Training

The Power Measurement Group has identified the need for training of Electricity Metering Personnel in the advanced science of Electricity Metering and Metering Systems. We have taken advantage of this opportunity to exploit our combined excess of 90 years of experience in Electricity Metering by incorporating it into a comprehensive training program specifically aimed at all personnel who are active in the field of Electricity Metering. It is specifically aimed at Class Levels 3 and 4 Meter Workers as defined in NRS 057: 2005 (SANS 474: 2006). See Table C1 below:



Our course materials have been accredited by ESETA (Energy Sector Education and Training Authority) and Power Measurements & Distribution have obtained certification for ISO 2001 : 2008 status as prescribed by ESETA for the implementation of the training as well as SAIEE & ECSA for 1 CPD Point (Continuous Professional Development).

Format of the Course.

There are 26 written Modules covering every aspect of Metering, Metrology and related issues. It is not possible to document every fundamental fact or issue relating to this science, therefore the participants will be encouraged to take part in healthy discussions and debates. This method has proven, to be invaluable due to the variation between participant’s backgrounds and experiences. The exchange of knowledge and ideas between participants is encouraged. Some practical demonstrations will be given. Qualification requirements for (Class 3 & 4) worker to attend the Advanced Metering Course.

Class 3 meter workers.

Class 3 meter workers shall be permitted to work on category 1 (Single Phase Whole Current Meters), category 2 (Three Phase Whole Current Meters) and category 3 metering installations. Class 3 meter workers shall be permitted to install, remove, and replace all meters in these three categories. A worker can be certified as a class 3 meter worker if he qualifies for entry-level employment on the basis of being an electrical engineering technician or a graduate engineer and has successfully completed a metering training program suitable for that level. A meter worker who does not comply with the requirements as stated in the above paragraph can be certified as a class 3 meter worker provided that:

• The worker has been qualified as a class 2 meter worker for at least six months,
• The worker has completed at least six months “on-job-training” working alongside a class 4 meter worker.
• The worker has successfully completed an advanced metering training program that covers CT connected meters (category 3).
• A class 4 meter worker has certified that the worker is competent to perform the tasks required for a class 3 meter worker.

Class 4 meter workers

A Class 4 meter workers shall be permitted to install, remove and replace all meters described in categories 1 to 4, and may perform in-field meter accuracy tests, calibrations, all types of meter maintenance and troubleshooting on all components of metering systems, including metering transformers and associated devices such as isolation relays and switches, and wiring between these transformers, associated devices, and meters. Class 4 meter workers may inspect wiring and instrument transformer ratios utilizing various apparatus as necessary.

Overview of the Advanced Metering Course Modules.

It is the objective of the Advanced Metering Course to introduce the participants to the entire discipline of Electricity Metering and not only the Electricity Energy Meters and related hardware. It covers the basics principals, operation, implementation and maintenance of Metering Systems as well as complementary systems which form the nucleus of a well structured Metering System. The objective of the course is to encourage verbal participation along with the written literature and to participate in constructive discussions. Experience has proved this important interaction exposes valid problems encountered in practice. These and others will be addressed first hand for development and closure.

The participants will meet Metering Engineers from similar disciplines and be afforded the opportunity to exchange experiences and ideas. On completion of the course the participant will be fully equipped with the knowledge to improve their technical and academic skills. Students will be required to complete an examination at the end of the course. The outcome of this examination will influence the issue of the certificate. Course material of all 26 Modules is supplied on a CD for later referencing.

Below is a description of the main topics covered by the course.

• Before any Metering Engineer can engage in a meaningful effort to understand the discipline of Metering, the Engineer needs to first understand the Terminology that is directly or closely related to the subject of Electricity Metering. A module is specifically dedicated with the intent as a reference and can be used to clarify the meaning of the words associated with Metering conditions and Terminology.

• An introduction to the Electrical Parameters associated with Electricity Metering such as Direct Current, Alternating Current, Power, Energy and the factors that influence the relationship between the Currents and the Voltages will be discussed in detail.

• Electrical Systems that are measured by Electricity Metering such as Whole Current, Single and Three Phase as well as Current and Voltage Transformer Connect Meters and their connection in circuit will be considered. Electrical representation as well as Vectorial representation will also be presented.

• Instrument Transformers used in the Measurement Systems specifically for Electricity Metering will be dealt with. Voltage and Current Transformers as well as related Safety aspects will also be addressed. These Measurement instruments are the core source from where all Measurement signals are derived for input into the Electricity Meters. The connections, commissioning and practical use of these instruments will be covered in detail due to the consequential loss of revenue resulting from incorrect usage.

• Metering is a precise discipline and requires the dedication of an enthusiastic person to carry out the day-to-day tasks with precision, skill and safety. The Metering Department, its duties, responsibilities, and the interaction with its consumers and the behaviour and gestures that will serve as a tool when interacting with consumers as well as the duties and skills required being a first-class Metering Technician are highlighted in a very comprehensive overview of the Metering Department. These skills will aid the utility Metering Engineer when advising the consumer.

• The detrimental effects of loads on systems and the effects and solutions will be covered as well as the resources required to accumulate the data for the correction of these conditions and the further monitoring thereafter.

• Some guidelines will be discussed for the measurement of High Voltage Grid Metering Systems, Load Flow, and the types of Meters used to measure the Energy and Power Flow for billing and Statistical Metering purposes.

• The skills and experience of a well-informed Metering Engineer will assist him or her with the necessary skills to advise the consumer of a means to control and implement an effective Demand Side Management System. The design of a Demand Side Management System using an Electricity Energy Meter will be covered in detail.

• The purpose of installing a Meter is to produce an Electricity Bill. Billing from the meter readings to the delivery of the bills will be addressed by means of manual, semi-automatic and automatic or (remote reading, AMR) of meters. The use for stored Load Survey in Electronic Energy Meters, Billing Security, Load Factor, Maximum Demand, Tariffs, Tariff Design and the use of Load Survey for Tariff Impact Studies of consumers will be covered in detail.

• The world wide use of Electronic Meters is becoming more of an accepted practice by utilities as they have matured over the past years and have unique advantages over their predecessors, the Electromechanical (Ferraris) Meters. The course will give explanation and highlight some of the features, advantages and mechanisms used in the hardware, software and functionality of the meter. It is not possible to cover all the features and functionality as different manufactures incorporate proprietary features. The electronic development of metering equipment is ever changing however there are basic platforms to Electronic Meters that will not change; these will be discussed in detail.

• Meters connected in circuits such as 3-phase 3-wire, Delta connected and 3-phase 4-wire Star connected, will be explored. The requirements and procedures for inspection and commissioning of these Electricity Energy Meters, installations and related equipment will also be addressed as well as the detection and correction of faults using correction factors for billing the consumer under these conditions.

• The meaning of Metrology and the Calibration of Energy Meters is covered in order to simplify and clarify various aspects of Metrology and Calibration.

• The minimum requirements and guidelines for the Sealing of Electricity Energy Meters and related Equipment is of paramount importance and will have a direct impact on the outcome of the revenue collected by the utility. These minimum requirements are covered as will as recommendations.

• The difference, variances and uses of Analogue, Digital and Sub-metering Electricity measuring equipment for billing and statistical purposes is discussed with the objective of distinguishing between billing metering and non-billing metering. Criteria, basic principals and guidelines that can be applied when considering the design for the implementation of an effective metering system will be detailed.

• Pre-payment Metering, with some reference to technical and academic related issues will also be discussed. Specific functionality of the Meter and the Vending System will not be elaborated on as these vary to a vast degree depending on the manufacturer and type of system.

• Automatic Meter Reading Systems for reading Electricity Energy Meters on a regular basis are becoming more common. Metering data stored within the Meter is uploaded and stored on a dedicated server for later presentation and management. The use and manipulation of this data will be covered in detail. Various platforms will be discussed as well as the benefits of revenue collection by this means.

• The lloss of revenue is an occurrence that affects all Distributors of Electrical Energy. A rational approach to this topic will reflect upon the events, actions, procedures and consequences relating to revenue protection.

There are no set guidelines to the approach of revenue protection however the most logical and practical and proven measures will be discussed.

• Safety is of paramount importance when working on all Electrical installations. The course will make known the dangers associated with working on Metering Installations in general.

• One of the devices which improves safety and ease of Measurement is a Metering Circuit is a Metering Test Block. The important use of this device will be introduced as well as the typical use of this device with the Meter in circuit.

Code of Practice for Electricity Meters (NRS 057: 2005) Course.

This specification has been precompiled and cannot be altered. The participants will be taught strictly according to the set procedures and requirements. Due to the corresponding similarities between the Advanced Metering Course and the Code of Practice for Electricity Meters there will be some revision and referrals made to the Advanced Metering Course.

Advanced Metering Course Modules.

(1)      Metering Terminology.

(2)     Intro to Electrical Parameters.

(3)     Three Phase Metering.

(4)     Instrument Transformers.

(5)     The Metering Department.

(6)     Power Factor & Control.

(7)     Tariffs & Billing.

(8)     Electronic Meters.

(9)     Meter Installation.

(10)   Common Faults in Circuits.

(11)   Grid Metering.

(12)   Metrology.

(13)   Analogue & Digital Measurement.

(14)   Sealing.

(15)   Design & Basic Principles.

(16)   Pre-Payment Metering.

(17)   Commissioning & Maintenance.

(18)   Pre-Payment Vending.

(19)   Revenue Protection.

(20)   Automatic Meter Reading.

(21)   Field Verification of Meters.

(22)   Safety Precautions.

(23)   The use of Meters for DSM.

(24)   Test Blocks.

(25)   Configuration of Meters.

(26)   Meter Reading.

Course Duration.

• Advanced Electricity Metering Training Course. (4 Days).
• NRS 057: 2005 Code of Practise for Electricity Metering Class 3 & 4 (1 Days).

Course Materials.

No course materials in the form of hard copies will be issued during the duration of the course. Each student will be issued with a note book and writing materials, for the taking down or their own notes. On completion of the course, each student will be issued with a registered electronic copy of all the relevant course materials.

Number of Students.

There must be a minimum of 8 students, not necessarily from the same organization.