Q: My meter disk is rotating backwards under load. Is the meter defective?
A: No. If the disk runs backward, it means the line and load wires are reversed. There is no meter defect that will cause reverse rotation.
Q: The meter reading is lower than the previous reading. What happened?
A: This usually means the previous reading was recorded incorrectly.
Q: The disk continues to move after the load is disconnected. Is this a problem?
A: Slight movement is normal. The disk is drifting to a balanced position. However, if the disk makes a full revolution continuously, it’s “creeping,” which indicates a defect.
Q: Load passes through the meter, but the disk doesn’t move.
A: Possible reasons include:
No voltage reaching the meter.
Loose potential clip connection.
Mechanical obstruction (e.g., debris on magnet).
Test load too small to start disk movement.
Q: My newly installed 3-wire meter won’t register.
A: Check the neutral connection — it may not be properly connected. If the disk turns but doesn’t register, the register gears may be jammed.
Q: The meter smoked or blew up during installation. Why?
A: The neutral was likely connected to the wrong terminal, creating a short circuit.
Q: The meter runs slow and doesn’t show all the load.
A: Verify that the load passes through both current coils; one coil alone will read about 50% of the true load.
Q: My 3-phase meter won’t turn. What should I check?
A:
CT secondaries may still be short-circuited.
No voltage or no load on the circuit.
Reversed polarity on CTs or voltage leads.
Mechanical obstruction such as debris on the disk.
Q: The nameplate reads “240V,” but my system is 277/480V. Is this okay?
A: Yes. Polyphase meters for 277/480V wye systems are labeled 240V or 277V per ANSI C12 specifications. This is standard for all U.S. manufacturers.
Q: Can a 240V 3-phase meter be used on a single-phase circuit?
A: Yes. Connect one phase and neutral per the wiring diagram; the meter will function as a 2-wire meter.
Q: Are your meters ANSI-certified?
A: Yes. All new and remanufactured meters from Hialeah Meter Company conform to ANSI C12 standards.
Q: Are your meter sockets FPL-approved?
A: Yes. Our sockets meet ANSI C12.7, and meters meet ANSI C12.10 certification standards.
Q: How do I calculate kilowatt-hours (kWh)?
A:
Subtract the previous reading from the current reading.
Multiply by the “Multiply by ___” factor on the dial face.
If transformers are used, multiply by the CT and PT ratios as applicable.
Q: What is “demand” (kW Demand or kWD)?
A: Demand measures your rate of power use over a specific period (15, 30, or 60 minutes). Utilities charge based on peak demand because it reflects the maximum load placed on their system.
Q: What is “starting load”?
A: The minimum load required to start and maintain disk rotation. Loads below the starting load will not register until total load exceeds it.
| Meter Class | Voltage | Starting Amps | Starting Watts |
|---|---|---|---|
| CL100 | 120V | 0.3A | 36W |
| CL100 | 240V | 0.15A | 36W |
| CL200 | 120V | 0.6A | 72W |
| CL200 | 240V | 0.3A | 72W |
Q: My electronic meter display is blank.
A:
If using 120V service: Display will not light — requires 240V.
If using 208V service: Display may flicker or stay off if voltage drops below required level.
