We aced with the electricity bill, sometimes surprised by consumption that we did not expect so high or unexpected adjustments. To avoid being caught unprepared by the bi-monthly electricity bill, in addition to taking measures to save on lighting and the use of appliances, you can also start paying attention to an ally that we sometimes snub: How to read the electricity meter: a short practical guide.
This device often relegates to a utility company comparison role to record consumption or a tool to restart the home system if the power fails. The light meteorite uses to measure the flow of electricity we use. Still, it can also provide us with valuable information regarding the quantity consumed and the time slots of use, and our habits.
It also allows us to become aware of our consumption, thanks to the opportunity to monitor it and communicate it in advance with self-reading if remote reading is not implemented (automatic data transmission to the electricity supplier).
Types of light meters, how they work and how they read the electricity meter: a short guide
Since 2001, the electronic meter has begun to replace the obsolete mechanical meter, bringing the advantage, in most cases, of transmitting consumption data directly to the control unit via remote reading, without a person in charge having to go to the site physically.
How to read the electricity meter: a short practical guide. Previously, only electromechanical meters were used, the first installed, thanks to a metal disc moved by the current at speed proportional to the power used. Each revolution made by the disc corresponds to a certain amount of electricity consumed. Less and less frequent, this type of meter cannot measure the energy for single bands or per hour. But allows a close reading detected by observing the numerator in the center of the dial.
The new electronic meter has been designed to offer many advantages. First of all, the remote management system provides the possibility to perform many operations remotely, such as the activation of the meter or the increase of the power used. Simply by starting the command from a control unit.
It also allows the user to carry out some operations that were not possible before, such as distinguishing consumption by time bands and checking the power absorbed by the various electrical devices in the house in real-time. The electronic counter, in fact, automatically records and updates the KW withdrawn every two minutes. Given all these features, reading information is a little more complex but no less immediate. Let’s see in detail how to do it.
What the electronic counter looks like and how to take the reading
The electronic counter is equipped with a liquid crystal display on which consumer-related data, the time bands, and any operating errors appear. In the lower-left corner of the show, there is always the L1 symbol which indicates the correct functioning of the meter.
How to read the electricity meter: a short practical guide
The button to press to view the information is located on the right of the display. And each press will cause different data to appear in sequence. On the left are the consumption indicators, two small red indicator lights (flashing lights indicate a current consumption of electricity fixed suggest that there is no consumption at that moment).
Finally, under the display, the primary switch uses to reactivate or interrupt the electricity supply in your system. We must operate the switch when the meter trips if we exceed the available power and the current fails. To carry out the reading, press the appropriate button. And the data will appear on display one after the other, at each subsequent pressure.
Here is the data that will display in sequence:
- Customer number (sometimes code or customer identification) which identifies the electricity supply contract.
- Tariff Applied based on the contractual rate: with the acronym T3, the fixed-rate contract is identified, while T2 and T3, on the other hand, in the hours divided at higher and lower cost define a two-tier contract (some meters do not show this data).
- Time band in progress at the time of reading indicated with the abbreviations F1, F2, F3.
- Instant power absorbed in kW: indicates the maximum absorbed value in kW. It is valuable information to check how much energy our electrical devices and household appliances consume in terms of power. By turning them all off and turning on only one at a time, we can discover how much each absorbs. This data, in fact, regardless of the time slot, update every two minutes.
- Consumption of active electricity for the current billing period. It expresses in kWh and indicates with A1, A2, A3, respectively, at the time bands F1, F2, and F3.
- Maximum power absorbed P1, P2, and P3 respectively in the F1, F2, and F3 time bands.
- Energy consumption A1, A2, A3, and maximum absorbed power P1, P2, P3, again broken down by time bands, relating to the previous billing period.
- Date and time of the time of viewing.
The electronic meter allows us to ascertain and monitor consumption and know the amount of energy consumed thanks to these features.
The new second-generation electricity meters
The first generation electronic meters, those that since 2001 have progressively replaced. The electromechanical ones and whose functions we have just explained. In many cases has already been in circulation for more than fifteen years. The maximum longevity expects for these devices, according to current legislation. From the beginning of 2017, it was possible to start providing for their progressive replacement.
Therefore, the near future will see the spread of second-generation smart meters known as bright 2.0 or 2G, which will be even more performing from the point of view of the information provided to the user. The new devices for monitoring energy flow will allow it to access daily information relating to consumption via the web, viewing the data on various devices, from the computer to the smartphone.
Supplier Changes and Transfers
How to read the electricity meter: a short practical guide. Furthermore, the new meters will definitively mark the end of bills with estimated consumption and consequent adjustments. And allow even faster and more efficient supplier changes and transfers. The energy seller will be able to establish new multi-hour price ranges. Up to six per day, which are more easily customizable according to the real needs of users.
In this way, a wider choice will offer the consumer. There will be more significant involvement in the control of spending translating into adequate savings in the ad.
The benefits brought by second-generation electronic meters will therefore express a higher quality of service. And a more active role on the part of the final customer in the choices regarding their consumption.
Also, read: what do butterflies eat.
