Four decades of metering expertise gathered in one place. Here we explain how the technologies work, what the concepts mean and why it matters when you choose a solution.
No single metering technology suits every application. Here are the principles behind the technologies in our range — and when each one is the right choice.
The R-value (dynamic range, or turndown) is the ratio between the meter's permanent flow Q3 and its minimum flow Q1 as defined by the MID. A meter rated R800 therefore measures correctly all the way down to 1/800 of its nominal flow. A high R-value means that even small draws — a dripping tap, a leaking toilet — are registered and billed correctly. It is the difference between detecting a leak on the very first invoice and never seeing it at all.
The Measuring Instruments Directive (2004/22/EC, now 2014/32/EU) is the EU framework for measuring instruments used for billing. A MID-approved meter has undergone type testing and production control by notified bodies. Swedac oversees and accredits the bodies that verify this. For the billing of water and energy, MID approval is in practice a requirement — without it you risk legality, accuracy and the trust of residents alike. Technical standards such as EN 1434 (heat meters) and EN 14154 (water meters) govern design and testing.
A meter's accuracy at delivery says nothing about how it reads after ten years in service. Wear, deposits and ageing electronics all take their toll. That is why there are rules on recurring inspection (STAFS 2007:2) with defined in-service intervals — and why we recommend recurring, well-planned calibration for industrial process meters. Read more about accredited inspection & calibration.
The choice of communication technology determines cost, battery life and how often you receive data. Here are the technologies — and when they fit.
Not sure? We size and select the technology for you — contact us or read about meter-reading collection with OneSystem.
The misconception that a calibrated meter reads "correctly" is common. A calibration is only a comparison against a good reference — the result is used to add or subtract the deviation after measurement. If you want to change what the meter displays, that is called adjustment. The sequence is: an initial calibration that indicates whether adjustment is warranted, then adjustment, and finally the concluding calibration. There is no such thing as a meter that reads correctly — there are only competent users who know how large the deviation is.
A calibration result is only worth something if the reference is itself calibrated against a better reference — all the way up to national or international standards. This is called traceability, and ISO/IEC 17025 requires an unbroken chain with a stated measurement uncertainty at every link. That is what separates an accredited calibration certificate from an internal report.
A meter that is not calibrated regularly can lead to faulty decisions and financial losses. With recurring, well-planned calibration, your future decisions rest on the right information — and you gain confidence and credibility towards your own customers. Book a slot: that way you can plan when the meters can be spared, and you avoid long waiting times. Normal lead time is up to four weeks.
To accredited inspection & calibrationSix common questions about individual metering and billing — legal requirements, MID and choosing a system.
To the IMD pageNine common questions about charging power, payment, AFIR and the design of charging points.
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