What is BS 8431 - Electrical static meters specification about?
BS 8431 is an International Standard that specifies electrical static meters for secondary metering and sub‑metering.
BS 8431 specifies requirements for newly manufactured electronic secondary meters or sub‑meters which measure either electrical energies alone or electrical energies together with other electrical parameters associated with the energy.
BS 8431 applies to meters that measure active energy, apparent energy, reactive energy (capacitive, inductive, and total), and ampere squared hours (A²h) and to the measurement of current, voltage, active power, apparent power, reactive power (capacitive, inductive, and total), power factor, phase angle, and frequency when measured in addition to energy.
BS 8431 also applies to all secondary meters and sub‑meters for indoor and outdoor applications, both portable and permanently installed, for all power frequencies including d.c. BS 8431 also applies to all registers, indicators, displays, and outputs, and to the operation of test outputs.
Where the display and the memory are external or where other elements are enclosed in the meter case (such as maximum demand indicators, telemetering, time switches or remote control, etc.) BS 8431 applies only to the section of the meter concerned with measurement.
The following tests are included in BS 8431:
- Tests of mechanical requirements
- Tests of climatic influences
- Tests of electrical requirements
- Tests for electromagnetic compatibility (EMC)
- Tests of accuracy requirements
- Tests of safety requirements
BS 8431 contains a recommended test schedule.
Note: BS 8431 does not apply to primary meters, to data interfaces to the meter, load survey analysers, or load survey meters. The reliability aspect is not covered in BS 8431.
Who is BS 8431 - Electrical static meters specification for?
BS 8431 on electrical static meters specification is useful for:
- Manufacturers, designers, and suppliers of electrical static meters
- Manufacturers of electronic secondary meters or sub‑meters
- Manufacturers of electronic equipment
- Electrical engineers and electronics engineers
- Testing authorities
- Quality control personnel
- Manufacturers of electrical tools / equipment / machines
Why should you use BS 8431 - Electrical static meters specification?
A static meter is a meter in which current and voltage act on solid-state elements to produce an output or outputs proportional to one or more electrical quantities.
The meter described in BS 8431 has a case that ensures that the internal parts of the meter are accessible only using a tool. If the meter is fitted with a separate cover, the cover is removable only with the use of a tool.
Meters described in BS 8431 are intended to be connected to a supply main where the voltage under reference, conditions exceed 250 V to earth, and whose case is wholly or partially made of metal, is provided with a protective conductor terminal. BS 8431 helps in protecting against solar radiation for meters intended for outdoor use. BS 8431 assists with various test methods and procedures under distinct climatic conditions.
BS 8431 provides guidance on secondary metering and sub-metering which contributes accurate testing. This helps manufacturers design and manufacture better quality products for users.
