NEMA publishes ANSI C12.1-2008 Code for Electricity Metering.

Press Release Summary:



In addition to establishing acceptable performance criteria for new types of AC watt-hour meters, demand meters, demand registers, pulse devices, and auxiliary devices, ANSI C12.1-2008 Code 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.



Original Press Release:



NEMA Publishes ANSI C12.1-2008 Code for Electricity Metering



ROSSLYN, Va., August 7, 2008-The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) has published ANSI C12.1-2008 Code for Electricity Metering. This Code establishes acceptable performance criteria for new types of AC watthour meters, demand meters, demand registers, pulse devices, and auxiliary devices. It also describes acceptable in-service performance levels for meters and devices used in revenue metering.

According to Scott Weikel, chairman of the C12.1 committee that produced it, the Code for Electricity Metering continues to provide the basic requirements for both electronic and electromechanical kWh metering. It includes information on related subjects, such as recommended measurement standards, installation requirements, test methods, and test schedules. It is designed as a reference for those concerned with the art of electricity metering, such as utilities, manufacturers, and regulatory bodies.

While most of the meter specifications have been retained from the previous edition, several changes were made in the area of surge withstand. Additions to the text clarify test procedures and criteria to pass the tests.

"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," Weikel said. "The changes, while not extensive, aim to improve the consistency of test procedures and improve the quality of the metering products. This standard continues to form the basic requirement for all kilowatthour metering instruments - both electronic and electromechanical."

Minor changes to the temperature rise test were made to make testing more uniform. Supplementary information was added to the equality of current circuits test, the electrostatic discharge test, and the relative humidity test to clarify the testing process. References to external documents were updated.

Another standard in this series, ANSI C12.20, provides different test tolerances and a few different tests that are required for higher accuracy metering devices.

The contents and scope of ANSI C12.1-2008 may be viewed, and a hard copy or electronic copy purchased for $119, by visiting NEMA's Web site at www.nema.org/stds/c12-1.cfm, or by contacting IHS at 800-854-7179 (within the U.S.), 303-397-7956 (international), 303-397-2740 (fax), or on the Web at global.ihs.com. After September 1, 2008, the price will increase to $124.

NEMA is the trade association of choice for the electrical manufacturing industry. Founded in 1926 and headquartered near Washington, D.C., its approximately 450 member companies manufacture products used in the generation, transmission and distribution, control, and end-use of electricity. These products are used in utility, medical imaging, industrial, commercial, institutional, and residential applications. Domestic production of electrical products sold worldwide exceeds $120 billion. In addition to its headquarters in Rosslyn, Virginia, NEMA also has offices in Beijing, Sao Paulo, and Mexico City.

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