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DESIGN OF METERING INSTALLATIONS

Metered Supplies

Revenue metering equipment should be installed at all premises connected to the Northpower network unless arrangements have been made for a non metered supply.

Meter Station Installation

Meter station

Northpower will provide the metering and control equipment, unless special contractual arrangements are made in advance.

Customers may provide their own check metering. However, the check meter must be clearly marked as 'check meter only'.

The installation, maintenance and security of the meter station is the responsibility of the customer.

Where multiple phases are supplied, the customer load should be spread as evenly as is practical across the available phases.

In multiple meter installations, the controlled meter shall be positioned to the right (preferred) or below the uncontrolled meters.

Each meter should be labelled with the appropriate tariff code.

Each meter station shall be clearly labelled with the Installation Control Point (ICP) or premise number provided by Northpower.

If a non metered supply is provided, a meter station will not be required. However, the installation shall still be clearly labelled with the ICP or premise number.

Combined meter stations in multi tenanted buildings shall also have each meter clearly labelled with the flat number or tenant area.

Once the meter station is EGR (Electricity Governance Rule) certified, an EGR certification label is to be provided.

Each installation shall be able to be separately isolated at a point on the supply side of the meters.

New residential installations

The meter station shall be easily and directly accessible from the road or access way.

All installations will be outside and positioned on the front of the building or structure facing the road or access way, or on the sides of the building immediately adjacent to the front.

There shall be no fences, walls, obstructions, prickly plants, excessive vegetation, dangerous animals or other hazards that restrict access to the meter station.

The meter enclosure shall be weather proof and secure from unauthorised entry and interference.

The meter station should be positioned to avoid direct sunlight, high ambient temperatures, excessive humidity, vibration, mechanical damage or interference from stock.

The height of the meter displays should be between 1.4 and 1.75m above the ground level and able to be easily read by a standing person. However, if the meter station is liable to damage from stock the displays may be up to 2.1 metres above the ground.

The meters shall be able to be read through a transparent window without having to open the enclosure.

If there are hazards or entry restrictions on the property, the meter station should be installed on a suitable structure at an accessible location, e.g. the front boundary.

New commercial installations (including high rise multi dwelling premises and cowsheds)

The meter station should be located outside (refer to residential requirements). However, it may be located inside the building if necessary for metering requirements or unavailability of a suitable outside location.

Any inside meter station must be easily accessible during working hours. Access to the meter station should not pass through hazardous or hygiene, e.g. food preparation areas. The meters should be able to be easily read by a standing person. The meter station should also be secure and protected from damage.

High rise or multi tenanted buildings should have all the meters located in a central area.

Existing installations

The meter station must be accessible.

Access to the meter station should not pass through hazardous areas.

The meters should be secure and protected from damage.

If the meters are inside, a key should be provided or arrangements for access made.

Prepay meters can be used with the approval of the retailer.

Existing installations should meet the requirements for new installations when they are upgraded.

Metering Wiring Diagrams

This table provides documents which give guidance on the wiring of meter stations for common situations. It does not cover high voltage metering.

Table of Metering Diagrams

Typical Equipment Dimensions

Notes:

1. The diagrams apply only to Northpower owned metering equipment (includes ripple receiver contactor).
2. Equipment and wiring must have adequate load and fault ratings.
3. The colours used in the diagrams are to distinguish between different phases, neutral and earthing conductors. The colour of the wiring should comply with AS/NZS 3000 rather than the diagrams.
4. Approval of non standard arrangements should be referred to Northpower’s Network Planning Department.
5. * These diagrams apply to new meter stations or meter stations that are being significantly upgraded. Excludes meter replacement. Note: where a ripple receiver or contactor is replaced on a planned basis, an HRC or MCB should be installed, if there is none.
6. For “controlled” options refer to Northpower’s tariff options.

Glossary of terms

CT: Current Transformer
HRC: High Rupture Current
ICP: Individual Connection Point
MCB: Miniature Circuit Breaker
RCD: Residual Current Device

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