Maharashtra SSC Power Consumer Energy Meter Pre-Voc/NSQF key terms

The rate at which electric charge flows through a conductor, measured in amperes. One ampere means one coulomb of charge passing a point each second. Current can be direct or alternating.

The electrical potential difference between two points that pushes charge through a circuit. It is measured in volts and is often called the supply pressure of the installation.

The relationship stating that current equals voltage divided by resistance in a circuit. It lets a worker calculate any one of the three values when the other two are known.

The opposition a material offers to the flow of electric current, measured in ohms. Higher resistance reduces current for a given voltage and causes energy to be lost as heat.

The rate at which electrical energy is used or delivered, measured in watts. In a direct-current circuit it equals voltage multiplied by current, and in AC circuits it depends on the power factor.

The ratio of real power to apparent power in an alternating-current circuit, ranging from zero to one. A low value means more current is drawn for the same useful work, which affects billing in some tariffs.

Connecting exposed metal parts of an installation to the general mass of earth so fault current flows safely to ground. It protects people from electric shock and helps protective devices operate quickly.

The resistance between an earth electrode and the surrounding soil, measured in ohms. A low value is needed so fault current returns quickly and protective devices trip within safe time.

A protective switch that trips when it detects a small imbalance between live and neutral current, indicating leakage to earth. It protects people from shock but does not replace overcurrent protection.

A resettable automatic switch that opens a circuit on overload or short circuit. It has a rated current and a trip curve, and it protects wiring rather than people from shock.

The total electrical energy used over a period, usually measured in kilowatt-hours. It is calculated by multiplying power in kilowatts by the time of use in hours.

The practical unit of electrical energy equal to one kilowatt used for one hour, also called one unit of electricity. Consumer bills are normally calculated using this unit.

The product of root-mean-square voltage and current in an AC circuit, measured in volt-amperes. It includes both real power and reactive power and determines the current-carrying capacity needed.

The power that oscillates between source and load without doing useful work, measured in volt-amperes reactive. It is needed to build magnetic fields in motors and transformers but increases supply current.

The value that relates meter disc revolutions or pulse counts to the energy registered, often expressed in revolutions per kilowatt-hour. It is used to check whether a meter is recording accurately.

An electromechanical meter in which a rotating aluminium disc is driven by magnetic fields from voltage and current coils. Disc speed is proportional to power, and a register totalises the energy used.

A static meter that measures voltage and current signals with sensors and a microcontroller, then computes and displays energy. It has no moving parts and can store data and support remote reading.

An electronic energy meter with two-way communication that records time-based consumption and can be read remotely. It supports prepayment, tamper alerts and load management features.

A meter that supplies electricity only while a purchased credit balance remains. It disconnects the load automatically when credit is exhausted and is common in rented and low-income connections.

A device that steps down high line current to a small, safe value for a meter, with a fixed ratio such as 100 to 5 amperes. It allows metering of large loads with standard meter ratings.

A device that steps down high supply voltage to a low, standard value for metering or protection. Its ratio is used with the meter reading to calculate the true voltage and energy.

The relationship between primary and secondary current of a current transformer, written as primary to secondary amperes. Multiplying the meter reading by this ratio gives the energy at the primary side.

The insulated assembly of terminals inside a meter where incoming and outgoing conductors are connected. Correct tightening and sealing of these terminals prevents loose connections and tampering.

The bottom part of a meter that carries the terminal block and provides the fixing points for the cover. It must be strong, insulated and sealed to prevent unauthorised access.

Fitting tamper-evident seals to a meter cover, terminal block or connection point after installation or testing. Broken or missing seals indicate possible interference and are recorded during inspection.

The cable and associated fittings that carry supply from the distribution mains or pole to a consumer's premises. It ends at the meter or at the consumer's main switch, depending on local rules.

The process of fixing a meter at an approved location and connecting it correctly to supply and load. It includes checking polarity, tightness, earthing and sealing before energising.

The insulated conductor, often armoured or sheathed, used to bring supply from the distribution system to a consumer's point of connection. Its size is chosen for expected load and voltage drop.

The reduction in voltage along a conductor caused by its resistance and the current flowing through it. Excessive drop causes dim lights and overheating, so cable size and length are limited.

The correct connection of live and neutral, or incoming and outgoing, terminals to a meter. Reversed polarity can cause incorrect registration, safety hazards and meter damage.

A meter wired so the full load current passes through its own terminals, used for small domestic and commercial supplies. It is limited by the maximum current the meter can safely carry.

The recorded value shown by a meter register at a given time, used to calculate consumption between two readings. It may be taken manually, by handheld device or automatically.

Collecting meter data remotely through communication links instead of visiting each premises. It reduces errors, speeds up billing and can provide interval data for analysis.

Checking a meter's accuracy by comparing its registered energy with a known reference load or standard. Tests may be done on site or in a laboratory and results decide whether adjustment is needed.

Adjusting a meter so its readings agree with a reference standard within permitted limits. It is done after testing and the result is recorded, with seals applied afterwards.

Slow rotation or registration of a meter when voltage is applied but no load current flows. Small creep is normal in some meters, but excessive creep indicates a fault or adjustment problem.

Any unauthorised interference with a meter, its wiring or seals to make it under-register or bypass supply. It is an offence under electricity regulations and is detected by seals, logs and abnormal readings.

Using electricity without it being recorded by the meter, for example by direct tapping or bypassing the meter. It attracts penal charges and legal action under electricity law.

Preparing a consumer's periodic account from meter readings, applicable tariff and charges. It includes energy charges, fixed charges, duties and any arrears or credits.

The schedule of rates and conditions under which electricity is charged to a consumer category. It may include slab rates, fixed charges, time-of-day rates and power factor penalties.

A billing structure in which the rate per unit increases in steps as consumption rises. It encourages efficient use and is common for domestic consumers.

The number by which a meter's registered reading is multiplied to obtain the true energy, used with instrument transformers. It equals the CT ratio times the PT ratio times the meter constant factor.

A safety procedure in which the supply is isolated, locked and tagged so it cannot be re-energised while work proceeds. Only the person who applied the lock removes it.

Items such as insulated gloves, safety shoes, helmet and eye protection worn to reduce injury risk. It must be inspected before use and matched to the hazards of the task.

Hand tools with insulated handles and shafts rated for work near live parts. They reduce the chance of shock or short circuit but do not make live work safe on their own.

A test instrument that measures voltage, current, resistance and often continuity. It is used to verify supply presence, polarity and circuit continuity before and after meter work.

Clearly reporting work status, hazards and findings to supervisors, colleagues and consumers using agreed methods. Good communication prevents errors during isolation, testing and restoration of supply.