COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course is designed to present an overview of kilowatt-hour meters and meter operation. Although the program is intended to be introductory, several devices, procedures, and concepts presented assume a familiarity with basic electrical theory and distribution systems. Students without this prior training may require additional explanation or instruction.

COURSE GOALS

• Describe the basic design and operation of a modern electro-mechanical watt-hour meter.
• Identify the types of information found on a watt-hour meter nameplate, and describe what the information signifies.
• Describe single-phase and three-phase meter applications and connections.
• Identify typical signs of meter tampering.

SUBJECTS & OBJECTIVES

Basic Concepts of Metering

• Identify several early types of electro-mechanical watt-hour meters.
• Identify the basic parts of a modern eletro-mechanical watt-hour meter.
• Describe the operating principles of a modern electro-mechanical watt-hour meter.

Self-Contained Meter Application

• Explain the difference between self-contained meters and transformer-rated meters.
• List and explain some of the information typically found on meter nameplates.
• Identify the characteristics of a typical three-phase delta service and a typical three-phase wye service.

Transformer-Rated Meter Application

• Explain how an instrument transformer is connected to a transformer-rated meter.
• Identify the two main classifications of instrument transformers.
• State the function of a test switch.

Meter Testing

• Describe the basic steps for conducting a comparison test on a single-phase watt-hour meter.
• Explain the function of a standard.
• Describe how a standard is used to conduct accuracy tests.

Meterman Responsibilities

• Identify meterman responsibilities as they relate to several forms of power “theft”.