PROCEDURE

The following procedure should be used to create a setup location for the ALPHA® meter:
‰ Temporarily install the meter in a mounting device, which holds it in proper position.
‰ Place the test standard measuring device and precision voltage and current transformers
(as required) in series with the meter being tested. If voltage transformers are not required
then the voltages of the meter and the standard should be in parallel. See Appendix A for
appropriate wiring diagrams for the ALPHA® meter.
‰ Connect the control equipment used for switching the voltage to the test standard device
and for counting the standard’s output pulses.
‰ Apply the rated current and voltage to the terminals of the meter. After applying the voltages
and currents, one of the following should be performed:

ƒ Align the reflective pick-up assembly over the appropriate pulse indicator on the
meter LCD, just slightly off perpendicular with the meter cover. This will minimize
reflections from the cover face.
ƒ Place the meter in ALT/ Test mode and then position the infrared pick-up head over
the optical port to detect the pulse output. Alternatively, the infrared pick-up head
could be connected to a test pulse adapter and that adapter can be positioned over
the optical port on the meter.
ƒ Alternatively, if the meter is provided with relay output facility, a pulse counter could
be connected to a relay output to count the energy pulses.

7.3 FORMULAE USED IN TESTING

When testing the ALPHA® meter, manual calculations may be necessary to verify meter quantities.
Table 7-2 shows the convention used to indicate variable quantities in these calculations. This
section describes the formulae commonly used to test watt-hour meters.
Table 7-2, Variables used in Test Formulae
Variable Definition
VTR Voltage Transformer Ratio
CTR Current transformer ratio
I Current
V Voltage
Khstd Watt-hour constant of reference standard (watt-hours/pulse-period)
Khmeter Watt-hour test constant of meter (watt-hours/pulse-period)
Ke Pulse constant (watt-hours/pulse)
KW Power in kilowatts
P Number of flashes of the test indicator on the LCD or from the optical port
N Number of elements in series
p Number of pulses of reference standard
P/R Pulse ratio of Khmeter / Ke
T Time in minutes
TA Test Amperes
Theta Phase angle by which current lags voltage

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7.4 CALCULATING METER ACCURACY

To calculate meter accuracy (percent registration) by comparing the meter pulse rate to the
standard pulse rate, use the following formula:
Meter Accuracy = 100 x (P x Khmeter / N) / (p x Khstd)

NOTICE
If you use a reference standard with precision CT/PT, the
standard Kh/ Ke must include CTR x VTR.
To calculate the meter accuracy by comparing the calculated power level to the measured power
level (or power level from the electronic register), use the following formula:
Meter Accuracy = 100 x (Power Read / Power Calc)

7.5 DETERMINING THE POWER FROM THE OUTPUT PULSE RATE

To calculate the approximate power of the meter load in kilowatts during a time period, measure
the time in minutes it takes to receive multiple test flashes (P) of the optical port LED or the LCD
pulse indicator (for example, 10 flashes in 1.2 minutes). Then, calculate the approximate power
with the following formula: kW = (P x Kh x 60)/(t x 1000)

NOTICE
If you want to calculate the primary load on a
transformer-rated meter, multiply by CTR x VTR.

7.6 CALCULATING POWER

If a precision power supply is available it may be used to calculate the different types of demand,
which can be metered by the ALPHA® meter. The power supply must provide the following stable
and accurate quantities:

‰ Voltage
‰ Current
‰ Power factor

The power supply output values may then be used with the following formulae in order to calculate
power:
Power real (watts) = V * I * N * Cos (ϕ)
Power reactive (watts) = V * I * N * Sin (ϕ)
Power apparent (watts) = V * I * N

7.7 METER SHOP TESTING

ALPHA® meter design requires NO adjustment by the user. The meter may ONLY be tested in the
lab or at site to verify the accuracy (Test of limits of Error).
Most of ALPHA® meters operate at 8-1/3 pulse periods per minute when they are run at test amps
and voltage. However, 2-1/2 element 4-wire, star connected meters operate at 11-1/9 pulse periods
per minute (4/3 speed) when testing with single-phase loading on combined elements.

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For the best test results, meters and the test equipment shall be at the same temperature, ideally
27oC and should have voltage applied for at least 10 seconds prior to testing, which allows the
power supply circuitry to stabilize.
Conventionally for the best results the ALPHA® meters should be tested with proper three phase
loading but in case only single phase source is available the same can also be used to test the
meter. Connect the voltage inputs in parallel and connect current to all current sensors in series for
combined element operation. For single element operation, connect each current sensor
separately.

7.8 TESTING POINTS

Generally the user defines the test point for energy meters. Following are the most commonly used
test points
Test Point Definition
100% of the rated current (nameplate rating for test amperes),
Full Load
test voltage and rated frequency at different power factor
10% of the rated current, test voltage and rated frequency at
Light Load
different power factors

The VARh measurement of the meter is not required to be checked since it gets automatically
adjusted whenever the watt-hour portion is calibrated. However, if VARh measurement is desired to
be verified, the same procedure discussed for watt-hour testing can be used.

7.9 INSTALLATION SITE TESTING

Since no adjustments are required for the ALPHA® meter in the field, testing a meter is primarily
done to ensure that it is operating within the factory specifications. This is simply done by checking
the meter calibration. There are several tests, which may be performed while the meter is in service
in order to verify proper operation.

7.9.1 Accuracy Test

Accuracy tests can be used to confirm that the kWh readings are accurate. This tests may be
performed on the ALPHA® meter in any of the following ways:
‰ Using the standard meter with pulse sensor to count the pulses from LCD/ Optical port.
‰ Using the standard meter with manually counting pulses.
‰ Manually counting pulses with a stopwatch.
The first method is recommended.

7.9.2 Procedure for testing the meter with standard meter having pulse pickup

‰ Place a standard meter in series/parallel with the meter under test.

‰ Focus the pulse pickup equipment on the LCD screen / optical port.
‰ Define the meter constant & the test time/pulses for testing.
‰ Start the test by activating the standard meter.
‰ Verify that the meter kWh registration equals the kWh calculated by the standard meter,
indicating that the meter is calculating kWh accurately.

7.9.3 Procedure for testing the meter with standard meter with manual pulse counting

‰ Place a standard meter in series/parallel with the meter under test.

‰ Count the number of pulses as appeared on the meter LCD display.
‰ Simultaneously start the standard meter.

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‰ Calculate the energy by multiplying meter constant with the number of counted pulses.
‰ Verify that the meter kWh registration equals the kWh calculated by the standard meter,
indicating that the meter is calculating kWh accurately.

7.9.4 Procedure for testing the meter by manual pulse counting & time reference

‰ Place a known load on the meter.

‰ Start the stopwatch as the LCD pulse indicator disappears from the meter display and
simultaneously begin counting the number of pulses made by the indicator. Make sure to
count the square indicator (each time it turns off) and not the arrow indicators.
‰ After a period of time sufficiently long enough to average out variations due to response
time, stop the stopwatch as the LCD pulse indicator disappears from the meter LCD.
Record the reading on the stopwatch and the number of pulses counted during the interval
& then remove the load from the meter.
‰ Calculate the kWh using the following formula; kWh = (Kh x PC)/1000
‰ Verify that the calculated kWh equals the kWh observed, indicating that the meter is
calculating kWh accurately.

Note: The kWh calculated may not be exactly the same as kWh observed. This is due to the of
human error involved in this method of manual Testing.

TROUBLESHOOTING

8 TROUBLESHOOTING

There is no user repairable part inside the meter & hence the same cannot be repaired at site or at
customer premises. Any defective meter while in service must be removed & forwarded to Elster
Metering (P) Ltd. service center for repair.

8.1 RETURNING THE METER TO THE FACTORY

The ALPHA® meter should be returned to the service center for repair with proper documentation.
The document must contain following details.
9 Meter Number
9 Installation Details
9 Nature of failure
9 Site observation
9 Data retrieved or to be retrieve
9 Contact person for further details (If required)
9 Address where the meter is to be returned after repair/ analysis.

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SYS ERROR ON METER DISPLAY

9 SYS ERROR ON METER DISPLAY

Code on
Diagnosis Action / Comments
display
Successful completion of test of
SYS PASS C. T. circuit of meter is ok.
current circuit.
SYS 063 4Y
Successful completion of test of SYS type on which meter is
SYS 240 4Y
voltage circuit connected.
SYS 110 3D
Check for each phase voltage, phase
SEr 555 000 Poor power quality.
sequence or frequency.
SEr 000 200 Low current on ph A. Check current in ph A.
SEr 000 020 Low current on ph B. Check current in ph B.
SEr 000 002 Low current on ph C. Check current in ph C.
SEr 000 300 Missing ph A current. Check current in ph A.
SEr 000 030 Missing ph B current. Check current in ph B.
SEr 000 003 Missing ph C current. Check current in ph C.
SEr 000 400 Inappropriate power factor on ph A. Check power factor in ph A.
SEr 000 040 Inappropriate power factor on ph B. Check power factor in ph B.
SEr 000 004 Inappropriate power factor on ph C. Check power factor in ph C.
SEr 000 500 Reverse current in ph A. Check direction of flow current in ph A
SEr 000 050 Reverse current in ph B. Check direction of flow current in ph B
SEr 000 005 Reverse current in ph C. Check direction of flow current in ph C
SEr 000 800 High current on ph A. Check current in ph A.
SEr 000 080 High current on ph B. Check current in ph B.
SEr 000 008 High current on ph C. Check current in ph C.

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APPENDIX A. CONNECTION DIAGRAMS OF ALPHA® METERS

10 APPENDIX A. CONNECTION DIAGRAMS OF ALPHA® METERS

3 Phase 3 wire CT Operated meter 3 Phase 4 wire CT Operated meter

3 Phase 3 wire CT and PT Operated meter 3 Phase 4 Wire Direct connected Meter

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Appendix B. ALPHA® Meter Technical Specification

System : 3 Phase 3 Wire CT / PT Operated
3 Phase 4 Wire CT / PT Operated
3 Phase 4 Wire Whole current
System Voltage : 3 x 110V AC (P - P), 3 x 63.5 V (P - N)
3 x 415V AC (P - P), 3 x 240 V (P - N)
Current Rating :
For CT Operated -/1A, -/5A,
For Whole Current 5A, 10A, 20A, 50A
Rated Maximum Current :
For CT Operated -/2A, -/6A, -/10A
For Whole Current 30A, 40A, 60A, 100A
Starting Current : 0.1% or 0.4%
Nominal Frequency : 50 Hz
Accuracy Class : 0.2/ 0.5/ 1.0
Applicable standards : IEC, IS & CBIP 88
Operating range :
Voltage +20% to –30%
Frequency ± 10%
Temperature -40°C to +60°C
Humidity Up to 100% RH (Non-condensing)
Insulation Resistance : >200 Mega Ohms
Impulse Voltage : 6kV / 1.2 / 50 µSeconds
AC Voltage : 2.5 kV RMS @ 50 Hz for 60 seconds
Display parameters : As per Customers requirement.
Demand integration period : Programmable from 1 to 60 minutes
Mechanical details : Refer Appendix – E
Max Weight : 2Kg

ELSTER METERING (P) Ltd.

Service Centre: Regd. & marketing Office:
Unit No. 86 -88, 2nd Floor, Unit No. 11, Paradigm ‘B’,
Bhartiya Shopping Centre Mind Space, Link Road,
Somnath Temple Road, Malad- (W), Mumbai- 400064
Daman, (U.T.) – Pin 396 210 E-Mail: india.marketing@in.elster.com
E-Mail: india.service_support@in.elster.com Tel.: +91- 22 - 6757 9000
Tel.: +91- 260 - 2242680 Fax: +91 – 22 - 2880 8067

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APPENDIX – C

- Electricity Metering, Elster Metering (P) Ltd. INE 900 013 DU