FAQ Meters

Any meter used for billing of electricity, must be either MID approved or approved under UK National legislation.

Meters already installed, that were approved under UK National legislation prior to October 2006 (OFGEM Approved) may remain installed indefinitely, as long as they are measuring accurately.

For OFGEM Approved meters please follow this link:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/schedule-4-uk-nationally-approved-electricity-meters

Any new meter manufactured and approved after October 2006 must be approved under the MID regulations.  The Measuring Instruments Directive (MID) is a European Directive (2004/22/EC) that covers a number of different measuring instrument types, including active electrical energy meters. The MID enables a ‘European Type Approval Certificate’ to be issued and the instrument can then be used in any EU Member State. The aim of the Directive is to create a single market in measuring instruments for the benefit of manufacturers and, ultimately, consumers across Europe.

After October 2016 every new meter installed for billing must be MID approved. It is a criminal offence to use a non-approved meter for billing. MID makes no distinction between primary main supply meters and secondary sub-billing meters. They are ALL billing meters.

​For more information on MID approval, go to:

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/mid-approved-gas-and-electricity-meters

Please view this pdf document: How do I read my Electric Meter

Please view this pdf document: Different Electric Meter Types

Please view this pdf document: What Electricity Meter do you have

Please see this OFGEM Guidance document.

Please read our Electrical Safety Tips

The mains meter is connected to the supply that enters the building and is owned, read and billed by the utility supplier.  A sub-meter is installed after the mains meter and belongs to the owner of the property.

If it is a sub-meter yes. If you are a landlord speak to us, if you are a tenant speak to your landlord.  If it is a mains utility meter you must not do anything with it, you should contact your utility supplier

If it is a sub-meter yes. If you are a landlord speak to us, if you are a tenant speak to your landlord.  If it is a mains utility meter you must not do anything with it, you should contact your utility supplier

If you want to take a meter reading and subsequently bill the end user.

See our New Single Phase or Three Phase Meters and our Reconditioned Single Phase or Three Phase Meters

If you want the end user to pay for the electric before they use it (prepayment)

See our New Prepayment Meters and our Reconditioned Prepayment Meters

Click here if it is a Smiths coin meter
Click here if it is a Ferranti coin meter
Click here if it is the New Digital coin meter

See this document

Please read our document on Reconditioned Card Meters or New RFID Card Meters

These are only supplied to registered owners of the meter. If you need one please contact us. Please click here for instructions on how to use the Meterman Card

These are only supplied to registered owners of the meter. If you need one please contact us. Please click here for instructions on using your Programming Card with an RFID Card Meter.

There is a code embedded in the metallic strip on the card which must match the code of the meter, if not “card error” will come up on the display. Or, if the card is correctly encoded it may have become “corrupted” and lost some of its encoded information. Cards are sensitive to magnetic fields and can be corrupted if exposed to magnetic sources, for this reason should be kept away from mobile phones, microwaves and speakers, etc.

The card meter has an anti-tamper function. If it has been tampered with it will show “loop disconnect”. However, it can also show this message due to component failure. If the meter has been tampered with and shows “loop disconnect” it can be brought back into service with a reset card. Please contact us to resolve this issue.

A reset card resets the meter if it has gone into loop disconnect. It is a single use card and disposed of when used.

Please read our documents:

• How do I register to purchase cards for my Reconditioned Electrocard meter
• How do I register to purchase cards for my New RFID Card Meter

Please click here to see how to wire a single phase meter.

A direct connected meter is where the current carrying cables are connected into the meter terminals and is normally used up to a maximum of 100 amps. A current transformer-operated meter requires current transformers which fit around the cable. This is normally used on loads exceeding 100 amps.

Please click here to see how to wire a direct connect three phase meter.

Please click here to read how to wire a three phase meter with current transformers.

They are used with three phase meters when the current is too large to wire directly to the meter typically 100 amps and above.  They are available as solid core (ring) transformers or as split core transformers

Solid core (moulded case) transformers are generally the cheapest type available and can either have a round aperture for installation onto a cable or a slotted aperture for installation on a bus bar. This type of CT has to be fitted over the end of a cable or bus bar and therefore the circuit needs to be switched off and disconnected in order to complete the installation. A single CT will monitor 1 phase therefore for a 3 phase application, 3 Current Transformers would be required.

Split core current transformers are usually a bit more expensive however by design they split into two parts. This allows installation onto a cable or bus bar without it having to disconnect it. This makes for easier installation in retro fit applications. A single CT will monitor 1 phase therefore for a 3 phase application, 3 Current Transformers would be required.

The current transformers must be fitted and connected in the correct way or the meter will not be accurate. The current transformers are marked on two sides: ‘P1’ and ‘P2’. ‘P1’ must face the mains side and ‘P2’ must face the load side. ‘S1’ must be connected to the main side of the meter and ‘S2’ to the load side. Refer to appropriate wiring diagram of the meter (see question 22) for correct connections

This depends on the ‘VA’ burden of the meter, the cable being used between the current transformer and the meter and the distance the current transformer is from the meter.  It is recommended that the CT’s are sited as close to the meter as possible.

Yes. In all cases the ratio of the current transformer must match the ratio of the fitted meter. For example, a meter with ratio 200/5 amp will require a CT with ratio 200/5 amp.

A CT shorting block is used to enable the meter to be taken out of service at a later date. It is good practice to fit one where a current transformer operated meter is being used. It allows the current transformers to be shorted out when the meter has been removed.

Yes, under no circumstances leave a current transformer open circuit when power is on.

Energy meters that let consumers monitor their energy usage. They will also allow remote reading by utility companies, so no more “I’ve come to read your meter”.  The Government has unveiled plans for every home to have smart meters by the end of 2020.