How to choose a prepaid meter?
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1、 Clearly define the core functional requirements
Basic functions
Prepaid mode: supports "payment before use" to avoid disputes over power outages due to overdue payments. Prioritize selecting electricity meters that can be set with minimum balance reminders and overdraft limit restrictions to prevent users from suddenly losing power due to insufficient balance.
Measurement accuracy: Select the accuracy level (such as 1.0 level, 0.5 level) according to the electricity consumption scenario. It is recommended to choose high-precision electricity meters for industrial or commercial scenarios, and basic accuracy can be selected for residential electricity consumption.
Data recording: Supports storage of data such as electricity consumption, remaining amount, and recharge records for easy querying and reconciliation.
Extended features
Remote management: Remote meter reading, recharging, and power outage control are achieved through communication modules such as 4G/LoRa/NB IoT, suitable for centralized property management or decentralized power consumption scenarios (such as rental houses and shops).
Peak valley electricity price: supports pricing by time period, helping users optimize electricity costs (such as charging during low valley periods at night).
Anti electricity theft design: Choose an electricity meter with functions such as lid opening alarm, current reverse detection, and voltage anomaly monitoring to reduce the risk of electricity theft.
2、 Adapt to usage scenarios
residential electricity
Priority should be given to single-phase electricity meters (such as the DDZY series), which support tiered electricity pricing and remote recharging, with a simple and easy to operate interface.
Example: Community property management can choose an electricity meter with APP management function, which is convenient for residents to recharge and check online.
Commercial/Industrial Electricity
A three-phase electricity meter (such as DTZY series) is required, which supports high current loads, multi rate pricing, and has overload protection function.
Example: Factories can choose electric meters with power factor monitoring to optimize reactive power compensation and reduce electricity costs.
special scenario
Temporary electricity usage: Choose a portable prepaid meter that supports quick installation and removal.
Agricultural irrigation: Choose electricity meters with high waterproof and dustproof levels (such as IP65) to adapt to outdoor environments.
3、 Brand and Quality Assurance
certification standard
Prioritize selecting meters that have passed national metrological certification (such as CPA certification) and 3C certification to ensure measurement accuracy and safety.
Industrial scenarios can focus on international certifications (such as IEC standards) to meet export needs.
Brand reputation
Domestic well-known brands: choose prepaid meter factories with mature technology and complete after-sales service.
after-sales service
Confirm that the brand provides long-term technical support, software upgrade services, and a responsive repair network.
4、 Cost and cost-effectiveness
procurement cost
The price of a basic function electric meter is about 100-300 yuan, and the price of an electric meter with remote communication, anti-theft and other functions may double.
Bulk procurement can strive for discounts and reduce single table costs.
Long term costs
Consider the lifespan of the electricity meter (usually 8-10 years), maintenance costs (such as communication module traffic fees), and energy loss (choose a low self consumption electricity meter).
Example: Remote management function can reduce the cost of manual meter reading, making it more economical in the long run.
5、 Installation and compatibility
wiring method
Confirm that the wiring port of the electricity meter matches the existing line (such as direct access type, transformer access type).
Attention should be paid to the adaptation of current transformer ratio and meter range in industrial scenarios.
system compatibility
If it is necessary to connect to the property management system or energy management platform, confirm in advance whether the meter communication protocol (such as Modbus, DL/T645) is compatible.
6、 Recommended Typical Application Scenarios
Rental property management: Choose an electric meter with remote power on/off and SMS reminder functions to facilitate landlord management of tenant electricity usage.
Charging station operation: Choose electric meters that support dynamic electricity prices and QR code recharge to enhance user experience.
Photovoltaic grid connection: Choose bidirectional metering meters to accurately record power generation and consumption, making it easier to apply for subsidies.
Summary and Suggestions
Priority function adaptation: Sort the priority of functions according to scene requirements to avoid excessive pursuit of high-end configurations.
Value brand and after-sales service: choose brands with stable technology and fast service response to reduce risks in the later stage.
Pilot verification: Before large-scale procurement, install a small number of electricity meters to test the actual effect, and then deploy them on a large scale.
By comprehensively evaluating functions, scenarios, brands, and costs, the most suitable prepaid meter can be selected to achieve efficient and safe electricity management.
