ANSI C12.

1-2014

American National Standard for Electric Meters—

Code for Electricity Metering

Secretariat:

National Electrical Manufacturers Association

Approved: February 1, 2016

American National Standards Institute, Inc.

ANSI C12.1-2014
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NOTICE AND DISCLAIMER

The information in this publication was considered technically sound by the consensus of persons
engaged in the development and approval of the document at the time it was developed. Consensus
does not necessarily mean that there is unanimous agreement among every person participating in the
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ANSI standards and guideline publications, of which the document contained herein is one, are
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 ANSI C12.1-2014
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Approval of an American National Standard requires verification by

AMERICAN The American National Standards Institute, Inc. (ANSI) that the
NATIONAL requirements for due process, consensus, and other criteria for
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STANDARD National Standard implies a consensus of those substantially
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FOREWORD (This foreword is not part of American National Standard C12.1-2014)

This version of C12.1 has been modified in several areas in an effort to respond to a changing industry
and to improve the clarity of some of the tests. This standard continues to form the basic requirement for
all kilowatt-hour metering devices—both electronic and electromechanical. Another standard in this
series, ANSI C12.20, provides different test tolerances and a few different tests that are required for
higher accuracy meters that adhere to Blondel’s theorem. To offer an option for non-Blondel meter forms,
tolerance specifications for 0.5% accuracy class meters have been added to this standard.

Most other specifications have been retained from the previous edition. Changes to the temperature rise
test were made to make testing consistent with the tests in the meter socket standard, ANSI C12.7.
Section 5, Standards for New and In-Service Performance, and Appendix D were extensively updated to
reflect current practices. For several of the tests, specific details for successful tolerance criteria have
been modified, and test requirements for bidirectional metering have been added. Some definitions were
also added and references to external documents were updated.

The Secretariat of the Accredited Standards Committee on Electricity Metering, C12, is held by the National
Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) and the National Institute of Standards and Technology. At the
time this standard was processed and approved, the C12 Committee had the following members:

Tom Nelson, Chairman

Paul Orr, Secretary

Organization Represented Name of Representative

Alabama Power Co. Derl Rhoades
Ameren Services James West
Baltimore Gas and Electric Co. Jim Thurber
Central Hudson Gas & Electric Brett Arteta
Consumers Energy David Jirikovic
DTE Energy Kostas Tolios
Duke Energy Tim Morgan
Elevate Energy Lawrence Kotewa
Elster Solutions, LLC Scott Weikel
EnerNex LLC Aaron Snyder
Florida Power and Light Co. Jim DeMars
Future DOS R&D Inc. Avygdor Moise
General Electric, Energy Curt Crittenden
Itron, Inc. Brent Cain
Landis+Gyr, Inc John Voisine
MET Laboratories, Inc. Jim Reed
Milbank Manufacturing Co. Shawn Glasgow
National Institute of Standards And Technology Tom Nelson
Northeast Utilities Gordon Belcher
Oncor Electric Delivery Brad Johnson
Pacific Gas and Electric Co D. Young Nguyen
Power Measurements William Hardy
Public Service Electric & Gas David Ellis
Radian Research, Inc Shannon Edwards
SAIC David Scott
Schweitzer Engineering Labs Travis Mooney
Sensus Metering Kenny O’Dell
Silver Spring Networks Kam Oza
Technology for Energy Corp. Steve Hudson
TESCO Tom Lawton

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Trilliant Networks Michel Veillette

Tucker Engineering Richard Tucker
Underwriters Laboratory , LLC Scott Hunter
Watthour Engineering Lea Wren
Xcel Energy Dan Nordell

The following members of the C12.1 Committee were actively involved in the revision of this standard:

S. Weikel, Past-Chairman
G. Belcher, Chairman

M. Anderson K. Dimpfl T. Lawton J. Reed

L. Barto S. Edwards H. Millican W. Rose
G. Belcher D. Gunderson T. Mooney A. Snyder
S. Bleier W. Hardy T. Morgan F. Solomon
F. Boudreau M. Hoffman T. Nelson D. Tucker
B. Cain S. Hunter D. Nguyen J. Voisine
C. Crittenden D. Jirikovic D. Nordell S. Weikel
W. Cross B. Johnson K. O’Dell J. West
J. DeMars L. Kotewa A. Rashid L. Wren

In addition, the Editorial Committee for the current Revision of C12.1 includes the following:

William Hardy
Gordon Belcher
Curt Crittenden
Frank Boudreau
Scott Weikel

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CONTENTS

Section 1 SCOPE AND REFERENCES ............................................................................................. 1

1.1 Scope .................................................................................................................................. 1
1.2 References .......................................................................................................................... 1

Section 2 DEFINITIONS ..................................................................................................................... 3

Section 3 STANDARDS AND STANDARDIZING EQUIPMENT ..................................................... 12

3.1 General ............................................................................................................................. 12
3.2 Traceability paths to the International System of Units, SI ............................................... 12
3.2.1 Direct transfer....................................................................................................... 12
3.2.1.2 Independent laboratory ........................................................................... 12
3.2.1.3 Meter laboratory transport standard comparison to a NMI ..................... 12
3.2.1.4 Indirect transfer ....................................................................................... 12
3.3 Meter laboratory ................................................................................................................ 12
3.3.1 Laboratory conditions ........................................................................................... 12
3.3.2 Reference temperature and humidity................................................................... 13
3.3.3 Laboratory power sources ................................................................................... 13
3.4 Meter shop ........................................................................................................................ 13
3.5 Laboratory standards ........................................................................................................ 13
3.5.1 Basic reference standards ................................................................................... 13
3.5.2 Transport standards ............................................................................................. 13
3.6 Periodic verification of reference standards ...................................................................... 13
3.7 Portable/field/working standard watthour meters .............................................................. 13
3.8 Performance records......................................................................................................... 13
3.9 Performance requirements for standard watthour meters ................................................ 14
3.9.1 General test conditions ........................................................................................ 14
3.9.1.1 Test voltage............................................................................................. 14
3.9.1.2 Test current ............................................................................................. 14
3.9.1.3 Test phase angle .................................................................................... 14
3.9.1.4 Test frequency ........................................................................................ 14
3.9.1.5 Waveform distortion ................................................................................ 14
3.9.1.6 Ambient temperature .............................................................................. 14
3.9.1.7 External magnetic field ............................................................................ 14
3.9.2 Accuracy tests for portable and reference standards .......................................... 15
3.9.2.1 Insulation ................................................................................................. 15
3.9.2.2 Accuracy specification for the effect of variation of voltage and
current ................................................................................................... 15

Section 4 ACCEPTABLE PERFORMANCE OF NEW TYPES OF ELECTRICITY METERS

AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT ................................................................................... 16
4.1 General ............................................................................................................................. 16
4.1.1 Acceptable meters ............................................................................................... 16
4.1.2 Adequacy of testing laboratory ............................................................................ 16
4.1.3 Retesting of new meter type ................................................................................ 16
4.1.4 Test documentation ............................................................................................. 16
4.1.5 Test device ........................................................................................................... 16

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4.1.6 Tests performed in series .................................................................................... 16

4.1.7 Handling of failed device ...................................................................................... 16
4.1.8 Restart testing ...................................................................................................... 16
4.1.9 Reporting of test meters ....................................................................................... 16
4.2 Types of meters ................................................................................................................ 17
4.2.1 Basic type ............................................................................................................. 17
4.2.2 Variations within the basic type............................................................................ 17
4.2.3 Type designation .................................................................................................. 17
4.2.4 Acceptance of basic types in whole or part ......................................................... 17
4.2.5 Minor variations .................................................................................................... 17
4.2.6 Special types ........................................................................................................ 17
4.3 Specifications for design and construction ....................................................................... 17
4.3.1 Sealing 17
4.3.2 Enclosures ........................................................................................................... 17
4.3.3 Terminals and markings ....................................................................................... 17
4.3.4 Construction and workmanship............................................................................ 18
4.3.5 Provision for adjustment ...................................................................................... 18
4.4 Selection of meters for approval tests............................................................................... 18
4.4.1 Samples to be representative of the basic type ................................................... 18
4.4.2 Number to be tested ............................................................................................ 18
4.5 Conditions of test .............................................................................................................. 18
4.5.1 Tests to be applied ............................................................................................... 18
4.5.2 Configuration ........................................................................................................ 18
4.5.3 Meters for special services .................................................................................. 18
4.5.4 Meters of non-standard classes ........................................................................... 18
4.5.5 Meters with wide-voltage range ........................................................................... 19
4.6 Rules governing the acceptance of types ......................................................................... 19
4.6.1 Tolerances ........................................................................................................... 19
4.6.2 Determination of failure and rejection .................................................................. 19
4.6.2.1 Failure 19
4.6.2.2 Meter type certification rejection criteria ................................................. 19
4.7 Performance requirements ............................................................................................... 20
4.7.1 Test conditions ..................................................................................................... 20
4.7.2 Accuracy Tests—Internal influences.................................................................... 22
4.7.2.1 Test No. 1: No load ................................................................................. 22
4.7.2.2 Test No. 2: Starting load ......................................................................... 22
4.7.2.3 Test No. 3: Load performance ................................................................ 22
4.7.2.4 Test No. 4: Effect of variation of power factor......................................... 23
4.7.2.5 Test No. 5: Effect of variation of voltage on the meter ........................... 27
4.7.2.6 Test No. 6: Effect of variation of frequency............................................. 28
4.7.2.7 Test No. 7: Equality of current circuits .................................................... 28
4.7.2.7.1 Single-element meters: Equality of current circuits in the three-
wire element ............................................................................................ 28
4.7.2.7.2 Multi-element meter: Equality of current circuits in the three-
wire element ............................................................................................ 29
4.7.2.7.3 Multi-element meter: Equality of current circuits between
elements.................................................................................................. 30
4.7.2.8 Test No. 8: Meter losses ........................................................................ 30
4.7.2.9 Test No. 9: Temperature rise .................................................................. 31
4.7.2.9.1 Test on class 10, 20, 100, 200, and 320 meters .................................. 32
4.7.2.10 Test No. 10: Effect of register friction .................................................... 36
4.7.2.11 Test No. 11: Effect of internal heating ................................................... 36
4.7.2.12 Test No. 12: Effect of tilt......................................................................... 37
4.7.2.13 Test No. 13: Stability of performance .................................................... 37
4.7.2.14 Test No. 14: Independence of elements ................................................ 37

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4.7.3 Accuracy tests—external influences performance verification ............................ 41

4.7.3.1 Test No. 15: Insulation ............................................................................ 41
4.7.3.2 Test No. 16: Voltage interruptions test ................................................... 41
4.7.3.3 Test No. 17: Effect of high voltage line surges ....................................... 41
4.7.3.4 Test No. 18: Effect of external magnetic field ......................................... 42
4.7.3.5 Test No. 19: Effect of variation of ambient temperature ......................... 43
4.7.3.6 Test No. 20: Effect of temporary overloads ............................................ 45
4.7.3.7 Test No. 21: Effect of current surge in ground conductor ....................... 46
4.7.3.8 Test No. 22: Effect of superimposed signals .......................................... 46
4.7.3.9 Test No. 23: Effect of voltage variation-secondary time base ................ 46
4.7.3.10 Test No. 24: Effect of variation of ambient temperature-
secondary time base ............................................................................... 46
4.7.3.11 Test No. 25: Effect of electrical fast transient/burst test ...................... 47
4.7.3.11a Test No. 25a: Effect of electrical oscillatory SWC test ........................ 48
4.7.3.12 Test No. 26: Effect of radio frequency interference ............................. 49
4.7.3.13 Test No. 27: Radio frequency conducted and radiated
emission test ........................................................................................... 50
4.7.3.14 Test No. 28: Effect of electrostatic discharge (ESD) ............................ 54
4.7.3.15 Test No. 29: Effect of storage temperature........................................... 55
4.7.3.16 Test No. 30: Effect of operating temperature ....................................... 55
4.7.3.17 Test No. 31: Effect of relative humidity ................................................. 56
4.7.3.18 Test No. 32: Mechanical shock ............................................................. 56
4.7.3.19 Test No. 33: Transportation drop .......................................................... 56
4.7.3.20 Test No. 34: Mechanical vibration ........................................................ 57
4.7.3.21 Test No. 35: Transportation vibration ................................................... 57
4.7.3.22 Test No. 36: Weather simulation test .................................................... 57
4.7.3.23 Test No. 37: Salt-spray test .................................................................. 58
4.7.3.24 Test No. 38: Rain tightness .................................................................. 58

Section 5 STANDARDS FOR NEW AND IN-SERVICE PERFORMANCE ..................................... 59

5.0 General principles ............................................................................................................. 59
5.0.1 Purpose ................................................................................................................ 59
5.0.1.1 New metering devices ............................................................................. 59
5.0.1.2 In-service metering devices .................................................................... 59
5.0.2 Tests .................................................................................................................... 59
5.0.2.1 As-found tests ......................................................................................... 59
5.0.2.2 As-left tests ............................................................................................. 59
5.0.2.3 Metering devices removed from service ................................................. 59
5.0.2.4 Metering devices returned to service ...................................................... 60
5.0.3 Performance Tests ............................................................................................... 60
5.0.3.1 Objectives ............................................................................................... 60
5.0.3.2 New metering device acceptance testing ............................................... 60
5.0.3.3 In-service metering devices .................................................................... 60
5.0.3.4 Test plans ............................................................................................... 60
5.0.3.4.1 Periodic interval plan ............................................................................. 60
5.0.3.4.2 Variable-interval plan ............................................................................ 61
5.0.3.4.3 Statistical sampling plan ....................................................................... 61
5.0.3.4.4 Corrective action for any metering device or group of metering
devices failing to meet performance criteria ........................................................ 61
5.0.3.5 Test records ............................................................................................ 61
5.1 Watthour meters................................................................................................................ 62
5.1.1 Accuracy requirements ........................................................................................ 62

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5.1.1.1 Test loads ................................................................................................. 62

5.1.1.2 Acceptable performance ......................................................................... 62
5.1.1.3 Adjustment limits ..................................................................................... 62
5.1.1.4 Acceptable performance for electronic registers .................................... 62
5.1.2 Tests .................................................................................................................... 62
5.1.2.1 New meters and As-found tests .............................................................. 62
5.1.2.2 As-left tests ............................................................................................. 62
5.1.2.3 Meters returned to service ...................................................................... 62
5.1.3 Test plans ............................................................................................................. 63
5.1.3.1 Periodic interval plan ............................................................................... 63
5.1.3.2 Performance monitoring of new types of meters .................................... 63
5.1.4 Determination of average percentage registration............................................... 63
5.1.4.1 Method 1 ................................................................................................. 63
5.1.4.2 Method 2 ................................................................................................. 63
5.1.4.3 Method 3 ................................................................................................. 63
5.1.4.4 Method 4 ................................................................................................. 63
5.2 Instrument transformers, magnetic (external to meter)..................................................... 64
5.2.1 Pre-installation tests ............................................................................................. 64
5.2.2 Instrument transformers removed from service ................................................... 64
5.2.3 Performance tests ................................................................................................ 64
5.2.3.1 Burden test .............................................................................................. 64
5.2.3.2 Secondary voltage test ........................................................................... 64
5.2.4 Inspection ............................................................................................................. 64
5.3 Coupling capacitor voltage transformers (external to meter) ............................................ 65
5.3.1 Performance tests ................................................................................................ 65
5.4 Integrated communication devices ................................................................................... 65
5.4.1 Performance tests ................................................................................................ 65
5.5 Service switches (integrated and external to meter)......................................................... 65
5.5.1 Performance tests ................................................................................................ 65
5.6 Demand and interval registers (integrated) ...................................................................... 65
5.6.1 Accuracy requirements ........................................................................................ 65
5.6.1.1 Acceptable performance for new demand or interval registers .............. 65
5.6.1.2 In-Service acceptable performance ........................................................ 65
5.6.1.3 Test points............................................................................................... 66
5.6.1.4 Adjustment limits ..................................................................................... 66
5.6.1.5 Performance limits .................................................................................. 66
5.7 Other energy measurement devices not already listed (integrated and external to
meter) ................................................................................................................................ 66
5.7.1 Pulse Recorder accuracy requirements .............................................................. 66
5.7.1.1 Acceptable performance for pulse recorders .......................................... 66
5.8 Other non-energy measurement devices in a metering device circuit (integrated
and external to meter) ....................................................................................................... 66

Section 6 AUXILIARY PULSE DEVICES FOR ELECTRICITY METERING ................................... 67

6.1 General ............................................................................................................................. 67
6.1.1 Information to be shown on pulse initiator ........................................................... 67
6.1.2 Information to be shown on pulse amplifier or relay ............................................ 67
6.1.3 Information to be shown on pulse totalizers ........................................................ 67
6.2 Tests to be applied ............................................................................................................ 67
6.3 Performance requirements ............................................................................................... 68
6.3.1 Test conditions ..................................................................................................... 68
6.3.2 Initial conditions.................................................................................................... 68
6.3.3 Mechanical load ................................................................................................... 68
6.3.4 Insulation .............................................................................................................. 68

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6.3.5 Performance test .................................................................................................. 68

6.3.6 Sunlight interference test—pulse devices containing optical sensors ................. 69

APPENDIX A .............................................................................................................................................. 72
A.1 Measurement of power ..................................................................................................... 72
A.1.1 Introduction .......................................................................................................... 72
A.1.2 Blondel's theorem ................................................................................................ 72
A.1.3 Direct-current circuits ........................................................................................... 72
A.1.3.1 Two-wire direct-current circuits ............................................................... 72
A.1.3.2 Three-wire direct-current circuits ............................................................ 72
A.1.3.3 Ammeter and voltmeter method.............................................................. 72
A.1.4 Single-phase alternating-current circuits ............................................................. 72
A.1.4.1 Single-phase two-wire circuits ................................................................ 72
A.1.4.2 Single-phase three-wire circuits .............................................................. 73
A.1.5 Two-phase circuits ............................................................................................... 73
A.1.5.1 Two-phase three-wire circuits ................................................................. 73
A.1.5.2 Two-phase four-wire circuits ................................................................... 73
A.1.5.3 Two-phase five-wire Circuits ................................................................... 73
A.1.5.4 Balanced two-phase circuits ................................................................... 73
A.1.6 Three-phase circuits ............................................................................................ 73
A.1.6.1 Three-wattmeter method......................................................................... 73
A.1.6.2 Two-wattmeter method ........................................................................... 73
A.1.6.3 Balanced three-phase circuits................................................................. 73
A.2 Measurement of Energy .................................................................................................... 73
A.2.1 Basic considerations ............................................................................................ 73
A.2.1.1 Voltage-coil connection ........................................................................... 74
A.2.1.2 Application of Blondel's theorem ............................................................. 74
A.2.1.3 Watthour meter stator ............................................................................. 74
A.2.2 Direct-current or single-phase circuits ................................................................. 74
A.2.2.1 Two-wire direct-current and single-phase circuits .................................. 74
A.2.2.2 Three-wire direct-current and single-phase circuits ................................ 74
A.2.2.3 Single-phase three-wire circuits with balanced voltages ........................ 74
A.2.2.4 Large-capacity or high-voltage direct-current meters ............................. 74
A.2.2.5 Large-capacity or high-voltage alternating-current meters ..................... 75
A.2.3 Open wye circuits ................................................................................................. 75
A.2.4 Two-phase circuits ............................................................................................... 75
A.2.4.1 Two-phase three-wire circuits ................................................................. 75
A.2.4.2 Two-phase four- or five-wire circuits ....................................................... 75
A.2.4.3 Two-phase five-wire circuits with balanced voltages .............................. 75
A.2.5 Three-phase circuits, all types ............................................................................. 75
A.2.5.1 Methods comparable to power measurements....................................... 75
A.2.6 Three-phase, three-wire circuits .......................................................................... 76
A.2.6.1 Two-stator method .................................................................................. 76
A.2.6.2 Three-stator method ............................................................................... 76
A.2.6.3 Balanced voltage and load...................................................................... 76
A.2.7 Three-phase four-wire wye circuits ...................................................................... 76
A.2.7.1 Three-stator four-wire wye meter ............................................................ 76
A.2.7.2 Two-stator four-wire wye meter .............................................................. 76
A.2.8 Three-phase four-wire delta circuits..................................................................... 76
A.2.8.1 Possible methods of metering................................................................. 76
A.2.8.2 Three-stator four-wire delta meter .......................................................... 76
A.2.8.3 Two-stator four-wire delta meter ............................................................. 77

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A.2.9 Three-phase seven-wire double wye-connected circuits ..................................... 77

A.2.9.1 Three single-phase three-wire stators .................................................... 77
A.2.10 Basic meter design considerations ...................................................................... 77
A.2.11 Factors affecting induction meter accuracy ......................................................... 77
A.2.11.1 Light loads ............................................................................................. 77
A.2.11.2 Variations in voltage .............................................................................. 78
A.2.11.3 Variations in power factor ...................................................................... 78
A.2.11.4 Variations in frequency .......................................................................... 78
A.2.11.5 Variations in temperature ...................................................................... 78
A.2.11.6 External magnetic fields ........................................................................ 78
A.2.11.7 Load range ............................................................................................ 78
A.2.11.8 Surges ................................................................................................... 78
A.2.11.9 Adverse environmental conditions ........................................................ 79
A.3 Measurement of power factor ........................................................................................... 79
A.3.1 Single-phase two-wire circuits ............................................................................. 79
A.3.2 Single-phase and polyphase circuits ................................................................... 79
A.3.3 Balanced three-phase three-wire circuits ............................................................ 79
A.3.4 System power factor ............................................................................................ 79
A.3.5 Interval power factor ............................................................................................ 80
A.4 Measurement of quadergy (varhours)............................................................................... 80
A.4.1 Electromechanical meters .................................................................................... 80
A.4.2 Electronic meters ................................................................................................. 80

APPENDIX B .............................................................................................................................................. 81
B.1 General ............................................................................................................................. 81
B.2 Final authority.................................................................................................................... 81
B.2.1 Electrical units ...................................................................................................... 81
B.2.1.1 “The unit of electrical resistance shall be the ohm, which is equal
to one thousand million units of resistance in the centimeter-gram-
second system of electromagnetic units.” ................................................ 81
B.2.1.2 “The unit of electric current shall be the ampere, which is one-
tenth of the unit of current in the centimeter-gram-second system
of electromagnetic units.” ......................................................................... 81
B.2.1.3 “The unit of electromotive force (EMF) and of electric potential
shall be the volt, which is the electromotive force that, steadily
applied to a conductor whose resistance is one ohm, will produce
a current of one ampere.” ........................................................................ 81
B.2.1.4 “The unit of electric quantity shall be the coulomb, which is the
quantity of electricity transferred by a current of one ampere in one
second.” ................................................................................................... 81
B.2.1.5 “The unit of electrical capacitance shall be the farad, which is the
capacitance of a capacitor which is charged to a potential of one
volt by one coulomb of electricity.” ........................................................... 81
B.2.1.6 “The unit of electrical inductance shall be the henry, which is the
inductance in a circuit such that an electromotive force of one volt
is induced in the circuit by variation of an inducing current at the
rate of one ampere per second.” .............................................................. 82
B.2.1.7 “The unit of power shall be the watt, which is equal to ten million
units of power in the centimeter-gram-second system, and which
is the power required to cause an unvarying current of one
ampere to flow between points differing in potential by one volt.” ............ 82
B.2.1.8 “The units of energy shall be (a) the joule, which is equivalent to
the energy supplied by a power of one watt operating for one
second, and (b) the kilowatt hour, which is equivalent to the

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energy supplied by a power of one thousand watts operating for

one hour.” ................................................................................................ 82
B.2.1.9 “The unit of time interval is the atomic second, defined in 1967 by
international agreement as a certain number of periods of a
specified atomic transition of cesium 133.” .............................................. 82
B.3 National standards ............................................................................................................ 82
B.3.1 Standard of resistance ......................................................................................... 82
B.3.2 Standard of electromotive force ........................................................................... 82
B.3.3 Other electrical standards .................................................................................... 82
B.3.4 Standard of time interval ...................................................................................... 82
B.4 Establishing a local reference standard of energy ............................................................ 83
B.4.1 Meter laboratory ................................................................................................... 84
B.4.2 Meter shop ........................................................................................................... 84
B.4.3 Independent standards laboratory ....................................................................... 84
B.5 Laboratory conditions ........................................................................................................ 84
B.5.1 Reference temperature and humidity................................................................... 84
B.5.2 Laboratory power sources ................................................................................... 85
B.6 Laboratory reference standards ........................................................................................ 85
B.6.1 Stability of reference standards ........................................................................... 85
B.6.2 Basic reference standards ................................................................................... 85
B.6.2.1 Intercomparison ...................................................................................... 85
B.6.3 Transport standards ............................................................................................. 85
B.6.4 Voltage references ............................................................................................... 85
B.6.4.1 Standard cells ......................................................................................... 86
B.6.4.2 Unsaturated standard cells ..................................................................... 86
B.6.4.3 Solid-state voltage standards.................................................................. 86
B.6.5 Standard resistors ................................................................................................ 86
B.6.6 DC ratio devices ................................................................................................... 86
B.6.6.1 Reference standard volt box ................................................................... 86
B.6.6.2 Reference voltage dividers ..................................................................... 86
B.6.6.3 Universal ratio set and Kelvin-varley divider ........................................... 86
B.6.6.4 Resistance bridges ................................................................................. 87
B.6.6.5 Direct-current comparator ....................................................................... 87
B.6.7 AC ratio devices ................................................................................................... 87
B.6.7.1 Transformer test set ................................................................................ 87
B.6.8 AC-DC transfer standards ................................................................................... 87
B.6.8.1 Stability 87
B.6.9 Reference standard of energy ............................................................................. 87
B.6.10 Time interval......................................................................................................... 87
B.6.11 Periodic verification of reference standards ......................................................... 88
B.6.11.1 Standard cells and solid-state voltage references................................. 88
B.6.11.2 Resistance standards ............................................................................ 88
B.6.11.3 Ratio and transfer standards ................................................................. 88
B.6.11.4 Reference standard of energy ............................................................... 88
B.7 Laboratory secondary standards ...................................................................................... 88
B.7.1 Voltage measuring equipment ............................................................................. 88
B.7.2 Indicating instruments .......................................................................................... 88
B.7.2.1 Accuracy classes .................................................................................... 88
B.7.2.2 Instrument bearings or suspensions ....................................................... 88
B.7.2.3 Range extension ..................................................................................... 89
B.7.3 Watthour meters................................................................................................... 89
B.7.4 Calibration checks ................................................................................................ 89
B.7.4.1 Voltage measuring accessories .............................................................. 89
B.7.4.2 Digital voltmeter (multimeters) calibrations ............................................. 89

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B.7.4.3 Calibration of indicating instruments ....................................................... 89

B.7.4.4 Watthour meters ..................................................................................... 89
B.8 Shop instruments .............................................................................................................. 89
B.8.1 Indicating instruments .......................................................................................... 89
B.8.2 Portable standard watthour meters ...................................................................... 90
B.9 Performance records......................................................................................................... 90
B.9.1 Importance of records .......................................................................................... 90
B.10 Abnormal conditions.......................................................................................................... 90
B.11 This section has been removed ........................................................................................ 90
B.12 Acceptable performance of standard watthour meters ..................................................... 90
B.12.1 General ................................................................................................................ 90
B.12.1.1 Acceptable standard watthour meters .................................................. 90
B.12.1.2 Adequacy of testing laboratory ............................................................. 90
B.12.1.3 Tolerances ............................................................................................ 91
B.12.2 Mechanical requirements for portable standard meters ...................................... 91
B.12.2.1 General ................................................................................................. 91
B.12.2.2 Adjusting devices .................................................................................. 91
B.12.2.3 Optional leveling means for induction-type meters .............................. 91
B.12.2.4 Case ................................................................................................... 91
B.12.2.5 Sealing .................................................................................................. 91
B.12.2.6 Window ................................................................................................. 91
B.12.2.7 Terminals .............................................................................................. 91
B.12.2.8 Register (counting mechanism) ............................................................ 91
B.12.2.9 Optional provision for pulse output ....................................................... 92
B.12.2.10 Overcurrent protection ........................................................................ 92
B.12.2.11 Nameplate .......................................................................................... 92
B.12.2.12 Rotor brake (induction-type meters) ................................................... 92
B.12.3 Mechanical requirements for reference standard meters .................................... 92
B.12.3.1 General ................................................................................................. 92
B.12.3.2 Adjusting devices .................................................................................. 92
B.12.3.3 Leveling means for induction-type meters............................................ 93
B.12.3.4 Case ................................................................................................... 93
B.12.3.5 Sealing .................................................................................................. 93
B.12.3.6 Window ................................................................................................. 93
B.12.3.7 Terminals .............................................................................................. 93
B.12.3.8 Digital readouts ..................................................................................... 93
B.12.3.9 Provision for pulse output ..................................................................... 93
B.13 Performance requirements for standard watthour meters ................................................ 93
B.13.1 General test conditions ........................................................................................ 93
B.13.1.1 Applied voltage ..................................................................................... 93
B.13.1.2 Applied current ..................................................................................... 93
B.13.1.3 Phase angle .......................................................................................... 93
B.13.1.4 Frequency ............................................................................................. 94
B.13.1.5 Waveform distortion.............................................................................. 94
B.13.1.6 Ambient temperature ............................................................................ 94
B.13.1.7 Level ................................................................................................... 94
B.13.1.8 External magnetic field ......................................................................... 94
B.13.1.9 Insulation .............................................................................................. 94
B.13.2 Performance requirements for portable standard meters .................................... 94
B.13.2.1 Drift ................................................................................................... 94
B.13.2.2 Effect of a variation of current at 1.0 power factor ................................ 94
B.13.2.3 Effect of variation of current at 0.5 power factor .................................. 94
B.13.2.4 Effect of variation of voltage at the power factors indicated in
Table 28 .................................................................................................. 94
B.13.2.5 Equality of current and voltage ranges ................................................. 94

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B.13.2.6 Effect of variation of ambient temperature............................................ 95

B.13.2.7 Effect of internal heating ....................................................................... 95
B.13.2.8 Effect of tilt (induction-type meters only) .............................................. 96
B.13.2.9 Repeatability of performance ............................................................... 96
B.13.3 Performance requirements for reference standard meters .................................. 97
B.13.3.2 Effect of a variation of current at 1.0 .................................................... 97
B.13.3.3 Effect of variation of current at 0.5 power factor .................................. 97
B.13.3.4 Effect of variation of voltage at the power factors indicated in
Table 29 ..................................................................................... 97
B.13.3.5 Equality of current and voltage ranges ................................................. 97
B.13.3.6 Effect of variation of ambient temperature ........................................... 97
B.13.3.7 Repeatability of performance ............................................................... 97

APPENDIX C .............................................................................................................................................. 99
C.1 General ............................................................................................................................. 99
C.2 Symbols ............................................................................................................................ 99
C.3 Shaft reduction .................................................................................................................. 99
C.4 Formulas ......................................................................................................................... 100

APPENDIX D ............................................................................................................................................ 101

APPENDIX E ............................................................................................................................................ 102

E.1 Definition ......................................................................................................................... 102
E.2 Types Defined ................................................................................................................. 102

APPENDIX F ............................................................................................................................................. 103

APPENDIX G ............................................................................................................................................ 104

G.1 Preface to the First Edition (1910) .................................................................................. 104
G.2 Preface to the Second Edition (1922) ............................................................................. 105
G.3 Preface to the Third Edition (1928) ................................................................................. 105
G.4 Preface to the Fourth Edition (1941) ............................................................................... 106
G.5 Preface to the Fifth Edition (1965) .................................................................................. 107
G.6 Preface to the Sixth Edition (1975) ................................................................................. 108
G.7 Foreword to the Seventh Edition (1982) ......................................................................... 109
G.8 Foreword to Eight Edition (1988) .................................................................................... 110
G.9 Foreword to Ninth Edition (1995) .................................................................................... 112
G.10 Foreword to Tenth Edition (2001) ................................................................................... 114
G.11 Foreword to Eleventh Edition (2008) .............................................................................. 115

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TABLES

Table 1a Portable and Reference Standards Percent Errors ................................................................. 15

o
Table 1b Portable and Reference Maximum Percent Errors @ 23 C .................................................... 15
Table 2 Table of Failures Based on the Number of Meters Tested ..................................................... 19
Table 3 List of Tests ............................................................................................................................. 21
Table 4 Starting Load Test ................................................................................................................... 22
Table 5 Load Performance Test ........................................................................................................... 22
Table 6 Effect of Variation of Power Factor for Single-Element Meters ............................................... 23
Table 7 Effect of Power Factor for Two-Element Meters: .................................................................... 24
Table 8 Effect of Variation of Power Factor for Two-Element Three-Phase Four-Wire Wye Meters ... 25
Table 9 Effect of Variation of Power Factor for Three-Element Three-Phase Four-Wire Wye Meters 26
Table 10 Effect of Variation of Voltage ................................................................................................... 27
Table 11 Effect of Variation of Voltage on Solid-State Auxiliary Devices ............................................... 27
Table 12 Effects of Variation of Frequency ............................................................................................ 28
Table 13 Equality of Current Circuits in the Three-Wire Element for Single-Element Meters ................ 28
Table 14 Equality of Current Circuits in the Three-Wire Element for Multi-Element .............................. 29
Table 15 Equality of Current Circuits between Elements for Multi-Element Meters............................... 30
Table 16 Temperature-Rise Test Specifications .................................................................................... 31
Table 17 Effect of Internal Heating ......................................................................................................... 36
Table 18 Effect of Tilt .............................................................................................................................. 37
Table 19 Test for Independence of Elements in Two-Element Meters .................................................. 39
Table 20 Test for Independence of Elements in Three-Element Meters ................................................ 40
Table 21 Effect of External Magnetic Field ............................................................................................. 43
Table 22 Effect of Variation of Ambient Temperature ............................................................................ 44
Table 24 Effect of Temporary Overloads on Accuracy........................................................................... 45
Table 25 Effect of Current Surge in Ground Conductor ......................................................................... 46
Table 26 Test Modes, Voltage, and Application for
Each External Connection Group—Oscillatory Test .............................................................. 49
Table 27 Performance Test—Pulse Devices.......................................................................................... 68

FIGURES

Figure 1 Location of Temperature Detectors ......................................................................................... 32

Figure 2 Dimensions for Jumper Bars of Simulated Meter Temperature-Rise...................................... 33
Figure 3 Dimensions for Jumper Bars of Simulated Meter Temperature-Rise Test for ........................ 34
Figure 4 Dimensions for Jumper Bars of Simulated Meter Temperature-Rise Test for
Single-Phase and Polyphase Meters (Maximum Rating 201 – 320 A Rating) ........................ 35
Figure 5 Electrical Fast Transient/Burst Test # 25 ................................................................................ 47
Figure 6 Electrical Fast Transient/Burst Test # 25 ................................................................................ 48
Figure 7 Typical Test Layout for Radiated Susceptibility—Test 26 and Radiated and
Conducted Emissions—Test 27. Reference 4.7.3.12.1 and 4.7.3.13 ..................................... 51
Figure 8 Typical Wiring Detail for Self-Contained Meters for Radiated Susceptibility—
Test 26 And Radiated and Conducted Emissions—
Test 27. Reference 4.7.3.12.1 and 4.7.3.13 ............................................................................ 52
Figure 9 Typical Wiring Detail for Transformer Rated Meters for Radiated Susceptibility—
Test 26 and Radiated and Conducted Emissions—
Test 27. Reference 4.7.3.12.1 and 4.7.3.13 ............................................................................ 53
Figure 10 Typical GTEM Test Layout for Radiated Susceptibility Test—Reference 4.7.3.12................. 54
Figure 11 Sunlight Interference Test ....................................................................................................... 70
Figure 12 Variable Angles Sunlight Interference Test ............................................................................. 71

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Section 1
SCOPE AND REFERENCES
1.1 Scope

This code establishes acceptable performance criteria for new types of ac watthour meters, demand meters,
demand registers, pulse devices, and auxiliary devices. It describes acceptable in-service performance
levels for meters and devices used in revenue metering. It also includes information on related subjects,
such as recommended measurement standards, installation requirements, test methods, and test
schedules. This Code for Electricity Metering is designed as a reference for those concerned with the art of
electricity metering, such as utilities, manufacturers, and regulatory bodies.

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