Common questions

What is a sub metering device?

What is a sub metering device?

Submeters are electrical devices and associated data acquisition and communication equipment that measure and track building energy performance. They are connected downstream from the utility meter and provide details of energy use for one or more electrical loads.

How much clearance does a subpanel need?

All electrical panels must have a minimum of 36 inches of clearance in front of the panel, 30 inches of clearance across the face of the panel, and a minimum of 78 inches above the floor from the top edge of the panel.

What is electric subpanel?

A subpanel is a smaller service panel that distributes power to a specific area of the home or other buildings on the property. It is essentially a satellite circuit breaker panel that has its own breakers.

What is submetering billing?

Utility sub-metering is a system that allows a landlord, property management firm, condominium association, homeowners association, or other multi-tenant property to bill tenants for individual measured utility usage. The approach makes use of individual water meters, gas meters, or electricity meters.

Is sub-metering cheaper?

Here is a look at how sub meters might be a better options for large buildings with more residents. Submeters offers a cheaper electricity rate for building residents as the electricity is bought in retail by the building owner at a cheaper rate than direct metered electricity.

Are submeters accurate?

There are many benefits to using electric submetering. The biggest benefit is the ability to get accurate individual energy monitoring. For the tenant it allows you to have an accurate view of their actual energy usage based off of kwh(kilowatts per hour), as well as find out if there is any power wasted.

How far can sub panel be from main panel?

The panel must be easily accessible, so don’t install it too far above the floor; 4.5 to 5 feet is about right. The cable you run from the main panel to the subpanel also depends on the amperage rating.

Can a homeowner install a subpanel?

You will most likely need a permit to add a subpanel to your electric panel. No matter whether you are a licensed electrician or a DIY homeowner, you will likely need a permit to get the work to pass inspection. In almost all states, you will need a permit to do any kind of major electrical work.

Is a sub panel considered a feeder?

A Type SER cable between a 200-amp residential service disconnect and a subpanel is a feeder. The conductors between an 800-amp circuit breaker and a fused branch circuit disconnect supplying a single motor are also feeder conductors.

What is water submetering?

Water submetering or submeters are a plumbing service that involves the installation of separate water meters into individual units in apartment communities, condominium communities, mobile home communities, condominiums, resorts and more.

What do you need to know about sub-meters?

Find products that will monitor multiple electrical circuits and basic power and energy. They determine exactly when and where energy is being used. These products are used in the commercial, industrial and utility markets. Here you will find a wide range of sub-meters for your application.

What’s the difference between a subpanel and a main panel?

All homes have a main service panel. A subpanel is a smaller service panel that distributes power to a specific area of the home or other building on the property. It is essentially a satellite circuit breaker panel that has its own breakers and is usually installed in an area that is convenient to the area it serves.

What kind of wire do you need for a sub panel?

A subpanel requires two hot wires connected to a 240-volt double-pole breaker in the main panel. It also needs a neutral wire and a ground wire. The cable used for this run is known as a “three-wire cable with ground.” The two hot wires, called feeder wires, will provide all of the power to the subpanel.

Where can I find a kWh sub meter?

These products are used in the commercial, industrial and utility markets. Here you will find a wide range of sub-meters for your application. These kWh electric meters with optional demand function has a large LCD display, pulse outputs, and an RS485 serial port for remote monitoring.