5 common problems in digital meters

Old analog meters are being rapidly replaced by digital multifunction meters around India. Digital multifunction meters bring total accuracy to power measurement and help ensure better power quality. At a time when many Indian states are shifting to KvAh billing, digital multifunction meters are helping customers control their power factor and reduce their energy bills.

For accurate measurement of energy and power quality parameters, the multifunction meter should deliver consistent performance. However, factors such as meter design, wrong electrical connections, harsh operating conditions, etc can result in certain problems. If the consumer is aware of what their problems are, they can take steps to avoid these issues or contact the manufacturer in time to prevent major losses.

5 common problems in digital multifunction meters

1. Issue
   The meter does not display anything on the screen when it is powered on

   Why it occurs

   The auxiliary power supply is not provided to the digital multifunction meter

   Solution

   Check the auxiliary power terminal connection given to the meter. Examine the fuse of the auxiliary for any possible damage. Check whether there is a corresponding working voltage on the auxiliary power terminal with a multimeter.

2. Issue

   The digital multifunction meter displays random numbers

   Why this occurs

   Display of a random code means your meter has been tampered with.

   Solution

   Give the multifunction meter a sort of restart by turning off the auxiliary power supply and then turning it back on after a few seconds.

3. Issue

   The multifunction meter‘s energy measurement is inaccurate

   Why it occurs

   This may occur because of the wrong phase sequence of voltage and current, faulty meter design, and fluctuations in voltage.

   Solution

   Examine the phae sequence of voltage and current. Ensure that the transformer ratio set by the meter is consistent with the current transformer. Check whether the incoming and outgoing wires of the corresponding phase current are reversed.

4. Issue

   The meter does not send any data to the computer system

   Why it occurs

   Wrong communication settings

   Solution

   Ensure that communication settings of the digital multifunction meter are in line with those of the central computer. For this, examine elements such as slave address, baud rate, calibration mode. Try modifying or exchanging the addresses of abnormal and normal meters. This could help eliminate or confirm the fault.

   If multiple devices in the metering network are failing to send data, examine the field communication bus connection and check the RS483 converter for accuracy.

5. Issue

   The data sent by the meter appears to be inaccurate

   Why this occurs

   This could happen if the user is not familiar with the data storage format.

   Solution

   Acquaint yourself with the data communication and storage format of the multifunction meter. Newtek multifunction meters come with a proprietary software to help you accurately measure power. Familiarize yourself with the description of data storage address and storage format in the communication address table, and make sure to convert according to the corresponding data format. Additionally, get your communication lines tested.