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E-23 (rev. 1) Verification of Electronic Electricity Meters containing a Test Mode Function

Date: 2002-07-11
Bulletin: E-23 revision 1
Category: Electricity

PDF Format, 11 KB

Reference Document(s): PS-E-07 Provisional Specifications for the Approval of Type of Electricity Meters - Requirements for Test Mode; Electricity and Gas Inspection Procedures, Class 3 Electronic, section 8.7

1.0 Scope

This bulletin applies to electronic electricity meters which contain a test mode function that are submitted for approval or have been approved by Measurement Canada.

2.0 Purpose

The intent of this bulletin is to provide a revised policy for testing the energy and demand functions, and registers of electronic meters which contain a test mode function.

3.0 Background

Electronic meters are generally designed with multiple modes of operation such as, normal, alternate and test mode. The normal mode is the display mode used by the meter while in service. The alternate and test modes are the display modes which can be activated by the user through a switch or other means. The test mode is used for meter testing and is designed to increase resolution of the energy register and/or reduce the time required to test the demand function.

The present policy contained in the Electricity and Gas Inspection Procedures Manual for the verification of the electronic energy and demand functions approved for revenue metering requires all the specified demand tests be performed using the test mode feature, with one final test performed in normal mode. The normal mode test is performed to verify the accuracy of the demand measurement and energy registration of the meter when in the normal operating mode.

Following a review of this policy in consultation with the electricity industry, Measurement Canada has determined that increased evaluation of the test mode at the approval stage could be done to confirm the performance of the test mode function and eligibility for use in meter verification. Consequently, Measurement Canada has decided to remove the normal mode test requirement for meters which have a test mode approved for verification purposes.

4.0 Terminology

For the purposes of this bulletin, the following terminology shall apply:

Display. A device or other means used to visually present the value of a measured quantity and other relevant information. It may take the form of an integral part of a meter, a separate display module, or a computer monitor.

Register. A specific location in the meter where the value of a measured quantity is recorded.

Register test. The performance test which compares the quantity measured by a certified reference standard against the quantity accumulated and stored in a memory location used in the normal mode of operation.

Verification. All the operations carried out by an inspector or accredited meter verifier having the object of ascertaining and confirming that a meter entirely satisfies specified requirements. Verification includes both inspection and the application of the verification mark. Any reference to verification applies to both the verification and reverification of meters, whether by 100% inspection or through the use of statistical sampling methods authorized by Measurement Canada.

5. Policy on the Approval of Test Mode

5.1 Electronic electricity meters containing a test mode shall be evaluated for approval to use the test mode for meter verification. Evaluation shall include an assessment of the meter design to confirm which approved measurement functions can be tested using the test mode.

5.2 Where the test mode is found to comply with the specifications for test mode contained in PS-E-07, the Notice of Approval shall clearly indicate one of the following as applicable:

(a) the test mode is approved for the purpose of verifying the performance and accuracy of energy measurement functions which have been approved as legal units of measurement in this notice of approval.

(b) the test mode is approved for the purpose of verifying the performance and accuracy of demand measurement functions which have been approved as legal units of measurement in this notice of approval.

(c) the test mode is approved for the purpose of verifying the performance and accuracy of energy and demand measurement functions which have been approved as legal units of measurement in this notice of approval.