ANSI C12.

1-2008

American National Standard

for Electric Meters

Code for Electricity Metering

Secretariat:

National Electrical Manufacturers As sociation

Approved June 27, 2008

Am eri can Nat io nal Stan dar ds Ins ti tu te, In c.

ANSI C12.1-2008

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
development of this document.

NEMA standards and guideline publications, of which the document contained herein is one, are
developed through a voluntary consensus standards development process. This process brings together
volunteers and/or seeks out the views of persons who have an interest in the topic covered by this
publication. While NEMA administers the process and establishes rules to promote fairness in the
development of consensus, it does not write the document and it does not independently test, evaluate,
or verify the accuracy or completeness of any information or the soundness of any judgments contained
in its standards and guideline publications.

NEMA disclaims liability for any personal injury, property, or other damages of any nature whatsoever,
whether special, indirect, consequential, or compensatory, directly or indirectly resulting from the
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and disclaims and makes no warranty that the information in this document will fulfill any of your particular
purposes or needs. NEMA does not undertake to guarantee the performance of any individual
manufacturer or seller’s products or services by virtue of this standard or guide.

In publishing and making this document available, NEMA is not undertaking to render professional or
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by any person or entity to someone else. Anyone using this document should rely on his or her own
independent judgment or, as appropriate, seek the advice of a competent professional in determining the
exercise of reasonable care in any given circumstances. Information and other standards on the topic
covered by this publication may be available from other sources, which the user may wish to consult for
additional views or information not covered by this publication.

NEMA has no power, nor does it undertake to police or enforce compliance with the contents of this
document. NEMA does not certify, test, or inspect products, designs, or installations for safety or health
purposes. Any certification or other statement of compliance with any health or safety-related information
in this document shall not be attributable to NEMA and is solely the responsibility of the certifier or maker
of the statement.
 ANSI C12.1-2008

Approval of an American National Standard requires verification by

AMERICAN ANSI that the requirements for due process, consensus, and other
NATIONAL criteria for approval have been met by the standards developer.

STANDARD Consensus is established when, in the judgment of the ANSI Board of

Standards Review, substantial agreement has been reached by directly
and materially affected interests. Substantial agreement means much
more than a simple majority, but not necessarily unanimity. Consensus
requires that all views and objections be considered, and that a
concerted effort be made toward their resolution.

The use of American National Standards is completely voluntary; their

existence does not in any respect preclude anyone, whether he has
approved the standards or not, from manufacturing, marketing,
purchasing, or using products, processes, or procedures not
conforming to the standards.

The American National Standards Institute does not develop standards

and will in no circumstances give an interpretation of any American
National Standard. Moreover, no person shall have the right or
authority to issue an interpretation of an American National Standard in
the name of the American National Standards Institute. Requests for
interpretations should be addressed to the secretariat or sponsor
whose name appears on the title page of this standard.

Caution Notice: This American National Standard may be revised or

withdrawn at any time. The procedures of the American National
Standards Institute require that action be taken periodically to reaffirm,
revise, or withdraw this standard. Purchasers of American National
Standards may receive current information on all standards by calling or
writing the American National Standards Institute.

Published by

National Electrical Manufacturers As sociation

1300 Nort h 17th Street, Ros sl yn, VA 22209

Copyright 2008 by National Electrical Manufacturers Association

All rights reserved including translation into other languages, reserved under the Universal Copyright
Convention, the Berne Convention for the Protection of Literary and Artistic Works, and the International
and Pan American Copyright Conventions.

No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form, in an electronic retrieval system or otherwise, without the
prior written permission of the publisher.

Printed in the United States of America

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Foreword ......................................................................................................................................... vii

1 Scope and references...................................................................................................................... 1
1.2 References.......................................................................................................................... 1
2 Definitions ........................................................................................................................................ 3
3 Standards and standardizing equipment ....................................................................................... 10
3.1 Scope ................................................................................................................................ 10
3.2 Final authority.................................................................................................................... 10
3.3 Traceability paths to NIST................................................................................................. 10
3.3.1 Direct transfer ...................................................................................................... 10
3.4 Meter laboratory................................................................................................................ 11
3.4.1 Laboratory conditions........................................................................................... 11
3.4.2 Reference temperature and humidity .................................................................. 12
3.4.3 Laboratory power sources ................................................................................... 12
3.5 Meter shop ........................................................................................................................ 12
3.6 Laboratory standards ........................................................................................................ 12
3.6.1 Basic reference standards ................................................................................... 12
3.6.2 Transport standards............................................................................................. 12
3.7 Periodic verification of reference standards ..................................................................... 12
3.8 Portable/field/working standard watthour meters ............................................................. 12
3.9 Performance records ........................................................................................................ 12
3.10 Performance requirements for standard watthour meters................................................ 13
3.10.1 General test conditions ........................................................................................ 13
3.10.2 Accuracy tests for portable and reference standards.......................................... 13
4 Acceptable performance of new types of electricity metering devices and associated
equipment ...................................................................................................................................... 15
4.1 General ............................................................................................................................. 15
4.1.1 Acceptable metering devices............................................................................... 15
4.1.2 Adequacy of testing laboratory ............................................................................ 15
4.1.3 Retesting of new meter type ................................................................................ 15
4.1.4 Test documentation ............................................................................................. 15
4.1.5 Test device........................................................................................................... 15
4.1.6 Tests performed in series .................................................................................... 15
4.1.7 Handling of failed device...................................................................................... 15
4.1.8 Restart testing...................................................................................................... 15
4.1.9 Reporting of test metering devices ...................................................................... 16
4.2 Types of metering devices................................................................................................ 16
4.2.1 Basic type............................................................................................................. 16
4.2.2 Variations within the basic type ........................................................................... 16
4.2.3 Type designation.................................................................................................. 16
4.2.4 Acceptance of basic types in whole or part ......................................................... 16
4.2.5 Minor variations.................................................................................................... 16
4.2.6 Special types........................................................................................................ 16
4.3 Specifications for design and construction ....................................................................... 16
4.3.1 Sealing ................................................................................................................ 16
4.3.2 Enclosures ........................................................................................................... 16
4.3.3 Terminals and markings....................................................................................... 17
4.3.4 Construction and workmanship ........................................................................... 17
4.3.5 Provision for adjustment ...................................................................................... 17
4.4 Selection of metering devices for approval tests .............................................................. 17

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ANSI C12.1-2008

4.4.1 Samples to be representative of the basic type................................................... 17

4.4.2 Number to be tested ............................................................................................ 17
4.5 Conditions of test .............................................................................................................. 17
4.5.1 Tests to be applied............................................................................................... 17
4.5.2 Configuration........................................................................................................ 17
4.5.3 Metering devices for special services.................................................................. 18
4.5.4 Metering devices of non-standard classes ......................................................... 18
4.5.5 Metering devices with wide voltage range........................................................... 18
4.6 Rules governing the acceptance of types......................................................................... 18
4.6.1 Tolerances ........................................................................................................... 18
4.6.2 Determination of Failure and Rejection ............................................................... 18
4.7 Performance requirements ............................................................................................... 19
4.7.1 Test conditions..................................................................................................... 19
4.7.2 Accuracy Tests—Internal Influences ................................................................... 21
4.7.3 Accuracy tests – external influences performance verification............................ 36
5 Standards for in-service performance............................................................................................ 54
5.1 Watthour meters and electronic registers......................................................................... 54
5.1.1 Purpose................................................................................................................ 54
5.1.2 Accuracy requirements ........................................................................................ 54
5.1.3 Tests ................................................................................................................ 54
5.1.4 Performance tests................................................................................................ 55
5.1.5 Determination of average percentage registration .............................................. 56
5.2 Demand registers and pulse recorders ............................................................................ 57
5.2.1 Accuracy requirements ........................................................................................ 57
5.3 Instrument transformers (magnetic).................................................................................. 57
5.3.1 Pre-installation tests, (section 5. shall apply) ...................................................... 57
5.3.2 Instrument transformers removed from service................................................... 57
5.3.3 Performance tests................................................................................................ 58
5.4 Coupling-capacitor voltage transformers .......................................................................... 58
5.4.1 Performance tests................................................................................................ 58
6 Auxiliary pulse devices for electricity metering .............................................................................. 59
6.1 General ............................................................................................................................. 59
6.1.1 Information to be shown on pulse initiator ........................................................... 59
6.1.2 Information to be shown on pulse amplifier or relay ............................................ 59
6.1.3 Information to be shown on pulse totalizers ........................................................ 59
6.2 Tests to be applied............................................................................................................ 59
6.3 Performance requirements ............................................................................................... 59
6.3.1 Test conditions..................................................................................................... 59
6.3.2 Initial conditions ................................................................................................... 60
6.3.3 Mechanical load ................................................................................................... 60
6.3.4 Insulation.............................................................................................................. 60
6.3.5 Performance test.................................................................................................. 60
6.3.6 Sunlight interference test – pulse devices containing optical sensors ............... 61

APPENDICES
A ..................................................................................................................................................... 64
B ..................................................................................................................................................... 74
C..................................................................................................................................................... 93
D..................................................................................................................................................... 95
E ..................................................................................................................................................... 96
F ..................................................................................................................................................... 97

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 ANSI C12.1-2008

TABLES
1 Portable and Reference Standards Percent Errors ....................................................................... 14
2 Table of Failures Based on the Number of Metering Devices Tested........................................... 19
3 List of Tests.................................................................................................................................... 20
4 Starting Load Test.......................................................................................................................... 21
5 Load Performance Test ................................................................................................................. 21
6 Effect of Variation of Power Factor for Single-Element Meters ..................................................... 22
7 Effect of Power Factor for Two-Element Meters:........................................................................... 22
8 Effect of Variation of Power Factor for Two-Element Three-Phase Four-Wire Wye Meters ......... 23
9 Effect of Variation of Power Factor for Three-Element Three-Phase Four-Wire Wye Meters .......... 23
10 Effect of Variation of Voltage ......................................................................................................... 24
11 Effect of Variation of Voltage on Solid-State Auxiliary Devices ..................................................... 24
12 Effects of Variation of Frequency................................................................................................... 25
13 Equality of Current Circuits in the Three-Wire Element for Single-Element Meters...................... 25
14 Equality of Current Circuits in the Three-Wire Element for Multi-Element .................................... 26
15 Equality of Current Circuits between Elements for Multi-Element Meters..................................... 26
16 Temperature-Rise Test Specifications........................................................................................... 27
17 Effect of Internal Heating ............................................................................................................... 32
18 Effect of Tilt .................................................................................................................................... 33
19 Test for Independence of Elements in Two-Element Meters......................................................... 35
20 Test for Independence of Elements in Three-Element Meters ...................................................... 36
21 Effect of External Magnetic Field ................................................................................................... 38
22 Effect of Variation of Ambient Temperature................................................................................... 39
23 Effect of Variation of Temperature on Solid-State Auxiliary Devices............................................. 40
24 Effect of Temporary Overloads on Accuracy ................................................................................. 40
25 Effect of Current Surge in Ground Conductor................................................................................ 41
26 Test Modes, Voltage, and Application for Each External Connection Group—Oscillatory
Test ................................................................................................................................................ 44
27 Variable Interval Plan..................................................................................................................... 56
28 Performance Test—Pulse Devices................................................................................................ 60
29 Portable Standard Watthour Meter ................................................................................................. 90
30 Reference Standard Watthour Meters ........................................................................................... 92

FIGURES
1 Dimensions for jumper bars of simulated meter temperature-rise test for single-phase
and polyphase meters (maximum rating 100 A) ............................................................................ 29
2 Dimensions for jumper bars of simulated meter temperature-rise test for single-phase
and polyphase meters (maximum rating 101 – 200 A rating)........................................................ 30
3 Dimensions for jumper bars of simulated meter temperature-rise test for single-phase
and polyphase meters (maximum rating 201 – 320 A rating)........................................................ 31
4 Electrical Fast Transient/Burst Test # 25....................................................................................... 42
5 Electrical Fast Transient/Burst Test # 25....................................................................................... 43
6 Typical test layout for radiated susceptibility—Test 26 and radiated and conducted
emissions—Test 27 ....................................................................................................................... 46
7 Typical wiring detail for self contained meters for radiated susceptibility —Test 26 and
radiated and conducted emissions —Test 27 ............................................................................... 47
8 Typical wiring detail for transformer rated meters for radiated susceptibility —Test 26 and
radiated and conducted emissions —Test 27 ............................................................................... 48
9 Typical GTEM test layout for Radiated Susceptibility Test............................................................ 49
10 Sunlight Interference Test.............................................................................................................. 62
11 Variable Angles Sunlight Interference Test ................................................................................... 63
B.1 Traceability path diagram............................................................................................................... 76

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 ANSI C12.1-2008

FOREWORD (This Forewo rd is not p art of A merican Nation al Standard

C12.1-2008)

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. 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. 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.

Most of the meter specifications have been retained from the previous edition. Comments about the
significant changes follow. To help insure that new electronic equipment is as dependable as possible, an
oscillatory surge withstand test was added. Also, the requirement when retesting a new meter type was
made more restrictive. 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. For several of the tests specific
details for successful passing criteria have been included. 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

Center for Neighborhood Technology Lawrence Kotewa

Electric Light & Power Lauren Pananen

John McEvoy
Tim Morgan
D. Young Nguyen

Elster Electricity, LLC Scott Weikel

EnerNex Corporation Aaron Snyder

Future DOS R&D Inc. Avygdor Moise

General Electric, Energy Curt Crittenden

Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Richard Tucker

Herman Millican

Itron, Inc. Brent Cain

Landis+Gyr, Inc John Voisine

Measurement Canada (Liaison No Vote) Vuong Nguyen

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ANSI C12.1-2008

National Institute of Standards And Technology Tom Nelson

Public Service Electric & Gas David Ellis

Schweitzer Engineering Labs Bob Hughes

Underwriters Laboratory Ron Breschini

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

S. Weikel , Chairman

M. Anderson G. Mayfield
N. Balko J. McEvoy
L. Barto H. Millican
B. Cain A. Moise
R. Collins T. Morgan
B. Cook T. Nelson
C. Crittenden D. Nguyen
J. DeMars V. Nguyen
L. Durante D. Nordell
D. Ellis L. Pananen
T. Everidge C. Partridge
C. Gomez A. Rashid
W. Hardy A. Snyder
Bob Hughes D. Tandon
Brent Hughes A. Thompson
B. Kingham J. Thurber
L. Kotewa J. Voisine
T. Lawton S. Weikel
R. Lokys J. West
E. Malemezian

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

L. Barto
E. Malemezian
P. Orr
A. Snyder
S. Weikel

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 ANSI C12.1-2008

AMERICAN NATIONAL STANDARD ANSI C12.1- 2008

Code For Electri city Metering

1 Scope and references

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.

1.2 References

The following publications shall be used in conjunction with this standard. When they are superseded by an
approved revision, the revision shall apply:

ANSI/IEEE C63.4-2003, Methods of Measurement of Radio-Noise Emissions From Low-Voltage Electrical

and Electronic Equipment in the Range of 9 kHz to 40 GHz

ASQ Z1.4-2003, Sampling Procedures and Tables for Inspection by Attributes

ASQ Z1.9-2003, Sampling Procedures and Tables for Inspection by Variables for Percent Nonconforming

ASTM B117-2003, Standard Practice for Operating Salt Spray (Fog) Apparatus

ASTM G155 2005, Standard Practice for Operating Xenon Arc Light Apparatus for Exposure of Non-
Metallic Materials

Code of Federal Regulations (Telecommunication) CFR 47, Part 15—Radio Frequency Devices, Subparts
A—General and B—Unintentional Radiators

Chapter 13 “The Customers’ Premises, Service and Installations”, Handbook for Electricity Metering, 10th
Edition, Washington, D.C.: Edison Electric Institute, 2002

IEEE 1-2000, IEEE Recommended Practice: General Principles for Temperature Limits in the Rating of
Electric Equipment and for the Evaluation of Electrical Insulation

IEEE Std 100-2000, The Authoritative Dictionary of IEEE Standards Terms

IEEE C37.90.1-2002, IEEE Standard Surge Withstand Capability (SWC) Tests for Protective Relays and
Relay Systems Associated with Electric Power Apparatus

IEEE C57.13-1993, IEEE Standard Requirements for Instrument Transformers

IEEE C62.41.1-2002, IEEE Guide on the Surge Environment in Low-Voltage (1000 V and less) AC Power
Circuits

IEEE C62.41.2-2002, IEEE Recommended Practice on Characterization of Surges in Low-Voltage (1000 V

and less) AC Power Circuits

IEC 60068-2-6 (1995), Environmental Testing - Part 2: Tests, Test Fc: Vibration (Sinusoidal)

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ANSI C12.1-2008

IEC 60068-2-27 (1987), Environmental Testing, Part 2: Tests, Test Ea and Guidance: Shock.

IEC 61000-4-2 (2001), Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) - Part 4-2: Testing and Measurement
Techniques - Electrostatic Discharge Immunity Test

IEC 61000-4-4 (2004), Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC), Part 4-4: Testing and Measurement
Techniques - Electrical Fast Transient/Burst Immunity Test

International Safe Transit Association, Test Procedure 1A, Performance Test for Individual Packaged-
Products Weighing 150 lb. (68 kg) or Less, (revision date: 2001) , Vibration and Shock

NEMA 250-2003, Enclosures for Electrical Equipment (1000 Volts Maximum)

NFPA 70-2005, National Electrical Code

UL 50-1995, UL Standard for Enclosures for Electrical Equipment,

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 ANSI C12.1-2008

2 Definitions

The definitions given apply specifically to the subject as treated in this American National Standard. Most
of them are grouped under general terms, such as watthour meter, and all are given numbers for
identification. For additional definitions, see IEEE 100.

2.1 accuracy: The extent to which a given measurement agrees with the defined value.
2.2 alternate disp lay: A display sequence usually containing constants and diagnostic information.
2.3 auxiliary device: An add-on device mounted under the meter cover that adds functionality to the
meter device.
2.4 Blon del's theorem: In a system of N conductors, N-1 meter elements, properly connected, will
measure the active power or energy taken. The connection must be such that all voltage coils have
a common tie to the conductor in which there is no current coil.
2.5 calibration: Comparison of the indication of the instrument under test, or registration of the meter
under test, with an appropriate standard.
2.6 certifi ed meter type: A metering device which is tested and certified to meet the certification
testing as specified in this standard for a specific meter type. It shall include any optional circuit
boards, devices, or modules enclosed within the meter cover as part of this certified meter type.
2.7 coup ling -capacitor voltage transfor mer (CCVT): A voltage transformer comprised of a capacitor
divider and an electromagnetic unit so designed and interconnected that the secondary voltage of
the electromagnetic units is substantially proportional to, and in phase with, the primary voltage
applied to the capacitor divider for all values of secondary burdens within the rating of the coupling-
capacitor voltage transformer.
2.8 class designati on: See watthour meter-class designation (2.94).
2.9 creep: A continuous apparent accumulation of energy in a meter with voltage applied and the load
terminals open circuited.
2.10 custo mer alert: A switching output used to indicate events or conditions.
2.11 demand: The average power or a related quantity over a specified interval of time. Demand is
expressed in kilowatts, kilovolt-amperes, kilovars or other suitable units.
2.12 demand const ant (pulse receiver Kd): The value of the measured quantity for each received
pulse, expressed in kilowatts per pulse, kilovars per pulse, or other suitable units.
2.13 demand interval: The specified interval of time on which a demand measurement is based.
Intervals such as 15, 30, or 60 minutes are commonly specified.
2.14 demand interval deviation: The difference between the measured demand interval and the
specified demand interval, expressed as a percentage of the specified demand interval.
2.15 demand interval – rolli ng (RDI): An interval of time, the beginning which progresses in steps of
sub-intervals and where the interval length is equal to an integer multiple of sub-intervals.
2.16 demand-maximum: The highest demand measured over a selected period of time.
2.17 demand meter: A metering device that indicates or records demand.
2.18 demand meter – block interval (integrating ): A meter that integrates power or a related quantity
over a fixed-time interval, and indicates or records the average.
2.19 demand meter – lagged: A demand meter with an approximately exponential response.

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ANSI C12.1-2008

2.20 demand meter (lagged) – time characteristic : The nominal time required for 90% of the final
indication, with constant load suddenly applied.
NOTE—The time characteristic of demand meters (lagged) describes the exponential response of the meter to
the applied load. The response is continuous and independent of the selected discrete time intervals.

2.21 demand register: A device for use with an electricity meter, that indicates and/or records demand.
2.22 demand register – bloc k interval: A demand register that indicates and/or records the maximum
demand obtained by arithmetically averaging the meter registration over a regularly repeated time
interval.
2.23 demand register – conti nuou s cumul ative: The sum of all previous billing period maximum
demands and the highest demand to date for the present billing period.
2.24 demand register – cumul ative: A register that indicates the sum of the previous maximum
demand readings prior to reset.
NOTE—When reset, the present reading is added to the previously accumulated readings. The maximum
demand for the present reading period is the difference between the present and previous readings.

2.25 demand register – indi cating singl e-pointer form: An indicating demand register from which the
demand is obtained by reading the position of a pointer relative to the markings on a scale.
NOTE—When reset, the single pointer returns to zero.

2.26 demand register – dual range (single poin ter form): An indicating demand register having an
arrangement for changing the full-scale capacity from one value to another, usually by reversing the
scale plate.
NOTE—For example, Scale Class 1/2; Scale Class 2/6. An interlock assures proper scale and scale-class
relation.

2.27 demand register – full -scale value: The maximum scale capacity of the register. If a multiplier
exists, the full-scale value will be the product of the maximum scale marking and the multiplying
constant.
2.28 demand register – scale class: Denotes, with respect to single-pointer form, dual-range single-
pointer form, or cumulative-form demand registers, the relationship between the full-scale value of
the register and the test kVA rating of the meter with which the register is used.
2.29 display: A means of visually identifying and presenting measured or calculated quantities and other
information.
2.30 electricity meter: A device that measures and registers the integral of an electrical quantity with
respect to time.
2.31 element: An element is the combination of signal sensing units, resulting in an output proportional
to the measured quantities.
NOTES
1 For example, if one input signal is voltage and the other input signal is current, then the output is power
(watts).
2 The term element is also referred to as stator.
3 Electricity meters normally include 1, 1-1/2, 2, 2-1/2, or 3 elements.
4 The 2-1/2 element meter refers to 2 stator 4-wire wye meter as described in section A.2.7.2.
5 The three wire element is a single element using the sum of two current circuits and one potential circuit.

2.32 electronic stor age register: An electronic circuit where data is stored for display and/or retrieval.
2.33 end-of-interval indi cator (EOI): An indicator for the end of the demand interval for non-
rolling(block)-interval demand, or the end of the sub-interval for rolling-interval demand.
2.34 energy: The integral of active power with respect to time.

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 ANSI C12.1-2008

2.35 energy flow : Energy flow from line to load terminals shall be considered as energy delivered to the
load terminals of the meter. Energy in the opposite direction, i.e., from load to line terminals, shall be
considered as received. The line and load terminals are as specified in the Handbook for Electricity
Metering, (Chapter 13).
2.36 firmware: A control program stored in non-volatile memory and considered to be an integral part of
an electronic device.
2.37 homo geneous meter grou p: A lot or population of meters from which a random sample is selected
that, as far as is practicable, consists of meters of the same basic type or model designation, have
the same general construction, produced by the same manufacturer, and have the same
relationship of parts.
2.38 interface: The means for transmitting information between the meter or register and peripheral
equipment.
2.39 laborator y - meter: A laboratory responsible for maintaining reference standards and assigning
values to the working standards used for the testing of electricity meters and auxiliary devices.
2.40 laborator y – independent standards: A standards laboratory maintained by, and responsible to, a
company or authority that is not under the same administrative control as the laboratories or
companies submitting instruments for calibration.
2.41 metering devices: Equipment used in energy revenue metering; such as watthour meters, demand
meters, demand and TOU registers and various forms of pulse initiating, receiving and totalizing
devices.
2.42 normal mode: The operating mode of the register usually displaying the billing data.
2.43 phase-shiftin g transfo rmer: An assembly of one or more transformers intended to be connected
to a polyphase circuit so as to provide voltages in the proper phase relations for energizing
varmeters, varhour meters, or other measurement equipment. This type of transformer is
sometimes referred to as a phasing transformer.
2.44 phasor: A complex number, associated with sinusoidally varying electrical quantities, such that the
absolute value (modulus) of the complex number corresponds to either the peak amplitude or rms
value of the quantity, and the phase (argument) to the phase angle at zero time. By extension, the
term "phasor" can also be applied to impedance and related complex quantities that are not time-
dependent.
2.45 pow er – active: The time average of the instantaneous power over one period of the wave.
NOTE—For sinusoidal quantities in a two-wire circuit, it is the product of the voltage, the current, and the cosine
of the phase angle between them. For nonsinusoidal quantities, it is the sum of all the harmonic components,
each determined as above. In a polyphase circuit, it is the sum of the active powers of the individual phases.

2.46 pow er – apparent: The product of rms current and rms voltage for any wave form in a two-wire
circuit. For sinusoidal quantities, apparent power is equal to the square root of the sum of the
squares of the active and reactive powers in both two-wire and polyphase circuits.
2.47 pow er – reactive: For sinusoidal quantities in a two-wire circuit, reactive power is the product of the
voltage, the current, and the sine of the phase angle between them, using the current as reference.
2.48 pow er factor: The ratio of active power to the apparent power.
2.49 precision: The repeatability of measurement data, customarily expressed in terms of standard
deviation.
2.50 pulse: A change of state of an electrical signal that conveys an event or information.
NOTE—A sudden change of voltage or current produced, for example, by the closing or opening of a contact.

2.51 pulse amplifi er or relay: A device used to change the amplitude or waveform of a pulse for
retransmission to another pulse device.

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ANSI C12.1-2008

2.52 puls e capacity: The number of pulses per demand interval that a pulse receiver can accept and
register without loss.
2.53 puls e device (for electricit y metering): The functional unit for initiating, transmitting,
retransmitting, or receiving electric pulses, representing finite quantities, such as energy, normally
transmitted from some form of electricity meter to a receiver unit.
2.54 puls e init iator: Any device, mechanical or electrical, used with a meter to initiate pulses, the
number of which are proportional to the quantity being measured. It may include an external
amplifier or auxiliary relay or both.
2.55 puls e-initiator outp ut const ant (Ke or KWHC): The value of the measured quantity for each
outgoing pulse of a pulse initiator, expressed in kilowatt hours per pulse, kilovarhours per pulse, or
other suitable units.
2.56 puls e-initiator outp ut ratio (R/P or Mp): The number of revolutions of the meter rotor per output
pulse of the pulse initiator.
2.57 pulse rate – maximum: The number of pulses per second at which a pulse device is nominally
rated.
2.58 pulse receiver: The unit that receives and registers the pulses.
2.59 puls e recorder: A device that receives and records pulses over successive demand intervals.
2.60 puls e-recorder channel: One individual input, output, and intervening circuitry required to record
pulse data.
2.61 Q-hour meter: An electricity meter that measures the quantity obtained by effectively lagging the
applied voltage to a watthour meter by 60 degrees. This quantity is used with watthours in
calculating quadergy (varhours).
2.62 quadergy: The integral of reactive power with respect to time.
2.63 shop – meter: A place where meters are inspected, repaired, tested, and adjusted.
2.64 simul ated meter: A meter cover, base, and jumper bars constructed to represent the thermal
characteristics of a specific class of watthour meter to be used in the testing of a meter socket and
in determining the empirical temperature rise of the test meter for temperature rise at continuous
ampere rating.
2.65 standards – national: Standard electrical quantities that are maintained by the National Institute of
Standards and Technology (NIST).
2.66 standard wattho ur meter – basic current range: The current range of a multirange standard
watthour meter designated by the manufacturer for its calibration (normally the 5 A range).
2.67 standard watth our meter – basic voltage range: The voltage range of a multirange standard
watthour meter designated by the manufacturer for its calibration (normally the 120 V range).
2.68 standard wattho ur meter – rated current: The nameplate current for each range of a standard
watthour meter.
NOTE—The main adjustment of the meter is ordinarily made with rated current on the basic current range.

2.69 standard wattho ur meter – rated voltage: The nameplate voltage for a meter or for each range of
a standard watthour meter.
NOTE—The main adjustment of the standard meter is ordinarily made with rated voltage on the basic voltage
range.

2.70 test – acceptan ce: A test to demonstrate the degree of compliance of a device with the purchaser's
requirements.

6
 ANSI C12.1-2008

2.71 test accuracy – in-service: A test made during the period that the meter is in service. It may be
made on the customer's premises without removing the meter from its mounting, or by removing the
meter for test either on the premises or in a laboratory or meter shop.
2.72 test – accur acy – referee: A test made by or in the presence of one or more representatives of a
regulatory body or other impartial agency.
2.73 test – accuracy – request: A test made at the request of a customer.
2.74 test amperes (TA): The load current specified by the manufacturer for the main calibration
adjustment.
2.75 test – approval: A test of one or more meters or other items under various controlled conditions to
ascertain the compliance of the type of which they are a sample with the appropriate standard.
2.76 test mode: A separately activated sequence that saves billing data while displaying test data. It
reactivates the billing data to the register when the normal mode is resumed.
2.77 timebase prim ary: A timing system established from the frequency of the power line or other
reference source.
2.78 timebase secondary: A timing system established from an alternate source when the primary
source is not available.
2.79 time-of-use register: That portion of a watthour meter that, for selected periods of time,
accumulates and may display amounts of electric energy, demand, or other quantities measured or
calculated.
2.80 time-of-use register – period : A selected period of time during which a specified rate will apply to
the energy usage or demand, typically designated as A, B, C, and D.
2.81 time-of-use register – swi tch point : The transition from one time-of-use period to another.
2.82 total harmoni c disto rtion (THD): The ratio of the root-mean-square of the harmonic content
(excluding the fundamental) to the root-mean-square value of the fundamental quantity, expressed
as a percentage.
2.83 totalizing: A device used to receive and sum pulses from two or more sources for proportional
transmission to another totalizing relay or to a receiver.
2.84 transducer: A device to receive energy from one system and supply energy (of either the same or
of a different kind) to another system, in such a manner that the desired characteristics of the
energy input appear at the output.
2.85 transfo rmer-loss compens ation: A method that adds to or subtracts from the meter registration to
compensate for predetermined iron and/or copper losses of transformers and transmission lines.
2.86 varhour meter: An electricity meter that measures and registers the integral, with respect to time, of
the reactive power of the circuit in which it is connected. The unit in which this integral is measured
is usually the kilovarhour.
2.87 varhour test const ant: The expression of the relation between the reactive energy applied to the
meter and corresponding value of the test output.
NOTE—For electromechanical meters, one test output equals one disk revolution.

2.88 voltage-wit hstand tests: Tests made to determine the ability of insulating materials and spacings
to withstand specified overvoltages for a specified time without flashover or puncture.
2.89 watth our meter: An electricity meter that measures and registers the integral, with respect to time,
of the active power of the circuit in which it is connected. The unit in which this integral is measured
is usually the kilowatthour.
2.90 watth our meter – bott om-connected: A meter having a bottom-connected terminal assembly.

7
ANSI C12.1-2008

2.91 wattho ur meter – calibratio n: Adjustment to bring the percentage registration of the meter to
within specified limits.
2.92 watth our meter – basic reference standards: Those standards with which the value of the
watthour is maintained in the laboratory.
2.93 wattho ur meter – class designatio n: The maximum specified continuous load in amperes.
2.94 watth our meter – detachable (socket moun ted): A meter having bayonet-type (blade) terminals
arranged on the back side of the meter for insertion into matching jaws of a meter socket (or
detachable meter-mounting device).
2.95 watth our meter – field standard: A portable meter that is used as a standard meter to calibrate
the utility's billing meters and is traceable to NIST. This meter is also known as a portable standard
or working standard.
2.96 wattho ur meter – form designatio n: An alphanumeric designation denoting the circuit
arrangement for which the meter is applicable and its specific terminal arrangement. The same
designation is applicable to equivalent meters of all manufacturers.
2.97 wattho ur meter – full load: Full load is a test condition using test amps, rated voltage and unity
power factor.
2.98 watth our meter – gear ratio (Rg): The number of revolutions of the meter’s rotor for one revolution
of the first dial pointer.
2.99 watth our meter – indu ction : A motor-type meter in which currents induced in the rotor interact with
magnetic fields to produce the driving torque.
2.100 wattho ur meter – ligh t load: Light load is a test condition using rated voltage, 10% of test amps
and unity power factor.
2.101 wattho ur meter – load range: The maximum range in amperes over which the meter is designed
to operate continuously with a specified accuracy.
2.102 wattho ur meter – multi stator: A watthour meter containing more than one stator.
2.103 wattho ur meter – percentage error: The difference between percentage registration and 100%.
NOTE—A meter whose percentage registration is 95% is said to be 5% slow, or its error is (-) 5%.

2.104 watth our meter – percentage registrati on: The ratio of the actual registration of the meter to the
true value of the quantity measured in a given time, expressed as a percentage.
2.105 watth our meter – reference perform ance: test, used as a basis for comparison with
performances under other conditions of the test.
2.106 watth our meter – register: A device for use with an electricity meter that indicates or records units
of electric energy or other quantity measured.
2.107 watth our meter – register constant (Kr ): The multiplier used to convert the register reading to
kilowatthours (or other suitable units).
NOTE—This constant takes into consideration the watthour constant, gear ratio, and instrument transformer
ratios.

2.108 watth our meter – register ratio (Rr ): The number of revolutions of the first gear of the register for
one revolution of the first dial pointer.
2.109 wattho ur meter – registr ation: The amount of electric energy (or other quantity being measured)
that was recorded by the meter.
NOTE—It is equal to the product of the register reading and the register constant. The registration during a
given period is equal to the product of the register constant and the difference between the register readings at
the beginning and the end of the period.

8
 ANSI C12.1-2008

2.110 watth our meter – rotor: That part of an induction meter that is directly driven by electromagnetic
action.
2.111 watth our meter – self cont ained: A meter in which the terminals are arranged for connection to
the circuit being measured without using external instrument transformers.
2.112 watth our meter – sing le stator: A meter containing only one stator.
2.113 watth our meter – stator: An assembly of an induction watthour meter, which consists of a voltage
circuit, one or more current circuits, so arranged that their joint effect, when energized, is to exert a
driving torque on the rotor.
2.114 watth our meter – transpor t standard: Standard meters of the same or better level of uncertainty
as the basic reference standard meters that are used for transferring the value of the watthour
between standards.
2.115 watth our meter – test const ant (Kt): The expression of the relationship between the energy
applied to the meter and the corresponding occurrence of one test output indication expressed as
watthours per test output indication.
2.116 watth our meter const ant (Kh ): The expression of the relationship between the energy applied to
the meter and one disk revolution or equivalent, expressed as watthours per revolution or watthours
per equivalent revolution.

9
ANSI C12.1-2008

3 Standards and standardizing equipment

3.1 Scope

To outline an appropriate chain of intermediate steps between the national standards and watthour meters.

3.2 Final authori ty

The duties of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) (formerly named the National
Bureau of Standards), U.S. Department of Commerce, include the following functions assigned by Public
st
Law 619 of the 81 Congress (63 Stat 371, 5USC 271-286): "The custody, maintenance, and development
of the national standards of measurements, and the provision of means and methods for making
measurements consistent with these standards." In addition, Public Law 617 (Section 12) of the 81st
Congress (Title 15, USCA Sec 223, 223) reads as follows: "It shall be the duty of the National Bureau of
Standards to establish the values of the primary electric units in absolute measure, and the legal values for
these units shall be those represented by, or derived from, national reference standards maintained by the
National Bureau of Standards."

3.3 Traceabili ty paths to NIST

It is the responsibility of the utility to establish and maintain the traceability of the watthour standard to the
national standard either directly or indirectly. This traceability plan shall document the relationship between
the billing meter and the national standard. Described below are some common methods for establishing
this traceability.

3.3.1 Direct transfer

A watthour transport standard is sent directly to NIST for comparison with the national standard.

3.3.1.1 NIST MAP pro gram

NIST provides a service using their own transport standard in a measurement assurance program (MAP) to
aid in the achievement of measurement quality control and to link the measurements in the laboratory to
national standards.

3.3.1.2 Indepen dent labo rator y

An independent standards laboratory able to document traceability to NIST may be used by a utility that
does not carry out the entire chain of sequential measurements between the national standards and the
local energy standard. An independent laboratory may include another utility with a qualified laboratory.

3.3.1.3 Meter laboratory transport standard compariso n to NIST

The utility selects a transport standard which is sent to NIST or an independent laboratory for
intercomparison to the national standard. When the transport standard is returned to the utility, it is
intercompared with the basic reference standards to provide traceability to NIST.

3.3.1.4 Indi rect trans fer

The method of establishing the watthour from the volt and ohm is rarely practiced today because it is more
expensive and is susceptible to greater uncertainty in the typical laboratory than any of the other transfer
methods described in Section 3.3 (Refer to Appendix B for a description of the indirect transfer method.
Diagram also shown below for convenience.)

10
 ANSI C12.1-2008

NIST
Independent Lab

Basic Reference Standard

Transport
Standard

Field/Working/Portable Standard

Customers Meter

Figure B.1 – Traceabili ty Path Diagram

3.4 Meter labor atory

The meter laboratory is concerned with two functions:

a) Maintaining standards whose calibration values are traceable to national standards.
b) Assigning calibration values (correction factors) to working standards.

It may be equipped and staffed to make calibration tests at some or all of the sequential steps intermediate
between the national standards of resistance, EMF, and time interval, and a local reference standard of
energy measurement (such as a group of watthour meters).

3.4.1 Laborator y condi tion s

In a meter laboratory it is essential that ambient conditions, such as temperature and humidity, be
maintained at values and within limits appropriate to the measurements made in the laboratory. Other
ambient factors that could interfere with proper measurement, such as atmospheric contaminations,
mechanical disturbances, electrical and magnetic interference, and noise, should also be held to such levels
that normal measurement techniques and results are not adversely affected.

11
ANSI C12.1-2008

3.4.2 Reference temperature and humid ity

o
The ambient temperature in the meter laboratory shall be 23 C, with tolerances that depend upon the effects
of temperature on the standards used and the apparatus under test. This temperature shall be held constant
not only during a test or calibration procedure, but also for a preceding period sufficient to ensure effective
temperature equilibrium in the test equipment and in the device being tested. Relative humidity shall not
exceed 80% noncondensing.

3.4.3 Laborator y pow er sourc es

Alternating current supplies used in the laboratory for calibration of instruments or meters, or for the
measurement of voltage, current, or power, should be closely regulated, since fluctuations in the value being
held can affect the accuracy of a calibration or measurement.
Alternating current supplies shall be substantially free from waveform distortion, and the phase relation of
combined current and voltage supplies shall be capable of close regulation.

3.5 Meter sho p

The meter shop is concerned with the routine testing, repair, and calibration of electricity meters and the
auxiliary devices and equipment essential to the metering of electric energy and power.

3.6 Laboratory standards

Laboratory standards are those standard meters that are used to verify the accuracy of working standards.
The standards in the laboratory are the basic reference standards and the transport standards.

3.6.1 Basic reference standards

Basic reference standards are those standards with which the accuracy of the watthour is maintained in the
laboratory. Ideally, the basic reference standards of a laboratory should be maintained in groups of three or
more separate individual units that can be intercompared readily. Three standards are the minimum for
which a change in one can be both detected and located by intercomparison.

3.6.2 Transport standards

Transport standards are standards of the same nominal accuracy class as the basic reference standards of
a laboratory. Such standards are regularly intercompared with the basic reference standards to maintain a
history of their behavior. The main purpose of the transport standard is to establish traceability from outside
the utility and transfer traceability within the utility.

3.7 Periodic verification of reference standards

Watthour meters used as reference standards to maintain the unit of energy shall be intercompared at
appropriate intervals.

3.8 Portable/field/working standard wattho ur meters

Portable/field/working standards are commonly used interchangeably. These standard watthour meters are
in constant use and accuracy should be verified at least annually.

3.9 Performance records

Historical records should be kept of the performance of each standard. Where this record shows excessive
variation between tests, the standard should then be subjected to special investigation to determine the

12
 ANSI C12.1-2008

cause of the variation. If the cause cannot be determined and corrected, use of the standard shall be
discontinued.

3.10 Performance requirements for standard watthou r meters

3.10.1 General test cond itio ns

The standard meter under test shall be in good operating condition and have established adequate records
for performance. The stability can be established through manufacturer's specifications or can be
established through historical test records.

3.10.1.1 Test vol tage

The test voltage shall be held constant to within 1.0%.

3.10.1.2 Test cur rent

The test current shall be held constant to within 1.0%.

3.10.1.3 Test phase ang le

o
The test phase angle shall be held constant to within 2 .

3.10.1.4 Test freq uency

The test frequency shall be held constant to within 0.2%.

3.10.1.5 Waveform distortio n

The total harmonic distortion (THD) of the applied voltage and current shall not exceed 2.0%.

3.10.1.6 A mbi ent temper ature

o
The ambient temperature shall be 23 C with tolerances that depend upon the effects of temperature on the
standards used and the apparatus under test.

3.10.1.7 Extern al magnet ic field

Strong magnetic fields may affect performance of standard meters. Care should be taken to avoid placing
the meters in proximity to energized transformers and loops of current test leads.

3.10.2 Accur acy tests for port able and reference standards

3.10.2.1 Insulation
The insulation between current-carrying parts of separate circuits and between current-carrying parts and
other metallic parts shall be capable of withstanding the application of a sinusoidal voltage of 2.3 kV rms, 60
Hz for 1 minute with the leakage current not to exceed 0.005 A per circuit.

3.10.2.2 Accuracy specificatio n for the effect of variation of voltage and current
3.10.2.2.1 Reference con dit ion s
Voltage 120V
Current 5.0 A
Frequency 60 Hz
Power Factor Unity and 0.5 Lagging
o
Temperature 23 C

13
ANSI C12.1-2008

3.10.2.2.2 Perform ance requi rements

At these reference points, the error, after the application of the calibration values of the portable and
reference standards, shall not exceed the values in Table 1.

Table 1 – Portable and Reference Standards Percent Error s

Percent Error
Standards
@ 1.00 PF @ 0.5 PF
Portable Standard 0.1% 0.2%
Reference Standard 0.05% 0.1%

3.10.2.2.3 Variation from reference conditi on

The error of the standard shall not deviate more than an additional 0.05% from the reference percent error
over the design range of voltage and current.
3.10.2.2.4 Effect of variation of ambient temperature
6
The maximum temperature influence shall not exceed 50 part/10 C.

14
 ANSI C12.1-2008

4 Acceptable performance of new types of electric ity metering devices and

associated equipment

4.1 General

4.1.1 Acceptable metering devices

New types of metering devices, in order to be acceptable, shall conform to requirements specified in 4.7
which are intended to determine their reliability and acceptable accuracy insofar as these qualities can be
demonstrated by laboratory tests.

4.1.2 Adequacy of testing laboratory

Tests for determining the acceptability of the types of metering devices under these specifications shall be
made in a laboratory having adequate facilities, using instruments of an order of accuracy at least equal to
that of the shop instruments and standards described in Section 3. These instruments shall be checked
against the laboratory secondary standards before and after the tests, or more often as required. The tests
shall be conducted only by personnel who have thorough practical and theoretical knowledge of metering
devices and adequate training in the making of precision measurements.

4.1.3 Retesting of new meter type

If a change is made to an existing metering type that requires the re-running of one or more of the tests
identified in paragraph 4.1.6, Tests Performed in Series, then all tests listed in 4.1.6 shall be applied to each
metering device retested.

4.1.4 Test docum entation

Once the testing is successfully completed, the tests and their results will be documented. The test
documentation shall include appropriate charts, graphs, and data recorded during testing.

4.1.5 Test devic e

Metering devices selected for certification testing shall be representative of production run metering devices.

4.1.6 Tests performed in series

The following tests shall be conducted using the same metering devices: Insulation, Voltage Interruptions,
Effect of High Voltage Line Surges, Effect of Electrical Fast Transient/Burst, Effect of Electrical Oscillatory
SWC, Effect of Electrostatic Discharge (ESD), Effect of Operating Temperature, and Effect of Relative
Humidity.
All conditions of a specific test shall be applied to each test metering device.

4.1.7 Handling of failed device

Metering devices which fail during the test shall not be repaired or tested further, but can be analyzed to
identify the cause of failure.

4.1.8 Restart testing

When the test metering devices fail to meet these testing requirements and after any correction is made on
the new test metering devices, these metering devices are considered as new meter types and appropriate
tests shall be re-started with the new test metering devices as specified in Section 4.1.3.

15
ANSI C12.1-2008

4.1.9 Reporting of test metering devices

If more than a minimum number of metering devices are tested, the test results shall be based on and
reported for all metering devices tested.

4.2 Types of metering devices

4.2.1 Basi c type

Metering devices are considered to be of the same basic type if they are produced by the same
manufacturer, bear a related type designation, are of the same general design, and have the same
relationship of parts.

4.2.2 Variations wit hin the basic type

Metering devices of the same basic type may vary according to the service for which they are designed,
namely: Voltage rating; accuracy class, current class, test-ampere rating; frequency; form designation;
method of mounting; demand interval; scale capacity; number of channels; pulse devices; clock interval;
battery carry over; input/output configurations; terminal arrangements; scale factors and auxiliary devices..

4.2.3 Type designatio n

Metering devices of the same basic type, but differing in the number or physical arrangement of elements,
shall be assigned type designation that will identify both its basic type and number of elements. Different
form designations may be assigned the same type or model designation.

4.2.4 Acceptance of basic types in who le or part

A basic type of metering device may be accepted as a whole or as a restricted variation.

4.2.5 Minor variations

Minor variations in the physical construction, which do not affect the operation of the metering device, are
permitted without a basic type change.

4.2.6 Special typ es

In the case of a type of metering device that comes within the scope of these specifications, but is of such
design that some of the tests specified are inapplicable or can not be made under the specified conditions,
limited approval may be granted subject to appropriate restrictions.

4.3 Specifications for design and constru ction

4.3.1 Sealing
Metering devices shall be provided with facilities for sealing to detect unauthorized entry.

4.3.2 Enclosures
The enclosure, if intended for indoor application, shall meet the performance specifications described in
NEMA 250, for Type 2 enclosures.
The enclosure, if intended for outdoor application, shall meet the performance specifications described in
NEMA 250, for Type 3R enclosures.

16
 ANSI C12.1-2008

4.3.3 Terminals and marking s

The terminals of the metering device shall be so arranged that the possibility of short circuits is minimized
when the cover is removed or replaced, connections are made, or the metering device is adjusted.
All leads and terminals shall be identified either on the metering device or in manufacturer's literature. For
pulse initiators only one KYZ relay shall have leads with the following color code:
– K = red
– Y = yellow
– Z = black
4.3.4 Constru ction and wor kmanship
Metering devices shall be substantially constructed of good material in a workmanlike manner, with the
objective of attaining stability of performance and sustained accuracy over long periods of time and over
wide ranges of operating conditions with a minimum of maintenance.

4.3.5 Provisio n for adjustment

Connections and parts requiring adjustment in service shall be easily accessible after the cover is removed.

4.4 Selection of metering devices for approval tests

4.4.1 Samples to be representative of the basic type

The metering devices to be tested shall be representative of the basic type and shall represent the average
commercial product of the manufacturer.

4.4.2 Numb er to be tested

A minimum of three metering devices shall be subjected to each test. When the devices representing a
given basic type include:
a) Different current ratings—there shall be one device of each of the representative current ratings.
b) Different voltage ratings—there shall be one device of each of the representative voltage
ratings.
c) Different number of elements—there shall be one device of each representative number of
elements.
d) Four-wire-wye and four-wire delta metering devices of the two-element type—there shall be one
device for each configuration.

4.5 Conditio ns of test

4.5.1 Tests to be applied

The tests specified in 4.7 are to be conducted on the number of metering devices specified in 4.4.2.
An auxiliary device used on a previously approved metering device shall be tested per this Standard for only
those tests applicable to the auxiliary device. The previously approved metering device shall be tested for
those performance tests affected by the auxiliary device.

4.5.2 Configuration
Metering devices shall be complete assemblies.

17
ANSI C12.1-2008

4.5.3 Metering devices for special services

Devices designed for specific types of service may be tested on the type of circuit for which the devices are
designed, or by using single-phase circuits provided that the devices meet the requirements of the test for
independence of elements. In such case, the testing laboratory may modify the procedures outlined herein
to meet the requirements for single-phase tests on such types of devices. Examples are as follows:
a) Volt-square-hour devices shall be tested at 80%, 100%, and 120% of nameplate voltage.
b) Devices used to measure quantities, such as varhours or Q-hours, may be tested in
accordance with the test specifications for watthour metering devices, insofar as the tests apply.
4.5.4 Metering devices of non-standard classes
When devices of a class other than 10, 20, 100, 200, and 320 are tested for acceptance, the currents for all
tests under the sections on performance requirements shall be those recommended by the manufacturer.
Refer to ANSI C12.20 for current requirements of class 2 metering devices.

4.5.5 Metering devices with wid e voltage range

When devices with voltage ratings encompassing more than one of the rated voltages of 120, 240, 277, and
480 are tested for acceptance, each test shall be performed at both the lowest rated voltage and at the
highest rated voltage unless otherwise specified.

4.6 Rules governin g the acceptance of types

4.6.1 Tolerances
Due to possible errors in observations and in the test equipment employed, a tolerance should be applied to
the specified limits of percent deviation for any test condition involving a determination of the accuracy of the
metering device. A metering device shall be considered to be within the allowable limits if the measured
deviation does not exceed the specified maximum deviation from reference performance by 0.1% or by one
tenth of the maximum deviation, whichever is greater. The above reference points shall be as close as
practical to zero error and in no case shall exceed 0.5% error.

4.6.2 Determin ation of Failure and Rejection

4.6.2.1 Failure
A test metering device shall be designated as failed if any of the following events occur during or after any
certification test:
4.6.2.1.1 Failure of the metering device to perform all functions as specified in a valid test procedure
(4.7.2.1 – 4.7.2.14 and 4.7.3.1 – 4.7.3.24).
4.6.2.1.2 The metering device has signs of physical damage as a result of a test procedure.
4.6.2.1.3 The metering device fails to remain within accuracy limits of a valid test procedure, either as
defined by the test procedure, or as the result of the Accuracy Performance Check as defined in 4.7.3.
4.6.2.2 Meter Type Certifi catio n Rejectio n Criter ia
The meter type certification will be rejected if any of the following events occur:

4.6.2.2.1 The metering devices fail the certification tests as specified in Table 2 below:

18
 ANSI C12.1-2008

Table 2 – Table of Failures B ased on th e Number of Metering Devices Tested

# METERING
FAILURES IN DIFFERENT TESTS INDIVIDUALLY
DEVICES
TESTED 0 1 2 3 or mor e
3

4 F A IL

7
P A S S

9 or more

Examples The following examples explain how to apply Table 2. Also, reference to “the series tests“ in this
paragraph means tests required to be performed in the series manner as specified in Section 4.1.6., and
reference to “the parallel tests“ means testing is not required to be performed in any particular sequence
(either series or parallel).
Example 1: If 3 metering devices are selected for the series testing and one failure occurs in any test
procedure, the meter type certification will be rejected and the entire eight series tests will be started over
from the beginning.
Example 2: If 9 metering devices are selected for the series tests and the first, second, and third failures
occur separately in three different tests or test procedures, the meter type certification will be rejected.
These failures described here mean that a failure of the first metering device during one test procedure, a
failure of a second metering device during another test procedure, and a failure of a third metering device
during another test procedure different from the tests that the first two metering devices have failed
previously. Once such failures occur, the entire eight series tests will be started over from the beginning.
However, if 3 metering devices are selected for a parallel test performed concurrently with the 9 metering
devices selected for the series tests, the rejection criteria for the 3 metering devices tested in a parallel test
shall not apply to the 9 metering devices tested in series, or vice versa. In addition, if a group of metering
devices tested in a parallel test(s) fails according to the rejection criteria, only the particular failed test(s)
needs to be repeated.
4.6.2.2.2 The failure of two or more metering devices during the same test or test procedure.

4.7 Performance requirements

4.7.1 Test condi tion s

Unless otherwise specified, all tests shall be made with the metering device under test mounted in a
conventional manner on a suitably rated meter mounting device (example, socket or load box), free from
vibration. All alternating current tests shall be conducted on a circuit supplied by a sine-wave source with
a distortion factor not greater than 3%. Where the metering device has more than one voltage and current
circuit, it shall be tested with the voltage circuits effectively in parallel and the appropriate current circuit(s)
energized effectively in series, unless otherwise specified. For metering devices with auxiliary devices

19
ANSI C12.1-2008

powered line-to-line, the metering device shall be tested with the voltage and current circuits individually
energized to power the auxiliary device as it would be in normal operation.
o o
All tests shall be made at 23 C 5 C, rated voltage 3%, rated frequency 1 Hz, test amperes 3%,
o
and unity power factor 2 , unless otherwise indicated in specific tests. The metering device shall be
stabilized at ambient temperature before performance tests are made. A list of all the required tests is shown
in Table 3.

Table 3 – List of Tests

Tests ( )
Descriptions Of Certification Tests ANSI C12.1
Performed In Series
No Load Test #1
Starting Load Test #2
Load Performance Test #3
Effect of Variation of Power Factor Test #4
Effect of Variation of Voltage Test #5 or 5a
Effect of Variation of Frequency Test #6
Equality of Current Circuits Test #7
Internal Meter Losses Test #8
Temperature Rise Test #9
Effect of Register Friction Test #10
Effect of Internal Heating Test #11
Effect of Tilt Test #12
Stability of Performance Test #13
Independence of Elements Test #14
Insulation Test #15
Voltage Interruptions Test #16
Effect of High Voltage Line Surges Test #17
Effect of External Magnetic Field Test #18
Effect of Variation of Ambient Temperature Test #19 or
19a
Effect of Temporary Overloads Test #20
Effect of Current Surges in Ground Conductors Test #21
Effect of Superimposed Signals Test #22
Effect of Voltage Variation-secondary Time Base Test #23
Effect of Variation of Amb. Temp.-second. Time Base Test #24
Effect of electrical Fast Transient/Burst Test #25
Effect of electrical oscillatory SWC test Test #25a
Effect of Radio Frequency Interference Test #26
Radio Frequency Conducted and Radiated Emission Test #27
Effect of Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) Test #28
Effect of Storage Temperature Test #29
Effect of Operating Temperature Test #30
Effect of Relative Humidity Test #31
Mechanical Shock Test #32
Transportation Drop Test #33
Mechanical Vibration Test #34
Transportation Vibration Test #35
Weather Simulation Test #36
Salt-spray Test #37
Raintightness Test #38

20
 ANSI C12.1-2008

4.7.2 Accur acy Tests—Internal Influences

4.7.2.1 Test No. 1: No Load

The metering device with the voltage circuit(s) energized and current circuit(s) open shall not make one
complete revolution of the rotor or more than one equivalent revolution in watthours within 10 minutes and
no additional equivalent complete revolutions of the rotor in the next 20 minutes.

4.7.2.2 Test No. 2: Startin g Load

The metering device shall operate continuously with a load current as specified in Table 4. The lowest rated
voltage value shall be used for wide voltage ranging metering devices.

Table 4 – Starting Load Test

Current Class Current In Amperes

10 0.025
20 0.025
100 0.15
200 0.30
320 0.50

4.7.2.3 Test No. 3: Load Perform ance

The performance of the metering device shall not deviate from the reference registration by an amount
exceeding the maximum deviation specified in Table 5, except that the tests for conditions (9) through (11)
shall be omitted for two-element four-wire wye metering devices.

Table 5–Load Performance Test

Current Class Maximum Deviation

10 20 100 200 320 In Percent From
Condition Current In Amperes Reference Perform ance
(1) 0.15 0.15 1 2 3 2.0
(2) 0.25 0.25 1.5 3 5 1.0
(3) 0.5 0.5 3 6 10 1.0
(4) 1.5 1.5 10 20 30 1.0
(5) 2.5 2.5 15 30 50 Reference
(6) – 5 30 60 75 1.0
(7) 5 10 50 100 100 1.5
(8) 7.5 15 75 150 150 2.0
(9) – 18 90 180 250 2.0
(10) 10 – 100 200 300 2.0
(11) – 20 – – 320 2.5

4.7.2.4 Test No. 4: Effect of variation of power factor

Each element of a multi-element metering device shall be tested as a single-element metering device,
except that all voltage circuits shall be effectively in parallel.

21
ANSI C12.1-2008

4.7.2.4.1 Singl e-element meters

The effect of variation of power factor upon performance of the metering device shall not exceed the
maximum deviation specified in Table 6.

Table 6 – Effect o f Variation o f Pow er Factor for Single-Element Meters

Current Class Maximum Deviation

Power
Condition 10 100 200 320 In Percent From
Factor
Current In Amperes Reference Perform ance
Reference performance for
Condition (1) 0.25 1.5 3 5 1.0 Reference
Condition (1) 0.5 3 6 10 0.5 lag 2.0
Reference performance for
Condition (2) 5 50 100 150 1.0 Reference
Condition (2) 5 50 100 150 0.5 lag 2.0
Reference performance for
Condition (3) 10 100 200 320 1.0 Reference
Condition (3) 10 100 200 320 0.5 lag 2.0

4.7.2.4.2 Two-element network meters, two -element three-phase three-wire meters, two -element
three-phase four-wire delta meters, and tw o-element tw o-phase five-wire meters
The effect of variation of power factor upon the performance of the metering device shall not exceed the
maximum deviation specified in Table 7.

Table 7 – Effect of Power Factor fo r Two-Element Meters:

Network, Three-Phase Three-Wire, Three Phase Four-Wire Delta, and Two-Phase Five-Wire

Current Class Maximum Deviation

Power
Condition 10 20 100 200 320 In Percent From
Factor
Current In Amperes Reference Performanc e
Reference performance for
Condition (1) and (2) 0.5 0.5 3 6 10 1.0 Reference
Condition (1) 0.5 0.5 3 6 10 0.866 lead 2.0
Condition (2) 1.0 1.0 6 12 20 0.5 lag 2.0
Reference performance for
Condition (3) 2.5 2.5 15 30 50 1.0 Reference
Condition (3) 2.5 2.5 15 30 50 0.866 lead 1.0
Reference performance for
Conditions (4) and (5) 5 10 50 100 150 1.0 Reference
Condition (4) 5 10 50 100 150 0.866 lead 1.0
Condition (5) 5 10 50 100 150 0.5 lag 1.5
Reference performance for
Conditions (6) and (7) 10 20 100 200 320 1.0 Reference
Condition (6) 10 20 100 200 320 0.866 lead 1.5
Condition (7) 10 20 100 200 320 0.5 lag 2.0

4.7.2.4.3 Two-element three-phase four-wire wye meters

The effect of variation of power factor upon the performance of the metering device shall not exceed the
maximum deviation specified in Table 8. Load current shall not be applied to the current circuit that is
common to both elements.

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 ANSI C12.1-2008

Table 8 – Effect of Variation of Power Factor

for Two-Element Three-Phase Four-Wire Wye Meters

Current Class Maximum Deviation

Power
Condition 10 20 100 200 In Percent From
Factor
Current In Amperes Reference Perform ance
Reference performance for
Conditions (1) & (2) 1 1 6 12 1.0 Reference
Condition (1) 1 1 6 12 0.866 lead 2.0
Condition (2) 2 2 12 24 0.5 lag 2.0
Reference performance for
Condition (3) 5 10 30 60 1.0 Reference
Condition (3) 5 10 30 60 0.866 lead 1.0
Reference performance for
Conditions (4) & (5) 10 20 100 200 1.0 Reference
Condition (4) 10 20 100100 200 0.866 lead 1.0
Condition (5) 10 20 200 0.5 lag 1.5

4.7.2.4.4 Three-element three-phase four-wire wye meters

The effect of variation of power factor upon the performance of the metering device shall not exceed the
maximum deviation specified in Table 9.

Table 9 – Effect of Variation of Power Factor

for Three-Element Three-Phase Four-Wire Wye Meters

Current Class Maximum Deviation

Power
Condition 10 20 100 200 320 In Percent From
Factor
Current In Amperes Reference Performanc e
Reference performance for
Condition (1) 0.5 0.5 3 6 10 1.0 Reference
Condition (1) 1.0 1.0 6 12 20 0.5 lag 2.0
Reference performance for
Condition (2) 5 10 50 100 150 1.0 Reference
Condition (2) 5 10 50 100 150 0.5 lag 1.5
Reference performance for
Condition (3) 10 20 100 200 320 1.0 Reference
Condition (3) 10 20 100 200 320 0.5 lag 2.0

4.7.2.5 Test No. 5: Effect of variation of voltage on the metering device

The effect of variation of voltage upon the performance of the metering device shall not exceed the
maximum deviation specified in Table 10.

23
ANSI C12.1-2008

Table 10 – Effect of Variation of Volt age

Current Class Maximum Deviation

Condition 10 20 100 200 320 In Percent From
Current In Amperes Reference Performanc e
Reference performance 100% of calibration
0.25 0.25 1.5 3 5 Reference
voltage for Condition (1) and (2)
Condition (1)
0.25 0.25 1.5 3 5 1.0
90% of calibration voltage
Condition (2)
0.25 0.25 1.5 3 5 1.0
110% of calibration voltage
Reference performance 100% of calibration
2.5 2.5 15 30 50 Reference
voltage for Conditions (3) and (4)
Condition (3)
2.5 2.5 15 30 50 1.0
90% of calibration voltage
Condition (4)
2.5 2.5 15 30 50 1.0
110% of calibration voltage

4.7.2.5.1 Test No. 5a: Effect of variation of vol tage on the so lid-state auxiliary device
A solid-state auxiliary device can be tested for accuracy of the auxiliary device and its input pulse initiator,
using electromechanical watthour meter disk revolutions as the input source for Test 5a. For testing the
accuracy of the solid-state auxiliary device only, an auxiliary input pulse source may be used, bypassing the
input pulse initiator. A minimum count of 1000 for the measured quantity is required to establish the test
accuracy. The test recognizes the ambiguity of ± 1 least significant digit. This test shall be made with the
solid-state auxiliary device and meter combination energized with rated voltage and rated frequency, at an
ambient temperature of 23 C ± 5 C.
The accuracy of the measured quantities shall not differ from the input source by an amount exceeding that
specified in Table 11.

Table 11 – Effect of Variation of Voltage on Solid-State Auxiliary Devices

Percent Of Rated Permissibl e Deviation From The

Conditions
Voltage Input Source Measured Quantit y
1 100 Reference
2 90 ±0.1%
3 110 ±0.1%

4.7.2.6 Test No. 6: Effect of variation of frequency

The effect of variation of frequency upon the registration of a metering device shall not exceed the maximum
deviation specified in Table 12.

24
 ANSI C12.1-2008

Table 12 – Effects of Variation of Frequency

Current Class Maximum Deviation

Percent
Condition 10 20 100 200 320 Rated In Percent from
Frequency Reference Performance
Current in Amperes
Reference performance for
0.25 0.25 1.5 3 5 100 Reference
Conditions (1) & (2)
Condition (1) 0.25 0.25 1.5 3 5 98 1.0

Condition (2) 0.25 0.25 1.5 3 5 102 1.0

Reference performance
2.5 2.5 15 30 50 100 Reference
for Conditions (3) & (4)
Condition (3) 2.5 2.5 15 30 50 98 1.0

Condition (4) 2.5 2.5 15 30 50 102 1.0

4.7.2.7 Test No. 7: Equality of current circuit s

4.7.2.7.1 Single-element meters - Equality of c urrent c ircui ts in the thr ee-wir e element
In three-wire single element meters, the change in performance produced by using only one current circuit,
as compared with the performance when both current circuits are used, shall not exceed the maximum
deviation specified in Table 13.

Table 13 – Equality of Current Circui ts in the Three-Wire Element for Single-Element Meters

Connections Current Class Maximum Deviation

Condition Of Current 10 20 100 200 320 In Percent From
Circuits Current In Amperes Reference Perform ance
Reference performance
for Conditions (1) & (2) Both Circuits 0.2 0.25 1.5 3 5 Reference
Condition (1) Circuit A only 0.5 0.5 3 6 10 1.0
Condition (2) Circuit B only 0.5 0.5 3 6 10 1.0
Reference performance
for Conditions (3) & (4) Both Circuits 2.5 2.5 15 30 50 Reference
Condition (3) Circuit A only 5 5 30 60 100 1.0
Condition (4) Circuit B only 5 5 30 60 100 1.0

4.7.2.7.2 Multi-element metering device - Equality of cu rrent circu its in th e three-wir e element
In a multi-element, polyphase-metering device, with a three-wire element, the change in performance
produced by using only one current circuit of the three-wire element, as compared with the performance
when both current circuits of the three-wire element are used, shall not exceed the maximum deviation
specified in Table 14. These tests shall be made on each element separately with no current flowing in the
current circuits of the remaining element(s) but with the voltage circuits of all elements energized effectively
in parallel.

25
 ANSI C12.1-2008

Table 14 – Equality o f Current Circui ts in the Three-Wire Element fo r Multi-Element

Meters Having One or More Three-Wire Elements

Connections Current Class Maximum Deviation

Condition Of Current 10 20 100 200 320 In Percent From
Circuits Current In Amperes Reference Performance
Reference performance
for Conditions (1) & (2) Both Circuits 0.5 0.5 3 6 12 Reference
Condition (1) Circuit A only 1 1 6 12 20 1.0
Condition (2) Circuit B only 1 1 6 12 20 1.0
Reference performance
for Conditions (3) & (4) Both Circuits 5 5 30 60 100 Reference
Condition (3) Circuit A only 10 10 60 120 200 1.0
Condition (4) Circuit B only 10 10 60 120 200 1.0

4.7.2.7.3 Multi-element metering device – Equality of current circu its betw een elements
In a multi-element, polyphase metering device, the change in performance produced by using only one
current circuit, as compared with the performance when all current circuits are used, shall not exceed the
maximum deviation specified in Table 15. These tests shall be made with the voltage circuits of all elements
energized effectively in parallel.
The current circuits that are not common to both elements of a two-element, three-phase, four-wire wye
metering device shall be loaded with twice the test current specified.
If the metering device has any three-wire elements, they shall be connected in series and treated as one
circuit.

Table 15 – Equality o f Current Circu its betw een Elements fo r Multi-Element Meters

Connections Current Class Maximum Deviation

Condition Of Current 10 20 100 200 320 In Percent From
Circuits Current In Amperes Reference Perfor mance
Reference performance for
Conditions (5), (6), (7), (8), etc. All Circuits 0.25 0.25 1.5 3 5 Reference
Condition (5) Circuit A only 0.25N* 0.25N* 1.5N* 3N* 5N* 1.5
Condition (6) Circuit B only 0.25N* 0.25N* 1.5N* 3N* 5N* 1.5
Conditions (7), (8), etc. Circuits C, D, etc. 0.25N* 0.25N* 1.5N* 3N* 5N* 1.5
Reference performance for
Conditions (9), (10), (11), (12), etc. All Circuits 2.5 2.5 15 30 50 Reference
Condition (9) Circuit A only 2.5 2.5 15 30 50 1.5
Condition (10) Circuit B only 2.5 2.5 15 30 50 1.5
Conditions (11), (12), etc. Circuits C, D, etc. 2.5 2.5 15 30 50 1.5
*N represents the number of elements in the metering device

4.7.2.8 Test No. 8: Meter los ses

The loss in each current circuit of a metering device shall not exceed 0.5 VA for Class 10 and Class 20
metering devices or 1.0 VA for Class 100, Class 200, and Class 320 metering devices. For two-element,
three-phase, four-wire wye Class 10 and Class 20 metering devices, loss in the current circuit common to
both elements shall not exceed 1.0 VA. The loss in each voltage circuit of a metering device shall neither
exceed 5 watts or 20 VA. The losses in auxiliary devices that are powered by the meter power supply or
connected to the line side terminals are not included.

26
 ANSI C12.1-2008

4.7.2.9 Test No. 9: Temperat ure ris e

The test shall be made with the specified current applied to all current circuits in series adding. This test shall
be applied to one metering device of each class.
The temperature rise of any of the current-carrying parts of the watthour metering device, tested under
specified conditions, shall not exceed 55°C, except that a higher temperature rise is permissible when
suitable insulating materials are used in conformance with the general principles of temperature rating as
specified by ANSI/IEEE Std 1.
All tests shall be performed in a room essentially free from drafts with the metering device cover in place.
The metering device shall be mounted in a conventional manner on a suitably rated meter mounting device.
Not less than 4 ft (1.22 m) (8 ft (2.44 m) jumper between terminals) of stranded, insulated, copper conductor
shall be connected to the line and load current terminals of the metering device or socket. For detachable
(type "S") metering devices, the opening where the conductors enter and leave the socket and any other
openings shall be closed with suitable material to prevent drafts. The conductor size, test current, and,
where applicable, the socket rating and simulated metering device are specified in Table 16.

Table 16 – Temperature-Rise Test Specification s

Meter Wire-Size* Current In Detachable Meters

Class (AWG Copper ) Amp eres Socket Rating Simulated
In Amperes Meter
10 No. 10 10 20 (min) None
20 No. 10 20 20 (min) None
100 No. 2 100 100 Fig. 1
200 No. 4/0 200 200 Fig. 2
1-500 MCM
320 320 320 Fig. 3
or 2-4/0
*Wire sizes for 100, 200, and 320 A are those specified in ANSI/NFPA 70 for 60 C temperature rating.

4.7.2.9.1 Test o n c lass 10, 20, 100, 200, and 320 meters
The temperature-rise test shall be made by means of temperature detectors in intimate contact with the
metal of the current circuit and located at its approximate center.
In the case of metering devices provided with terminal compartments (type "A"), the test shall be conducted
under the test conditions specified in 4.7.2.9 until the current-circuit temperatures have stabilized. The
temperature rise shall be considered the difference in degrees Celsius between the stabilized temperature
and ambient (room) temperature.
For detachable metering devices (type "S") Class 100, 200, and 320, the test installation shall be
standardized using a simulated meter as specified in figures 1, 2, and 3. The simulated meter shall have the
same cover and number of current jumper bars as current circuits in the metering device to be tested.
Where the use of “the same cover” of the metering device precludes respecting the height dimension of the
mechanical profile of the simulated meter jumper bars as shown in Figure 1 - Figure 3, the test may be
performed with the minimal amount of bending of the jumper bars necessary to eliminate contact between
the simulated meter jumper bars and the metering device cover, as well as between the simulated meter
jumper bars themselves. A temperature-rise test shall be conducted on the simulated meter by applying the
test current to all jumper bars in series until the temperature as indicated by the temperature detector has
stabilized. This temperature shall then be recorded and the simulated metering device replaced by the
metering device to be tested. When the temperatures of the metering device current circuits have stabilized,

27
ANSI C12.1-2008

the temperatures shall be measured and the empirical temperature-rise values of the meter device current
circuits shall be calculated as follows:

Empirical temperature rise = m - ( s - 55 C)

where:
m = Measured final temperature rise of current circuit of metering device under test

s = Measured final temperature rise of current circuit of simulated meter jumper bar for the same
current phase

4.7.2.9.2 Test on class 10 and class 20 meters (optional method)

The temperature-rise test may be made by determining the increase in resistance of the current circuits
when copper or aluminum conductors are used.
Before the meter is energized, the resistances of the metering device current circuits and the ambient
temperature shall be determined. The resistance measurements shall be made by a means capable of
determining the change in resistance to an accuracy of 0.5% or better. The metering device shall be
energized at the specified conditions for a minimum period of 2 hrs. At the end of the prescribed period, the
meter device shall be de-energized, and the time that this action was taken shall be noted. Resistance
readings shall be taken on each current circuit and recorded along with the time at which each
measurement was taken. The resistance and time readings shall be repeated until three sets of data have
been obtained for each current circuit. These readings shall be taken as quickly as practicable. In no case,
however, should the overall time between de-energization and the last resistance reading exceed 5 minutes.
The temperature rise of the current circuit corresponding to each resistance reading should be calculated by
the following formulas:
Rh
T 258 ( 1) for copper windings
Rc

Rh
T 251 ( 1) for aluminum windings
Rc
where:
T = temperature rise in degrees Celsius
Rh = hot resistance
Rc = cold resistance

To determine the temperature rise at the time of de-energization, the temperature rise corresponding to the
resistance values for each current circuit shall be plotted against time. The graph shall be extrapolated to the
time of de-energization.

4.7.2.10 Test No. 10: Effect o f r egister fri ction

The change in meter registration after removal of a pointer-type register shall not exceed 0.5% at 10% of
test amperes (TA). This test may be omitted for solid-state metering devices.

28
 ANSI C12.1-2008

Figure 1 – Dimensions for jum per bars of si mulated meter temperature-rise

test for si ngle-phase and polyphase meters (maximum r ating 100 A)

29
ANSI C12.1-2008

Figure 2 – Dimensions for ju mper bars of sim ulated meter temperature-rise test for
singl e-phase and po lyphase meters (maximum rating 101 – 200 A rating )

30
 ANSI C12.1-2008

Figure 3 – Dimensions for ju mper bars of sim ulated meter temperature-rise test for
singl e-phase and po lyphase meters (maximum rating 201 – 320 A rating )

31
ANSI C12.1-2008

4.7.2.11 Test No. 11: Effect of int ernal heating

The test shall be made with the metering device mounted in a conventional manner on a suitably rated
meter mounting device and wired with not less than 4 ft. (1.22 m) of conductor (8 ft. (2.44 m) jumper
between terminals) of a size adequate for the load range of the metering device. Openings around the
conductor, and any other openings, shall be closed with suitable material to prevent drafts. The effect of
internal heating upon the performance of a metering device shall not exceed the maximum deviation
specified in Table 17.

Table 17 – Effect o f Internal Heating

Current Class Maximum Deviation

Condition 10 20 100 200 320 In Percent From
Current In Amperes Reference Perform ance
Reference performance
10 20 100 200 320 Reference
for conditions (1),(2), and (7)
Reference performance
0.25 0.25 1.5 3 5 Reference
for conditions (3) and (5)
Reference performance
2.5 2.5 15 30 50 Reference
for conditions (4) and (6)
Condition (1)
One-half hour after 10 20 100 200 320 1.0
application of load
Condition (2)
One hour after 10 20 100 200 320 1.5
application of load
Condition (3)
Immediately following 0.25 0.25 1.5 3 5 1.5
test for condition (2)
Condition (4)
Immediately following 2.5 2.5 15 30 50 1.5
test for condition (3)
Condition (5)
Two hours after test for condition
0.25 0.25 1.5 3 5 1.5
(4) with meter at no load current
during the two-hour interval
Condition (6)
Immediately following 2.5 2.5 15 30 50 1.0
test for condition (5)
Condition (7)
Immediately following 10 20 100 200 320 1.0
test for condition (6)

32
 ANSI C12.1-2008

4.7.2.12 Test No. 12: Effect of ti lt

The top of the metering device shall be tilted at an angle of 4 from the vertical: (1) forward, (2) backward, (3)
left, and (4) right. The effect of tilt upon the registration of a metering device shall not exceed the maximum
deviation specified in Table 18. This test may be omitted for solid-state metering devices.

Table 18 – Effect of Tilt

Current Class Maximum Deviation In

Conditions 10 20 100 200 320 Percent From
Current In Amperes Reference Perfor mance
Reference performance
for conditions (1), (2), 0.25 0.25 1.5 3 5 Reference
(3), and (4)
Condition (1)
Top of meter tilted 4 0.25 0.25 1.5 3 5 1.0
degrees forward
Condition (2)
Top of meter tilted 4 0.25 0.25 1.5 3 5 1.0
degrees backward
Condition (3)
Top of meter tilted 4 0.25 0.25 1.5 3 5 1.0
degrees left
Condition (4)
Top of meter tilted 4 0.25 0.25 1.5 3 5 1.0
degrees right
Reference performance
for conditions (5), (6), 2.5 2.5 15 30 50 Reference
(7), and (8)
Condition (5)
Top of meter tilted 4 2.5 2.5 15 30 50 0.5
degrees forward
Condition (6)
Top of meter tilted 4 2.5 2.5 15 30 50 0.5
degrees backward
Condition (7)
Top of meter tilted 4 2.5 2.5 15 30 50 0.5
degrees left
Condition (8)
Top of meter tilted 4 2.5 2.5 15 30 50 0.5
degrees right

4.7.2.13 Test No. 13: Stabil ity of perfo rmanc e

The metering device shall be operated continuously. The percentage registration shall be determined at
10% of test amperes at the start of the test and at 10 successive intervals at least 24 hours apart within a
period of 2 weeks. The change in percentage registration from performance at the start of the test shall not
exceed 1.0% on any subsequent test.
Available nominal voltage and current can be used for the duration of this test except when the metering
device is undergoing the specified accuracy test.

4.7.2.14 Test No. 14: Independ ence of elements

Metering devices without independent elements may use isolation transformers or the electronic equivalent
for this test.

33
ANSI C12.1-2008

4.7.2.14.1 Two-element meter test

The test shall be made on a three-phase circuit. Throughout the test, the voltage and current circuits of one
element (Element A) of the metering device shall be connected to phase 1 of a three-phase circuit. For test
conditions (1) through (6) listed in Table 19, the current circuit of the other element (Element B) shall not be
connected. The voltage circuit of Element B shall be connected as follows:
Reference performance — Phase 1 direct
Conditions (1) and (2) — Phase 1 reversed
Conditions (3) and (4) — Phase 2 direct
Conditions (5) and (6) — Phase 2 reversed

For test conditions (7) through (12) in Table 19, a current shall be applied to Element B. The currents in
Element A and Element B shall be equal in magnitude, and each shall be substantially in phase with the
voltage applied to the respective element. For these test conditions, both the voltage circuit and the current
circuit of Element B shall be connected as follows:
Reference performance — Phase 1 direct
Conditions (7) and (8) — Phase 1 reversed
Conditions (9) and (10) — Phase 2 direct
Conditions (11) and (12) — Phase 2 reversed

For a two-element three-phase four-wire wye metering device, the current circuit common to both elements
shall not be connected. The currents used shall be twice the values indicated in Table 19. The circuits of any
three-wire element shall be connected in series and shall be tested as one circuit.
The difference between the performance of the metering device under the test conditions specified and the
applicable reference performance shall not exceed the maximum deviation in Table 19.

4.7.2.14.2 Three-element meters

The test shall be made on a three-phase four-wire wye circuit. Throughout the test, the voltage and current
circuits of one element (Element A) of the metering device shall be connected to phase 1 of the three-phase
circuit. For test conditions (1) through (4) listed in Table 20, the current circuits of the other elements
(Element B and Element C) shall not be connected. The voltage circuit of Element B and Element C shall be
connected as follows:
Reference performance — Both Element B and Element C, Phase 1 direct
Conditions (1) and (2) — Element B, Phase 2 direct; Element C, Phase 3 direct
Conditions (3) and (4) — Element B, Phase 3 direct, Element C, Phase 2 direct

34
 ANSI C12.1-2008

Table 19 – Test for Independence o f Elements in Two-Element Meters

Current Class Maximum Deviation

Conditions 10 20 100 200 320 In Percent From
Current In Amperes Reference Performance
Reference performance for
1 1 6 12 20 Reference
conditions (1), (3), and (5)
Reference performance for
5 5 30 60 100 Reference
conditions (2), (4), and (6)
Condition (1) 1 1 6 12 20 1.0

Condition (2) 5 5 30 60 100 1.0

Condition (3) 1 1 6 12 20 1.0

Condition (4) 5 5 30 60 100 1.0

Condition (5) 1 1 6 12 20 1.0

Condition (6) 5 5 30 60 100 1.0

Reference performance for
0.5 0.5 3 6 10 Reference
conditions (7), (9), and (11)
Reference performance for
2.5 2.5 15 30 50 Reference
conditions (8), (10) and (12)
Condition (7) 0.5 0.5 3 6 10 1.0

Condition (8) 2.5 2.5 15 30 50 1.0

Condition (9) 0.5 0.5 3 6 10 1.0

Condition (10) 2.5 2.5 15 30 50 1.0

Condition (11) 0.5 0.5 3 6 10 1.0

Condition (12) 2.5 2.5 15 30 50 1.0

For test conditions (5) through (8) in Table 20 current shall be applied to the current circuits of Element B
and Element C.
These currents shall be equal in magnitude with the current applied to Element A, and each shall be
substantially in phase with the voltage applied to the respective element. For these test conditions, both the
voltage and current circuits of Element B and, similarly, the voltage and current circuits of Element C shall be
connected as follows:
Reference performance — Both Element B and Element C, Phase 1 direct
Conditions (5) and (6) — Element B, Phase 2 direct; Element C, Phase 3 direct
Conditions (7) and (8) — Element B, Phase 3 direct; Element C, Phase 2 direct

The difference between the performance of the metering device under the test conditions specified and the
applicable reference performance shall not exceed the maximum deviation in Table 20.

35
ANSI C12.1-2008

Table 20 – Test for Independence of Elements in Three-Element Meters

Current Class Maximum Deviation

Conditions 10 20 100 200 320 In Percent From
Current In Amperes Reference Perfor mance
Reference performance
1.5 1.5 9 18 30 Reference
for conditions (1) & (3)
Reference performance
7.5 7.5 45 90 150 Reference
for conditions (2) & (4)
Condition (1) 1.5 1.5 9 18 30 1.0

Condition (2) 7.5 7.5 45 90 150 1.0

Condition (3) 1.5 1.5 9 18 30 1.0

Condition (4) 7.5 7.5 45 90 150 1.0

Reference performance
0.5 0.5 3 6 10 Reference
for conditions (5) & (7)
Reference performance
2.5 2.5 15 30 50 Reference
for conditions (6) & (8)
Condition (5) 0.5 0.5 3 6 10 1.0

Condition (6) 2.5 2.5 15 30 50 1.0

Condition (7) 0.5 0.5 3 6 10 1.0

Condition (8) 2.5 2.5 30 30 50 1.0

4.7.3 Accur acy tests – external infl uences performance verificatio n

Time, program and register readings shall be stored in the metering device and/or register to be used as
reference for tests 4.7.3.1 through 4.7.3.24. In addition to the constraints of 4.6.2, after each test, the proper
operation of the metering device and/or register shall be verified by comparison of the time, program, and
register readings with the reference values. Any change in energy and power quantities shall be limited to 1
least significant digit (LSD) displayed, except for tests with load current applied.
Where indicated, an Accuracy Performance Check shall be performed. This check shall be made before
and after the test procedure is performed. The Accuracy Performance Check is defined as follows: verify
the manufacturer-stated accuracy at Full Load, Light Load, and Power Factor points as defined in 5.1.2.1.

The requirement to perform an Accuracy Performance Check before and after each individual test
procedure may be relaxed for the following group of test procedures: Mechanical Shock, Transportation
Drop, Mechanical Vibration, and Transportation Vibration. An Accuracy Performance Check shall be
required before and after this entire group of tests is performed.

4.7.3.1 Test No. 15: Insulati on

With the metering device voltage and current circuits de-energized, the insulation between current carrying
parts of separate circuits and between current-carrying parts and other metallic parts shall be capable of
withstanding the application of a sinusoidal voltage of 2.5 kV rms, 60 Hz for 1 minute. The input circuit of the
pulse initiators with independent power supplies shall be tested at 1.5 kV rms, 60 Hz for one minute. For
both the 1.5 and 2.5 kV rms test, the leakage current shall not exceed 0.005 Amps per circuit. Low-voltage
electronic circuits, operating at less than 40 V rms, and all output relay terminals, shall not be subjected to
this test. An Accuracy Performance Check shall be performed (4.7.3).

36
 ANSI C12.1-2008

4.7.3.2 Test No. 16: Volt age interrup tions test

No current shall be applied to the metering device current coils. Voltage shall be completely interrupted for
six power line cycles (100 ms). The voltage interruption shall be applied ten times within an interval of no
more than 10 seconds. This test may be omitted for electromechanical meters and registers. An Accuracy
Performance Check shall be performed (4.7.3).

4.7.3.3 Test No. 17: Effect of high voltage line surges

The metering device shall meet the AC Line Surge Requirements of IEEE C62.41.2-2002 for a Category B
location. The two required standard surge testing waveforms are the 100 kHz Ring Wave and the 1.2/50 µs-
8/20 µs Combination Wave. These waveforms shall be applied at angular injections of 0 , 90 , and 270 of
the fundamental voltage waveform. This test may be omitted for electromechanical meters and registers.
The metering device shall be energized.
These waveforms shall be applied in both the transverse and common mode to the AC voltage and current
inputs to the metering device. Self-contained meters shall be tested with the links closed and the load side of
the current circuits open. Transformer-rated meters shall be tested with the polarity side of the current
circuits connected to the line and the non-polarity side open circuited.
4.7.3.3.1 100 kHz rin g wave
This test subjects the power input of the meter device to a 100 kHz Ring Wave with a Peak Voltage of
6 kV and Short-Circuit Peak Current of 0.5 kA.

The standard 0.5 µs – 100 kHz Ring Wave applied to the metering device, shall be for Location Category
B, as described in IEEE C62.41.2-2002, Table 2.

An Accuracy Performance Check shall be performed (4.7.3).

4.7.3.3.2 1.2/50 mic ros econd – 8/20 micr oseco nd Combi natio n Wave
This test subjects the AC power input of the metering device to a 1.2/50 µs – 8/20 µs combination wave
with a peak voltage of 6 kV and peak current of 3 kA.

The standard 1.2/50 µs – 8/20 µs combination wave applied to the metering device shall be for Location
Category B, as described in IEEE C62.41.2-2002, Table 3.

An Accuracy Performance Check shall be performed (4.7.3).

4.7.3.4 Test No. 18: Effect of extern al magnet ic fiel d

The test shall be applied to one metering device of each class. The external alternating magnetic field of the
same frequency as that of the testing current shall be produced by a straight conductor 6 ft. (1.83 m) long
with return leads arranged to form a 6 ft (1.83 m)square. A current in phase with the voltage applied to the
meter device shall be passed through this conductor. The return leads of the conductor shall be so arranged
that the loop that they form does not surround or include the meter device. The straight 6 ft. (1.83 m)
conductor shall be placed in each of the following positions:
– Condition (1). Behind the test board in a horizontal position and parallel to the back of the
metering device. The middle of the conductor shall be 10 inches (254 mm) directly behind the
center and on a level with the center of the metering device. The loop shall be in a horizontal
plane perpendicular to the test board.

37
ANSI C12.1-2008

– Condition (2). Directly behind the center-line of the metering device in a vertical position. The
middle of the conductor shall be 10 inches (254 mm) directly behind the center and on a level
with the center of the metering device. The loop shall be in a vertical plane perpendicular to the
test board.

– Condition (3). Vertically at the same distance in front of the test board as the center of the
metering device. The middle of the conductor shall be on the same level with the center of the
metering device and 10 inches (254 mm) to the right or left. The loop shall be in a vertical plane
parallel to the test board.

For conditions (1) through (3), the change produced in the performance of a metering device by application
of a 100 ampere-turn external magnetic field shall not exceed the maximum deviation specified in Table 21.

An Accuracy Performance Check shall be performed (4.7.3).

Table 21 – Effect of External Magnetic Field

Current Class Maximum Deviation

Position Of
Condition 10 20 100 200 320 In Percent From
Conductor
Current In Amperes Reference Perform ance
Reference performance for
0.25 0.25 1.5 3 5 — Reference
conditions (1), (2), and (3)
Condition (1) in
Condition (1) 0.25 0.25 1.5 3 5 1.0
Paragraph 4.7.3.4
Condition (2) in
Condition (2) 0.25 0.25 1.5 3 5 1.0
Paragraph 4.7.3.4
Condition (3) in
Condition (3) 0.25 0.25 1.5 3 5 1.0
Paragraph 4.7.3.4

4.7.3.5 Test No. 19: Effect of variation of ambient temperature

The test shall be applied to three metering devices. The metering devices shall be placed in a space having
a temperature of 23 C 5 C and allowed to stand for not less than 2 hours with the voltage circuits of the
metering devices energized. Reference performance at each of the loads specified in Table 22 shall be
obtained after operating the metering devices for 1 hour at the specified load. The metering devices shall
then be operated and tested at each of the following conditions:
– Conditions (1) through (6). These tests shall be made with the metering device placed in a space
having a temperature of 50 C 5 C. After energizing the voltage circuits of the metering devices
for a period of not less than 2 hours, the appropriate test currents at the power factors listed for
conditions (1) through (6) of Table 22 shall be sequentially applied to the metering devices. Each
condition shall be maintained for a period of at least 1 hour before tests are made to determine
the deviation from reference performance.

Available nominal voltage and current can be used for the duration of this test except when the metering
device is undergoing the specified accuracy test.
– Conditions (7) through (12). Repeat conditions (1) through (6), respectively, except that
metering devices shall be placed in a space having a temperature of -20 C 5 C. The effect of
variation of temperature upon the performance of the metering devices shall not exceed the
maximum deviation specified in Table 22. Available nominal voltage and current can be used
for the duration of this test except when the metering device is undergoing the specified
accuracy test.

38
 ANSI C12.1-2008

The time, program and register reading requirement of 4.7.3 shall not apply.

Table 22 – Effect of Variation of Ambient Temperature

Current Class Max. Deviation In %

10 20 32 Power Ambient From Reference
Condition 10 20 Factor Temperature Performance At Nominal
0 0 0
Temperature Difference*
Current In Amperes
Reference
o o
performance for 0.25 0.25 1.5 3 5 1.0 23 C 5 C Reference
conditions (1) and (7)
Reference
o o
performance for 2.5 2.5 15 30 50 1.0 23 C 5 C Reference
conditions (2) and (8)
Reference
o o
performance for 5 10 50 100 150 1.0 23 C 5 C Reference
conditions (3) and (9)
Reference
o o
performance for 0.5 0.5 3 6 10 0.5 lag 23 C 5 C Reference
conditions (4) and (10)
Reference
o o
Performance for 2.5 2.5 15 30 50 0.5 lag 23 C 5 C Reference
conditions (5) and (11)
Reference
o o
Performance for 5 10 50 100 150 0.5 lag 23 C 5 C Reference
conditions (6) and (12)
o o
Condition (1) 0.25 0.25 1.5 3 5 1.0 50 C 5 C 2.0

o o
Condition (2) 2.5 2.5 15 30 50 1.0 50 C 5 C 1.0

o o
Condition (3) 5 10 50 100 150 1.0 50 C 5 C 1.0

o o
Condition (4) 0.5 0.5 3 6 10 0.5 lag 50 C 5 C 3.0

o o
Condition (5) 2.5 2.5 15 30 50 0.5 lag 50 C 5 C 2.0

o o
Condition (6) 5 10 50 100 150 0.5 lag 50 C 5 C 2.0

o o
Condition (7) 0.25 0.25 1.5 3 5 1.0 -20 C 5 C 3.0

o o
Condition (8) 2.5 2.5 15 30 50 1.0 -20 C 5 C 2.0

o o
Condition (9) 5 10 50 100 150 1.0 -20 C 5 C 2.0

o o
Condition (10) 0.5 0.5 3 6 10 0.5 lag -20 C 5 C 4.0

o o
Condition (11) 2.5 2.5 15 30 50 0.5 lag -20 C 5 C 3.0

o o
Condition (12) 5 10 50 100 150 0.5 lag -20 C 5 C 3.0

* When the actual temperature difference between two tests differs from the nominal temperature difference
specified for the two tests, the deviation shall be adjusted proportionally.

39
ANSI C12.1-2008

4.7.3.5.1 Test No. 19a: Effect of variation of ambient temperature on the solid-state auxili ary
device
A solid-state auxiliary device can be tested for accuracy of the auxiliary device and its input pulse initiator,
using electromechanical watthour meter disk revolutions as the input source for Test 19a. For testing the
accuracy of the solid-state auxiliary device only, an auxiliary input pulse source may be used, bypassing the
input pulse initiator. A minimum count of 1000 for the measured quantity is required to establish the test
accuracy. The test recognizes the ambiguity of ±1 least significant digit.
This test shall be made with the solid-state auxiliary device and meter combination energized with rated
voltage and rated frequency. The auxiliary device, while energized, shall be exposed to each specific test
temperature for at least two hours prior to the test. The accuracy of the measured quantities shall not differ
from the input source by an amount exceeding that specified in Table 23.

Table 23 – Effect of Variation of Temperature on Solid-State Auxili ary Devices

Air Su rro und ing Permissible Deviation from t he Input

Conditions Auxi liar y Devic e Source Measured Quantity
1 +23 C ±5 C Reference
2 -30 C ±5 C ±0.1%
3 +70 C ±5 C ±0.1%

4.7.3.6 Test No. 20: Effect of tempo rary overlo ads

4.7.3.6.1 Effect on accur acy
Self-contained meter devices shall be subjected to a symmetrical short-circuit current of 7000 A peak, 60
Hz, for not less than one cycle, or for more than six cycles. For this test, current circuits of the metering
devices shall be connected series adding. The effect of short-circuit current on the performance of a
metering device shall not exceed the maximum deviation specified in Table 24. To eliminate residual effects,
condition (1) shall be conducted before tests of condition (2).

Table 24 – Effect of Temporary Overloads on A ccuracy

Current Class Maximum Deviation

100 200 320 In Percent From
Condition Current In Amperes Reference Perfor mance
Reference performance
15 30 50 Reference
for Condition (1)
Reference performance
1.5 3 5 Reference
for Condition (2)
Condition (1) 15 30 50 1.5

Condition (2) 1.5 3 5 1.5

4.7.3.6.2 Effect on magneti c bearin g

A minimum of 0.003 inch (0.08 mm) down-travel shall remain after the application of the short-circuit current
stipulated in 4.7.3.6.1. This test may be omitted for solid-state metering devices.
4.7.3.6.3 Effect on mechanical struct ure and insul ation
The metering device shall withstand, for a duration of 4 cycles, a 60 Hz symmetrical fault current as follows:

40
 ANSI C12.1-2008

– Class 100: 10,000 A rms

– Class 200: 12,000 A rms
– Class 320: 12,000 A rms

To meet the mechanical structure requirement of this test, the metering device shall meet the constraint
of 4.6.2.1.2.

To meet the insulation requirement of this test, the metering device shall pass Test No. 15, Insulation,
immediately following the completion of this test. The application of Test No. 15 in this manner shall not
excuse the metering device from the application of this test in the series test sequence.

4.7.3.7 Test No. 21: Effect of current surge in ground conductor

Three metering devices shall be subjected to one transient surge of 20 000 A (20/50 microsecond wave) of
either polarity through a conductor placed vertically 1.5 inches (38.1 mm) behind the flat portion of the base
of the metering device, with a socket in place. This test shall not apply for metering devices with terminal
compartments (Type A) or for Class 10 or Class 20 metering devices. The effect of current surge upon the
performance of a metering device shall not exceed the maximum deviation specified in Table 25.

Table 25 – Effect of Current Surge in Groun d Conduc tor

Current Class Maximum Deviation

Condition 100 200 320 In Percent From
Current In Amperes Reference Perfor mance

Reference performance 15 30 50 Reference

Condition (1) 15 30 50 1.0

4.7.3.8 Test No. 22: Effect of superimpo sed signals

This test is no longer required.

4.7.3.9 Test No. 23: Effect of voltage variation-secondary time base

With the battery disconnected for a minimum of 2 hours and an auxiliary dc power supply connected to the
battery carryover circuit, the accuracy of the secondary time base shall be within 0.02% (2 minutes per
week) with a voltage variation of 5% of nominal battery voltage.

4.7.3.10 Test No. 24: Effect of variation of ambi ent temperature-secondary time base
This test shall be conducted with the metering device in the battery carryover mode. The accuracy of the
secondary time shall be within 0.02% (2 minutes per week) at ambient temperatures of -30 C 5 C and
70 C 5 C. The metering device shall be exposed to each specified temperature for not less than 2 hours
prior to testing.

4.7.3.11 Test No. 25: Effect of electrical fast transient/burst test

The metering device shall meet the Fast Transient Surge Test requirements of IEC 61000-4-4. This test
subjects the power inputs and the I/O circuits of the metering device to repetitive bursts of 5 ns rise time, 50
ns duration electrical fast transients.
The test shall be conducted utilizing the test equipment configurations provided in Figures 4 and 5. The test
shall be carried out according to IEC 61000-4-4, under the following conditions:

41
ANSI C12.1-2008

1) test severity level: 4

2) test voltages on the voltage and current circuits: 4 kV
3) test voltage on I/O signal, data and control lines: 2 kV
4) repetition rate 5 kHz
5) duration of the test: minimum 60 seconds
6) voltage and auxiliary circuits energized with reference voltage
7) without any current in the current circuits and the current terminals shall be open circuit

An Accuracy Performance Check shall be performed (4.7.3).

This test shall be conducted on all metering devices containing solid-state components excluding LED
voltage indicators. This test may be omitted for electromechanical meters and registers.

0.1 METER M IN. (ALL GROUND PLANE EDG ES)

S U R G E D L IN E
1.0 METE R 0.05

NON-CONDUCTIVE SUPPORT

HIGH FREQ. GROUND SUCH

A S 2 5 m m B R A iD E D S T R A P

HIGH FREQ. GROUND SUCH

A S 2 5 m m B R A ID E D S T R A P

POWER RETURN
1.0 MET ER 0.05 0.1 METER

1 – EQUIPMENT ON GROUND PLANE MUST BE 0.5 METER

FROM O THER CONDUCTIVE STRUCTURES.
2 – LEADS MUST BE KEPT A MINIMUM OF 0.1 METER ABO VE
GROUND PLANE.
3 – G R O U N D P L A N E M U S T B E A M I N I M U M O F 1 .0 M E T E R x
1 . 0 M E T E R W I TH A T L E A S T 0 .1 M E T E R O F G R O U N D
P L A N E E X T E N D IN G B E Y O N D A L L E Q U IP M E N T O N T H E
GROUND PLANE.
4 - S U R G E A N D P O W E R R E T R N LI N E S M A Y E G R E S S TH E
M E T E R S O C K E T T H R O U G H A N Y P O I N T.

Figure 4 – Electrical Fast Transient/Burst Test # 25

42
 ANSI C12.1-2008

Figure 5 – Electrical Fast Transient/Burst Test # 25

4.7.3.11a Test No. 25a: Effect of electr ical osci llato ry SWC test

The metering device shall meet the Electrical Oscillatory SWC Test requirements of IEEE 37.90.1. This
test subjects the power inputs and the I/O circuits of the metering device to repetitive bursts damped
oscillatory waves with an initial crest of 2.5 kV for a duration of 2 minutes.

The test shall be conducted utilizing the test equipment configurations and test conditions specified in
IEEE C37.90.1. The application points shall be Current, Voltage, Power supply, Input circuit, output, Data
communications and Signal circuit as defined in ANSI/IEEE C37.90.1-2002, and be per Table 26 below.
In addition to the definitions of these terms in ANSI/IEEE C37.90.1-2002, “Data communications” and
“Signal circuit” shall be defined for a metering device as follows:

Data communications shall include: TIP and Ring on an output from a Modem, any RS232/485
lines, plus any other communications type output/inputs. The application of the waveform would
be capacitively coupled to the lines. These lines shall not be considered as “Input circuit” or
“Output”, requiring a direct application to the ports.

Signal circuit shall include: KYZ outputs, KYZ inputs, customer alert lines, EOI outputs, EOI
inputs, plus others. The application of the waveform would be capacitively coupled to the lines.
These lines shall not be considered as “Input circuit” or “Output”, requiring a direct application to
the ports.

43
ANSI C12.1-2008

Table 26 – Test Modes, Voltage, and Appl ication for Each External Connection
Group—Oscillatory Test

Oscillatory
Ap pl ic ati o
Test modes test Voltage
External n
to be applied
connection group
Common Transverse

Current Yes No 2.5 kV Direct

Voltage Yes Yes 2.5 kV Direct
Power supply Yes Yes 2.5 kV Direct
Input circuit Yes Yes 2.5 kV Direct
Output Yes Yes 2.5 kV Direct
Data
Yes No 2.5 kV Capacitive
communications
Signal circuit Yes No 2.5 kV Capacitive

An Accuracy Performance Check shall be performed (4.7.3).

This test shall be conducted on all metering devices containing solid-state components excluding LED
voltage indicators. This test may be omitted for electromechanical meters and registers.

4.7.3.12 Test No. 26: Effect of radio frequency interference

This test shall be conducted with all cables connected, with all options and accessories specified, in a
configuration closely resembling typical field in-service connections. Typical in-service configurations are
provided in Figures 6, 7, 8, and 9. These figures shall be followed as closely as possible, appropriate to type
of meter tested and test chamber utilized for the test.
This test shall be conducted on all metering devices containing solid-state components excluding LED
voltage indicators.
This test may be omitted for electromechanical meters and registers.
An Accuracy Performance Check shall be performed (4.7.3).

4.7.3.12.1 Basic radiation susceptibilit y test

The test sample shall be subjected to both vertical and horizontal polarized continuous wave signals over a
frequency range of 200 kHz-10 GHz with a field strength of 15 +/-5 V/m. The test shall be performed with the
antenna facing the most sensitive side of the meter. The field may be generated by 1) a linearly polarized
antenna positioned vertically and again with the antenna positioned horizontally; 2) a circularly polarized
antenna may be used to simultaneously provide both vertical and horizontal susceptibility testing over those
frequency ranges where circular polarized antennas are available; or 3) a uniform field generator. The test
procedures shall be conducted with samples configured so that disturbances can be readily noted. Optional
(add-on) functions and circuitry shall be installed when this represents a normal configuration for the test
sample. Special internal wiring or wire routing of the test sample are prohibited.
The test fixture shall be composed of a minimum amount of metal (or other EMI reflecting or absorbing
material) capable of shielding or otherwise distorting the field in the vicinity of the test sample. If a uniform
field strength is not available, the fixture shall allow the test sample to be oriented in each of 10 orientations

44
 ANSI C12.1-2008

to allow both horizontal and vertical irradiation of the front, left side, right side, top, and bottom of the test
sample.
Below 1 GHz, the signal shall be 90% amplitude modulated with a 1.0 kHz sine wave. A continuous wave
signal is used above 1 GHz. Beginning at 200 kHz, the scan rate will double the frequency no faster than
every 200 seconds (.005 octaves/second) through 10 GHz.
One test sample is used to determine the orientation which provides the greatest sensitivity.
With a field strength set to 15 +/- 5 V/m, test the test samples over a frequency range in the most sensitive
orientation.
In each orientation above, the fixture shall place the test sample in a test volume in which the field strength
remains within acceptable test limits.
When using GTEM testing, power and I/O leads should be only as long as needed to make connection from
the GTEM shielded I/O connectors to the test sample. Leads shall not exceed 5 meters in length. Excess
leads shall be coiled in a 0.4 meter diameter coil and supported 0.02 to 0.1 meter off the floor and other
metal surfaces of the GTEM.

4.7.3.13 Test No. 27: Radio frequency conducted and radiated emission test
The metering device shall conform to all applicable requirements of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR)
47, Part 15—Radio Frequency Devices, Subparts A—General and B—Unintentional Radiators issued by the
Federal Communications Commission for Class "B" digital devices.
The test shall be conducted with all cables connected, with all options and accessories specified, in a
configuration closely resembling typical field in-service connections. Typical in-service configurations are
provided in Figures 6, 7, 8, and 9. These figures shall be followed as closely as possible, appropriate to the
type of meter tested and test chamber utilized for the test. The LISN can be optionally located on the floor.
For all other aspects of this test not covered by CFR 47, Part 15 A and B, and this standard, refer to ANSI
C63.4.
This test shall be conducted on all metering devices containing solid-state components excluding voltage
indicators. This test may be omitted for electromechanical meters and registers.
The time, program and register reading requirement of 4.7.3 shall not apply.

45
ANSI C12.1-2008

TOP VIEW VOLTAGE

SUPPLY

TABLE METERMOUNTING LINE TERMINATIONS

RECEIVING LOAD LISN's

ANTENNA
I/ O

METERDEVICE CABLES LAID FLATAND LOOSELYBUNDLEDTOGETHER

UNDER TEST IF TEST ENCLOSURE DOES NOT PERMIT CABLES TO BE
FULLY EXTENDED. THEN DOUBLE EXCESS LENGTH BACK
OVER PREVIOUS RUN.

SHIELDED ANTENNA
ENCLOSURE

RF

FRONT VIEW

Figure 6 – Typical test layout f or radiated susc eptibili ty—Test 26 and radiated and co nducted
emissi ons —Test 27. Reference 4.7.3.12.1 and 4.7.3.13

46
 ANSI C12.1-2008

FORM 16S METER

LINE CONDUCTORS
4 INDIVIDUAL CONDUCTORS
#14 AWG, TYPE THHN OR EQUIVALENT
3.5 METERS IN LENGTH
UNSHIELDED AND NOT TWISTED

HOT
LISN *
TO
VOLTAGE
SUPPLY
LISN *
NEUTRAL

EACHEND TOBE
INSULATED

4 INDIVIDUAL CONDUCTORS
#14 AWG, TYPE THHN OR EQUIVALENT
3.0 METERS IN LENGTH * LINE IMPEDENCE STABILIZATION
UNSHIELDED AND NOT TWISTED NETWORK
LOAD CONDUCTORS

Figure 7 – Typical wirin g detail for self cont ained meters for radiated susceptibili ty —Test 26 and
radiat ed and co ndu cted emi ssi ons —Test 27. Reference 4.7.3.12.1 and 4.7.3.13

47
ANSI C12.1-2008

CURRENT CIRCUIT LINE CONDUCTORS

3 INDIVIDUAL CONDUCTORS
#14 AWG, TYPE THHN OR EQUIVALENT
3.5 METERS IN LENGTH
FORM9S METER UNSHIELDED AND NOT TWISTED

VOLTAGE CIRCUIT CONDUCTORS

4 INDIVIDUAL CONDUCTORS
#14 AWG, TYPE THHN OREQUIVALENT
3.5 METERS IN LENGTH
UNSHIELDED AND NOT TWISTED HOT
LISN *
TO
VOLTAGE
K Y Z SUPPLY
LISN *
NEUTRAL

TERMINATION
RESISTORS
INDIVIDUAL CONDUCTORS (AS REQ'D) 2 EACH
#16 AWG, TYPE THHN OREQUIVALENT 20K TYPICAL
5.0 METERS IN LENGTH
UNSHIELDED AND NOT TWISTED
I/ O CONDUCTORS
SPLICE LINE & LOADCONDUCTORS
TOGETHER& GROUNDTO
SIMULATE LOOPS FORMED BY
CURRENT CIRCUITS IN ACTUAL
INSTALLATIONS

3 INDIVIDUAL CONDUCTORS
#14 AWG, TYPE THHN OREQUIVALENT
3.0 METERS IN LENGTH
UNSHIELDEDAND NOT TWISTED * LINEIMPEDANCE STABILIZATION
CURRENT CIRCUIT LOAD CONDUCTORS NETWORK

Figure 8 – Typical wi ring d etail for transfo rmer rated meters for radiated susceptib ility —Test 26
and radiated and con ducted emiss ions —Test 27.
Reference 4.7.3.12.1 and 4.7.3.13

48
 ANSI C12.1-2008

SEPTUM HEI GHT

SEPTUM
ANECHOI C
ABSORBERS

METER

TO SI GNAL GEN.

OPTI ON CABLES, I F PRESENT, ARE TO BE

COI LED ON I NSULATI NG MATERI AL OFF OF
THE FLOOR OF THE ENCLOSURE AWAY FROM WALLS.

Figure 9 – Typical GTEM test layout for Radiated Susceptibility Test.— Reference 4.7.3.12

NOTES —
1 Uniformity of the test field shall be demonstrated to ensure field does not fall below minimum field requirements.
2 All power and cabling exiting the enclosure shall be suitably filtered to prevent RF leakage.
3 Orientation of the test meter is shown for front, horizontal polarization.
4 Field intensity is controlled by septum voltage (direct measurement), or by field probes located in the cell.
5 Field strength shall be determined from the central axis of the meter : voltage on septum divided by septum
height equals field strength.

4.7.3.14 Test No. 28: Effect of electro stati c disch arge (ESD)
This test shall be carried out according to IEC 61000-4-2, under the following conditions:
– test severity level: 4
– test voltage: 15 kV;
– discharge through air
– direct application of discharge
– number of discharges: 10
– voltage and auxiliary circuits energized with reference voltage
– without any current in the current circuits and the current terminals shall be open circuit

Discharges shall be applied only to such points and surfaces of the metering device that are normally
accessible with the cover (and terminal compartment cover when applicable) in place. Discharges shall not
be applied to any point that is accessible only for maintenance purposes, including, but not limited to, the
meter terminals or the conductors connected to the terminals.
This test shall be conducted on all metering devices containing solid-state components excluding voltage
indicators.
An Accuracy Performance Check shall be performed (4.7.3).

4.7.3.15 Test No. 29: Effect of storage temperatur e

The metering device shall meet the constraint of 4.6.2.1.2. The storage temperatures are as specified by
the manufacturer. If the operating temperature range is the same as the storage temperature range, then
this test can be omitted.

49
ANSI C12.1-2008

An Accuracy Performance Check shall be performed (4.7.3).

– The metering device enclosure door or cover shall be closed (normal operating position) for the
duration of the test.
– The metering device shall not be powered nor operating for the duration of the test.
– The test duration shall be 168 hours.
– The temperature shall be cycled once each 24 hours, as described below. The temperature
ramping shall be smooth and continuous. The rate of temperature change during ramping shall
not exceed 20 C, per hour.
– The daily temperature cycle shall be conducted as follows:
– Ramp up from room ambient to the Maximum Storage Temperature, Tstor–Max in
approximately 3 hours.
– Soak at TStor–Max for approximately 11 hours.
– Ramp down to Minimum Storage Temperature, Tstor–Min in approximately 6 hours.
– Soak at Tstor–min for approximately 3 hours
– Ramp up to room ambient, in approximately 2 hours

4.7.3.16 Test No. 30: Effect of operat ing temperat ure

The metering device shall operate continuously when exposed to the temperature extremes specified by the
manufacturer. As a minimum, T oper-max of +70°C and T oper-min of -30°C shall be applied.
– The metering device enclosure door or cover shall be closed (normal operating position) for the
duration of the test.
– The metering device shall be powered and operating in a normal manner for the duration of the
test.
– The test duration shall be 168 hours.
– The temperature shall be cycled once each 24 hours, as described below. The temperature
ramping shall be smooth and continuous. The rate of temperature change during ramping shall
not exceed 20 C, per hour.
– The daily temperature cycle shall be conducted as follows:
– Ramp up from room ambient to the maximum operating temperature, Toper–Max in
approximately 3 hours.
– Soak at Toper–Max for approximately 11 hours.
– Ramp down to minimum operating temperature, Toper–Min in approximately 6 hours.
– Soak at Toper–Min for approximately 3 hours
– Ramp up to room ambient, in approximately 2 hours
– If present, the battery carry-over function shall be tested by removing the external power for
any 48 hour period during the temperature test.

Available nominal voltage and current can be used for the duration of this test when run independent of any
other test.
An Accuracy Performance Check shall be performed (4.7.3).

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 ANSI C12.1-2008

4.7.3.17 Test No. 31: Effect of relativ e hum idi ty

This test shall be conducted as follows:
– The metering device enclosure door or cover shall be closed (normal operating position) for the
duration of the test.
– The metering device shall be powered and operating in a normal manner for the duration of the
test.
– The test duration shall be 24 hours at 85 C and 95% 4% relative humidity or 72 hours at 40 C
and 95% 4% relative humidity.
– The temperature shall be cycled once at 85 C and 95% 4% relative humidity or three times
at 40 C and 95% 4% relative humidity, as described below. The temperature ramping shall
be smooth and continuous. The rate of temperature change during ramping shall not exceed
20 C, per hour. The relative humidity shall be held at 95% 4% during the peak temperature
soak period. Relative humidity need not be controlled during temperature ramping except to
prevent condensation. The mere presence of condensation on metering device components
and assemblies shall not be construed as a failure of the metering device to meet the
conditions of this test.
– Each temperature/humidity cycle shall be conducted as follows:
– Ramp up from room ambient to 40 C or 85 C in approximately 3 hours.
– Soak at 95% 4% relative humidity at 40 C or 85 C for approximately 18 hours.
– Ramp down to room ambient, in approximately 3 hours.

Available nominal voltage and current can be used for the duration of this test when run independent of any
other test.
An Accuracy Performance Check shall be performed (4.7.3).

4.7.3.18 Test No. 32: Mechanic al sho ck

This test shall be conducted as described in IEC 60068-2-27 revision 1987 based on the following
conditions:
– The metering device shall not be operating and shall be without packaging
– The metering device shall be rigidly mounted to a test fixture and the reference point for the
control accelerometer shall be attached to the test fixture.
– Half sine pulse applied 3 times in each direction, for each of the 3 mutually perpendicular axis,
for a total of 18 shocks.
2
– Peak acceleration shall be 15 g (150 m/s ) with a duration of 11 ms with a corresponding
velocity change of 1.0 m/s.

An Accuracy Performance Check shall be performed (4.7.3).

4.7.3.19 Test No. 33: Transp ort ation drop

This test follows Test No. 35: Transportation Vibration, and shall be conducted as described as Shock
Testing in the International Safe Transit Association Test Procedure 1A.

– The metering device shall be in its intended final packaging.

– The metering device shall be exposed to ten drops to a hard floor in accordance with the above
referenced ISTA standard.

An Accuracy Performance Check shall be performed (4.7.3).

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ANSI C12.1-2008

4.7.3.20 Test No. 34: Mechanical vibrati on

This test shall be conducted as described in IEC 60068-2-6 with the following conditions:
– The metering device shall not be operating and shall be without packaging
– The metering device shall be rigidly mounted to a test fixture and the reference point for the
control accelerometer shall be attached to the test fixture.
– The test shall be run over a frequency range of 30 to 350 Hz, with a sweep time of one octave
2
per minute at 5 m/s (0.5 g) along each of three mutually perpendicular axes.
– The sweep duration shall be 30 minutes along each axis.

An Accuracy Performance Check shall be performed (4.7.3).

4.7.3.21 Test No. 35: Transportation vibr ation

This test exposes the metering device, packaged for shipment, to transportation vibration for
approximately one hour.
This test shall be done on the same metering devices and the same packaging as Test No. 33, and shall be
done before Test No. 33. The metering device, packaged in its intended packing container shall pass the
requirements described as Vibration Testing in the International Safe Transit Association Test Procedure
1A.

4.7.3.22 Test No. 36: Weather sim ulat ion test

This test is intended for devices used in outdoor applications. The metering device shall be in a normal
operating condition (cover on, etc.), but not powered. The metering device shall be mounted in the normal
operating orientation in the weathering apparatus with the side normally exposed to the weather facing the
test chamber light source and water spray. Meters shall be tested in a suitable mounting device with the
conduit holes sealed against moisture. Metering devices shall then be subjected to a series of 2-hour
weathering cycles for a total of 14 days in accordance with Exposure Condition 1 of Table X3.1 of the 2005
edition of ASTM G155:
– Each 2-hour cycle shall consist of 102 minutes of light exposure followed by 18 minutes of both
light and water spray.
– The light source shall be a xenon-arc lamp utilizing borosilicate glass inner and outer optical
filters to simulate the spectral power distribution of natural daylight. The irradiance measured at
2
340 nm shall be maintained at 0.35 W/m throughout the test. During the light-only portion of the
cycle, the black panel temperature shall be maintained at 63°C.
– The water spray shall be applied to the metering devices under test using spray nozzles
adjusted so that water is sprayed onto the surfaces of the test samples that are normally
exposed to the weather.

After this test, covers, terminal covers, etc. shall be readily removable. There shall be no progressive
corrosion or electrolytic action that will adversely affect the functioning of any part of the meter. Also,
there shall be no evidence of deleterious discoloration or fading of finishes or materials. The time,
program and register reading requirement of 4.7.3 shall not apply.

4.7.3.23 Test No. 37: Salt-spray test

This test is intended for devices used in outdoor applications. The metering device shall be mounted in its
normal operating position in a salt-spray chamber and subjected to a 25 hour salt-spray test in accordance
with ASTM B117. The metering device shall be tested with a suitable mounting device with the conduit holes
sealed against moisture.
After this test, covers, terminal covers, etc., shall be readily removable. There shall be no progressive
corrosion or electrolytic action that will adversely affect the functioning of any part of the apparatus. The
time, program and register reading requirement of 4.7.3 shall not apply.

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 ANSI C12.1-2008

4.7.3.24 Test No. 38: Raintightness

When mounted in its normal operating position in or on a meter mounting intended for outdoor
installation, a metering device shall pass the test described in UL 50. The time, program and register
reading requirement of 4.7.3 shall not apply.

53
ANSI C12.1-2008

5 Standards for in-service performance

New metering devices shall be either 100% tested by the utility, sample tested by the utility, or 100% tested
by the manufacturer.

5.1 Watthour meters and electronic registers

5.1.1 Purpose
The purpose of this section is to establish accuracy limits, test plans, and inspection procedures for
alternating-current revenue watthour meters.
Watthour meters placed into service or returned to service shall meet the provisions as set forth in this
Section.
All watthour meters and their associated equipment shall be thoroughly inspected at the time of installation
to assure safe and accurate operation.

5.1.2 Accur acy requirements

5.1.2.1 Test load s

Full load shall be approximately 100% of test amperes at unity power factor, light load approximately 10% of
test amperes at unity power factor and power factor 100% test amperes 50% lagging power factor. For
meters used with current transformers, full load shall be approximately 100% of either meter test amperes or
the secondary current rating of the current transformers; light load shall be approximately 10% of the
selected full load current.

5.1.2.2 Accep table perfo rmanc e

The performance of all watthour meters is considered to be acceptable when the percent registration is not
less than 98% or more than 102% as determined in 5.1.5.

5.1.2.3 Adju stment limit s

Watthour meters shall be adjusted or removed from service when the error in registration exceeds 1% at
either light load or full load or when the error in registrations exceeds 2% at power factor as described in
section 5.1.2.1. The registration of the watthour meter shall be adjusted within these limits as close to 100%
as practical.

5.1.2.4 Acceptable performance for electronic registers

The performance of a watthour meter with an electronic register when tested for other than kilowatthour
registration shall be acceptable when the error measured does not exceed 2% of reading.

5.1.3 Tests

5.1.3.1 As-found tests

As-found tests are done to determine the watthour meter accuracy before recalibration.

5.1.3.2 As-left tests

As-left tests shall be conducted after all adjustments are completed and are in accordance with 5.1.2.3.

54
 ANSI C12.1-2008

5.1.3.3 Meters remov ed fro m servic e

Meters removed from service may be retired without test.

5.1.3.4 Meters retur ned to servi ce

Meters may be returned to service without being tested if they are covered by an in-service test plan.

5.1.4 Performance tests

5.1.4.1 General
The performance of watthour meters should be verified by an annual test program such as one of the three
plans listed below. Records shall be maintained on each watthour meter tested. Subsequently, an analysis
of the test results for each group of watthour meters shall be made and appropriate action shall be taken.
The generally accepted plans for testing are:
a) Periodic interval plan
b) Variable interval plan
c) Statistical sampling plan

5.1.4.2 Objectives
The primary purpose of performance testing is to provide information on which the utility may base a
program to maintain meters in an acceptable degree of accuracy throughout their service life.

5.1.4.3 Test plan s

The periodic interval plan is a schedule of testing for watthour meters at various set intervals.
The variable-interval plan provides for the division of watthour meters into homogeneous groups. The
establishment of a testing rate for each group is based on the results of performance tests made on
watthour meters longest in service without test.
The statistical sampling plan provides for the division of watthour meters into homogeneous groups. The
annual selection process is random where each watthour meter within each group has an equal chance of
being selected.
5.1.4.3.1 Periodic interval plan
The selected periodic interval for testing a watthour meter depends on the size of the service, complexity of
the metering system, reliability of the type of watthour meter and/or manufacturer's recommendations. The
plan listed below is an example of accepted periodic maintenance schedules:
Schedule by watthour meter and attachments:
a) Electro Mechanical Meters without surge-proof magnets—8 years
b) All other meters—16 years
NOTE— A more detailed example of a schedule is listed in Appendix D, which is not a part of this standard, but is
included for information only.

5.1.4.3.2 Variable-interval plan

The Variable Interval Test Plan allows the utility to divide the meter population into homogeneous groups for
testing. Meters to be tested shall be representative of those longest in service without test. The percentage
of meters to be tested in each group during the year shall be dependent upon the results of the performance
test made during the preceding year (or up to the three preceding years). The percentage of meters to be
tested shall be determined by the percentage of meters found outside the acceptable performance limits
specified in section 5.1.2.2 and Table 27

55
ANSI C12.1-2008

Table 27 – Variable Interval Plan

Percent Of Meters With

Registration Outside Percent Of Population
Acc eptabl e Lim its To Be Tested

0–3% 12.5%

> 3% 25.0%

The minimum number of meters to be tested in each group shall be 200 meters or 12.5% of that group,
whichever is less.
5.1.4.3.3 Statistical sampling pl an
The statistical sampling plan used shall conform to accepted principles of statistical sampling based on
either variables or attributes methods. Meters shall be divided into homogeneous groups, such as
manufacturer and manufacturer's type. The groups may be further divided into subdivision within the
manufacturer's type by major design modifications.

NOTE—Examples of statistical sampling plans can be found in ANSI/ASQC Z1.9, the ANSI version of MIL-STD-414 and
ANSI/ASQC Z1.4, the ANSI version of MIL-STD-105.

5.1.4.3.4 Test records

The recommended data to be recorded for each of these plans in each group are:
a) the number of meters in each group at the beginning of the test year
b) the number of meters tested
c) the analyzed test results
d) any necessary corrective action

5.1.5 Determin ation of average percentage registrati on

The percentage registration of a watthour meter is, in general, different at light loads than at full loads, and
may have still other values at other loads. The determination of the average percentage registration of a
watthour meter is not a simple matter, since it involves the characteristics of the meter and the loading.
Various methods are used to determine a single figure that represents the average percentage registration,
the method being prescribed by commissions in many cases. Four methods, described in 5.1.5.1–5.1.5.4
are used for determining the average percentage registration (commonly called "average accuracy" or "final
average accuracy").

5.1.5.1 Method 1
Average percentage registration is the weighted average of the percentage registration at light load (LL) and
at full load (FL), giving the full load registration a weight of four. By this method
Average percentage registration = 4FL + LL
5

5.1.5.2 Method 2
Average percentage registration is the average of the percentage registration at light load (LL) and at full
load (FL). By this method
Average percentage registration = FL + LL
2

56
 ANSI C12.1-2008

5.1.5.3 Method 3
Average percentage registration is the registration at a single point when this single point represents the
registration within the load range.

5.1.5.4 Method 4
Average percentage registration for Polyphase meters is the weighted average of the percentage
registration at light load (LL), Full Load (FL), and Power Factor (PF), giving the full load registration a weight
of four, and the light load registration a weight of two. By this method.
Average percent registration = 4FL + 2 LL + PF
7

5.2 Demand registers and pulse recorders

5.2.1 Accur acy requirements

5.2.1.1 Accep table perfo rmanc e

The performance of an electronic demand register shall be acceptable when the watthour registration is
within acceptable limits.
The performance of a mechanical or lagged demand register shall be acceptable when the error in demand
registration does not exceed 4 percent in terms of full-scale value when tested at any point between 25%
and 100% of full-scale.
Under usual operating conditions, the performance of a pulse recording device shall be acceptable when the
kilowatthours calculated from the pulse count do not differ by more than 2% from the corresponding
kilowatthour meter registration. The device's timing error shall be no more than 2 minutes per week.

5.2.1.2 Test poi nts

Mechanical or lagged demand registers shall be tested at load points at or above 25% of full scale.

5.2.1.3 Adju stment limit s

When a test of a mechanical or lagged demand register indicates that the error in registration exceeds that
specified in 5.2.1.1, the demand register shall be adjusted to within 2% of full-scale value. When a timing
element also serves to keep a record of the time of day at which the demand occurs, it shall be corrected if it
is found to be in error by more than 2 minutes per week.

5.3 Instrument transform ers (magnetic)

5.3.1 Pre-install ation tests, (section 5. shall apply)

Prior to installation, all new instrument transformers shall be tested for voltage withstand, ratio correction
factor, and phase angle. These tests shall be performed in accordance with the criteria established in IEEE
C57.13.

5.3.2 Instrument transfor mers removed from service

Instrument transformers removed from service can be retired or returned to service without further testing.

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ANSI C12.1-2008

5.3.3 Performance tests

5.3.3.1 Periodic test schedules

Experience has demonstrated that instrument transformers maintain their accuracies, consequently, the
periodic testing of instrument transformers is considered to be unnecessary.

5.3.3.2 Inspection
When metering installations are inspected the instrument transformers associated with the installations
should receive a close visual inspection for correctness of connections and evidence of any damage.

5.3.3.3 Heavy bur den test

Current transformers may be tested, with a suitable variable burden device, to determine whether the
windings of the secondary circuit have developed an open circuit, short circuit, or unwanted grounds.

5.3.3.4 Second ary volt age test

When the primary voltage is known, voltage transformers may be tested by measuring the secondary
voltage and current to reveal defects in the transformer or secondary circuit that appreciably affect
accuracies.

5.4 Coupling -capacitor voltage transfor mers

5.4.1 Performance tests

A program for testing of the transformers should be established in coordination with the testing program for
the associated watthour devices.

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 ANSI C12.1-2008

6 Auxil iary pulse devices for electric ity metering

6.1 General

The usual form of pulse initiators is that of an attachment to a meter device so arranged that the number of
pulses produced is proportional to the quantity measured.

6.1.1 Information to be shown on pulse initiator

a) Manufacturer's name or trademark
b) Type identification
c) Pulse-initiator output ratio (Mp, R/P, or P/DR)
d) Voltage rating (not applicable to mechanical pulse devices)
e) Frequency rating (not applicable to mechanical pulse devices)
f) Type of output (two-wire or three-wire)

6.1.2 Informatio n to be show n on puls e amplifi er or relay

a) Manufacturer's name or trademark
b) Type identification
c) Type of input (two-wire or three-wire)
d) Type of output (two-wire or three-wire)
e) Voltage
f) Frequency
g) Wiring diagram

6.1.3 Informatio n to be show n on puls e totalizers

a) Manufacturer's name or trademark
b) Type identification
c) Input-to-output pulse ratio
d) Number of additive and subtractive elements. If both are present, each shall be clearly
identified
e) Type of input (two-wire or three-wire)
f) Type of output (two-wire or three-wire)
g) Voltage
h) Frequency

6.2 Tests to be applied

Each pulse initiator, relay, or totalizer shall be subjected to the tests as specified in 6.3, except those that are
a modification of a type already subjected to the tests or selected for special services may be exempted from
certain tests.

6.3 Performance requirements

6.3.1 Test condi tion s

The pulse initiators, relays, or totalizers shall be mounted on a support free from vibration.

59
ANSI C12.1-2008

All tests shall be made at 23 C 5 C, rated voltage 3%, rated frequency 1 Hz, test current 3%, and unity
power factor 2%, unless otherwise indicated in specific tests. The metering device shall be stabilized at
ambient temperature before performance tests are made.
After each test, a sufficient time interval shall be allowed for the pulse device to come to a stable condition
before making the next observation or test.

6.3.2 Initial condi tions

Pulse initiators, relays, or totalizers shall be connected so as to initiate or receive pulses, or both, and the
pulse output shall be connected to a counter for the purpose of recording the total pulses transmitted.

6.3.3 Mechanic al load

The mechanical load imposed on the meter by the pulse initiator shall be within the adjustment range of the
meter. This load shall be a nearly constant as practical throughout the entire cycle of operation of the pulse
initiator.

6.3.4 Insulation
With the meter device voltage and current circuits de-energized, the insulation between current carrying
parts of separate circuits and between current-carrying parts and other metallic parts shall be capable of
withstanding the application of a sinusoidal voltage of 2.5 kV rms, 60 Hz for 1 minute. The input circuit of the
pulse initiators with independent power supplies power supply shall be tested at 1.5 kV rms, 60 Hz for one
minute. The leakage current shall not exceed 0.005 A per circuit. For both the 1.5 and 2.5 kV rms test, low-
voltage electronic circuits, operating at less than 40 V rms, and all output relay terminals, shall not be
subjected to this test.

6.3.5 Perfor mance test

The pulse device shall be placed in a space having a temperature of 23 C 5 C and allowed to stand for
not less than 2 hours with the voltage circuits energized at approximately nameplate voltage. This operation
shall be repeated at the temperatures shown in Table 28.
The pulse device shall operate at each test condition for at least 1 hour. An acceptable pulse device shall
not gain but may lose one pulse when all pulse circuits are energized under any of the test conditions in
Table 28 at 85%, 100%, and 110% of nameplate voltage.

Table 28 – Performance Test—Pulse Devices

Test Point In Approximate

Condition Percent Of Rated Pulse Capacity Ambient Temperature
o o
1 10 23 5 C
o o
2 100 23 5 C
o o
3 10 50 5 C
o o
4 100 50 5 C
o o
5 10 -20 C 5 C
o o
6 100 -20 C 5 C

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 ANSI C12.1-2008

6.3.6 Sunligh t interf erence test – pulse devices contain ing opti cal sensors
Pulses devices containing optical sensors, pickups, and similar optical components shall be subjected to the
Sunlight Interference Test. This test verifies the pulse device accuracy and full functional capabilities when
operating under direct sun light.
The pulse device shall be tested under the following conditions:
a) The pulse device shall be installed on a watthour meter of a type representative of its intended
design application.
b) The manufacturer's meter cover shall be installed on the watthour meter during the test.
c) The watthour meter shall be energized and operating at Rated Test Amps, Test Volts, and unity
power factor for a time sufficient to generate at least 100 disk revolutions per test position.
d) The metering device, consisting of pulse device and watthour meter, shall be exposed to a
Smith Vector # 710, or equivalent, incandescent light source to simulate sunlight. The
incandescent light shall be 600 watt and 3,200 K blackbody radiation as a minimum.
e) The metering device shall be exposed to the incandescent light source for a minimum of five
minutes at each position described below.
f) The incandescent light source shall be pointed directly toward the metering device and
positioned at a maximum direct distance of 19 inches (38.1 mm) from the center of the face of
the meter cover as shown in Figures 10 and 11. Tests shall be conducted at each of the
following positions:
g) Twelve positions around the meter base.
h) Eight positions at a 45 angle from the meter base.
i) One position at a perpendicular to the face of the meter.
j) Verify metering device operations and report the direct and remote meter readings before and
after each Sunlight Interference Test
k) An acceptable pulse device shall agree within one pulse from the number of pulses expected, at
each position, after a minimum of 100 revolutions of the watthour meter. A pulse difference of
two pulses at any one position is a failure.

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ANSI C12.1-2008

Figure 10 – Sunlight Interference Test

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 ANSI C12.1-2008

Figure 11 – Variable Ang les Sunligh t Interference Test

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ANSI C12.1-2008

APPENDIX A
(Informative)
Measurement o f Pow er, Energy, and Related Quantit ies

A.1 Measu rem ent of po wer

A.1.1 Int rodu ctio n

The growth in the use of electric power and energy has made necessary the adoption of polyphase
alternating-current transmission and distribution systems. Such a system is a circuit or network to which are
applied two or more voltages of the same frequency but displaced in phase by a fixed amount relative to one
another. The individual circuits making up the polyphase network are called phases. The correct
measurement of power, energy, and related quantities in polyphase circuits requires the proper selection
and application of meters and meter elements. It is not the intention to present in this standard a complete
test of all the methods of measurement of power and energy. The material contained herein is intended to
cover the basic methods of measurement of power, energy, and related quantities as accomplished by
acceptable commercial practice.

A.1.2 Bl on del 's t heo rem

In any system of N wires the true power shall be measured by connecting a wattmeter in each line except
one (N - 1 wattmeters), the current coil being in series with the line and the voltage coil connected between
that line and the line containing no current coil. The total power for any load condition is the algebraic sum of
the readings of all wattmeters so connected, provided that a grounded neutral connection to load or source
is held equivalent to the addition of another wire. All methods of measuring power or energy discussed in the
remainder of Appendix A constitute applications of Blondel's theorem, with the foregoing limitations.

A.1.3 Dir ect-c ur ren t ci rc ui ts

A.1.3.1 Tw o-w ir e di rec t-c ur ren t c ir cu it s

The total power in a two-wire direct-current circuit may be measured by one wattmeter. On grounded
circuits, the current coil of the wattmeter shall be connected in the ungrounded side of the circuit. It is
generally preferable to connect the voltage coil leads across the terminals of the receiving circuit and, if
greater accuracy is desired, the wattmeter reading may be corrected for its voltage-coil losses. If it is desired
to minimize any possible effect of stray fields, the mean of reversed readings should be used.

A.1.3.2 Three-w ir e di rec t-c ur ren t c ir cu it s

The total power in a three-wire direct-current may be measured by two wattmeters, the current coils being
connected one in each of the outside wires and the voltage leads of each wattmeter connected between its
current coil wire, preferably on the receiving circuit side, and the third, common or neutral wire.

A.1.3.3 Am met er an d v ol tm eter met ho d

In direct-current circuits, an ammeter and a voltmeter may be used in place of a wattmeter. Under steady-
state conditions, the product of their readings is the total power in the receiving circuit in which the
instruments are connected.

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 ANSI C12.1-2008

A.1.4 Sin gl e-phase alt ern ating -cur rent cir cuit s

A.1.4.1 Sin gl e-ph ase t wo-w ir e ci rc ui ts

The total power in a single-phase two-wire circuit may be measured by one wattmeter connected as in
A.1.3.1 except that the mean of reversed readings is not necessary.

A.1.4.2 Sin gl e-ph ase t hr ee-w ir e ci rc ui ts

The total power in a single-phase three-wire circuit may be measured by two wattmeters connected as in
A.1.3.2.

A.1.5 Two -ph ase ci rcui ts

A.1.5.1 Tw o-p has e th ree-wir e ci rc ui ts

The power in a two-phase three-wire circuit may be measured by two wattmeters, the current coils being
connected one in each of the phase conductors and the voltage coil of each wattmeter connected between
its current coil conductor and the common return. This method is correct for all conditions of load.

A.1.5.2 Tw o-p has e fo ur -wir e ci rc ui ts

The power in a two-phase four-wire circuit may be measured by two wattmeters, one of which is connected
in each of the two phases as in A.1.4.1. This method is correct for all conditions of load, provided that the
mid points of the two phases are not interconnected or grounded.

A.1.5.3 Tw o-p has e fi ve-w ir e Circ ui ts

The power in a two-phase five-wire circuit may be measured by means of four wattmeters, each having its
current coils connected one in each of the phase conductors and the voltage coils connected between the
corresponding phase conductor and the common conductor, or the neutral. This method is correct for all
conditions of load.

A.1.5.4 Bal anc ed t wo-p has e ci rc ui ts

The power in a balanced two-phase three- or four-wire circuit may be measured by connecting a wattmeter
in one phase, as in A.1.4.1, and multiplying its readings by two.

A.1.6 Three-ph ase ci rcui ts

A.1.6.1 Three-w att met er m eth od

If the three loads are accessible as single-phase two-wire loads, the total power may be measured as the
sum of the readings of the three wattmeters, each connected to one of the three loads as described in
A.1.4.1. This method is correct for all conditions of loading. This method is also correct for three-phase four-
wire circuits, except that the voltage coil of each wattmeter is connected between the line conductor in which
its current coil is connected and the common conductor, or the neutral.

A.1.6.2 Tw o-w att met er m eth od

The total power in a three-phase three-wire circuit may be measured by means of two wattmeters, having
the current coils connected one in each of two line conductors and the voltage coils connected between the
line conductor in which its current coil is connected and the third line conductor. The algebraic sum of the
readings of the two wattmeters indicates the total power supplied to any type of loading on the three
conductors. This method is correct for any balanced or unbalanced load and for any power factor, but does
not apply to three-phase four-wire circuits.

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A.1.6.3 Bal anc ed t hr ee-phas e ci rc ui ts

The power in a balanced three-phase three- or four-wire wye circuit may be measured by one wattmeter by
connecting its current coil in one phase conductor and its voltage coil between that conductor and neutral,
real or artificial, and multiplying its readings by three.

A.2 Measu rem ent of Ener gy

A.2.1 Basic c on si derati on s

In general, electric energy is measured in the same way as electric power, by substituting an integrating
watthour meter for a wattmeter.

A.2.1.1 Vol tag e-co il co nn ect io n

For measurements of power, it is generally preferable to connect the voltage coil leads across the terminals
of the receiving circuit, as indicated in A.1.3.1. However, for measurement of energy, it is standard practice
to connect the voltage-coil leads on the line side of the meter current coils so that the consumer does not
pay for the power consumed by the voltage coil.

A.2.1.2 Ap pl ic ati on of Bl on del 's th eor em

Under certain circumstances, for economic reasons, slight departures from Blondel's theorem are
permissible, depending upon the degree of unbalance between two or more of the voltages in a polyphase
circuit. Care should be exercised concerning the degree to which limits of the unbalance conditions are met
in any specific case, in order to insure that the accuracy of the metering lies within acceptable metering
practice. An acceptable limit of metering accuracy or voltage unbalance may be defined as one in which the
metering device reliably registers the electrical quantity that is being measured in compliance with the
requirements of this standard.

A.2.1.3 Watt ho ur met er st ato r

In referring to watthour meters, it is convenient to refer to each complete electromagnetic structure
containing current and voltage windings as a stator, each stator being comparable to a single-phase
wattmeter. Each such stator may consist of a voltage coil and a single current coil, or a voltage coil and two
current coils. The single-stator two-wire meter has one voltage coil and one current coil. The single-stator
three-wire meter has one voltage coil and two current coils, each of the latter having one half the number of
turns of the current coil in a two-wire meter. Meters may have one or more stators, each of which may be of
the two-wire or three-wire type.

A.2.2 Dir ect-c ur ren t or si ng le-p hase c ir cuit s

A.2.2.1 Tw o-w ir e di rec t-c ur ren t an d s in gl e-ph ase c ir cu it s

The energy in a two-wire direct-current or single-phase circuit may be measured by means of one watthour
meter. If the circuit is grounded, the current coil should be connected in the ungrounded side of the circuit.

A.2.2.2 Three-w ir e di rec t-c ur ren t an d s in gl e-ph ase c ir cu it s

The energy in a three-wire direct-current or single-phase circuit may be measured by two watthour meters,
dc or ac, respectively. The meters are connected as were the wattmeters in A.1.3.2 and A.1.4.2,
respectively. The total energy is the sum of the registrations of the two meters. The two meters may be
arranged in a single housing and their combined registration recorded on a single register as in a two-stator
meter.

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A.2.2.3 Sin gl e-ph ase t hr ee-w ir e ci rc ui ts w it h b alan ced vo lt ages

A departure from Blondel's theorem may be used in a three-wire direct-current or single-phase circuit,
provided that the voltages are balanced within acceptable limits. Under these conditions a single-stator
three-wire meter may be used, having one voltage coil connected between the two ungrounded wires, and a
two-section current winding consisting of two coils wound in opposite directions on a common core. Thus,
when each of the current coils is connected in series with each of the line wires of the three-wire circuit, the
magnetic effects of the currents flowing in the two coils are additive. The total number of turns of the two
coils is the same as would be used on a single-winding two-wire stator of the same current rating. The
accuracy of this method is independent of current or power factor balance, but it is dependent on voltage
balance.

A.2.2.4 Lar ge-cap aci ty or hi gh -vo lt age di rec t-c ur ren t m eter s
In direct-current circuits carrying heavy currents, shunt-type meters may be used. In circuits operating above
240 V, resistors are used in the voltage-coil circuit of the meter to reduce the values of current and voltage
applied to the meter in known and definite ratios that bring the current and voltage within the range of a
meter having normal current and voltage ratings.

A.2.2.5 Lar ge-cap aci ty or hi gh -vo lt age alt ernat in g-c ur ren t m eter s
In alternating-current circuits carrying heavy currents or operating at high voltages, transformers are used to
reduce the value of current and voltage applied to the meter. These transformers have definite ratios that
bring the current and voltage within the range of a meter's normal current and voltage ratings. Current
transformers should be used in all high-voltage metered circuits for purposes of insulation and safety,
regardless of whether the value of the current necessitates their use.

A.2.3 Open wy e cir cuit s

The measurement of energy in a three-wire 120/208 V distribution circuit (two lines and a neutral) obtained
from a four-wire wye three-phase system requires a two-stator meter to satisfy Blondel's theorem. A
departure from this theorem may be used to meter this circuit provided that the line-to-neutral voltages are
balanced in magnitude and phase angle within acceptable limits.
There are two basic designs of a single-stator meter, called a network meter, that may be used for this
purpose. Both designs utilize one voltage coil and two current coils. Depending on whether the voltage coil
is energized from the line-to-neutral or the line-to-line voltage, one or two phase-shifting networks are
employed to shift the phase of the current in one or both of the current coils in the proper amount and in the
right direction to enable them magnetically to react correctly with the line-to-neutral or line-to-line voltage,
respectively.
In the design utilizing a voltage coil energized by line-to-line voltage, the number of voltage-coil turns is
reduced from that of a 240 V coil to compensate for the reduction in voltage from 240 V to 208 V. Either
meter will register correctly on loads of any connection or power factor as long as the voltages are balanced,
symmetrical, and in the correct phase sequence. Since a particular phase sequence is essential to the
correct registration of this meter, a visual phase-sequence indicator is a built-in feature.

A.2.4 Two -phase ci rcui ts

A.2.4.1 Tw o-p has e th ree-wir e ci rc ui ts

The energy in a two-phase, three-wire circuit may be metered by means of two watthour meters connected
in the same way as the two wattmeters described in A.1.5.1.

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A.2.4.2 Tw o-p has e fo ur - or fi ve-w ir e ci rc ui ts

The energy in a two-phase four- or five-wire circuit may be metered by substituting a watthour meter for
each wattmeter specified in A.1.5.2 and A.1.5.3, and any two or more meters can be combined in a single
housing and their combined registration recorded on a single register, as described in A.2.2.2.

A.2.4.3 Tw o-p has e fi ve-w ir e ci rc ui ts wit h b alan ced vo lt ages

A departure from Blondel's theorem may be used in the two- phase five-wire circuit if the voltages are
balanced within acceptable limits. Two single-stator three-wire single-phase watthour meters, and described
in A.2.2.3, may be used. In this case the current coils of one meter are inserted, one in each of the phase
wires of one of the two phases, and the voltage coil of the meter is connected between the same two wires.
The second meter is connected similarly in the other pair of phase wires. The accuracy of this method is
independent of current and power factor balance, but is dependent on voltage balance. The two three-wire
meters may be combined in a single housing and their combined registration recorded on a single register.

A.2.5 Three-phase ci rcui ts, all t ypes

A.2.5.1 Meth od s c om par able t o p ow er m easu rem ent s

Using watthour meters, the energy in any form of a three-phase circuit may be metered in accordance with
the methods specified for power measurements by means of wattmeters described in A.1.6.1, A.1.6.2, or
A.1.6.3.

A.2.6 Three-phase, th ree-w ire cir cuit s

A.2.6.1 Tw o-s tat or met ho d

The energy in a three-phase, three-wire circuit may be metered by means of a two-stator meter having its
current coils connected in any two of the line conductors and the voltage coils connected between the line
conductors in which the current coils are connected and the third line conductor. This method is correct for
all conditions of load or voltage unbalance and for any power factor.

A.2.6.2 Three-s tat or met ho d

The energy in a three-phase three-wire circuit may be metered by means of three single-stator meters, or
with one three-stator meter by establishing an artificial wye neutral for obtaining the phase voltages. Delta-
wye-connected voltage transformers may be used for establishing these voltages.

A.2.6.3 Bal anc ed vo lt age and lo ad

In addition to the methods mentioned in A.2.5.1, A.2.6.1, and A.2.6.2, and under the conditions of balanced
voltage and balanced load of any power factor (as long as the power factor is the same in all phases),
energy in a three-phase three-wire system may be measured by a single-stator three-wire watthour meter,
having its current coils connected in any two of the line conductors and its voltage coil across the same two
conductors, and multiplying its reading by two. This method is useful in measuring energy used by motors or
other loads having balanced characteristics.

A.2.7 Thr ee-phase fo ur-wi re w ye ci rcu it s

A.2.7.1 Three-s tat or fo ur -wir e wye m eter

The energy in a three-phase four-wire wye-connected circuit may be metered by a three-stator wye meter.
The common point of the voltage circuits should be connected to the neutral conductor. This method is
accurate for all conditions (balanced or unbalanced) of load, power factor, or voltage.

A.2.7.2 Tw o-s tat or fo ur -wir e w ye meter

The energy in a three-phase four-wire wye-connected circuit may be metered by a two-stator four-wire
meter. According to Blondel's theorem, such a circuit would require a three-stator meter as described in

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A.2.7.1. However, if the voltages between each line and neutral are balanced within acceptable limits, the
accuracies generally are considered to be satisfactory. Such a meter has one voltage coil and a two-section
current winding on each stator. This winding consists of two coils wound in opposite directions on a common
core. Thus when each of the coils is connected in its respective circuit, the magnetic effects of the currents
in the two sections of the winding are additive. These windings are connected as follows: One current coil of
the first stator is inserted in one line conductor and its flux reacts with the flux of the voltage coil connected
between that conductor and the neutral. Similarly, one current coil of the second stator is inserted in another
line conductor and its flux reacts with the flux of the voltage coil connected between that conductor and the
neutral. The remaining current coils, one on each stator, are connected in series and inserted in the
remaining phase conductor.

A.2.8 Thr ee-phase fo ur-wi re delt a cir cuit s

A.2.8.1 Pos si bl e met ho ds of met eri ng

The energy in a three-phase, four-wire open or closed delta-connected circuit, with the neutral formed by a
tap to the midpoint of one of the phase windings, may be metered either by a three-stator meter or by a two-
stator, four-wire delta meter in several arrangements, provided that, in the latter case, the tapped phase
voltages are balanced within acceptable limits.

A.2.8.2 Three-s tat or fo ur -wir e del ta m eter

In a three-stator meter for three-phase, four-wire delta circuits, one of the stators may have one-half the
current and twice the voltage rating of the other two stators, but all three stators may be of the same rating
provided that current transformers and voltage transformers of suitable different ratios are connected into the
circuit. All three stators may also have the same ratings if the meter is properly calibrated to the voltages that
are to be used in service, or if modern voltage coils are employed having an acceptable operating range that
includes all voltages to be used.
The two current coils of equal rating are connected one in each of the conductors that have the neutral
between them and their associated voltage coils connected between these phase conductors and the
neutral. The one-half-rated current coil is connected in the remaining phase conductor and its double-rated
voltage coil is connected between that phase conductor and the neutral. This method is accurate for all
conditions of loading and power factor with or without voltage balance.

A.2.8.3 Tw o-s tat or fo ur -wir e delt a meter

If the neutral is a true mid-tap (namely, the voltages from it to each associated line conductor are equal
within acceptable limits), then a two-stator meter may be used, one stator of which has a three-wire current
coil or the instrument transformer equivalent thereof. The two current coils of the three-wire stator are
connected one each in the two line conductors having the neutral between them and their voltage coil
connected between these same two line conductors. The current coil of the two-wire stator is connected in
the third line conductor and its associated voltage coil between that conductor and the neutral.

A.2.9 Thr ee-phase seven-w ir e doub le w ye-co nn ected ci rc ui ts

A.2.9.1 Three s in gl e-ph ase t hr ee-w ir e st ato rs

The energy in a three-phase, seven-wire double wye-connected circuit may be measured by means of three
single-phase, three-wire watthour meters, or their polyphase equivalent. This method is correct for all values
of balanced or unbalanced current and power factor, provided that the voltages are symmetrical and
balanced within acceptable limits.

A.2.10 Basic m eter desig n con si deration s

The designers and manufacturers of induction watthour meters have always placed great emphasis on
attaining as high a degree of inherent accuracy as is economically feasible. Induction watthour meters using

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modern materials and techniques are designed to function satisfactorily over a very wide load range. For
these meters the terms nominal or rated load, or some multiple or fraction thereof, have no specific meaning.
As a result, present-day practice classifies such a meter as Class 100 or Class 200. This means that a Class
100 meter is designed to operate continuously with acceptable accuracy up to a maximum current of 100 A,
and a Class 200 meter to 200 A.
Since, however, this maximum current is not a suitable value to use when calibrating or testing a meter, the
manufacturer designates the recommended value of amperes, called the `test amperes,' to be used when
calibrating the meter. For example, a Class 100 meter might have a test-ampere designation of 15 A,
abbreviated as `TA 15,' and a Class 200 meter might have a TA 30 nameplate rating. Because modern
meters are frequently required to perform with acceptable accuracies at values of current, voltage, and
frequency, that may differ appreciably from those used to calibrate the meter, compensating devices have
been developed to maintain, within acceptable limits, the calibration accuracy at the calibrating points and
over wide variations therefrom. Moreover, such devices are used to compensate for environmental
conditions, such as changes in ambient temperature, and for other conditions that are not always ideal. No
compensating device is perfect, but all in current use perform well within acceptable limits.

A.2.11 Factors affecting in du ctio n met er acc uracy

A.2.11 .1 Li gh t l oad s
Due to certain nonlinear properties of even the best magnetic materials, the accuracy at very light loads
(10% of Test Ampere value or less) would not be generally satisfactory if a device were not provided to
correct for this nonlinearity. This is the primary function of the so-called light-load adjustment. When properly
set, the accuracy at even very light loads is well within acceptable limits. In addition, this device will also
compensate for any constant inherent friction or for any excess friction that might result from requiring the
meter to drive auxiliary equipment such as pulse devices.

A.2.11 .2 Vari ati on s i n v ol tag e

The configuration of the electromagnetic voltage current in the modern induction meter is such as to
minimize the error due to variations in voltage. Even with variations as large as 50% less than rated voltage,
the error is within acceptable limits, and for all variations of the order of 10% to 15%, the variation in
accuracy is usually negligible.

A.2.11 .3 Vari ati on s i n p ow er f act or

An induction meter registers correctly at power factors less than unity only when a specific phase relation
exists between certain of the torque-producing voltages, currents, and fluxes. This specific phase
relationship is attained by means of a plate or coil, which initially can be adjusted by a calibration procedure.
When correctly set, the accuracy of the meter, even at low power factors, is well within acceptable
requirements. If this calibration is made with a lagging power factor and the meter is then operated at a
leading power factor, a slight difference in its accuracy, usually negligible, may result.

A.2.11 .4 Vari ati on s i n f req uen cy

Frequency variations in a modern power system under normal operating conditions are insignificant. Any
inaccuracies that might result from variations that occur are entirely negligible. However, the presence of
voltage harmonics or current harmonics created by nonlinear loads may cause measurable inaccuracies. In
the vast majority of metering installations, the accuracy is still within 2%. Cases of severe harmonic
distortion should be analyzed on an individual basis.

A.2.11 .5 Vari ati on s i n t emp eratu re

The modern practice of placing meters outdoors has subjected meters to a wide range of ambient
temperatures. Fortunately, before this practice had become general, means of compensating the induction
meter for the detrimental effects of changes in ambient temperature had been developed and incorporated

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in all modern meters. It may be assumed with confidence that all modern meters will function satisfactorily
under all reasonable variations in ambient temperature.
A.2.11 .6 Ext ern al Mag net ic Fiel ds
In all well-designed induction watthour meters, the arrangement, number, and configuration of the various
electromagnet and permanent-magnet circuits, as well as the number and arrangement of the several coils,
are such as to keep the detrimental effect of the external magnetic fields to a minimum. However, care
should be exercised not to place the meter in a strong varying magnetic field of the same frequency as the
rated frequency of the meter.

A.2.11 .7 Lo ad Ran ge
One of the most unique features of the modern induction watthour meter is its ability to accurately measure
loads many times its test-ampere rating. A load-compensating means is a built-in feature of all modern
meters. With this device the test-ampere-calibration accuracy is maintained within very close limits up to and
including the class ampere value. For both accuracy and thermal reasons, care should be exercised not to
exceed the class value for any appreciable length of time.

A.2.11 .8 Sur ges

Meters installed in rural areas are more exposed to the elements than those in the more congested urban
areas. As a result, atmospheric electrical disturbances have a greater opportunity to affect adversely the
proper functioning of such meters. These disturbances are capable of producing, under certain
circumstances, very large currents of short duration, called surge currents. These currents may go to ground
through or in the vicinity of the meter. When this happens, the excessively large magnetic field created may
affect the strength of the permanent magnets in the meter, thereby resulting in registration errors.
Present-day permanent magnets are designed to have a very strong ability to resist demagnetization. Thus,
with modern meters, over-registration caused by surge currents is a rare occurrence.
In addition to surge proofing of the permanent magnets, a modern meter has built-in surge proofing for its
insulation. For both voltage and current coils, built-in protective gaps to ground are used. In addition, the
voltage coil has increased surge resistance across the coil.

A.2.11 .9 Ad ver se en viro nm ent al co nd it io ns

Another result of installing a meter outdoors without any protective cover, other than its own enclosure, is
that the meter may be exposed to dust and corrosive atmospheres such as salt spray. Modern meters have
been designed to minimize the detrimental effect of such exposures. Better sealing techniques, elimination
of dissimilar metals, the use of protective coatings, stainless steels, and anodizing of aluminum are some of
the precautions taken to counter the effect of adverse environmental conditions.

A.3 Measu rem ent of po wer f act or

A.3.1 Sin gl e-phase tw o-w ire cir cuit s

When the power is measured by one wattmeter in accordance with A.1.4.1, the power factor may be
determined by connecting an additional wattmeter with its current coil in series with that of the first
wattmeter, and with its voltage coil connected to an equal voltage displaced 90 from that applied to the
wattmeter connected for the power measurement. The additional wattmeter then measures reactive power
in vars. Instruments in which the required 90 shift in phase is provided internally (or by means of
accessories), are known as varmeters. From the measurements so obtained the power factor may be
determined from the following formula for sinusoidal quantities:

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P
power factor
P2 Q2
where:
P = active power
Q = reactive power
NOTE—The above formula applies only to sinusoidal waveforms without harmonic content.

A.3.2 Sin gl e-phase and po lyp has e cir cuit s

When the power is measured by one or more wattmeters in accordance with A.1.4, A.1.5, or A.1.6.1, the
power factor of each measured phase is equal to the power, in watts, indicated by each wattmeter divided
by the product of the rms voltage across the voltage circuit of the wattmeter and the rms current in the
current coil of the wattmeter.

A.3.3 Bal anced thr ee-phase th ree-w ire cir cu its

In the case of a balanced three-phase three-wire circuit, where the power is measured by two wattmeters
(see A.1.6.2), the readings of the two wattmeters will be unequal when the power factor is less than unity,
and if the power factor is less than 0.5 lag, the reading of one wattmeter will be negative.

A.3.4 Syst em pow er factor

When both voltages and currents are balanced in any three-phase circuit, the system power factor may be
determined from the following formula:
P
power factor
3 EI
where:
P = active power
E = line-to-line voltage
I = line current

A.3.5 Int erval Pow er Fact or

When a polyphase system is unbalanced in any manner, the system power factor ceases to have a specific
physical meaning, such as the cosine of some particular phase angle. However, a numerical ratio can be
obtained, called the interval power factor, and is defined as follows:
Pt
power factor
(Pt )2 (Q t ) 2
where:
Qt = product of total reactive power and time (as measured by a varhour meter}
Pt = product of total active power and time (as measured by a watthour meter)

The quantity thus defined is not, in general, equal to the average value of the power factor during the
interval, but may be referred to as the interval power factor.

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A.4 Measu rem ent of qu ader gy (var ho ur s)

A.4.1 Elect romechan ical met ers

Single-phase quadergy (varhours) may be measured with a varhour meter, usually a watthour meter with
the current through the voltage coil displaced 90 in phase from normal. A polyphase varhour meter, or an
unmodified polyphase watthour meter used with an appropriate phase-shifting transformer, may be used to
measure polyphase quadergy. If both leading and lagging quadergy are to be measured, two such meters
with opposite displacements, and equipped with detents to prevent backward rotation, are usually required.
To avoid this, a polyphase Q-hour meter, in which the voltages are lagged by 60 can be used, along with a
polyphase watthour meter. The voltage shift for a Q-hour meter can be obtained by either internal or external
connections to the polyphase circuit. The Q-hour meter rotates in its normal direction for load phase angles
from 30 lead to 150 lag. Quadergy in varhours, for a balanced-voltage system, can be computed from the
meter reading with the formula:

(Q hours) ( watthours cos 60o )

var hours
sin 60 o

A.4.2 Elect roni c Meter s

Electronic meters provide measurements of reactive energy (quadergy) along with active energy in one
multifunction meter. The required 90 phase shift is accomplished internally by electronic means, eliminating
the phase-shifting transformers or cross-connections needed to measure reactive energy with
electromechanical meters. Multiple registers are usually provided to measure reactive energy flow in both
directions. The phase angle of the current with respect to the voltage is expressed in terms of leading or
lagging power factor.

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APPENDIX B
(Normative)
Standards and Standardizing Equipment

B.1 General

The purpose and scope of this section is to specify the standards of electrical measurement and of time
interval to which the metering of electric energy shall be referred, and to outline an appropriate chain of
intermediate steps between the national standards of measurement and the watthour meters used in the
meter shop.

B.2 Final authori ty

The duties of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), US Department of Commerce,
include the following function assigned by Public Law 619 of the 81st Congress (64 Stat 371, 5USC 271-
286): "The custody, maintenance, and development of the national standards of measurements, and the
provision of means and methods for making measurements consistent with these standards." In addition,
Public Law 617 (Section 12) of the 81st Congress (Title 15, USCA Sec 223, 224) reads as follows: "It shall
be the duty of the National Bureau of Standards”, NIST, “to establish the values of the primary electric units
in absolute measure, and the legal values for these units shall be those represented by, or derived from,
national reference standards maintained by the National Bureau of Standards” (NIST).

B.2.1 Electrical unit s

The present units, as stated in Public Law 617 of the 81st Congress (Title 15, USCA Sec 223, 224) are
defined in terms of the cgs (centimeter-gram-second) or equivalent MKS (meter-kilogram-second)
electromagnetic units, as follows:

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.”

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.”

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.”

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.”

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.”

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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.”

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.”

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 kilowatthour, which is equivalent to the energy
supplied by a power of one thousand watts operating for one hour.”

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.

B.3 National Standards

The national standards of electrical measurement are those that are maintained by the National Institute of
Standards and Technology. (See Figure B1 for a traceability-path diagram.)

B.3.1 Standard of Resistance

The standard of resistance is maintained by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and
is based on absolute measurements in terms of length and time. The value of the national standard of
resistance (the NIST representation of the ohm) is maintained in terms of the average of a reference group
of stable one-ohm resistors the values of which are periodically monitored using the quantized Hall effect.
2
This effect produces resistances proportional to h/e where h equals Planck's constant and e equals the
2 1
charge of the electron. The value of h/e is assigned by international agreement.

B.3.2 Standard of Electromoti ve Force

The standard of electromotive force maintained by the National Institute of Standards and Technology is
based on absolute measurements by various national laboratories of the ohm and the ampere in terms of
mass, length, current, and time. The value of the national standard of emf (the NIST representation of the
volt) is maintained in terms of physical constants by means of the Josephson effect that is used to check the
stability of a reference group of saturated mercury-cadmium-amalgam standard cells. The Josephson effect
produces voltages proportional to 2e/h, where e equals the charge of the electron and h equals Planck's
constant. The value of 2e/h is assigned by international agreement.

B.3.3 Other Electrical Standards

The values of the national standards for other electrical quantities, such as energy, are derived either directly
or indirectly from the values of the national standards of resistance and emf, or (in the case of capacitance)
obtained directly from computable standards constructed for absolute-ohm determinations.

B.3.4 Standard of Time Interval

Standard frequencies and time intervals are broadcast continuously by the National Institute of Standards
and Technology and the Naval Observatory. The time- interval signals as broadcast and received are of very

1
Guidelines for implementing the New Representations of the Volt and Ohm Effective January 1, 1990,
NIST Technical Note 1263, June 1989.

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ANSI C12.1-2008

high accuracy (much better than one part in a million), and are appropriate to use without corrections in
verifying the rate of a laboratory standard clock or other reference interval timer.

B.4 Establishing a Local Reference Standard of Energy

Calibrations and tests whose purpose is the establishment or maintenance of a local reference standard of
energy measurement (see B.6.9) shall be carried out in a location and manner capable of maintaining the
accuracy required of the standards used in verifying electricity meters. The sequential steps intermediate
between the national standard of resistance and electromotive force and the local means of measuring
energy are carried out at several functional levels, which may, but need not, be within the capabilities of a
single laboratory. In many cases some or all of the steps may be carried out in the local meter laboratory. In
others the local reference standard of energy may be compared (often by transport standards) with the
national standard of electric energy or with standards of an independent laboratory that have been properly
verified.

NIST
Independent Lab

Basic Reference Standard

Transport
Standard

Field/Working/Portable Standard

Customers Meter

Figure B.1 – Traceabilit y path di agram

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 ANSI C12.1-2008

2
B.4.1 Meter laborator y
The meter laboratory is concerned with two functions:
– Maintaining standards whose values are assigned either directly or indirectly in terms of the
national standards.
– Assigning values to the working standards essential to the measurement of electrical quantities.

It may be equipped and staffed to make calibration tests at some or all of the sequential steps intermediate
between the national standards of resistance, emf, and time interval, and a local reference standard of
energy measurement (such as a group of watthour meters).

B.4.2 Meter shop

The meter shop is concerned with the routine testing, repair, and calibration of electricity meters and of the
auxiliary devices and equipment essential to the metering of electric energy and power.

B.4.3 Independent standards laborator y

An independent standards laboratory is maintained by and responsible to a company or authority other than
the one that maintains the particular meter laboratory under consideration. If a meter laboratory does not
carry out the entire chain of sequential measurements between the national electrical standards and the
local energy standard, it shall depend on an independent standards laboratory to make some of the required
calibrations in this measurement chain. Alternatively, interlaboratory comparisons of reference standards
with an independent standards laboratory are always informative and, in some instances, are needed to
maintain the integrity of the local reference standards. In B.6 the equipment required for a standards
laboratory to make all of the sequential calibration steps of interest in a meter laboratory is listed. This listing
may be of assistance in determining whether a particular standards laboratory is adequately equipped to
perform a specific calibration task.

B.5 Laboratory cond ition s

In a meter laboratory it is essential that ambient conditions, such as temperature and humidity, be
maintained at values and within limits appropriate to the measurements made in the laboratory; and that
other ambient factors that could interfere with proper measurement, such as atmospheric contaminations,
mechanical disturbances, electrical and magnetic interference, and noise, be held to such levels that normal
measurement techniques and results are not adversely affected.

B.5.1 Reference temperature and humid ity

The ambient temperature in the meter laboratory shall be 23 C, with tolerances that depend upon the effects
of temperature on the standards used and the apparatus under test. This temperature shall be held constant
not only during a test or calibration procedure, but also for a preceding period sufficient to ensure effective
temperature equilibrium in the test equipment and in the device being tested. When the reference standards
of a laboratory are assigned or checked at a temperature different from that at which they will be used,
temperature corrections shall be known and applied where significant.
The ambient relative humidity should be kept to values low enough that electrical insulation in the equipment
used will not be affected. Relative humidities below 55% should be adequate for this purpose. In the
absence of adequate shielding and guarding of laboratory instruments and circuits, the effects of bound
electrostatic charges may be troublesome at very low humidities. However, shielding may well be a simpler
and better solution to this problem than an attempt to hold humidity above some specified minimum value,

2
NCSL RP-10-1991 Establishment and Operation of an Electrical Utility Metrology Laboratory,
Recommended Practice, National Conference of Standards Laboratories.

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ANSI C12.1-2008

say 40%. Any system that controls laboratory humidity within specified upper and lower limits should be
designed to avoid excessive humidity in the event of the failure of the control element.

B.5.2 Laborator y pow er sourc es

Direct- and alternating-current supplies used in the laboratory for calibration of instruments or meters, or for
the measurement of voltage, current, or power, should be closely regulated, since fluctuations in the value
being held can limit the accuracy of a calibration or measurement.
Rectified direct-current supplies should be substantially free from ripple, since the presence of ripple and its
waveform have different effects on instruments having peak, average, or rms response.
Alternating-current supplies should be substantially free from waveform distortion, and the phase relation of
combined current and voltage supplies should be capable of close regulation, since these factors may also
influence calibration and measurement accuracy. For the most accurate watthour meter calibrations, the
third harmonic in the current wave should not exceed 0.5% of the fundamental, and other harmonics in the
current and voltage waves should not exceed 1.0%.

B.6 Laboratory reference standards

Laboratory reference standards are those standards that are used to assign and check the values of
laboratory secondary standards.

B.6.1 Stability of reference standards

One of the most important characteristics of a reference standard is its stability; that is, the constancy of its
assigned value with time.
The use of reference standards should be limited to assigning and checking the values of secondary
standards. Reference standards should not be exposed to the hazards of accidental misuse that
occasionally occur in routine measurements. Further advantages may accrue if the basic reference
standards of a laboratory never leave it; that is, are never subjected to transportation hazards. In this case,
special transport standards shall be available for the periodic interlaboratory comparison tests that act as a
check on the stability of the basic reference standards.

B.6.2 Basic reference standards

The basic reference standards of a laboratory are those standards with which the values of the electrical
units are maintained in the laboratory, and that serve as the starting point of the chain of sequential
measurements carried out by the laboratory. If the laboratory is to perform the entire sequence of
measurements between the national electrical standards and the local standard of energy measurement, its
basic reference standards are standard cells (preferably saturated cells) and appropriate resistance
standards.

B.6.2.1 Intercomparison
Ideally, the basic reference standards of a laboratory should be maintained in groups of three or more
separate individual units that can be intercompared readily, since three is the minimum number of units for
which a change in one of them can be both detected and located by intercomparison.

B.6.3 Transport standards

Transport standards are standards of the same nominal value as the basic reference standards of a
laboratory, and preferably of equal quality. Such standards are regularly intercompared with the basic group
to maintain a history of their behavior, and are reserved for periodic inter-laboratory comparison tests that
act as checks on the stability of the basic reference group.

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 ANSI C12.1-2008

In some cases, specially calibrated transport standards are used in a Measurement Assurance Program
(MAP) to aid in the achievement of measurement quality control and to link the measurements in the
laboratory to national standards.

B.6.4 Voltage references

Both electrochemical and solid-state voltage references are widely used to maintain the unit of voltage in the
laboratory.

B.6.4.1 Standard cells

For meter laboratories using a group of saturated mercury-cadmium-amalgam standard cells maintained at
a constant temperature in a stirred oil bath or in a constant-temperature air bath, adequately sensitive and
stable means shall be available to check the bath temperature and its constancy.

B.6.4.2 Unsaturated standard cells

A group of unsaturated cells, each of which has been allowed to come to equilibrium in a container designed
to minimize temperature gradients, provides a standard that is generally adequate for meter laboratories, if
the cells are intercompared frequently to guard against changes brought about by misuse or accident and if
the emfs of at least two of the cells have been checked against a saturated-cell reference standard within
the preceding 12 months. (The emf of an unsaturated cell generally decreases slowly with time, usually less
than 100 V a year.) The emf of each cell in the local unsaturated group shall be reassigned in terms of the
transport cells checked against the saturated reference group, after they have been intercompared to
ensure that they have not been damaged in transportation and have recovered stable values.

B.6.4.3 Solid-state voltage standards

Carefully selected solid-state devices with appropriate auxiliary circuitry can provide predictable voltage
values with stabilities similar to those of saturated standard cells.

B.6.5 Standard resistor s

Minimum requirements should include reference standards at the 1 level, and at decimal multiples and
submultiples of the ohm, over the range of resistance required for both resistance and current measurement.
-6 4
Generally, standards covering the range from 10 to 10 are useful, unless the range of measurements to
be undertaken in the laboratory is specifically known to be less.
Additional standards having the following intermediate values of 0.002, 0.005, 0.02, 0.05, 0.2, 0.5, 2, 5, and
20 are convenient since they permit the calibration of most values of current shunts by direct substitution
techniques without the precise calibration of bridge ratio arms. Alternatively, a precise 2:1 ratio can be
established from the combinations of three nominally equal standards.

B.6.6 DC ratio devices

A dc ratio device is an arrangement of resistors for establishing one or more ratios in an accurately known
way. Devices of this kind are used to compare the ratio of two resistors or of two direct voltages. An
essential requirement of a dc reference ratio standard is that it be stable with time, and minimally affected by
ambient conditions or by loading.

B.6.6.1 Reference standard volt box

A reference standard volt box is one in terms of which the ratios of other volt boxes can be accurately
assigned. It shall have the following characteristics:
– It shall be subdivided to facilitate internal self-calibration.
– Its components shall be guarded or otherwise be adequate to eliminate errors from leakage
currents across insulating members.

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ANSI C12.1-2008

– It shall be designed to avoid or minimize changes in ratio resulting from self-heating at rated
voltage or from ambient temperature changes.

B.6.6.2 Reference volt age div iders

Reference voltage dividers are networks of 4-terminal resistors of nominally equal value that are connected
permanently in series and in which the resistors can be placed in parallel or series-parallel combinations to
8
achieve 10:1 or 100:1 resistance transfer ratios that are capable of accuracies of the order of 1 part in 10 .

B.6.6.3 Universal ratio set and Kelvin-varley divid er

These are means for calibrating dc potentiometers and other adjustable resistance-type voltage dividers.

B.6.6.4 Resistan ce bri dges

The Wheatstone bridge for two-terminal resistance measurements and the Kelvin bridge for four-terminal
measurements are indispensable intermediate-level calibration tools. Such bridges, of high quality and
proven stability, can be used in substitution techniques for the intercomparison of reference standard
resistors or for the assignment of working standard resistors of nominally equal values. For the general
assignment of resistance values where substitution techniques are not applicable, such bridges require
periodic calibration using standards of high quality with an appropriate technique.

B.6.6.5 Direct-current comparator

Appropriately designed direct-current comparators based on the equality of ampere-turns in two or more
windings on a modulated magnetic core are means for making dc ratio, resistance, and voltage
measurements.

B.6.7 AC ratio devices

Current and voltage ratios are usually established in terms of instrument transformers. The ratio of the
primary to secondary current (or voltage) and the phase angle between them are dependent on the
frequency and the magnitude of the primary quantity and on the burden of the secondary circuit. The ratio
and phase-angle corrections of reference transformers shall be established at the expected operating level
and for the burden with which the transformer will be used.

B.6.7.1 Transf orm er test set

A transformer test set is a means of determining the corrections of an instrument transformer in terms of
either an alternating-current comparator or a reference standard transformer, usually having the same
nominal ratio.

B.6.8 AC-DC transfer standards

A transfer device is required to establish the equality of an rms alternating current or voltage, or the average
value of alternating power, with the corresponding steady-state dc quantity that can be referred to the basic
standards through scaling techniques. Such transfer standards for use at power frequencies employ
electrothermic, electrodynamic, electrostatic, or electronic operating principles.

B.6.8.1 Stability
The transfer characteristics of an ac-dc transfer standard (that is, its ac-dc differences) are functions of its
geometry, its electrical parameters, and its operating level, and should not change significantly with time.
Hence, the transfer characteristics of an instrument need be determined infrequently, unless the
components of its measuring circuit are modified or replaced, or their physical arrangement altered.
However, the dc calibration of a transfer instrument should be verified periodically.

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 ANSI C12.1-2008

B.6.9 Reference standard of energy

One or more highly stable standard watthour meters operating under closely controlled conditions can be
used to maintain the unit of energy in the laboratory and to calibrate the next level of standards. Such an
energy standard is maintained in many laboratories as an essential part of their reference equipment,
frequently in conjunction with instrument transformers having appropriate ratios, such that the reference
standard watthour meter can always be operated at the same current and voltage level, regardless of the
current or voltage requirements of the meters compared with the reference meters. Usually such standards
are housed in a temperature-controlled environment and are continuously energized.

B.6.10 Time int erval

The reference standard of time interval in a laboratory can be a clock or other counting device whose rate is
controlled by an appropriately compensated pendulum, or by a crystal or tuning-fork oscillator in a suitably
controlled environment. Its operation should be such that the time-interval signals for laboratory use are
produced without significant reaction on the rate-regulating mechanism. Such a standard can be checked at
any time, or continuously monitored, using signals broadcast by the National Institute of Standards and
Technology or the Naval Observatory.

B.6.11 Periodic verificatio n of reference standards

B.6.11.1 Standard cells and soli d-state voltage references

The voltage references with which the value of the volt is maintained in a laboratory should be
intercompared at frequent intervals, and should be compared at suitable intervals with appropriate voltage
references maintained by an independent standards laboratory of recognized standing, preferably using
special transport standards. If the local reference group consists of unsaturated cells, they should be
compared with saturated reference cells at intervals not to exceed 1 year. If the reference group consists of
saturated cells, the interval between comparisons with an independently maintained group of saturated cells
may be increased after the stability of the group has been established.

B.6.11.2 Resistance standards

The reference standard resistors, with which the resistance unit is maintained in a laboratory, should be
intercompared frequently, and should be verified by an independent standards laboratory at intervals not
longer than 2 years.

B.6.11.3 Ratio and transfer standards

Ratio standards (either ac or dc) and ac-dc transfer standards should be verified periodically or whenever
there is reason to suspect a change in their performance, and when self-checking features do not eliminate
the uncertainty in question.

B.6.11.4 Reference standard of energy

Watthour meters used as reference standards to maintain the unit of energy should be intercompared at
frequent intervals. In addition, their registrations shall be determined periodically by appropriate calibrations.

B.7 Laboratory secondary standards

The secondary standards of a laboratory are those that are used in the routine calibration tasks of the
laboratory. They are checked in terms of the laboratory reference standards, and are used for calibration of
shop instruments and meters, as well as for other routine measurement tasks for which moderately high
accuracy is required.

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ANSI C12.1-2008

B.7.1 Voltage measuring equipment

The basic working standard equipment of a meter laboratory should include one or more high-quality digital
voltmeters and shunts having ranges and accuracies appropriate for all required voltmeter and wattmeter
calibration checks.

B.7.2 Indicating instr uments

B.7.2.1 Accu racy class es

It should be realized that the accuracy class designation of an analog instrument is a specification of its
performance under reference conditions and immediately after its circuit is energized. When the instrument
is used under other than reference conditions, the stated class accuracy may not be realized; in particular,
the influence of sustained operation on the instrument response may be significant. Hence, for best
accuracy the conditions under which the dc calibration is checked should approximate the use condition as
nearly as practicable. The difference between the ac response and the average of reversed dc indications
for a signal of equivalent magnitude should not be significantly affected by time in circuit, so ac-dc
differences need not be redetermined for difference use situations.
The rated accuracy of a digital voltmeter applies over fairly wide operating conditions (see the
manufacturer's specifications). Some ac digital voltmeters respond to the average rather than the rms value,
and should be used with caution on distorted waveforms.

B.7.2.2 Instrument bearings or suspensio ns

Secondary standard instruments having pivot-and-jewel bearings should have permanent locations in the
laboratory, and should be moved as little as possible to avoid bearing damage with consequent increased
friction. Instruments having taut-band suspensions are free from frictional errors and are not generally
damaged by reasonable laboratory handling.

B.7.2.3 Range extensi on

The range of ac instruments may be extended by the use of instrument transformers whose corrections are
known for the particular instrument burden with which they are to be used. The range of ac instrument
voltage circuits may also be extended by use of series resistors, but this means of range extension is usually
limited to 600 V.

B.7.3 Watthour meters

Secondary standard watthour meters of appropriate ranges, compensated as fully as practicable for the
various known sources of error, are often required for determining the accuracy of registration of the
portable standard watthour meters used in shop and field testing and adjustment operations.

B.7.4 Calibration checks

Even when the secondary standards of a laboratory have been demonstrated to be stable, the hazards of
accidental change or injury through misuse in the daily operation of the laboratory may be present. Hence,
frequent calibration checks constitute insurance against faulty measurements remaining undetected for an
extended period.

B.7.4.1 Voltage measuring accessories

Secondary standard resistors for current measurements (shunts), volt boxes, and standard cells should be
verified at frequent and regular intervals in terms of the appropriate laboratory reference standard.

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 ANSI C12.1-2008

B.7.4.2 Digital voltmeter (multimeters) calibration s

Digital voltmeters (multimeters) should be calibrated with external standards at intervals recommended by
the manufacturer, but not less than once a year. Built-in self-test features should be used each day
measurements are made; these tests complement but do not replace calibrations with external standards.

B.7.4.3 Calibration of indicatin g instr uments

One or more cardinal points of the dc calibration of secondary standard indicating instruments should be
verified using a digital voltmeter of appropriate accuracy or potentiometrically at intervals of 2 weeks to 3
months, depending on frequency of use; and a complete dc check throughout their working range should be
made at intervals of 3 months to a year. Direct- and alternating-current calibration consoles (adjustable,
direct-reading power supplies) are very convenient for routine testing of instruments. The periodic
calibrations of such consoles (usually with dc potentiometers and dc-ac transfer standards) should be
carefully considered.

B.7.4.4 Wattho ur meters

Watthour meters used as secondary standards should be intercompared at frequent and regular intervals,
and their registration errors redetermined by a power-time integration procedure or by comparison with
reference-standard watthour meters (see B.6.9) at intervals not to exceed six months.

B.8 Shop instru ments

Shop instruments are instruments and meters that are used in regular routine shop or field operations. Their
calibrations should be verified in terms of appropriate laboratory secondary standards.

B.8.1 Indicating instr uments

Portable ammeters, voltmeters, and wattmeters used in the regular operation of the meter shop should be of
good quality and of appropriate ranges. Analog instruments should not be operated at less than one third of
their end-scale value. Depending on the accuracy desired for the particular measurement being made,
Classes 0.25 or 0.5 (or in some instances even 1.0) may be appropriate. The corrections to shop
instruments should be regularly and frequently redetermined, using laboratory secondary-standard
instruments.

B.8.2 Portable standard watth our meters

Portable standard watthour meters that are in constant use should be checked at least twice a month on a
commonly used current and voltage range. Corrective action shall be taken such as complete recalibration
or repair, when the registration at the commonly used check points deviates by more than acceptable limits.

B.9 Performance records

Continuing records should be kept of the performance of each instrument and standard in the laboratory or
shop. Where this record shows excessive variation between tests, the equipment shall be subjected to
special investigation to determine the cause of the variation. If the cause cannot be determined and
corrected, use of the instrument or standard shall be discontinued.

B.9.1 Importance of records

Continuing records of the performance of instruments and standards are important for a number of reasons:
– They can be informative as to the quality of the laboratory equipment and the competence of
laboratory personnel.
– The value of a standard increases as proof of its stability accumulates.

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ANSI C12.1-2008

– Continuous performance records assist in decisions whether to keep, demote, or discard a

standard or instrument.
– Continuous records assist in decisions concerning the interval between calibration or
verification tests of an instrument or standard.

B.10 Abnormal conditions

Whenever a standard is suspected of having been subjected to abnormal conditions or treatment, it shall be
checked regardless of the time that has elapsed since its last calibration check. Resistance apparatus that
has suffered an abrupt change in value because of misuse will sometimes drift during a few weeks or
months before stabilizing at a different value.

B.11 This section has been removed

B.12 Acceptable performance of standard watthou r meters

B.12.1 General

B.12.1.1 Acceptable standard watthou r meters

In order to be acceptable, new standard watthour meters shall be capable of conforming to mechanical
requirements as specified in B.12.2. (Portable Standard Meters) or B.12.3 (Reference Standard Meters),
and the performance requirements as specified in B.13.2 (Portable Standard Meters) or B.13.3 (Reference
Standard Meters), and Table 29 and 30, which are intended to determine their reliability and acceptable
accuracy insofar as these qualities can be demonstrated by laboratory tests. In general, all of the listed tests
shall be made on each new type of standard watthour meter and most of them shall be made on each new
standard meter of the same type, dependent on the needs of the particular laboratory. Two kinds of standard
watthour meters are recognized: portable standard watthour meters, which are used for shop and field tests,
and reference standard watthour meters, which are used to maintain the unit of energy in the meter
laboratory.

B.12.1.2 Adequacy of testing laboratory

Tests for determining the acceptability of the types of standard meters under these specifications shall be
made in a laboratory having adequate facilities, using instruments of an order of accuracy and precision
capable of verifying conformance to the specifications. These instruments should be checked against the
laboratory reference standards before and after the tests. The tests shall be conducted by personnel who
have thorough practical and theoretical knowledge of meters and adequate training in making precision
measurements.

B.12.1.3 Tolerances
The standard meter under test shall be considered to be within the specified limit unless the test result
exceeds the limit by more than the value of the measurement uncertainty assigned to cover the possible
errors in the laboratory reference standards, observations, and procedures.

B.12.2 Mechanical requirements for portabl e standard meters

B.12.2.1 General
All parts that are subject to corrosive influence under normal working conditions shall be effectively protected
against corrosion due to atmospheric causes. Any protective coating shall not be liable to damage by
ordinary handling or injuriously affected by exposure to air under ordinary conditions. The construction of the

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meter shall be suitable for its purpose in all respects, and shall give assurance of permanence in all
mechanical, electrical, and magnetic adjustments.

B.12.2.2 Adju sting devices

Adjusting devices shall be self-locking or, alternatively, shall be capable of being locked in position, and the
action of such locking devices shall not alter the adjustment of the standard meter. All mechanical, electrical,
and magnetic adjustments shall be capable of fine control, and shall be of such design as will give
assurance of permanence.

B.12.2.3 Optional leveling means for induct ion-type meters

A level indicator may be provided on the top of the standard meter in a position easily read when the
standard meter is in use. The sensitivity of the indicator shall be such that a departure from level of 0.5 is
readily detectable. Facilities for adjusting the level of the standard meter shall be provided.

B.12.2.4 Case
The case shall be of sufficient strength to afford to the working parts adequate protection against damage
under normal conditions of handling, usage, and transport; and it shall afford to the interior substantial
protection against the entry of dust. Portable standard meters should be fitted with a detachable cover to
enclose the readout, terminals, and controls, and be equipped with a substantial carrying strap. The inside of
the cover should include a means for attaching a calibration card.

B.12.2.5 Sealing
Provision shall be made for the sealing of the standard meter to detect unauthorized access to working parts
and to electrical and magnetic adjusting devices.

B.12.2.6 Window
A window of glass or other suitable transparent material shall be provided to permit a clear view of the
readout. It shall be substantially dust tight and shall be replaceable.

B.12.2.7 Terminals
Terminal identification shall be adjacent to each terminal and shall be of a permanent nature.

B.12.2.8 Register (count ing mechanism)

B.12.2.8.1 Register scales
For standard watthour meters with pointer and dial-type readouts, the register shall have a sweep-hand
scale and not less than two totalizing scales. The tip of the sweep hand shall traverse its scale in such a
manner as will permit accuracy of reading. One revolution of the sweep hand shall represent one revolution
of the rotor. It shall be so designed as to minimize parallax error and be readable to 1/100 of a revolution.
Totalizing scales shall be graduated and suitably marked in multiples of 10 and shall totalize to not less than
100 revolutions of the sweep hand.
B.12.2.8.2 Provision for pho toelectric sensing
The sweep hand of standard watthour meters with pointer and dial-type readouts shall be provided with a
reflective area suitable for external photoelectric sensing.
B.12.2.8.3 Digital readouts
Standard watthour meters with digital readout shall have a resolution corresponding to at least 1/1000 of a
revolution of a pointer-type register for a meter of similar current and voltage ranges, and shall be capable of
totalizing at least 100 equivalent revolutions. Alternatively, they shall have a readout in other suitable units,
such as percentage registration, with an equivalent resolution.

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ANSI C12.1-2008

B.12.2.8.4 Readout reset

A readily accessible reset device shall be fitted so that all pointers or the digits of the readout may be
simultaneously reset to zero by a single operation. Such operation shall not permanently distort the spindles
of the pointers (where applicable).
B.12.2.8.5 Register lubrication
The register gear train shall not require lubrication.

B.12.2.9 Optional provisio n for pulse outpu t

A pulse output may be provided such that the number of pulses is proportional to the energy measured.
Connections to the pulse output shall be readily accessible on the outside of the standard meter.

B.12.2.10 Overcurrent protectio n

Current coils may be protected by a fuse or other means. If a fuse is used, it shall be replaceable from the
outside.

B.12.2.11 Nameplate
A nameplate shall be provided on the outside of the case to show all necessary information, including
manufacturer, type, serial number, voltage ratings, current ratings, frequency, model number, and watthour
constant (Kh) or energy constant (Ke) at basic voltage and current ratings.

B.12.2.12 Rotor brake (inducti on-type meters)

A suitable rotor brake shall be provided to prevent rotor drift when current only is applied.

B.12.3 Mechanical requirements for reference standard meters

B.12.3.1 General
All parts that are subject to corrosive influence under normal working conditions shall be effectively protected
against corrosion due to atmospheric causes. Any protective coating shall not be liable to damage by
ordinary handling or injuriously affected by exposure to air under ordinary conditions. The construction of the
meter shall be suitable for its purpose in all respects, and shall give assurance of permanence in all
mechanical, electrical, and magnetic adjustments.

B.12.3.2 Adju sting devices

Adjusting devices shall be self-locking or, alternatively, shall be capable of being locked in position, and the
action of such locking devices shall not alter the adjustment of the standard meter. All mechanical, electrical,
and magnetic adjustments shall be capable of fine control, and shall be of such design as will give
assurance of permanence.

B.12.3.3 Leveling means for inducti on-type meters

A level indicator shall be provided on the top of the standard meter in a position easily read when the
standard meter is in use. The sensitivity of the indicator shall be such that a departure from level of 0.5 is
readily detectable. Facilities for adjusting the level of the standard meter shall be provided.

B.12.3.4 Case
The case shall be of sufficient strength to afford to the working parts adequate protection against damage
under normal conditions of handling, usage, and transport; and it shall afford to the interior substantial
protection against the entry of dust.

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 ANSI C12.1-2008

B.12.3.5 Sealing
Provision shall be made for the sealing of the standard meter to detect unauthorized access to working parts
and to electrical and magnetic devices.

B.12.3.6 Window
A window of glass or other suitable transparent material may be provided, if applicable, to permit a clear
view of the readout. It shall be substantially dust-tight and shall be replaceable.

B.12.3.7 Terminals
Terminal identification shall be adjacent to each terminal and shall be of a permanent nature.

B.12.3.8 Digital readouts

Standard watthour meters with a digital readout shall have a resolution corresponding to at least 1/1000 of a
revolution of a pointer-type register for a meter of similar current and voltage ranges, and shall be capable of
totalizing at least 100 equivalent revolutions. Alternatively, they shall have a readout in other suitable units,
such as percentage registration, with an equivalent resolution.
B.12.3.8.1 Readout reset
A readily accessible reset device shall be fitted so that the digits of the readout may be simultaneously reset
to zero by a single operation.

B.12.3.9 Provision for pulse output

A pulse output shall be provided such that the number of pulses is proportional to the energy measured.
Connections to the pulse output shall be readily accessible on the outside of the standard meter.

B.13 Performance requirements for standard watthou r meters

B.13.1 General test cond itio ns

The standard meter under test shall be in good operating condition, and its registration on the basic current
and voltage ranges shall be adjusted as nearly as practicable to 100% with 25% and 100% rated current at
1.0 power factor, and with 100% rated current at 0.5 power factor. The meter shall be energized on the basic
range at 100% rated current and voltage for at least 1 hour prior to test. Unless otherwise specified, all tests
shall be made of the basic range, and the conditions listed in B.13.1.1 through B.13.1.8 shall apply. All tests
at other that unity power factor are with current lagging, unless otherwise noted.

B.13.1.1 Appl ied voltage

The applied voltage shall be constant to within 1.0%.

B.13.1.2 Appl ied current

The applied current shall be constant to within 1.0%.

B.13.1.3 Phase angle

The phase angle shall be constant to within 2 .

B.13.1.4 Frequency
The frequency shall be 60 Hz and be constant to within 0.2%.

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ANSI C12.1-2008

B.13.1.5 Waveform distor tion

The total harmonic distortion of the applied voltage and current shall not exceed 2.0%.

B.13.1.6 Ambient temperature

The ambient temperature shall be 23 C 2 C.

B.13.1.7 Level
Standard watthour meters of the induction type shall be level to within 0.5 .

B.13.1.8 Extern al magnet ic field

Strong magnetic fields may affect performance of standard meters. Care should be taken to avoid placing
the meters in proximity of transformers and loops of current test leads.

B.13.1.9 Insulation
The insulation between current-carrying parts of separate circuits and between current-carrying parts and
other metallic parts shall be capable of withstanding the application of a sinusoidal voltage of 2.3 kV rms, 60
Hz, for 1 minute.

B.13.2 Performance requirements for portabl e standard meters

B.13.2.1 Drift
Test Condition (1): With 250% rated current and with the voltage circuit open, the indication shall not change
perceptibly in 1 min.
Test Condition (2): With 100% rated current, the braking device on standard watthour meters of the
induction type shall immediately release the rotor when 70% rated voltage is applied.

B.13.2.2 Effect of a variation of c urrent at 1.0 power factor

Test Condition (1): With 50%, 150%, and 200% of rated current, the registration shall not differ from the
value at 100% of rated current by more than the amount specified in Table 29.

B.13.2.3 Effect of variation of cu rrent at 0.5 power factor

Test Condition (1): With 50% and 200% of rated current, the registration shall not differ from the value at
100% of rated current by more than the amount specified in Table 29.

B.13.2.4 Effect of variation of volt age at the pow er factors indicated in Table 29
Test Condition (1): With 25% of rated current at 1.0 power factor, the registration at 90% and 110% of rated
voltage shall not differ from the value at 100% of rated voltage by more than the amount specified in Table
29.
Test Condition (2): With 100% of rated current, at 1.0 and 0.5 power factors, the registration at 90% and
110% of rated voltage shall not differ from the value at 100% of rated voltage by more than the amount
specified in Table 29.

NOTE—When a meter is furnished with an external multiplier for the purpose of extending the voltage range, this test
shall include the extended voltage rating with the multiplier connected in the circuit.

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 ANSI C12.1-2008

B.13.2.5 Equality of current and vo ltage ranges

B.13.2.5.1 Equality of curr ent ranges
The standard shall be tested with rated current at 1.0 and 0.5 power factors for each current range at 100%
of rated voltage. On all current ranges, the registration shall not differ from the registration on the basic
current range by more than the amount specified in Table 29.
B.13.2.5.2 Equali ty of volt age ranges
The standard meter shall be tested with rated voltage at 1.0 and 0.5 power factors for each voltage range
with 100% of rated current of the basic current range. On all voltage ranges, the registration shall not differ
from the registration on the basic voltage range by more than the amount specified in Table 29. When a
meter is furnished with an external multiplier for the purpose of extending the voltage range, this test shall
include the extended voltage rating with the multiplier connected in the circuit.

B.13.2.6 Effect of variation of ambient temperature

The test conditions are as follows: The standard meter shall be placed in a space having a temperature of
23 C 2 C and allowed to stand for not less than 2 hours with the voltage circuit energized. The meter shall
then be tested with 100% of rated current at 1.0 and 0.5 power factors.
Test Condition (1): The portable standard meter shall be placed in a space having a temperature of 0 C
5 C for not less than 2 hours with the voltage circuit energized. The meter shall be tested with 100% of
rated current at 1.0 and 0.5 power factors.
Test Condition (2): Repeat condition (1), except that the portable standard meter shall be placed in a space
having a temperature of 50 C 5 C. At 0 C 5 C and 50 C 5 C the registration shall not differ from the
value at 23 C 2 C by more than the amount specified in Table 29.

B.13.2.7 Effect of internal heating

The basic range of the portable standard meter shall be tested with 100% of rated current at 1.0 and 0.5
power factors. Then, 200% rated current shall be applied to the highest current range for 2 hours and the
basic range shall be retested immediately afterward with 100% of rated current at 1.0 and 0.5 power factors.
The change in registration shall not exceed the amount specified in Table 28.

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ANSI C12.1-2008

Table 29 – Portable Standard Watthour Meter

Test Conditions
% Maximum
Test %V %I PF Other Deviation
100 100 1.0 0
Reference Conditions
100 25 1.0 0
B.13.1
100 100 0.5 0
Drift
open 250 — see text 0 in 1 min.
B.13.2.1
100 50 1.0 0.25
Current Variation
100 200 1.0 0.25
B.13.2.2
100 50 0.5 0.40
B.13.2.3
100 200 0.5 0.60
90 25 1.0 0.20
110 25 1.0 0.20
Voltage Variation 90 100 1.0 0.20
B.13.2.4 110 100 1.0 0.20
90 100 0.5 0.40
110 100 0.5 0.40
100% on all
100 1.0 0.20
Current Ranges Current Ranges
B.13.2.5.1 100% on all
100 0.5 0.20
Current Ranges
100% on all
100 1.0 0.20
Voltage Ranges Voltage Ranges
B.13.3.5.2 100% on all
100 0.5 0.25
Voltage Ranges
see text
100 100 1.0 0C 0.30
Ambient Temperature
100 100 0.5 0C 0.50
B.13.2.6
100 100 1.0 50 C 0.30
100 100 0.5 50 C 0.50
Internal Heating 100 100 1.0
see text 0.20
B.13.2.7 100 100 0.5
Tilt 100 25 1.0 0.20
see text
B.13.2.8 100 100 1.0 0.20
Repeatability 100 25 1.0 0.20
see text
B.13.2.9 100 100 1.0 0.20

B.13.2.8 Effect of tilt (inducti on-type meters only)

The basic range of the portable standard meter shall be tested with 25% and 100% of rated current at 1.0
power factor. The meter shall be tilted 1 forward, backward, to the left, and to the right, and tested in each
position with 25% and 100% of rated current at 1.0 power factor. The change in registration of any of these
positions shall not exceed the amount specified in Table 29.

B.13.2.9 Repeatability of p erformance

The standard meter shall be placed in a space having a temperature of 23 C 2 C, and operated
continuously with 10% of rated current at 1.0 power factor for a period of 1 week. The percentage
registration, at rated voltage, at 25% and 100% of rated current shall be determined at the start of the test
and at four successive intervals, at least 24 hours apart, during the week. The change in percent registration
shall not differ from that at the start of the test by more than the amount specified in Table 29.

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 ANSI C12.1-2008

B.13.3 Performance requirements for reference standard meters

B.13.3.2 Effect of a variation of c urrent at 1.0

Power Factor Test Condition (2): With 90% and 110% of rated current, the registration shall not differ from
the value at 100% of rated current by more than the amount specified in Table 30.

B.13.3.3 Effect of variation of cu rrent at 0.5 power factor

Test Condition (2): With 90% and 100% of rated current, the registration shall not differ from the value at
100% of rated current by more than the amount specified in Table 30.

B.13.3.4 Effect of variation of vol tage at the pow er factors indicated in Table 30
Test Condition (2): With 100% of rated current, the registration at 90% and 110% of rated voltage shall not
differ from the value at 100% of rated voltage by more than the amount specified in Table 30.

B.13.3.5 Equality of current and vo ltage ranges

B.13.3.5.1 Equ ality of curr ent
Ranges. The standard shall be tested with rated current at 1.0 and 0.5 power factors for each current range
from 100% of rated voltage. On all current ranges, the registration shall not differ from the registration of the
basic current range by more than the amount specified in Table 30.
B.13.3.5.2 Equali ty of volt age ranges
The standard meter shall be tested with rated voltage at 1.0 and 0.5 power factors for each voltage range
with 100% of rated current on the basic current range. On all voltage ranges, the registration shall not differ
from the registration of the basic voltage range by more than the amount specified in Table 30.

B.13.3.6 Effect of variation of ambient temperature

The test conditions are as follows:
The standard meter shall be placed in a space having a temperature of 23 C 2 C and allowed to stand for
not less than 2 hours with the voltage circuit energized. The meter shall then be tested with 100% of rated
current at 1.0 and 0.5 power factors.
Test Condition (3): The reference standard meter shall be placed in a space having a temperature of 11 C
2 C for not less than 2 hours with the voltage circuit energized. The meter shall then be tested with 100%
of rated current at 1.0 and 0.5 power factors.
Test Condition (4): Repeat condition (3), except that the reference standard meter shall be placed in a space
having a temperature of 35 C 2 C. At 11 C 2 C and 35 C 2 C the registration shall not differ from the
value at 23 C 2 C by more than the amount specified in Table 30.

B.13.3.7 Repeatability of p erformance

The standard meter shall be placed in a space having a temperature of 23 C 2 C, and operated
continuously with 10% of rated current at 1.0 power factor for a period of 1 week. The percentage
registration, at rated voltage, at 25% and 100% of rated current shall be determined at the start of the test
and at four successive intervals, at least 24 hours apart, during the week. The change in percent registration
shall not differ from that at the start of the test by more than the amount specified in Table 30.

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ANSI C12.1-2008

Table 30 – Reference Standard Watthour Meters

Test Conditions
% Maximum
Test %V %I Pf Other Deviation
100 100 1.0 0
Reference Conditions
100 25 1.0 0
B.13.1
100 100 0.5 0
100 90 1.0 0.10
Current Variation
100 110 1.0 0.10
B.13.3.2
100 90 0.5 0.10
B.13.3.3
100 110 0.5 0.10
90 100 1.0 0.10
Voltage Variation 110 100 1.0 0.10
B.13.3.4 90 100 0.5 0.15
110 100 0.5 0.15
100% on all
100 1.0 0.10
Current Ranges Current Ranges
B.13.3.5.1 100% on all
100 0.5 0.10
Current Ranges
100% on all
100 1.0 0.10
Voltage Ranges Voltage Ranges
B.13.3.5.2 100% on all
100 0.5 0.10
Voltage Ranges
see text
100 100 1.0 11 C 0.10
Ambient Temperature
100 100 0.5 11 C 0.15
B.13.3.6
100 100 1.0 35 C 0.10
100 100 0.5 35 C 0.15
Repeatability 100 25 1.0 0.05
see text
B.13.3.7 100 100 1.0 0.05

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 ANSI C12.1-2008

Ap pendi x C
(Normative)
Registering Mechanism and Meter Constants
for Electro -mechanical Meters

C.1 General

Descriptions have been given of methods for determining the accuracy of a meter as far as the speed of the
rotor is concerned, and for physically checking register and gear ratios. It is equally important that it be
determined mathematically that the relations between the register (dial) constant, watthour constant, register
ratio, and gear ratio are correct. The register constant shall always appear on the face of the register when
other than one, the register ratio will be found marked on the register or on the nameplate, and the watthour
constant usually will be found marked on the nameplate. Manufacturers generally use one standard shaft
reduction for all ratings of meters of the same type, but the information does not appear on the meter. The
gear ratio is dependent on the shaft reduction and also the register ratio. The gear ratio information also
does not appear on the meter.

C.2 Symbols

Kh (watthour constant): The number of watthours per revolution of the meter rotor (disk).
Kr (register, or dial, constant): The multiplier used to convert the register reading to kilowatthours.
Rg (gear ratio): The number of revolutions of the rotor (disk) for one revolution of the first dial pointer.
Rr (register ratio): The number of revolutions of the first gear of the register for one revolution of the first dial
pointer.
Rs (shaft reduction): The number of revolutions of the meter rotor (disk) for one revolution of the first gear of
the register.

C.3 Shaft Reduction

In some meters a single-pitch worm is used on the rotor, meshing with a worm wheel of 100 teeth on the
register, thus, the shaft reduction is 100. A single-pitch worm is sometimes used with a 50-tooth worm wheel
to give a shaft reduction of 50.
In others, a double-pitch worm is used on the rotor, meshing with a worm wheel of 100 teeth on the register,
thus, the shaft reduction is 50.
In still others, pinions on the rotor meshing with gears on registers result in shaft reductions of 6-1/4, 8-1/3,
etc.
Transfer gearing between the disk shaft and the register is used in a few types of meters. In some, it is of 1:1
ratio and has no effect on the shaft reduction. There are instances, however, where the transfer gearing is
either 16-2/3 to 15 or 16-2/3 to 30.
The shaft reduction may be determined from the manufacturer's literature, from tables, by counting teeth in
gears and pinions, or by test.

C.4 Formulas

When the register constant (Kr), watthour constant (Kh), and shaft reduction (Rs) are known, the register ratio
(Rr) may be determined by the following formula:

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ANSI C12.1-2008

For example, if Kr = 1, Kh = 3.6, and Rs = 100,

then
1 10,000
Rr 27 7/9
3.6 100

Other useful formulas are as follows:

Registration of one revolution of first dial pointer
Kh Rr R s
kilowatthours
1000

Rg Rr Rs

Kh Rr Rs Kh Rg
Kr
10 1000
, 10,000

Kr 10 1000
,
Kh
Rr Rs

Kr 10 1000
,
Rs
K h Rr

In the foregoing formulas, 10 is the numerical value of one revolution of the first dial pointer.

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 ANSI C12.1-2008

APPENDIX D

(Informative)
Periodic Testing Schedule

An example of a detailed periodic testing schedule by watthour meter and attachments:

Years Betw een Testing

(1) Graphic watthour demand 2
(2) Electromechanical Watthour Meters
without surge-proof magnets 8
(3) Thermal Lagged Demand Meters 16
(4) Magnetic Tape Demand Recorders 12
(5) Electromechanical Watthour Meters
with surge-proof magnets and:
(a) Mech KWH Register 16
(b) Mech Demand Registers 8–12
(c) Electronic Demand Register 16
(d) Mech Cam Pulse Initiator 2
(e) Mech Gear Shutter Pulse Initiator 8
(f) Electronic Pulse Initiator 12
(g) Electronic Remote Registers 8
(h) Electronic TOU Register 16
(6) Electronic Meter 16
(7) Electronic Recorders 16

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ANSI C12.1-2008

APPENDIX E

(Normative)
Phase-Shifting Transformers

E.1 Definition

For definition of a phase-shifting transformer, see Section 2.

E.2 Types Defined

Phase-shifting transformers are considered to be of the same type if they are produced by the same
manufacturer, bear the manufacturer's same type designation, are of the same general design, and have the
same relationship of parts. They shall have the same phasor diagram and be substantially equivalent in the
following respects to be grouped as one type for approval tests:
(1) Rated volts per turn
(2) Length, cross section, and shape of magnetic circuit
(3) Characteristics of the core material
(4) Arrangement of the coils with respect to the magnetic circuit
(5) Relation of resistance of the windings to the rated voltage

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 ANSI C12.1-2008

APPENDIX F

(Informative)
Historical Background

F.1 Preface to the First Editi on (1910)

In undertaking 2 years ago to formulate a meter code, it was the ambition of the Meter Committee of the
Association of Edison Illuminating Companies (AEIC) to produce a reliable and up-to-date manual covering
the many phases of electric meter practice as encountered by all companies, both large and small. It was
the Committee's belief that such a Code, if intelligently prepared, would prove of great value not just to those
actually engaged in operating meters, but also to those interested in the practices of metering from other
standpoints, namely, official, legal, etc. There was also felt an urgent need of a closer agreement between
the manufacturers and the operating companies as to reasonable and satisfactory specifications covering
both operation and design.
The development of such a Code with the collecting of the very large amount of necessary data was placed
in the hands of the Electrical Testing Laboratories of New York, and at the Briarcliff Convention of 1909
there was presented the first issue of the Code, covering four sections and representing the first year's work.
As a means of increasing the strength and support of the work, and at the same time avoiding duplication of
effort along similar lines, it was arranged with the consent of the Executive Committee of both Associations
to join hands with the Meter Committee of the National Electric Light Association (NELA) for the further
development of the Code. The second year's work, therefore, represents the combined efforts of the Meter
Committees of the two Associations.
The Code to date as here presented includes with minor revisions and corrections those sections which
have been presented in the reports at the 1909 Edison Convention and the 1910 NELA Convention, and
also two entirely new sections. It is hoped that it may find its place among reliable books of reference in the
hands of those responsible for, and interested in, the purchase, installation, and operation of electric meters.
A considerable amount of ground still remains to be covered, and it is only to be expected that, with changes
and improvements in the art, revisions must from time to time become necessary, but it is the intention of the
Committees to continue the work to its logical conclusion.
While the Code is naturally based upon scientific and technical principles, the commercial side of metering
has been constantly kept in mind as of very great importance, and it is believed that due consideration has
been given to this phase of the problem.
Although the work has been directed very closely by the two Committees, the burden of the undertaking has
been carried by the Electrical Testing Laboratories, to which full credit should be given.
The Committees are indebted to Clayton H. Sharp for his personal interest and cooperation in the conduct of
the work and to W.W. Crawford, also of the Laboratories, for the zeal and discrimination which he has
displayed in preparing the drafts of the Code for the Committee's consideration.
The Committees would also acknowledge most gratefully the hearty and valuable cooperation of the
manufacturing companies and particularly that of F.P. Cox and L.T. Robinson of the General Electric
Company, and William Bradshaw of the Westinghouse Electric and Manufacturing Company. It is the
earnest desire of the Committees that the Code may prove its value to all of those interested in the precise
commercial measurement of electrical energy and may contribute to the advancement of the art.

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ANSI C12.1-2008

Committee Personnel

AEIC NELA
J. W. Cowles, Chairman G. A. Sawing, Chairman
O. J. Bushnell W. H. Fellows
G.R. Green W.E. McCoy
J. T. Hutchings
S. G. Rhodes

F.2 Preface to the Second Editi on (1922)

This edition of the Code for Electricity Meters is a revised and complete compilation of the sections issued
separately during the past 5 years. The revision and arrangement here have been under the supervision of
the Meter Committees of the Association of Edison Illuminating Companies and the National Electric Light
Association.
Advantage was taken of the printing of the Code in complete form to make such revisions in the text and to
add such new matter as appeared desirable. The Electrical Testing Laboratories joined with the Committees
in this revision and compilation as they did in the original preparation of the various sections of the Code,
and this revised edition has their approval.
The Code for Electricity Meters has been generally accepted as a standard of reference for meter practice.
Its revision, completion, and appearance in one volume enhance its value for this purpose.
Committee Personnel
AEIC NELA
S.G. Rhodes, Chairman O.J. Bushnell, Chairman
O.J. Bushnell W.H. Fellows
J.W. Cowles W.E. McCoy
G.R. Green F.A. Vaughn
J.T. Hutchings W.L. Wadsworth
G.A. Sawin

F.3 Preface to the Third Editi on (1928)

This edition of the Code for Electricity Meters is a completely revised and rearranged compilation of the
Second Edition, issued in 1912, and the section on demand meters, issued in 1920. The 1912-20 edition of
the Code was approved as an American Standard by the American Engineering Standards Committee in
July 1922 (C12-1922). The present revision has been made under the joint sponsorship of the Association
of Edison Illuminating Companies, the National Electric Light Association, and the US National Bureau of
Standards by a Sectional Committee representing all interested organizations, in accordance with the
procedure established by the American Engineering Standards Committee for the revision of American
Standards.
The sponsors hereby express their appreciation to the members of the Sectional Committee and their
associates for the painstaking and careful manner in which the revision was carried out.
A preliminary draft was presented at a meeting of the Sectional Committee on April 1, 1926. This draft was
approved in general outline, and referred to an editorial committee consisting of Messrs Brooks, Currier,
Doyle, Fellows, Hill, Koenig, Meyer, and Pratt. This committee carefully reviewed the draft, agreed upon a
standard form and arrangement, and appointed H. Koenig, the Secretary of the Sectional Committee, to
prepare the final draft for the printer. A considerable amount of material appearing in the Second Edition has
been omitted, particularly the circuit diagrams in Section VII, all of Section IX, and the maintenance
paragraphs of Section X. The sections of chapters have been renumbered. The omitted material is fully
covered in the Handbook for Electrical Metermen, where it now properly belongs.

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 ANSI C12.1-2008

This Code, as revised, was submitted in galley-proof form to all the members of the Sectional Committee for
final approval by letter ballot, and it was then formally approved by each of the sponsors. The sponsors,
acting jointly, presented the Code to the American Engineering Standards Committee for approval as
American Standard, and it was so approved February 20, 1928.

Committee Personnel

W.M. Bradshaw F. Holmes J. Franklin Meyer

O.J. Bushnell F.A. Kartak A.L. Pierce
F.P. Cox H. Koenig G.A. Sawin
B. Currier R.C. Lanphier C.H. Sharp
E.D. Doyle F.V. Magalhaes C.R. Vanneman
R.W. Easton A. Maxwell W.L. Wadsworth

The Sectional Committee was formally organized March 14, 1924; J. Franklin Meyer, Chairman; E. D. Doyle,
Secretary, later succeeded by H. Koenig.
The actual revision of the Code was done by four technical subcommittees, as authorized by the Section
Committee. These subcommittees were:
(1) Acceptance Specifications: F.V. Magalhaes, Chairman; A. J. Allen, W.M. Bradshaw,
H.B. Brooks, O.J. Bushnell, C.J. Clarke, C.I. Hall, F.C. Holtz, C.H. Ingalls, A.E. Knowlton, W.H.
Pratt
(2) Installation and Maintenance Methods: B. Currier, Chairman; A. S. Albright, A. J. Allen,
W.H. Fellows, R.C. Fryer, E.E. Hill, C.H. Ingalls, A.G. Turnbull, W.L. Wadsworth
(3) Standards: E.D. Doyle, Chairman; A.S. Albright, C.J. Clarke, H.G. Hamann, E.E. Hill
(4) Definitions: J.F. Meyer, Chairman; W.H. Fellows, F.C. Holtz, F.A. Kartak, C.H. Sharp

F.4 Preface to the Four th Editi on (1941)

This fourth edition of the Code for Electricity Meters was prepared by Sectional Committee C12 of the
American Standards Association. The sponsors were the National Bureau of Standards, and the American
Standards Association — Electric Light and power Group (the Association of Edison Illuminating Companies
and the Edison Electric Institute).
The sectional Committee C12 which prepared the revision was as follows:
J. Franklin Meyer, Chairman
H.C. Koenig, Secretary

A.J. Allen O.K. Coleman R.E. Johnson

R.B. Bennet S.S. Green N.S. Meyers
W.M. Bradshaw C.B. Hayden R.H. Nexsen
H.B. Brooks E.E. Hill W.H. Pratt
J. O'R. Coleman F.C. Holtz

The work of revision was divided into six major sections and was done by the following six subcommittees:
(1) Definitions: R.D. Bennett, Chairman; H.B. Brooks, P.G. Elliott, W.H. Fellows, R.E. Johnson,
E.E. Kline, W.H. Pratt
(2) Standards and Metering: H.B. Brooks, Chairman; A.S. Albright, W.M. Bradshaw,
F.E. Davis, Jr., F.C. Holtz, H.C. Koenig, G.R. Sturtevant
(3) Specifications for Acceptance of Types of Electricity Meters and Auxiliary Devices: W.C.
Wagner, Chairman; W.M. Bradshaw, H.B. Brooks, A.B. Craig, W.R. Frampton, E.E. Hill, H.C.
Koenig, R.H. Nexsen, W.H. Pratt

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ANSI C12.1-2008

(4) Installation Methods and Watthour Meter Test Methods: O.K. Coleman, Chairman; A.P. Good,
Stanley S. Green, C.B. Hayden, N.S. Meyers, L.D. Price
(5) Laboratory and Service Tests: P.L. Holland, Chairman; J.S. Cruikshank, P.G. Elliott, J.H.
Goss, E.E. Hill, J.C. Langdell, F.L. Pavey
(6) Demand Meters: A.J. Allen, Chairman; F.C. Holtz, R.E. Johnson, E.A. LeFever, R.H. Nexsen,
A.R. Rutter, W.C. Wagner, W.H. Witherow

F.5 Preface to the Fift h Edit ion (1965)

Following the issuance of the Fourth Edition of the Code for Electricity meters in 1941, a modification of
periodic test schedules (Paragraph 827 -- changing the test period to 96 months for ac meters rated to 12
kVA) was issued as an American War Standard on November 5, 1942. This change was approved by ASA
as an American Standard in 1947. In 1957, American Standard Code for Electricity Meters, C12-1947, and
American Standard Revisions to the Code for Electricity Meters, C12a-1947, were reaffirmed.
Many improvements and innovations in meters and their auxiliary equipment, and in metering practices,
have taken place since the Fourth Edition of the Code was issued. These developments were taken into
account in preparing the present edition. For the first time, the Code recognizes that statistical methods may
be applied to in-service testing of meters to reveal where testing and maintenance effort should be directed;
and guidance is offered toward the selection of sound statistical procedures. The other sections of the Code
have also been broadened and largely rewritten to cover other phases of electricity metering in line with the
present state of the art.
Finally, it should be noted that the name of this standard has been changed to American Standard Code for
Electricity Metering, as the committee believed that this title more accurately described the content of the
standard.
This edition of the American Standard Code for Electricity Metering was prepared by Sectional Committee
C12 of the American Standards Association. The sponsors are the National Bureau of Standards and the
Edison Electric institute.
The personnel of Sectional Committee C12 that prepared this revision of the Code were as follows:
F. K. Harris, Chairman
A. T. Hig gi ns, Secretary

J. Anderson H.W. Kelley G.B.M. Robertson

T.D. Barnes J.D. McKechnie F.H. Rogers
D.T. Canfield W.J. Piper R.S. Smith
W.C. Downing, Jr. R.E. Purucker L.O. Steger
J.W. Dye A.W. Rauth G.P. Steinmetz
P.W. Hale R.A. Road G.J. Yanda
H.H. Hunter
Liaison Members: L.V. Hung J.M. Vanderleck

The work of revision was done by a number of task forces, and was reviewed by the Sectional Committee.
These task forces and their assignments were as follows:
(1) Definitions: W.J. Piper
(2) Measurement of Power and Energy: D.T. Canfield
(3) Standards: F.K. Harris, Chairman; E.F. Blair
(4) Acceptance of New Types of Meters: G.B.M. Robertson, Chairman; T.D. Barnes, E.F. Blair,
J.D. McKechnie, R.A. Road, R.S. Smith
(5) Watthour meter Test Methods: P. W. Hale, Chairman; J. Anderson, T.D. Barnes,
W.C. Downing, Jr., H.W. Kelley, J.D. McKechnie, E.C. Nuesse, R.A. Road, F.H. Rogers
(6) Installation Requirements: H.W. Kelley, Chairman; E.B. Hicks, H.H. Hunter, L.H. Keever,
R.E. Purucker, A.W. Rauth, L..O. Steger

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(7) Instrument Transformers and Auxiliary Devices: J.W. Dye, Chairman; E.F. Blair,
F.R. D'Entremont, B.L. Dunfee, W.H. Farrington, H.W. Kelley
(8) In-Service Tests of Watthour Meters: H.H. Hunter, Chairman; F.K. Harris, A.L. Hobson,
C.L. Lucal, J.D. McKechnie, C.V. Morey, R.E. Purucker, F.H. Rogers, L.O. Steger, G. Wey
(9) Demand Meters (Acceptance, Test Methods, In-Service Tests); G.J. Yanda, Chairman;
R.V. Adams, W.C. Downing, Jr., P. W. Hale, F.M. Hoppe, W.J. Piper, R.A. Road, R.J. Stowel
(10) Editorial: G.B.M. Robertson, Chairman; J. Anderson, P.W. Hale, F.K. Harris, A.T. Higgins, H.H.
Hunter, H.W. Kelley, F.H. Rogers, G.J. Yanda

F.6 Preface to the Sixth Editi on (1975)

A number of significant advances have been made in the design of watthour meters, in the verification of
their accuracy, and in demand metering, since the Fifth Edition of this Code was issued in 1965.
Improvements in bearings and mechanical construction, and new sealing techniques that exclude dust have
made modern meters remarkably stable, as well as accurate. Sampling methods of in-service testing
sanctioned by the 1965 Code have been shown to be economical and effective.
A new form of auxiliary device, known as a pulse recorder, has come into general use during the past 10
years. It records, on magnetic or paper tape, pulses received from pulse initiators installed on watthour or
other integrating meters. The tapes are processed by automated equipment using computer techniques,
thus reducing human errors and speeding up accounting and data-interpretation processes for both
customer billing and survey installations.
These developments as well as others have been taken into account in this edition of the Code.
Recommended periodic test intervals for modern meters have been lengthened, and sampling methods
have been extended to additional kinds of meters. In addition, performance requirements have been
incorporated for the new types of pulse devices and for the standard watthour meters used as references to
maintain the kilowatthour or to test other meters. Many other changes have been made.
This standard is a revision of American National standard Code for Electricity Metering. C12-1965. The
secretariat of American National Standards Committee C12 is held by the Edison Electric institute and the
National Bureau of Standards.
This standard was processed and approved for submittal to ANSI by the American National Standards
Committee on Code for Electricity metering, C12. Committee approval of the Standard does not necessarily
imply that all committee members voted for its approval. At the time it approved this standard, The C12
Committee had the following members:
F. L. Hermach, Chairman
A. T. Hig gi ns, Secretary

J. Anderson A. Fini T.J. Pearson

J.C. Arnold* L.M. Holdaway+ C.F. Riederer
E.L. Barker B.E. Kibbe C. Ringold
D.B. Berry F.G. Kuhn R.A. Road
E.F. Blair F.J. Levitsky E.W. Schwarz
H.L. Colbeth D. McAuliff L.O. Steger §
C.R. Collinsworth W.E. Osborn J.M. Vanderleck
*Replaced Mr. Holdaway in September, 1974
+Deceased, July, 1974
§Until retirement in April, 1973.

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The work of revision was done by a number of subcommittees, and was reviewed by the C12 Standards
Committee. The assignments of these subcommittees were as follows:
(1) Definitions, and (2) Measurement of Power and Energy: E.F. Blair, Chairman; R.S. Turgel,
J.M. Vanderleck, A. Yenkelun
(3) Standards and Standardizing Equipment: F.L. Hermach, Chairman; M.F. Borleis,
W.E. Osborn, J. Roth, E.W. Schwarz, D.M. Smith
(4) Acceptance of New Types of Watthour Meters: A. Fini, Chairman; J. Anderson, D.B. Berry,
E.F. Blair, M.F. Borleis, C.R. Colinsworth, F.G. Kuhn, D. McAuliff, G.F. Walsh
(5) Watthour meter Test Methods: F.J. Levitsky, Chairman; J. Anderson, E.F. Blair, T.J. Pearson
(6) Installation Requirements: B.E. Kibbe, Chairman; D. Berry, A. Browne, M.A. Frederickson,
L.M. Holdaway, H.W. Redecker
(7) Instrument transformers and Auxiliary Devices: T.J. Pearson, Chairman; B.L. Dunfee,
F.A. Fragola, J. Landry, R. Stetson
(8) In-Service Tests of Watthour Meters: H.L. Colbeth, Chairman; E.L. Barker, M.A. Frederickson,
J. Keever, J.C. Liewehr, B. Renz, C.F. Riederer, J. Suridis
(9) Demand Meter and Pulse Devices: C.R. Collinsworth, Chairman, E.C. Benbow,
H.A. Duckworth, R. Hopkins, S.C. McColum, C.F. Riederer, C. Ringold, R.J. Stowell,
G.F. Walsh
(10) Editorial: R.A. Road, Chairman; J. Anderson, F.L. Hermach, A.T. Higgins, F.J. Levitsky,
W.E. Osborn, C.F. Riederer

F.7 Foreword to the Seventh Edition (1982)

(This Foreword is not a part of ANSI C12.1-1982, American National Standard Code for Electricity Metering.)
This standard has been enlarged to include performance specifications for a new class of self-contained
watthour meters with increased load range. The specifications for a new class of self-contained watthour
meters with increased load range. The specifications for other meters have been retained from the previous
edition without major changes, but the presentation of some of the data has been rearranged to improve
clarity. The section on standard watthour meters has also been revised to take account of the types of
meters which have come into more widespread use during the last few years. Numerous other revisions are
mainly editorial to correct errors and to bring the text into agreement with current standard terminology.
Since 1976, the C12 Committee has assumed responsibility for developing additional standards related to
the Code for Electricity Metering, some of which were formerly issued by other organizations. By providing
mechanical and other specifications, generally not directly related to performance, these standards
complement the Code for Electricity Metering. The Code, which until this edition has been known as C12,
has now been redesignated C12.1. The other standards issued by the C12 Committee are listed below.
C12.4-1978, American National Standard for Mechanical Demand Registers.
C12.5-1978, American National Standard for Thermal Demand Meters.
C12.6-1978, American National Standard for Marking and Arrangement of Terminal for Phase-
Shifting Devices Used in Metering.
C12.7-1982, American National Standard for Test Switches for Transformer-Rated Meters.
C12.10-1978, American National Standard for Watthour Meters.
C12.11-1978, American National Standard for Instrument Transformers for Metering Purposes,
15 kV and Less.
C12.14-1982, American National Standard for Magnetic Tape Pulse Recorders for Electricity
Meters.

This standard was developed by the American National Standards Committee on Electricity Metering, C12,
for full consensus approval as an American National Standard. Suggestions for improving this standard are
welcome. They should be sent to the American National Standards Institute, 1430 Broadway, New York, NY
10018.

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The Secretariat of the American National Standards Committee C12 on Electricity Metering is held by the
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers and the National Bureau of Standards. At the time this
standard was processed and approved, the C12 Committee has the following members:
R. S. Turgel, Chairman
V. Condello, Secretary

J. Anderson M. Faser C.F. Mueller

J.C. Arnold, Jr. R. Fowler C.F. Fiederer
D. B. Berry F.J. Levitsky C. Six
W.C. Bush J.C. Liewehr G.F. Walsh
C.R. Collinsworth A. Loika V.J. Yanakieff
T.C. Drew D. McAuliff

The following Subcommittees of ANSI C12 were actively involved in the revision of this standard. The
assignments of these subcommittees were as follows:
(3) Standards and Standardizing Equipment: R. S. Turgel, Chairman; W. C. Busch,
P. Cunningham, R. E. Koll, F. J. Levitsky, R. H. Stevens
(4) Acceptance of New Types of Watthour Meters: A. Fini, Chairman; J. Anderson,
A. G. Ashenbeck, Jr., D. F. Becker, C. R. Collinsworth
(10) Editorial: F. J. Levitsky, Chairman; C. F. Mueller, A. Loika, R. S. Turgel

F.8 Foreword to Eight Edition (1988)

Foreword
(This Foreword is not part of ANSI C12.1-1988, American National Standard Code for Electricity Metering.)

This standard was developed by the Accredited Standards Committee on Electricity Metering, C12, for full
consensus approval as an American National Standard. This revised edition supersedes ANSI C12.1-1982.
Suggestions for improving this standard are welcome. They should be sent to the American National
Standards Institute, 1430 Broadway, New York, NY 10018.
The technical content of this standard has been brought up to date, and the changes affect nearly all
chapters. In addition, following IEEE editorial policy aimed at avoiding duplication of similar or identical
requirements in their standards, those sections of text from other IEEE standards that had been
incorporated in the previous edition of C12.1 were replaced by appropriate references to those standards.
The other related standards that the C12 Committee has issued, and is continuing to issue, are listed
3
below:
C12.4-1984, American National Standard for Mechanical Demand Registers.
C12.5-1978, American National Standard for Thermal Demand (R1978) Meters.
C12.6-1987, American National Standard for Marking and Arrangement of Terminals for Phase-Shifting
Devices Used in Metering.
C12.7-1987, American National Standard Requirements for Watthour Meter Sockets.
C12.8-1981, American National Standard for Test Blocks and Cabinets for Installation of Self-Contained
"A" Base Watthour Meters.
C12.9-1987, American National Standard for Test Switches for Transformer-Rated Meters.
C12.10-1988, American National Standard for Watthour Meters.
C12.11-1987, American National Standard for Instrument Transformers for Revenue Metering, 10 kV BIL
Through 350 kV BIL (0.6 kV NSV Through 69 kV NSV).

3
These publications are available from the Service Center, Institute of Electrical and Electronic
Engineers, 445 Hoes Lane, P.O. Box 1331, Piscataway, NJ 08855-1331, or from the Sales Department,
American National Standards Institute, 1430 Broadway, New York, NY 10018.

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C12.13-1985, American National Standard Time-of-Use Registers for Electromechanical Watthour

Meters.
C12.14-1982, American National Standard for Magnetic Tape Pulse Recorders for Electricity Meters.

The Secretariat of the Accredited Standards Committee on Electricity Metering, C12, is held by the Institute
of Electrical and Electronics Engineers and the National Institute of Standards and Technology. At the time
this standard was processed and approved, the C12 Committee had the following members:
R.S. Turgel, Chairman
F. Huber, Jr., Secretary

Organization Represented Name of Representative

Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers F.J. Levitsky
R. Hopkins
National Institute of Standards and Technology R.S. Turgel
National Electrical Manufacturers Association T.C. Drew
L. Struchtemeyer
D.D. Elmore
R.M. Walden (Alt.)
F.A. Marta
R.H. Stevens (Alt.)
J.C. Reich
H.L. Friend
J.A. Gauthier (Alt.)
W.J. Ziza (Alt.)
Electric Light and Power Group W.C. Busch
D.B. Berry
D. Dassman
C.R. Jones
R.M. Reesey
D.E. Soffrin (Alt.)
Public Service Commission C.J. Six
G.F. Walsh
Rural Electrification J.C. Arnold, Jr.
American Public Power Association C.R. Gomez
H. Carey Jones
Underwriters Laboratories, Inc W. Menuz
J.W. Hogg (Alt.)

The following subcommittees of C12 were actively involved in the revision of this standard:

Subcommittee 3 — Standards and Standardizing Equipment R.S. Turgel, Chairman

W.C. Busch
P. Cunningham
H.L. Friend
F.J. Levitsky
R.H. Stevens

Subcommittee 4 — Acceptance of New Types of Watthour Meters D. Dassman, Chairman

A.G. Ashenbeck, Jr.
C.J. Cook
T.C. Drew
D.D. Elmore
M.R. Hajny
L. Harris

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 ANSI C12.1-2008

L. Struchtemey
G.F. Walsh

Subcommittee 5 — Watthour Meter Test Method F.J. Levitsky, Chairman

C.J. Cook
T.C. Drew
D.D. Elmore
L. Struchtemeyer

Subcommittee 7 — Instrument Transformers R. Stetson, Chairman

D.B. Berry
J. Landry
F.A. Fragola

Subcommittee 8 — In-Service Test of Watthour Meters W.C. Busch, Chairman

Subcommittee 10 — Editorial F.J. Levitsky, Chairman

D. Dassman
D.D. Elmore
D. Scott
R.S. Turgel

In addition to the Committees listed above, C12 also has the following subcommittees:

Subcommittee Chairman
Subcommittee 1 — Definitions (vacant)
Subcommittee 2 — Measurement of Power and Energy (vacant)
Subcommittee 6 — Installation Requirements (vacant)
Subcommittee 9 — Demand Meters (vacant)
Subcommittee 11 — Safety Requirements F. J. Levitsky
Subcommittee 12 — Solid-State Meters D. Dassman
Subcommittee 13 — Time-of-Day Metering T. C. Drew
Subcommittee 14 — Pulse Recorders T. C. Drew
Subcommittee 15 — Watthour Meter Sockets and Test Blocks F. A. Marta
Subcommittee 16 — Solid-State Watthour Meters D. Dassman

F.9 Foreword to Ninth Edition (1995)

Foreword (This Foreword is not part of ANSI C12.1-1995, American National Standard Code for Electricity Metering.)
The existing standard C12.1 has been rewritten with the intent to bring it up to date in an industry that is
changing dramatically, due in part to technology and economics. The standard has been significantly
reorganized to encompass all metering devices excluding instrument transformers, providing a more logical
flow. The review team has added tests to help insure new electronic equipment is capable of providing the
dependability existing devices have shown.
Areas of the standard dealing with user testing were rewritten to allow more flexibility for individual users
while maintaining current effectiveness. Proven reliability of today's equipment as well as the consistency of
new metering equipment was used as the basis to redefine how, where, and when testing can be
accomplished. The section dealing with standards and standardizing equipment has been revised to be
more in line with current procedures while maintaining existing methods if applicable.
In addition, an effort was made to align this standard with international standards and make reference to
these standards where possible. The existing standard was broadened to include tests and requirements for

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all metering, while leaving other standards to provide the details for their specific devices, to avoid
duplication. Parts of the existing standard that were viewed as user practices, not standards, were removed
or placed into the appendices as examples or for references.
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:

R.S. Turgel, Chairman

C.F. Merther, Secretary

Organization Represented Name of Representative

American Public Power Association Cruz Gomez
H. Jones
Electric Light & Power Lauren Pananen
Timothy Vahlstrom
Clark Smith
James Mining
Joe Blackmer
John McEvoy
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Dan McAuliff
Herman Millican
National Electrical Manufacturers Association Tom Drew
Ray Stevens
Francis Marta
James Schlatter
John Lauletta
Warren Germer
National Institute of Standards And Technology Ray Turgel
Public Service Commission Edmund Hoffman
Rural Electrification Administration Ahn Mai
Underwriters Laboratory
Ralph Fahmy

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

T. C. Drew, Chai rman

J.D. Blackmer J. Mining P. Taylor

B. Cook L. Pananen D. Williams
W. Germer G. Powers C. S. Weimer
R.C. Guenther E. Schwarz G. Wren
R. Jannelli J.H. Schlatter
J. McEvoy C. J. Smith
H. Millican R.H. Stevens

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

G. Belcher
E. Malemezian

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C. J. Smith
R. S. Turgel

F.10 Foreword to Tenth Edition (2001)

FOREWORD (This Foreword is not part of American National Standard C12.1-2001)

The existing standard C12.1 has been rewritten with the intent to bring it up to date in an industry that is
changing dramatically, due to both technology and regulatory matters. The standard has been revised to
form the basic requirement document for all metering devices except instrument transformers. This edition of
the standard has added tests to help insure new electronic equipment is capable of providing the
dependability existing devices have shown.

New to this edition is a methodology for certification of new meter types, which was deemed necessary
because of the more rapid development of meter technology. Other significant additions are specific tests for
meter ancillary devices and tests for wide voltage range meters. Most meter specifications have been
retained from the previous edition without major changes.

The existing standard was broadened to include tests and requirements for all meters, both solid state and
electro-mechanical. Other standards in the C12 series provide the details for their specific devices, thus
avoiding duplication. In addition, an effort was made to align this standard with modern international
standards for electromagnetic compatibility where possible.

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

Khaled Masri, Secretary

Organization Represented Name of Representative

American Public Power Association Cruz Gomez

Automatic Meter Reading Association William Buckley

Electric Light & Power Lauren Pananen

John McEvoy
Tim Vahlstrom
Tim Morgan

Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Richard Tucker

Herman Millican

Measurement Canada (Liaison No Vote) Vuong Nguyen

National Electrical Manufacturers Association Francis Marta

Warren Germer
Scott Weikel
Michael Anderson

National Institute of Standards And Technology Tom Nelson

Public Service Commission James Ruehl

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Underwriters Laboratory Ron Breschini

USDA RUS Stephen Jones

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

S. Weikel , Chairman

M. Anderson
J. Arneal
W. Buckley
M. Burns
B. Cook
J. DeMars
W. Germer
C. Gomez
R. Lokys
E. Malemezian
S. Malich
K. McDonald
J. McEvoy
H. Millican
T. Morgan
D. Nguyen
L. Pananen
G. Powers
M. Parc
J. Ruehl
J. Taylor
J Thurber
T. Vahlstrom
S. Weikel
C. S. Weimer
D. Williams

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

M. Anderson
M. Keys
E. Malemezian
K. Masri
H. Millican
S. Weikel

108