12 best electricity meters

Review of the best according to the editorial board. On the selection criteria. This material is subjective and does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.

It is difficult for the modern generation to imagine that during the Soviet Union, people consumed electricity without taking it into account. Today, the domestic market offers such a rich assortment of electric meters that it is not surprising to get confused. They differ in price, size, design and purpose. The task is further complicated by the fact that every year more and more requirements for electricity metering devices are imposed by supervisory authorities. We are heading towards the fact that soon Energonadzor specialists will be able to control each user without leaving a cozy office. The first automated systems have already been launched, and information can be received from consumers' counters remotely. The advice of our experts will help users make the right choice.

How to choose an electricity meter

1. Net. At the first stage, it is necessary to determine in which network the electricity meter will be installed. There are single-phase models (220 V), and there are devices for the power network (380 V).
2. Rates. The cost of one kilowatt of electricity largely depends on the time of day. At peak load, the price peaks, while at night the cost of electricity is minimal. If the consumer can use this moment, it is worth choosing a multi-tariff meter.
3. Accuracy of measurements. The most important factor in choosing the right device will be the accuracy of measurements. If the new meter reads twice as much as the old one, this is unlikely to please the owners of the house or apartment.
4. Manufacturer. Domestic appliances became the most popular among buyers. They surpass imported counterparts not only in price, but also in unpretentiousness, simplicity and durability.

Our review managed to get 12 of the best electric meters. Some of them are intended for domestic purposes, others are in demand in the industrial sector. For an objective selection, the following criteria were taken into account:

1. technical specifications;
2. affordability;
3. assessment of the expert community;
4. user reviews.

Rating of the best electricity meters

Nomination	a place	Name of product	price
The best single-phase single-rate electricity meters	1	Energomera CE 101 R5 145	707 r
	2	Incotex Mercury 201.5	RUB 665
	3	Neva 103 1SO	709 r
The best single-phase multi-tariff ELECTRICITY meters	1	Abb FbB 11205-108	6 220 rub.
	2	Mercury 200.02	RUB 1 879
	3	EKF Skat 105E / 1-5 (60) TOI4 multi-tariff	RUB 1,056
	4	Energomera CE102M S7 145-JV	RUB 1,624
Best three-phase ELECTRICITY meters	1	Schneider Electric iEM3000	RUB 33,060
	2	Mercury 231 AT-01	RUB 3,489
	3	CE300 R31 043-J	RUB 3,510
	4	Energometer CE300 R31 145-J	RUB 3,880
	5	Incotex Mercury 230 AM-03	RUB 2 459

The best single-phase single-rate electricity meters

Home and apartment owners most often use the simplest single-phase and single-rate meters. In this segment the leading positions are occupied by Russian manufacturers. The experts noted several high quality models.

Energomera CE 101 R5 145

Rating: 4.9

The accuracy of indications and reliability became the main trump cards of the Energomer CE 101 R5 145 electric meter in the struggle for the first place in the rating. These qualities were highly appreciated by experts, and they are often mentioned on forums. The device is designed for electricity metering in the household network (220 V). The reliability of the model is provided by a sturdy case, and the mounting is carried out on a DIN rail. The domestic product is distinguished by its compact dimensions (110x89x72.5 mm), and it weighs only 400 g. The operating temperature range is from -30C to + 70 ° C.

Users commented favorably on the ease of use, compact size, precision and design. Some consumers complain about the short lifespan.

Advantages

• stylish design;
• accurate readings;
• durable body;

disadvantages

• expressed no.

Incotex Mercury 201.5

Rating: 4.8

Incotex Mercury 201.5 counter differs from the winner of the rating at a more affordable price. This model is designed for metering electricity in a single-phase network, it has the first accuracy class. The screwless housing prevents unauthorized persons from entering, the manufacturer has chosen the method of fastening on a DIN rail. The device is capable of operating in a wide temperature range (-40 … + 55 ° C), which significantly expands the scope. The counter is roughly similar to the leader in terms of dimensions and weight, but the counter mechanism of the model is mechanical.

The experts gave the second place to the device also for insufficient reliability. Many users complain of a quick breakdown, some consumers note an increased amount of measured electricity.

Advantages

• low price;
• simple mechanism;
• compact size.

disadvantages

• overestimates the readings;
• fragility.

Neva 103 1SO

Rating: 4.7

The best price for a single-phase meter is offered by the domestic manufacturer Taipit. The Neva 103 1SO model has a beautiful appearance, modern electronic filling. It is convenient to take readings thanks to a clear electromechanical device. Readings can be taken from the instrument panel even in the absence of power. The manufacturer has equipped the device with a DIN rail mount. Unlike competitors, the meter has a reliable clamping unit in which the brackets are fixed with bolts. All these qualities allowed the product to get into the top three of the rating leaders.

Users discovered some flaws during operation. First of all, the device overestimates the readings, which can be explained by an incorrect setting. A clever guarantee system will not allow you to return the meter in case of failure.

Advantages

• low price;
• reliable clamping unit;
• large numbers on the scoreboard.

disadvantages

• overestimates the readings;
• cleverly designed guarantee.

The best single-phase multi-tariff electricity meters

In a number of regions, there is a significant difference in the day and night rates. Therefore, it is possible to save on electricity consumption by installing multi-tariff meters. Experts have identified several suitable devices.

Abb FbB 11205-108

Rating: 4.9

The two-tariff Swedish counter Abb FbB 11205-108 is designed for a single-phase network with a current from 10 to 80 A. The multifunctional device allows not only keeping records of consumed electricity at two tariffs. It has a clock where the exact time and date are indicated, and tariff switching can be configured on a schedule. The device case is reliably protected from moisture and dust; a DIN-rail is used for mounting.

Long-term uninterrupted operation of the device was the main reason for the victory in our rating. Many users have appreciated the reliability, compactness and accuracy of measurements. The Swedish counter pays off quickly, despite the high price. Sometimes problems arise with setting up two-tariff metering, but all issues are resolved with the help of energy specialists.

Advantages

• high-quality manufacturing;
• elegant appearance;
• multifunctionality;
• uninterrupted work.

disadvantages

• high price.

Mercury 200.02

Rating: 4.8

The Mercury 200.02 counter of the domestic company Intotex is distinguished by a fast payback period. The combination of a reasonable price and multi-tariff metering allows homeowners to save a lot. The most rational solution to purchase this device would be for users who have powerful heating devices in their house or apartment, for example, a boiler, an electric boiler or a warm floor. The manufacturer has provided for the possibility of connecting its product to an automated accounting system. For this, the device has a PLC modem. The monthly electricity consumption is remembered, which is very useful in controversial moments with the supervisory authorities.

The experts attributed the impressive overall dimensions to the disadvantages of the model, as well as the lack of backlighting.

Advantages

• affordable price;
• PLC modem;
• 4-tariff accounting;
• fast payback period.

disadvantages

• large dimensions;
• lack of backlight.

EKF Skat 105E / 1-5 (60) TOI4 multi-tariff

Rating: 4.7

The honorable third place in the rating in the category of multi-tariff single-phase meters is taken by the EKF Skat 105E / 1-5 (60) TOI4 model. It is intended for indoor installation, where the temperature is within the range of -30 … + 55 ° C. The scope of the device is residential buildings, apartments, garages and offices. The experts highlighted such advantages of the meter as low power consumption, protection against voltage surges and powerful impulse noise, technological margin in accuracy class, durability, and a 5-year manufacturer's warranty. The universal mount allows mounting on both a DIN rail and a traditional panel.

Users are satisfied with the low price of the device, ease of installation and operation. The device is inferior to the leaders in functional content and dimensions.

Advantages

• low price;
• 5-year warranty;
• low power consumption;
• universal mount.

disadvantages

• modest functional content.

Energomera CE102M S7 145-JV

Rating: 4.6

The energy meter CE102M S7 145-JV got into our rating due to the optimal combination of price and quality. This model was awarded the “Product of the Year of Russia” award. The device has a number of modern options. The display clearly shows all the necessary information, and the duration of the tariff display can be independently adjusted. This makes data collection easier, especially for the elderly. The device memory can store all the information about energy accounting for the past year, and the data is retained even after a long disconnection from the network. The manufacturer has provided for the possibility of connecting the meter to an automated accounting system.

An attractive point for users is not only low cost, but also a 5-year warranty. The low level of reliability did not allow getting into the top three of the model.

Advantages

• acceptable price;
• 5-year warranty;
• many useful options.

disadvantages

• unreliability;
• the assembly is lame.

The best three-phase electricity meters

Owners of country houses, owners of workshops, service stations, as well as managers of large enterprises turn their gaze to three-phase electricity meters. With the right choice, you can save a lot of money on electricity. It is better for some to choose a single-tariff model, while others – a multi-tariff model.

Schneider Electric iEM3000

Rating: 4.9

The hallmark of the French three-phase meters Schneider Electric iEM3000 is the high accuracy of readings. This quality is especially appreciated in data centers, industrial and construction sectors, where there is a large consumption of electricity. The model is equipped with all modern functions, which simplifies the taking of readings for the consumer. The device can be integrated into an automatic distribution system thanks to the special Smartlink connection. The device is mounted in an electrical cabinet using a DIN rail.

For the accuracy of readings, uninterrupted operation and durability, the meter becomes the winner of the rating. Users are completely satisfied with its work, only the price is high for ordinary home and apartment owners.

Advantages

• high accuracy of readings;
• wide functionality;
• reliability and durability.

disadvantages

• high price.

Mercury 231 AT-01

Rating: 4.8

The domestic electricity meter Mercury 231 AT-01 took second place in the rating for an affordable price and the presence of an IRDA interface. This symbiosis allows shop owners, small businesses or workshops to quickly recoup their investment. And the meter can also be adjusted to the new conditions of the regulatory framework without opening the device and without turning off the electricity. The model can be configured for 2-4 different tariffs, taking into account 16 daily zones. There is a log in the device memory, which stores information for the last 11 months. The device is equipped with two levels of ingress protection.

Users note the simplicity and ease of use of the meter. Automatic self-diagnosis detects problems at an early stage in a timely manner. The downside of the model is the measurement of active energy only.

Advantages

• affordable price;
• wireless access to data;
• reliability and aesthetic design.

disadvantages

• does not read reactive energy.

CE300 R31 043-J

Rating: 4.7

Owners of houses and workshops who work in the same temporary tariff should pay attention to the CE300 R31 043-J three-phase electricity meter. This affordable appliance has an LCD screen that displays power consumption figures. The device is mounted directly to the power network or used as an intermediate link by a transformer. The domestic device was created taking into account the harsh Russian winter, it remains operational even at -40 ° C. The model will regularly serve both in a residential building and in unheated workshops or garages. Despite the availability, the meter has such modern options as a DIN-bar or intrusion protection.

According to users, the model compares favorably with price, ease of installation and unpretentiousness. Frequent errors in operation became the weak side of the device.

Advantages

• affordable price;
• LCD screen;
• energy accounting in two directions.

disadvantages

• Possible malfunctions.

Energometer CE300 R31 145-J

Rating: 4.6

Another single-rate three-phase electricity meter got into our review. This is a model of Energomer CE300 R31 145-J. The device has proven itself perfectly when working in private houses, small car repair shops and woodworking shops. The device is made as simple as possible, which has a positive effect on the price. The accuracy class (1), narrow terminals for connecting wires did not allow the meter to get into the top three of the rating. It is the last drawback that users are most often unhappy with.

The device is not devoid of annoying failures that occur with voltage drops in the mains. Therefore, in regions with an unstable power supply, additional stabilizers will have to be installed.

Advantages

• low price;
• ease of connection and operation;
• wide temperature range (-40 … + 60 ° С).

disadvantages

• direct measurement;
• narrow terminals.

Incotex Mercury 230 AM-03

Rating: 4.5

The Russian counter Mercury 230 AM-03 closes our rating of three-phase electricity meters. This model is also designed for single tariff power consumption, so it is simple and reliable. In addition, the device is inexpensive, it is also an additional trump card in the competition in the domestic market.

The device loses somewhat to the leaders of the rating in modern times. The manufacturer has equipped the electricity meter with an analog type of indication; it does not have an interface. It takes active energy into account in one direction, there is a backstop, which prevents the reading from unwinding in the opposite direction. The indicator light indicates the presence of current by emitting a red color.

Advantages

• affordable price;
• 3-year warranty;
• simplicity and reliability.

disadvantages

• analog indication;
• modest functional equipment.

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Attention! This rating is subjective and does not constitute an advertisement and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.