Energy resources are necessary for the normal functioning of people. To account for electricity consumption, special devices are used - meters. They help representatives of companies supplying electricity to find out how much energy the tenants of the apartment have spent and how much they have to pay. The modern electric meter Mercury is distinguished by high accuracy of indications of consumed electricity.
How to choose an electricity meter
There are many devices on the market that record data on the consumption of electrical energy. It will be difficult for an inexperienced user to understand all the characteristics and choose the best device. First of all, you need to pay attention to the following criteria:
- For what current the meter will be used - AC or DC.
- Single rate or multi rate.
- The data output method is electronic or mechanical.
- Which network will be connected - single-phase or three-phase.
Then the model is selected according to such parameters as load, operating current, cost, service life. You can find the best home device among Mercury products.
Description of electricity meters Mercury
Mercury meters are manufactured by the Russian company Incotex. The devices are available in various modifications that differ in their technical characteristics. The design of all models is the same. Outwardly, the counter looks like a rectangular plastic case with an LCD screen. Mercury is screwless, therefore, the possibility of unauthorized hacking of the metering device is excluded.
The standard equipment includes the electricity meter itself, a passport and operating instructions. The device must have a hologram sticker, by which you can determine that the device is original.
On the front side there is a display with which readings are read. Nearby there is a plate with the technical characteristics of the appliance. The bottom panel is removable and is used to protect the contacts. The connection is made with a screw connection. There is a sticker with a connection diagram on the rear panel.
The electric meter has compact dimensions 105 x 105 x 65 mm. Its weight is approximately 250-350 grams. It is mounted on a DIN rail without the use of additional fixing devices.
Basic requirements for the meter
When buying an electric meter Mercury, you should make sure that it meets the following criteria:
- Accuracy class first or second. The error should be 1-2%, no more.
- The date of issue and inspection must be indicated on the meter. These data must match those recorded in the passport.
- The presence of an identification number by which you can find the meter in the State Register. The number on the case must necessarily match the one written in the passport and warranty card.
- There is a protective hologram.
- The warranty seal must not be damaged or torn off.
Only after verifying compliance with all these factors can the purchase be made.
Basic and additional characteristics
Specifications differ in each modification.For them, parameters such as maximum permissible load, operating voltage, operating current, indication method and gear ratio are different.
Additional characteristics include:
- Operating temperature range. Average values are from -20 to +55. On some modifications, the minimum temperature is -40 - usually on devices with drums, which display the energy consumption. At temperatures below -20 degrees, the clarity of the image on the liquid crystal monitor is lost.
- Operating conditions of the device.
- The term of the warranty service. The average is 36 months.
- Life time. Counters have been in service for 30 years.
- Calibration interval. When buying, you need to make sure that the electricity meter has been tested after release. Then inspections are carried out by the inspector. The term for checking the Mercury 201 electricity meter is once every 15 years.
In some models, it is possible to install not an LCD screen, but a mechanical counting unit. There are also PLC models for recording all device changes.
Benefits of Mercury counters
The electric meter Mercury 201 is popular due to a number of advantages:
- low cost - the minimum price is 600 rubles;
- specifications;
- high accuracy of electricity measurements;
- protection against theft of energy, implemented using polarity reversal: when the phase and zero are reversed, the device will also read the consumed electricity with high accuracy;
- compact size;
- ease of installation without the use of additional clamps;
- ease of use;
- burglary protection;
- sealed mechanism.
It is also worth noting the long service life of the device. With proper operation, the electricity meter will work for at least 30 years.
How to take readings
It is not difficult to get the value of the consumed electricity. At the beginning of each month, a whole number is recorded as indicated on the electricity meter. At the end of the billing period, the next number is written in the same way. The initial reading is subtracted from the final reading and multiplied by the tariff. As a result, the resulting value will be equal to the amount that needs to be paid for energy.
Varieties of models
The Mercury 201 counter is presented in several modifications. They differ in limiting and normal currents, value display panels and gear ratio. Specifications:
- 201.1 has a working current of 5 A, the maximum one is 60 A. The data is output mechanically.
- 201.2 has the same characteristics as 201.1, but the data is displayed on the LCD panel.
- 201.22 is similar to 201.2, it differs only in power indicators.
- 201.3 operating current 10 A, maximum 80 A. The data is read out electromechanically.
- 201.4 is the same as 201.3, but the consumed energy is displayed on the LCD screen.
- 201.5 normal current 5 A, limit 60 A. Mechanical indication. It differs in the gear ratio - 3200 imp./ kWh instead of 6400 imp./ kWh.
- 201.6 is similar to 201.5, but differs in operating current of 10 A and maximum allowable current of 80 A.
Connecting a single-phase meter
You can install the counter yourself without calling the wizard. This is a fairly simple procedure - there is a connection diagram on the device itself, it is only important to connect the wires correctly.
The Mercury 201 meter has the following contacts:
- two contacts for connecting a phase - for input and output;
- terminal for connecting zero;
- terminal for outputting zero to the load.
All wires must be connected in the sequence indicated on the body. The scheme of the Mercury 201 counter is the same as that of other modifications. It is important to de-energize the apartment before starting installation. Working under voltage is prohibited.
The first step is to remove the protective cover.On the second, you need to loosen the clamps, strip the insulation on each wire and go to the connection. The phases are switched on first, then the neutral conductors. Then you need to tighten the screws securely. The last step is to tighten the lid. When properly assembled, a red indicator LED should light up next to the screen. If it does not light up, call an electrician.
