The influence of consumers´ load/consumption characteristics on metering practice

The paper presents the results of further investigations, carried out under the aegis of the Utilization Research Committee of the former Central Electricity Authority and Area Boards, into the load/consumption characteristics of domestic consumers´ installations. These are combined with the results of the pilot tests giving over 400 sets of data, and their influence upon the performance, utilization and design of integrating meters is discussed. A system of weighting the errors found in `off-service¿ sample meter tests at certain load currents is proposed in order to arrive at the error of total energy measured, and a formula is given for the economic service period. Suggestions are made for the setting of a recertification period by reference to the statistical distribution of meter `weighted¿ errors as determined by sample tests at specified load currents. A possible revision of the standard ratings of meters is discussed, and proposals are made for the better utilization of existing meters to achieve maximum service and recertification periods.