Many sceptics thought it was impossible to achieve NMI Approval for a Multifunction Electricity Meter designed in a compact DIN rail footprint. In fact many doomsday forecasters predicted electrical switchboard enclosures, distribution boards, riser/cupboard spaces for multifunction metering would have to be increased in size to accommodate larger electrical metering to be in compliance for Energy Meters per NMI M 6-1.
SATEC’s achievements in technological R&D design for NMI approved electricity metering in the Australian Market sets the precedent in design and functionality for multifunction electricity metering in a DIN Rail Format.
A compact footprint
Space is a premium in today’s world for metering, that space limitation for new or existing facilities such as Data Centres, Commercial Buildings, Apartments, Shopping Centres, Marinas, Caravan Parks, etc. can create many challenges. SATEC’s compact design and versatility provides viable solutions overcoming many design install problems.
Electrical designers, switchboard builders, consultants, electrical contractors, end users can rest at ease that the implications implied when NMI made the announcement as of January 1st 2013 that potentially design, installation, sizing of switchboards, etc. would create undue headaches is all but a myth. Solutions offered by SATEC for energy metering complying with NMI M 6-1 puts aside any of these fears or concerns on installation problems.
Managing Director Ron Davis of SATEC (Australia) Pty Ltd commented that our objective from the beginning for any NMI approved electricity metering product was to achieve a foot print that was small but also could be retrofitted with existing designs which SATEC offered. These goals and targets put considerable challenges on the SATEC engineering design team in achieving the smallest footprint for a multifunction energy meter complying with NMI M 6-1.
Additional benefits with the SATEC foot print being compact that it allows the meter to be retrofitted with other manufactures metering already installed that need replacing due to failure and/or not complying with the latest standards in Australia.
Enhanced functionality of the electrical metering product
Other factors that were required by SATEC was to maintain and enhance the functionality of the electrical metering product. These included accuracy Class 0.5S, data logging, event logging, date/time stamp, communications including RS485 and Ethernet TCP/IP with industry standard open protocol to name a few.
SATEC released the EM133-AR Din Rail Mounted Direct Input 0-100Amp version in April 2014, followed by the release of the EM133-AR 5A CT Input version in December 2014. In January 2015 following extensive engineering excellence and learning experience SATEC released the NMI Pattern Approved Branch Feeder Monitor BFM136 for measuring multiple circuits.
The BFM136 exceeds expectations for NMI M 6-1 for multi circuit monitoring of electrical circuits designed for measuring either 36 single phase circuits or 12 three phase circuits or a combination of both for up to 36 current inputs using SATEC current sensors/HACS.
Stringent design requirements under NMI M 6-1 ensuring the meter will withstand such needs as 12KV impulse, 4KV isolation, creepage distances, protective class, temperature, humidity, current overload, clock drift accuracy, dust, shock and vibration, amongst many other metrology testing requirements per NMI M 6-1. This ensures the energy meter maintains its accuracy, performance, repeatability, and reliability of the electricity meter for billing integrity.
All SATEC Metering have a three (3) year warranty, with five (5) year warranty on their accuracy performance. In addition to SATEC’s value added capability SATEC are at the forefront of metering solutions for the Australian market today and into the future.
Contact SATEC (Australia) now to discuss how we can help you.
