Chapter 15

Verifying accuracy

All meters are tested and verified at the factory in accordance with International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standards.

Your digital power meter does not require re-calibration. However, in some installations a final accuracy verification of the meters is required, especially if the meters will be used for revenue or billing applications.

Testing overview

The most common method for testing meter accuracy is to apply test voltages and currents from a stable power source and compare the meter’s readings with readings from a reference device or energy standard.

Accuracy test requirements

Signal and power source

The meter maintains its accuracy during voltage and current signal source variations but its energy pulsing output needs a stable test signal to help produce accurate test pulses. The meter’s energy pulsing mechanism needs approximately 10 seconds to stabilize after every source adjustment.

The meter must be connected to control power in order to conduct accuracy verification testing. Refer to your meter’s installation documentation for power supply specifications.

DANGER

HAZARD OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, EXPLOSION OR ARC FLASH

Verify the device’s power source meets the specifications for your device’s power supply.

Failure to follow these instructions will result in death or serious injury.

Control equipment

Control equipment is required for counting and timing the pulse outputs from the alarm / energy pulsing LED or the digital outputs.

Most standard test benches have an arm equipped with optical sensors to detect LED pulses (the photodiode circuitry converts detected light into a voltage signal).

The reference device or energy standard typically has digital inputs that can detect and count pulses coming from an external source (i.e., the meter’s digital output).

NOTE: The optical sensors on the test bench can be disrupted by strong sources of ambient light (such as camera flashes, florescent tubes, sunlight reflections, floodlights, etc). This can cause test errors. Use a hood, if necessary, to block out ambient light.

Environment

The meter should be tested at the same temperature as the testing equipment. The ideal temperature is about 23 °C (73 °F). Make sure the meter is warmed up sufficiently before testing.

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Schneider Electric HRB1684301-01 user manual Chapter Verifying accuracy, Testing overview, Accuracy test requirements