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Meter test and calibration equipment, from the laboratory to the field.

Test benches, a transportable bench and portable standards to calibrate, verify and accept electricity meters in the laboratory, the workshop and on site, for both IEC and ANSI meters.

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A ten position meter test bench with meters clamped on a rack, flexible optical probes and a control display above each position
Reference standard
Class 0.01 or 0.02 on benches
Test positions
1 to 40 meters at a time
Meter types
IEC and ANSI, single and three phase
Where
Laboratory, workshop and field

The range

Meter testing happens in three places: a laboratory that tests meters in volume, a workshop or depot that needs a bench it can move, and the field, where meters are checked where they are installed. The range is organised by where the testing is done, and every item tests to the accuracy classes set out in the IEC and ANSI standards.

Laboratory Calibration Benches

Fully automatic benches for calibrating and verifying meters in volume. A fixed rack holds 10, 20 or 40 meters at a time, single phase or three phase, static or electromechanical, and tests them against a class 0.01 or class 0.02 reference standard. Used for batch acceptance, calibration and repair testing in meter laboratories and workshops.

Transportable Test Bench

A compact three phase bench with a built in class 0.02 reference standard, light enough to move between laboratories and depots. A universal socket takes ANSI meter forms and IEC meters, so one unit serves utilities that run both, including US configured networks in the Pacific. It works as a complete calibration bench wherever it is set up.

Field Portable Standards

A handheld reference standard for checking meters where they are installed, or on the bench. It measures single phase and three phase, active and reactive energy, connects directly or through current clamps without opening the circuit, and runs from a rechargeable battery.

Reference Standards

Each bench is built around a four quadrant reference standard, class 0.01 or class 0.02, and the portable standard serves as a reference in the field. Reference standards are recalibrated every 365 days, and the accuracy of the whole test chain, not only the standard, is certified by an accredited laboratory.

Accessories, Software and Data

Optical scanning heads, quick connection sockets, current isolation transformers, electronic bypass, error calculators and a handheld terminal with barcode reader complete the system. Control software automates the tests and keeps results in a database that exports to your own systems.

Calibration, Training and Support

Equipment is delivered with operator training, and the manufacturer offers calibration and maintenance services and remote assistance. See single phase, three phase and ANSI meters for the meters this equipment tests.

Specifications

Typical capabilities for the standard equipment, shown for each type. Final configuration is confirmed for each project.

Customised designs available. If your project needs ratings, features, design requirements or arrangements outside the standard range below, we design and manufacture to your requirements and application.

Laboratory Calibration Benches

Multi position benches for calibrating and verifying meters in volume.

Technical dataLaboratory calibration bench
ParameterStandard
Configuration
Test positions10, 20 or 40 meters at a time in a modular rack, other sizes on request
Meter typesSingle phase and three phase (3 and 4 wire), static and electromechanical, active and reactive energy
Meter connectionUniversal quick connection for IEC and BS meters, ANSI S type sockets available
Supply3 x 230/400 V three phase as standard, other supply voltages on request
Reference standard
AccuracyClass 0.01 or 0.02, four quadrant, active, reactive and apparent energy
MethodEnergy comparison against a three phase reference standard
Measuring range30 to 320 V, 1 mA to 120 A, 45 to 65 Hz
Test chainComplete chain of contacts, wiring, error calculators and scanning heads certified by an accredited laboratory
Voltage and current generation
Voltage30 to 320 V per phase, 600 VA per phase, with a 480 V option for ANSI meters on 277/480 V networks, higher powers on request
Current1 mA to 120 A per phase, 1200 VA per phase, 200 A on request
Phase angleAdjustable from minus 180 to plus 180 degrees, 0.01 degree resolution, balanced and unbalanced
Frequency45 to 65 Hz
Stability and distortionOutput stability better than 0.05%, total harmonic distortion under 0.3%
Harmonics2nd to 13th harmonic as an option
Tests
Standard testsPre warming, creep and starting, no load, adjustment and calibration, accuracy and dial (register)
Optional testsHarmonic, and voltage interruption and dip, with tamper tests configurable
Features
Closed link testingIsolation current transformers test meters with the current link closed
BypassElectronic monitored bypass, including hot bypass for prepaid meters that open their circuit
Predictive maintenanceContact impedance monitored for every position before testing
Scanning headsOptical heads for disc marks, LED, LCD and infrared pulses, with automatic adjustment
Error calculatorsTouch screen calculator at each row of positions
Handheld terminalBarcode reader linked wirelessly to the control software
SafetyWarning beacon and two emergency stops
Standards
Test equipmentIEC 62057-1 stationary meter test units, IEC 61010-1 safety
Meters tested toIEC 62052-11, IEC 62053-21, 62053-22 and 62053-23, IEC 62058-11, 62058-21 and 62058-31, EN 50470-3, ANSI C12.1

Transportable Test Bench

A single position bench that moves between laboratories and depots.

Technical dataTransportable test bench
ParameterStandard
Configuration
Test positionOne meter, with a universal three phase socket that opens automatically and detects the meter
Meter typesSingle phase and three phase (3 and 4 wire), static and electromechanical, IEC and ANSI
ANSI formsForms to ANSI C12.20, including 1S, 2S, 9S, 12S, 14S, 16S and 25S
IEC metersBottom and A connection through a socket to bottom adapter
Supply100 to 240 V single phase, 400 VA maximum, so it runs from 120 V or 230 V mains
Reference standard
AccuracyClass 0.02 (0.02% from 50 mA to 120 A), built in
Measuring range30 to 320 V, 1 mA to 120 A, 45 to 65 Hz, four quadrant
Recalibration365 days
Voltage and current generation
Voltage30 to 320 V per phase
Current1 mA to 120 A per phase, 200 A on request
Phase angleAdjustable from minus 180 to plus 180 degrees, 0.005 degree resolution
Stability and distortionOutput stability better than 0.05%, distortion under 0.5%
Harmonics2nd to 13th harmonic, with the superimposed peak limited to 1.4 times the maximum
Pulse inputsKYZ, open collector and TTL, up to 1 MHz
Tests
Standard testsPre warming, starting, no load, precision (accuracy) and dial (register)
Physical
Operating environment0 to 50 °C, up to 75% humidity non condensing
Size and weight570 x 560 x 580 mm (H x W x D), 56 kg
Standards
Test equipmentIEC 62057-1 stationary meter test units
Meters tested toANSI C12.1, C12.10 and C12.20, IEC 62052-11, IEC 62053-21 and 62053-23, IEC 62058-11, 62058-21 and 62058-31, EN 50470-3

Field Portable Standards

A handheld standard for checking meters on site or on the bench.

Technical dataField portable standard
ParameterStandard
Measurement
Meter typesSingle phase (2 or 3 wire) and three phase (3 or 4 wire), active and reactive energy
Accuracy, direct connectionActive energy 0.05% or 0.1% depending on version, reactive energy 0.1%
Accuracy, current clampsActive energy 0.2%, reactive energy 0.5%
Phase angle and power factorPhase angle 0 to 359.999 degrees, better than 0.1 degree, power factor accuracy 0.01
Temperature influenceUnder 10 ppm per °C
Connection and supply
Direct current connection25 mA to 12 A
Current clamps0.5 to 100 A, other clamp ranges from 5 A to 2000 A and Rogowski coils as options
PowerRechargeable lithium ion battery, auxiliary supply 55 to 528 V, or from the measuring circuit
Functions
Measuring modeVoltage, current, active, reactive and apparent power, power factor, phase angle, frequency and phase sequence
AnalysisHarmonics to the 51st, vector diagram and waveform display
Meter testTwo meters at once, automatic or manual, by disc revolutions or pulses, with a scanning head
DataStores 5000 data groups, RS232 and USB output, thermal printer as an option
Display7 inch touch screen with keypad
Physical
Size and weight295 x 193 x 74 mm, 2.5 kg, about 12 kg with accessories and carry case
Supplied withThree 100 A current clamps, direct connection and voltage leads, scanning head, battery charger and carry case

Design and performance

Test equipment built around the accuracy of the complete measurement chain.

Accuracy Across the Whole Test Chain

The accuracy at each meter position depends on the contacts, wiring, error calculators, scanning heads and current transformers as well as the reference standard. Each of these is specified to the same accuracy level, and the complete chain is certified by an accredited laboratory.

Closed Link Testing and Electronic Bypass

Meters are tested with the current link closed, using electronically compensated isolation transformers. Unused positions are bypassed electronically, which needs no maintenance, and prepaid meters that open their circuit are carried by a hot bypass.

Predictive Maintenance

Contact impedance and meter power consumption are monitored at every position before a test starts, so poor contacts and faulty meters show up in advance and results can be compared with set tolerances.

IEC and ANSI on One Platform

Quick connection systems take IEC meters and ANSI forms, and hybrid arrangements are available, so a utility with both meter types can test them with one team and one system.

Automated Testing and Records

Test sequences, tolerances, register tests and batch acceptance run automatically, with results held in a database, exported to your systems, and printed as customised reports. Access levels control who can change test settings.

Built to Last

Benches are protected by alarms that switch off the amplifiers to prevent injury and damage, and many of the manufacturer's benches have been in service for more than 25 years.

Applications

Delstar supplies this equipment for:

01

Batch Acceptance Testing

Laboratory benches verify new meter deliveries 20 or 40 at a time against the acceptance requirements of the order.

02

Utility and Provider Laboratories

Calibration and verification of the meters in your network, with traceable records.

03

Repair and Refurbishment

Test and adjust meters returned from the network before they go back into service.

04

Workshops and Depots

A transportable bench moves between depots and regional laboratories as a complete calibration bench.

05

In Service Accuracy Checks

A portable standard checks installed meters on site, through current clamps without interrupting supply.

06

Island and Remote Utilities

A portable standard and a transportable bench give utilities without a full laboratory a way to test their own meters.

Sourcing and quality assurance

Our test equipment comes from a specialist European manufacturer with more than 30 years designing calibration and test systems for electricity, gas, water and heat meters. Its customers include meter factories, utilities, repair centres and legal metrology laboratories, and it is ISO 9001 certified. Benches are certified for their complete test chain by an accredited laboratory, with traceability to national standards. Delstar checks each order against your specification and delivers across New Zealand, Australia and the Pacific.

Lifecycle support

  • Specification and selection: we help match the number of positions, accuracy, meter types and IEC or ANSI connections to your meter population and testing volume.
  • Training and support: operator training with the equipment, remote assistance from the manufacturer, and ongoing support through our asset management service.
  • Calibration and maintenance: reference standards are recalibrated every 365 days, and the manufacturer offers calibration and maintenance services.

Talk to our team

Plan your meter testing.

Tell us the meter types, how many you test, whether testing is in a laboratory, a workshop or on site, and the accuracy you need. We will recommend the right equipment.

Make an enquiry