Meter Installation
Domain 5: Meter Installation
This domain tests site selection, board mounting, terminal connection, sealing and post-installation checks for consumer meters.
Core rules
- Install in a dry, ventilated, accessible place; avoid bathrooms, wet walls, corrosive fumes and inaccessible heights.
- Mount on a firm board; keep the meter vertical and allow clearance for cover removal and reading.
- Verify supply voltage, phase sequence, load current and meter rating before connecting.
- Follow utility polarity: phase and neutral to supply terminals, load from load terminals; earth the meter body or board as specified.
- Seal the terminal cover and meter; record meter number, initial reading, seal number and installation date.
Worked example
A 2 kW single-phase load at 230 V draws 2,000/230 ≈ 8.7 A. A 10–60 A direct meter is suitable; a 5–30 A meter would be too close to the load. Check that terminal screws are tight and the neutral is not shared with another consumer. Reasoning: compute current, compare with the meter range and cable rating, then confirm polarity.
Traps that cost marks
- Installing in a damp corner or closed cabinet.
- Reversing phase and neutral.
- Leaving the terminal cover unsealed.
- Failing to record the initial reading.
- Mounting the meter where the display cannot be read safely.