Types of Electric Meters

Electric meters measure the amount of electricNumeric Display Meters – The numeric display
current supplied to a shop, house or any othermeters display the reading in a numeric form. The
source including machines. The electricity boardfirst five numbers should be read in these meters
has different terms and conditions for installingstarting from left to right.
various electric meters depending on their usage.Electromechanical Induction Meter or Standard
These meters help in measuring the amount ofMeter – The most commonly used electric
electricity being utilized by various sections ofmeter is electromechanical induction meter or
society, and therefore, should not be tamperedstandard meter that operates by counting the
with.revolutions of an aluminium disc. It measures the
Electricity cannot be stored in large amounts, andelectricity in kilowatt-hours. In this case, the units
hence, needs generators to produce it. The needare charged at the same rate throughout the day.
of generators would be endless if electricity is notThe electric energy being used is directly
used efficiently. Electric meters are designed toproportional to the number of revolutions of the
reduce power consumption during peak hours anddisc. These types of meters are generally used
also control the power supply to differenton single phase AC supply.
consumer sections.Variable Rate Electric Meters – The variable
Electric meters are broadly classified into tworate electric meters give two different types of
categories – electromechanical meters andreadings depending on the day and night time.
electronic meters. Further, they can be of variousThey are also known as ‘economy 7’
types such as numeric display meters, standardmeters, often used by suppliers and industrialists.
meters, variable rate meters, prepaymentUsually, their rate is cheaper at night.
meters, electromechanical meters, etc.