Since the beginning of the mass use of electrical energy, devices for its metering have been invented. This made it possible to control electricity consumption and charge payments according to the current tariff. Thus, electricity meters have become an integral part of any consumer of electrical energy: be it industrial or domestic.

Before we talk about how to connect a single-phase electricity meter and machines, you must first consider some characteristics and types of devices.

Types of electricity meters

Depending on the type of consumer, electricity metering can be carried out using various devices, but in everyday life, single-phase metering devices are mainly used, since in our apartments and houses all consumers are designed for a single-phase voltage of 220 V.

According to the internal structure and method of metering, single-phase electrical metering devices are:

• induction (electromechanical);
• electronic.

Induction electricity meters

Quite simple - there is a metal disk inside them, rotating in the magnetic field of two coils. The greater the current flows through the windings, the greater the magnitude of the magnetic field force that affects the disk, the greater the rotation speed of the disk. The disk is mechanically connected to a counting device, which displays the numbers of kWh consumed. These meters have a low accuracy class and are already obsolete, although they can still be found in old houses.

Electronic devices

They work on the principle of counting electronic pulses, the number of which is generated depending on the load on the electrical network. Such metering devices have a higher accuracy class, and the built-in microprocessor allows you to organize multi-tariff metering, so you can save on paying for electricity by using consumers at times of day when the cost of electricity is lower. Also, electronic metering devices can be equipped with the ability to read readings remotely. The cost of such meters is many times higher than electromechanical ones.

Any electric meter, as a measuring device, must be checked periodically. If the time for verification approaches, the device is removed and taken to an electrical laboratory. This procedure is paid and in most cases it is easier to buy and install new equipment than to verify old equipment. In this case, as well as in the case of commissioning of residential/non-residential premises, you need to connect a single-phase electric energy meter.

All such actions can be performed independently, especially since there is nothing complicated about it, but the removal of the old electric meter and installation of a new one, as well as the initial installation of the metering device, must be carried out in agreement with the company supplying electricity. Removing an old device without notice may result in a heavy fine for breaking the seal.

When replacing an old electric meter, you can find the same or similar one, but it is better to approach this issue more responsibly. So, according to the PUE (electrical installation rules), there must be a two-pole circuit breaker (circuit breaker) in front of the meter, which protects the entire electrical network in the house from the consequences of a short circuit. After the metering device, a group of automatic devices is installed for lighting, for high-power consumers (electric stove), for sockets (RCD, difavtomat). RCDs and automatic devices not only protect the network from the consequences of a short circuit, but also save a person from electric shock.

Thus, if you approach the installation of a single-phase meter thoroughly, then you need to start by installing a special plastic box in which an introductory machine, a meter and a group of consumer machines (RCDs, difavtomats) will be placed.

The box is mounted to the wall using dowels. In this case, it is necessary to take into account its location, taking into account the passage of the input cable and the cable to consumers. The recommended height of the box according to the PUE is 1.6−1.7 m. This arrangement of the box makes it convenient for reading meter readings, as well as for accessing machines.

Installation of electrical equipment

First, the introductory two-pole circuit breaker is mounted on a DIN rail, which is a metal plate with a recess in the middle. If the electric meter is connected in a box, the machine is installed by horizontally pressing the internal DIN rail. If the use of a box is not practical, then you first need to mount a DIN rail on dowels, and then install the machines on it.

It should be noted that the types of meters that are mounted to the wall are:

• with three-point installation;
• with DIN rail mounting.

The first option is currently used extremely rarely - this is a method of fastening from the last century, which may still be relevant today if you need to replace an old meter with a similar one. All modern meters are mounted on a DIN rail. If you are wondering how to connect an old-style single-phase electricity meter, then the only difference here will be in the method of mounting the device. If the meter was already installed previously, then you don’t need to do anything to attach it. If not, then the locations of future holes are marked and drilling is performed.

When all the machines and the counter are installed, you need to understand their connection diagram. So, first the input machine is connected. All work should be carried out in compliance with safety regulations. It should be remembered that voltages above 36 V are dangerous for humans, therefore, in order to avoid tragedy, it is necessary to completely de-energize all electrical circuits. After all the machines are turned off, it is necessary to check the presence of voltage using an indicator screwdriver or a multimeter.

The input cable usually has three wires:

• phase, it is usually painted white or red
• zero, color coded blue
• grounding, distinguished by marking in the form of a combination of two colors - yellow and green

The grounding wire is not used when connecting to an electric meter and an input two-pole breaker, but it is necessary when using a breaker, so it is immediately connected to a separate bus.

Before connecting the phase and neutral wires to the input circuit breaker, it is necessary to check the phase using an indicator screwdriver. To do this, you need to touch the stripped input wire with its tip. If the screwdriver reacts to touch by lighting up the light bulb, then the wire being tested is a phase. According to the standard, the phase is connected to the left input circuit breaker of a two-pole circuit breaker, the zero - to the right one.

It is better to remove the insulation from the wire with a special tool. The length of the bare part of the wire should be about 10 mm. The wire is inserted into the machine from above and securely secured with screws. To control the wire you need to pull it. There should be no bare areas! Subsequently, the introductory machine, as well as the counter, will be sealed.

Connecting a single-phase meter

Regardless of the meter manufacturer, its type and brand, the connection of a single-phase electric meter is the same. Even if there is no information on how to connect the old electricity meter, the connection diagram is always located on the back of the device's contact pad cover and in the operating instructions. You can only connect an electric meter that has a technical passport of the device and, if necessary, a verification certificate, otherwise the sealing will not be completed and the meter cannot be used.

There are four terminals under the terminal cover:

• phase incoming;
• outgoing phase;
• zero incoming;
• zero leaving.

Before connecting, it is necessary to prepare all the wires: from the input circuit breaker (phase and neutral wires) and from the meter to the consumer circuit breakers.

When removing insulation, you should leave a bare end of the wire 10 mm long for automatic machines and 27 mm long for a meter. The bare end of the wire must be completely buried in the clamp of the device, but clamping a wire with insulation is not allowed! It is necessary to calculate the supply of wires so that the connection is not forced. In addition, it is advisable to bend all wires at right angles when wiring and group them according to their intended purpose.

Correct order

Connecting an electric meter begins with connecting the incoming phase. This wire comes from the input left two-pole circuit breaker. It is connected to the first terminal of the meter. Each meter terminal is clamped with two screws. First, the wire is inserted all the way, then the farthest screw is tightened tightly. After this, the second screw is tightened. The reliability of the connection is checked by tugging the wire.

The second step is to connect the outgoing phase. This wire goes to consumer machines.

An incoming zero is connected to the third terminal of the counter. It comes from the right two-pole machine.

And finally, the outgoing zero is connected to the fourth terminal of the counter. This wire is connected to consumer circuit breakers.

After the completed manipulations, the cover of the meter contact pad is closed and electrical connections are made to the machines, RCDs and consumer breakers. When everything is ready, the input machine turns on and checks whether the consumed energy is being counted. It is clear that the readings must increase, otherwise the work will not be accepted during sealing! They will not accept it either if the wires are poorly tightened or if bare current-carrying areas are found.

Obviously, there are no difficulties when connecting a single-phase electric meter, so by following the instructions above, you can connect the device yourself, saving money and enjoying what you have done yourself!

An electric meter is a special device whose main function is to measure the amount of electrical energy consumed. The history of these devices begins in the 19th century, when technical means that consumed electricity were invented and began to be actively used.

The structure of electricity meters looks like this:

1. The main mechanisms are the voltage coil and a current coil.
2. Electromagnets of the indicated coils are positioned in such a way that they can be located at an angle of 90° relative to each other.
3. In the space between coil electromagnets a special aluminum disk is placed. It is fixed at the bottom and top using bearings and thrust bearings.
4. The axis of the aluminum disk is equipped with a special worm, which, thanks to the presence of wheels with teeth, allows the drum of the counting device to function, setting it in motion.

The principle by which any type of electricity meter operates can be described by the following order of actions:

1. Current coil has a sequential connection to the electrical circuit system. It consists of a small number of turns, and winding occurs with a wire with a large diameter.
2. Second coil, on the contrary, has a parallel principle of connection to the electrical circuit. Its number of turns is much greater than that of a current coil, and winding occurs using a thin wire.
3. AC voltage e during operation is transferred to only one element of the meter - a coil with a large number of turns and a thin wire.
4. When voltage passes through the coils, then magnetic fluxes of alternating type immediately arise in the space between them.
5. Thanks to the generated flows between the coils, the aluminum disk creates special current vortices inside itself.
6. Vortexes and flows meet in an aluminum disk, interacting with each other, which causes a rotational effect in relation to the disk itself, and it begins to move.
7. The counter records all disk revolutions for a certain set period of time, counting and taking into account the consumed electricity.
8. Modern models of electricity meters carry out this process by converting analog signals that were received by sensors into a pulse code, which is a set of numbers. The microcontroller is able to decipher this code after it is received, as well as calculate and display the resulting value of the amount of electricity consumed.

Preparatory work

It is possible to carry out the process of connecting such a meter to the network yourself, without calling a qualified electrician. However, before proceeding with this, it is necessary to first carry out preparatory work on the installation of a special box, inside of which the electric meter itself will need to be installed.

To ensure correct installation technology, you must adhere to the following algorithm of actions:

1. On a wall box all bolts or screws holding the cover in place are unscrewed, after which it is removed.
2. Boxing is installed on the wall, and the height of its installation should be in the range from 0.8 to 1.7 meters. This parameter is subject to the current official safety regulations for working with high voltage.
3. Selection of elements for fasteners carried out based on the material from which the wall is made.
4. Wall-mounted box will have several mounting rails, as already mentioned, and a zero bus.

In fact, all modern meter models are representatives of the modular variety, so their connection type is unified: it is made on a mounting rail. Their advantage is not only the use of absolutely safe and non-flammable materials in their own structure, but also the significant ease of understanding and implementation of installation technology.

Required materials and tools

It is desirable if the wires differ from each other not only in thickness, but also in color.

Preparing in advance the tools and materials that will be required to connect the meter is also one of the parts of the preparatory work.

You need to prepare in advance:

• electrical panel, which must comply with all the parameters and features of the installed meter;
• the electricity meter itself, you can choose induction or the most common electronic option;
• several wires with different diameters from 1.5 m to 6 mm;
• slats with a recommended width of 0.35 cm;
• materials and tools for fastening;
• insulating elements;
• insulating tape;
• knife with a sharp blade;
• screwdrivers various types;
• pliers;

An important condition on which the safety of the person installing and connecting the electric meter depends is that all selected tools must have an insulating rubber handle to avoid electric shocks.

Installation

If all the preparatory work is left behind, and the necessary tools and materials have been prepared and meet all the requirements for them, then you can proceed directly to installing the electric meter:

1. PUE gives an order, according to which, the installation of the meter must be preceded by the installation of protective equipment that can protect against various emergency situations. Such a protection device can be placed in different places: the base panel, on the staircase, near the electric meter itself. The choice of location depends on the capabilities of installing seals on the equipment.
2. After installing the protective equipment, we can return to the issue of installing the meter. Initially, a two-pole circuit breaker must be installed. Using a special mechanism on the reverse side, it can be fixed to the top rail inside the box.
3. The electricity meter itself is installed. It has exactly the same mechanism on the reverse side as the circuit breaker, so it is connected to one of the DIN rails using the same principle.
4. Next, you need to add single-pole circuit breakers. Their number may vary, but most often two machines are installed on each meter.

At this point, the process of installing the electric meter is completed and, as you can see in practice, there is nothing complicated about it.

Connection

The algorithm of actions that must be performed when connecting an electric meter directly depends on its type.

So, to connect a single-phase meter you need:

1. At the initial stage, completely turn off the machine or plugs, or de-energize the entire line while working on connecting the device.
2. On the back of any single-phase electric meter there is a diagram, according to which it must be connected.
3. Connect the wires to the contacts on the terminal strip That is, a single-phase device has four terminals in total.

The connection order must be as follows (if you look at the meter from left to right):

1. Input of phase to the apartment from the network.
2. Phase output indoors.
3. Entering zero to the apartment from the network.
4. Output of the zero insulator into the room.

Three-phase electricity meters are divided into several types: devices of direct or indirect connection, respectively, the technology of this process differs between them. Indirect connection devices will not be considered, since they are prohibited for installation in residential buildings.

Such devices are used exclusively for industrial purposes, and their installation and connection can only be carried out by qualified craftsmen and electricians who have such access.

If we talk about direct connection electricity meters, they are suitable for installation in residential buildings; the connection algorithm is not so significantly different from the technology used for single-phase models. But taking into account the fact that the circuit of three-phase devices is much more complicated, it is recommended not to connect them yourself, but to entrust this process to a professional electrician.

This is also due to the fact that the registration of a new device must still be carried out by a specialized organization, which will provide a technician who has a license and permission to carry out various electrical installation work.

Description of connection diagram

If we talk about the single-phase variety of electric meters, their connection diagram is the most elementary and is traditionally indicated on the back of the device cover.

If it is still missing, then you can use the following description of the correct connection of the wires:

1. To the first terminal on the left, includes the phase leading from the external network to the residential premises.
2. Via the second terminal, this phase is brought inside the apartment.
3. Third terminal brings zero from the network.
4. Via last contact, located on the right, zero has access to the apartment.

The connection diagram for a three-phase electric meter is somewhat more complicated, but it is also most often given on the back of the device cover or in the device’s operating instructions. The most important thing in this process is not to confuse the wires and keep track of the order in which they are connected, based on color.

Also, it is important to remember that all odd pin numbers will correspond to the input, and even numbers indicate load.

Three-phase meter diagram

The correct connection diagram for a three-phase device will look like this:

1. Yellow wire connected to the input, corresponds to phase A.
2. Second yellow wire connected to the output, corresponds to the same phase.
3. Green wire for phase B input.
4. Second green wire should be connected in the same way as the first one of the same color.
5. Red wire connected to the input of phase C.
6. Second red wire must be connected to the output of the same phase.
7. Blue wire corresponds to the neutral conductor, it is connected to the input.
8. Second blue wire also corresponds to zero, but is connected to the output.

All wires of three-phase meters have exactly the same numbering, so if you strictly follow the description given, the device will be connected correctly.

How to connect machines?

Connecting machines is not as complicated as, for example, a three-phase meter, so anyone can implement it by following the algorithm below:

1. In the electrical panel, the circuit breaker is mounted using a built-in snap mechanism onto a DIN rail in the box.
2. Wires are inserted into clamps and are subject to reliable fixation using special bolt contacts.
3. Contacts must be tightened securely, but carefully so as not to damage the body of the device, which will cause subsequent displacement of the internal elements, and this will lead to frequent overheating during operation and in the near future will contribute to the breakdown of the switch.
4. Input power must be connected strictly from the top of the machine, and the load or output is connected from the bottom.
5. Even before connecting the cable to the terminals, it must be freed by 15 cm from the outer insulating layer to add flexibility and mobility. Internal insulation can only be removed by 0.5-1 cm.
6. When connecting to a circuit breaker, the wire For small cross-section or multi-core cables, special lugs are used for them during the installation process.

What happens if the electric meter is connected incorrectly?

Incorrect connection of this device or its protective equipment may result in the following undesirable consequences:

1. Occurrence of a short circuit, combustion of all ungrounded electrical appliances.
2. Overheating of the equipment itself, which will disable it in the shortest possible time.
3. Responsible organization for inspection, most likely, will introduce penalties for spontaneous incorrect connection of the device, especially if there is no seal on it.

Automatic switches, also known as packets or automatic machines, are switching devices whose task is to supply current to the elements of the electrical network, and if its operation is disrupted, to automatically de-energize it. They are usually mounted in a distribution panel and allow you to protect the circuit from damage caused by excessive loads, voltage drops, and short circuits. In this material we will talk about how this equipment is classified, what are the features of its operation and how to correctly connect the machines in the electrical panel.

Classification of circuit breakers

Today, these devices are sold in a huge range. They differ from each other in the following characteristics:

• Main circuit current. It can be variable, constant or combined.
• Control method. The equipment can be operated manually or using a motor drive.
• Installation method. Devices can be plug-in, retractable or stationary.
• Type of release. These elements can be electronic, electromagnetic and thermal, as well as semiconductor.

• Body type. It can be modular, cast or open.
• Operating current indicator. Its value can range from 1.6 A to 6.3 kA.

Modern machines have a complex network protection mechanism. They have additional features, which include:

• Possibility of opening an electrical circuit from a distance.
• Presence of signal contact groups.
• Automatic activation of the protective device in the event of a voltage drop to a critical value.

Step-by-step diagram for selecting a circuit breaker in the video:

Packers can have different standard sizes, and with their help you can protect electrical networks not only in apartments and private houses, but also at large facilities. These devices are produced both in Russia and abroad.

In domestic conditions, modular circuit breakers, small and lightweight, are most often used. They received the name “modular” due to their standard width, which is 1 module (1.75 cm).

In order to protect the electrical circuits of buildings, the following types of switches are installed:

• Differential.
• Automatic.

RCDs, as residual current devices are called for short, prevent electric shock to a person who touches the conductor, and prevent surrounding objects from igniting if there is an electricity leak, which can happen if the cable insulation is damaged.

Circuit breakers protect circuits from short circuits and allow you to turn the power on and off manually. The most advanced protective device is a differential circuit breaker. It combines the capabilities of a residual current device and a conventional circuit breaker. This package is equipped with built-in protection against too powerful electron flow. It is controlled by differential current.

In single-phase electrical networks, single-pole and double-pole circuit breakers can be installed. The choice of package is influenced by the number of wires in the electrical wiring.

Circuit breakers: design and principle of operation

Before we consider the procedure for connecting circuit breakers in an electrical panel, let’s figure out how they are designed and on what principle they are triggered.

The product includes the following elements:

• Frame.
• Control system.
• Top and bottom terminals.
• Switching device.
• Arcing chamber.

Fire-resistant plastic is used as material for the manufacture of the housing and control system. The switching device contains moving contacts as well as fixed contacts.

An arc-extinguishing chamber is installed on a pair of contacts, which are the pole of the packetizer. When the contacts break under load, an electric arc occurs, which is extinguished by the camera. The latter consists of steel plates, insulated from each other and located at the same distance. The chamber plates help cool and extinguish the electric arc that appears during malfunctions. Machines can have one, two or four pairs of contacts.

Two-pole circuit breakers have two pairs of contacts: one is movable, the other is fixed.

Such a switch is equipped with a position indicator, which makes it easy to find out whether the machine is on (red light) or off (green).

The operating principle of circuit breakers is clearly shown in the video:

Release

To turn off the machine in case of emergency situations, the device is equipped with a release. There are several types of these mechanisms, structurally different from each other and operating on different principles.

Thermal release

Structurally, this element includes a plate pressed from two different metals with an unequal coefficient of nonlinear expansion, which is connected to the circuit under load and is called bimetallic. When the release operates, the flow of electrons passing through the plate heats it.

Since the expansion coefficient of the metal is less than that of the plate, it bends towards it. When the current rating exceeds the permissible value, the curved plate, acting on the trigger, turns off the machine. If the ambient temperature deviates from the norm, the switch also trips.

Magnetic release

This type of release is a coil consisting of an insulated copper winding and a core. Since load current flows through it, it must be connected to the circuit in series with the contacts. If the load current exceeds the permissible rating, the core will move under the influence of the magnetic field of the release and, through a disconnecting device, will open the contacts of the packet.

Selective circuit breakers with semiconductor releases

These devices are equipped with a special panel on which the machine's shutdown time is set. They provide a temporary delay in the event of a short circuit, which allows, in the event of an emergency, to turn off the emergency section without stopping the power supply to the facility.

A circuit breaker without a release is called a disconnector.

How to choose a machine?

Before you begin installing protective circuit breakers, you need to select them and also understand the intricacies of connection. People who want to know how to wire a circuit breaker ask various questions. For example, are the circuit breakers in the distribution board connected before or after the meter? Should an automatic input be installed? These and other connection nuances are of interest to users.

Basic parameters of circuit breakers

The characteristics of circuit breakers include:

• Rated current value (in Amperes).
• Operating voltage of the electrical network (in Volts).
• Maximum short circuit current.
• Ultimate switching capacity.
• Number of poles.

The maximum switching capacity is characterized by the maximum permissible value at which the switch is capable of operating. The PKS of household devices can be 4.5, 6 or 10 kA.

When choosing, they are most often guided by such basic indicators as short-circuit shutdown current, as well as overload current.

The cause of overload is the connection to the electrical network of devices with excessively high total power, which leads to exceeding the permissible temperature of contact connections and cables.

Taking this into account, it is necessary to install a packet in the circuit, the value of the shutdown current of which is not less than the calculated value, and better - if it slightly exceeds it. To determine the calculated current, you need to sum up the power of the devices that are supposed to be connected to the circuit (for each of them this indicator is available in the passport). The resulting number must be divided by 220 (the standard voltage value in a household network). The result obtained will be the value of the overload current. It should also be taken into account that it should not exceed the current rating that the wire can withstand.

The magnitude of the shutdown current during a short circuit is the indicator at which the circuit breaker is switched off. The short-circuit current is calculated when designing the line using formulas and reference tables, as well as using special equipment. Based on the obtained value, the type of protection is determined. At small sites and in household networks, type B or C machines are used.

Installing a circuit breaker in an electrical panel with your own hands

First of all, you need to decide on connecting the power wires, and only after that figure out how to connect the machine to the network. If you do not know whether the power conductors should be connected to the top or bottom of the package, please refer to the PUE requirements, which are the main guiding document for electrical installation work.

The Rules clearly state that the power cable must be connected to fixed contacts, and this requirement must be met in any circuit breaker connection diagram. In any modern device, the fixed contacts are located on top.

For installation you will need control devices and tools, which include:

• Assembly knife.
• Screwdrivers (phillips and slotted).
• Multimeter or indicator screwdriver.

So, how to connect the machine correctly? Let's consider the installation of circuit breakers in single-phase networks.

Two-phase and three-phase connections are more complex and it is advisable that they be carried out by a specialist.

Single-pole circuit breaker

The installation is carried out on a network where two cables are used for input: neutral (PEN) and phase (L). Such a system exists in old buildings. The supply conductor is connected to the input terminal of the machine, then from the output it passes through the meter, after which it is routed to the protective devices of specific groups. The supply neutral cable is also supplied to the PEN through an electric meter.

Application of one, two and three-pole circuit breakers on video:

Two-pole machine

We are considering the installation of a protective device in a single-phase network, where three conductors are used for input: phase, neutral and ground cable. The input terminals, designated on the device by numbers 1 and 3, are located at the top of the machine, and the output terminals (2 and 4) are at the bottom.

The power cable fits to input terminal 1 and is securely fixed to it. In a similar way, the neutral wire is attached to terminal 3. The phase passes through the electricity meter. Power is distributed evenly across groups of switches. From terminal 4, the neutral cable is connected to the N bus, passing through the meter and the RCD.

Connecting wires

Any circuit breaker is accompanied by a passport that states how to correctly connect the wires to its terminals. The document contains all the necessary information - from the cross-section of the cables and the type of their connection to the length of the stripped part of the conductor.

Stripping the ends of the wires for connecting household machines is done with a mounting knife about 1 cm. You can distinguish the conductors by their color markings:

• Phase cable – white or brown.
• Neutral wire – black, blue or light blue.
• The grounding conductor is green.

After stripping the end of the wire with a knife, it must be inserted into the contact clamp and secured with a fixing screw. The screws are tightened with a screwdriver. After fastening, the wire needs to be tugged a little to make sure it is securely fastened. If a flexible wire is used to connect to the package, then to increase the reliability of the connection, special tips should be used.

To ensure that the installation of machines in the electrical panel and the connection of cables to them are carried out correctly, you need to remember common mistakes and avoid them during operation:

• The insulating layer gets under the contact clamp.
• Too much force when tightening, which can lead to deformation of the body and, as a result, to breakage of the machine.

Often several protective devices are installed in a distribution board. To connect them, inexperienced specialists use jumpers.

In principle, this is not a mistake, but still in this case it is better to use a special tire cut to the required size - the so-called comb. With its help, the wires are connected to the packets in the required sequence.

Features of connecting SIP to the input circuit breaker

Self-supporting insulated wire is widely used to transmit electricity to the home network from overhead power lines instead of conventional cable. Despite all the advantages of this conductor, connecting the SIP to the circuit breaker should not be done directly, since during operation the aluminum begins to “float” and the insulation burns. Ultimately, this leads, at best, to failure of the machine, and at worst, to a fire. The easiest way to avoid such trouble is to connect the SIP to the machine through a special adapter sleeve.

This device ensures the transition from aluminum wire to copper. You can buy it in a specialized store.

Step-by-step installation of the machine is shown in the following video:

Conclusion

In this article, we dealt with the question of how to properly connect circuit breakers in an electrical panel, and also looked at the types of these devices and the features of their operation. Using the information provided, you can independently install the package and connect it to your home network. Naturally, during this procedure it is necessary to strictly observe electrical safety rules, as with any work related to electricity.

The box for electrical machines is used for domestic and industrial purposes, because it houses an electric meter, circuit breakers and other devices. The distribution board protects people from electric shock and allows you to protect installed devices from various damages both indoors and outdoors.

General information and design of the electrical panel

Any box for electrical machines has its own necessary protection, which prevents physical impacts on live elements and prevents foreign objects from entering them that can cause a short circuit. And also the electrical panel has a fairly simple design, outwardly it resembles the box in which they are installed:

The structure is made of metal or plastic. Each product has its own characteristics, for example, the plastic shield has increased resistance to external influences and does not conduct electricity. The metal cabinet has many modifications, which allows you to choose the desired design.

Depending on what type of wiring is installed, panels for electric meters and automatic machines are divided into two types:

1. Outer. Used for open wiring.
2. Internal box for electric meter. Required for hidden wiring.

The size of the shield depends on the number of modules that will be installed there. In addition to standard equipment The distribution cabinet includes:

After purchasing and checking all components, you can install the electrical panel. During installation, you should remember that if the network is single-phase, a two-pole circuit breaker is installed, and for a three-phase network, a three-pole circuit breaker is installed.

The electrical box for outdoor installation is mounted under a base made of non-combustible material. The lower edge of the cabinet box must be at a height of at least 100 cm from the floor level, and the upper part should not exceed 180 cm. A reduction in the level is allowed if disabled or elderly people live in the residential premises.

Places prohibited for installing an electrical panel:

• near heating systems;
• in showers;
• outside the territory of residential premises, with the exception of metering panels;
• in the bathroom;
• in the ventilation shaft;
• flight of stairs;
• loggias and balconies.

As a rule, an outdoor box for an electric meter is installed next to the entrance to the premises. A structure is installed in the apartment near the front door. In panel houses, vestibule rooms are provided for installation of the product.

Assembly Rules

A certain amount of electrical cable must be connected to the distribution box. To save time, it is better to sign them. Each wire must be stripped of its insulation and the phase core must be marked. Then use self-tapping screws to secure the DIN rail and install the circuit breaker on top. When all the products are inside the shield, you must perform the following steps step by step:

You need to know that before connecting the device, you need to obtain permission for independent connection from the energy company controllers. If permission cannot be obtained, then they make the connection themselves. It should be remembered that after installing the meter, you need to install a protective disconnecting device to it. After all, it protects the electrical box from short circuits and limits the permitted power.

For assembly, it is necessary to use a multi-core PuV cable, but it is also possible to use its analogue - PuGV, if the twisted wires at the end are covered with special lugs. The cable insulation of these brands is made from non-flammable material and is capable of maintaining its properties at temperatures from minus 40 to 75 degrees. The service life of the products reaches 20 years.

To conduct a phase to the input of the machine, you need to use a “comb” as a distribution bus.

Tips for assembling an electric meter:

In addition, all wires must be marked; this requirement also applies to installed products. And on the door there should be a table indicating the purpose of each element.

Circuit breakers or circuit breakers help protect a building's electrical network by supplying and controlling voltage. Install automatic switches in the distribution panel. They are classified into different types, each type has its own characteristics of operation. The connection diagram of the machines for the meter also has its own characteristics, which are discussed in this article.

Types of circuit breakers

Electricity meter machines are distinguished according to several criteria:

• by the type of current in the main circuit;
• mechanical or motor control;
• installation method: the machines can be pulled out, be stationary or stuck into the wall;
• by type of release: they are magnetic, electronic, thermal and other types;
• body: may consist of separate parts or be solid, open or closed;
• the amount of current passed;
• the ability to disconnect the electrical circuit from a distance;
• protection that is triggered at critical voltage levels.

The sizes of machines for electricity meters can be different: designed to protect electrical networks in residential premises or large industrial buildings. Switches made in Russia and foreign made are installed in apartments.

Switches are divided into:

• differential;
• automatic;
• residual current devices. They protect against electric shock and prevent fire when electrical cables are damaged.

Operation of safety switches

To connect the device correctly, you need to understand the principle of its operation.

The product consists of a housing, terminals, control system, communication device, and arc chute.

The devices are made from fire-resistant plastic. Some contacts can move, some are stationary.

The contact pair located on the pole of the machine has an arc chamber that controls the voltage. The chamber consists of plates that cool the electric arc that occurs during disturbances.


Several pairs of contacts can be installed in meter machines. The double-pole switch has 2 pairs of contacts, moving and stationary, and is equipped with an on indicator.

It is important to know! The release switches off the device in the event of an accident. The thermal release contains a plate that heats up under the influence of current electrons or when the air temperature changes, and bends towards the trigger mechanism, turning off the device.

A magnetic release consists of a coil that is connected in series to the contacts. In the event of an accident, the core in the coil moves under the influence of the magnet and opens the contacts.

The excess total power of connected devices causes an overload in the electrical network. Therefore, automatic meters for the electric meter are connected to the circuit, which are turned off when the current value is greater than the calculated one. The required value is determined by adding up the power of the devices that will be connected to the network, and dividing the resulting number by 220. This is the overload indicator. This is the size the wire must withstand.

The calculation of the value at which the machine will turn off in the event of a short circuit is made during the construction of the building, and then the type of protective device is selected.

Installation of the machine to the meter

When connecting, they are guided by the requirements of the Electricity Meter Installation Rules. They indicate that the power cable fits into the fixed contacts located on top for any device connection option.

The meter is installed both on the territory of the apartment and in the entrance. The model must comply with accepted legal standards. The device passport must have a mark indicating that the meter is included in the unified register. The controlling electricity supply company must check whether the installation of metering devices and wires has been carried out correctly.

Important! Automatic switches are installed before the line is inserted into the meter.

A machine for a meter with one pole is installed in a network where there are two cables - a neutral wire (denoted by the abbreviation PEN) and a phase wire (marked with the letter L). Only one machine for the meter is installed per phase in accordance with accepted standards. If possible, it is recommended to use a switch with two poles. Typically this system is used in old buildings. The power conductor is connected to the incoming terminal of the packet, then passed through the meter and routed to protective devices. The neutral cable is also routed through the meter.


You should definitely study the device passport, which shows the correct diagram for connecting the wires to the terminals. The passport contains information about the cross-section of wires, types of connections, and the length of the stripped section of conductor.

The basic connection rule is that you need to connect the power cable on top, and the load wire on the bottom. If you need to replace the machine or connect additional cables, then in the future there will be no need to understand the wires.

The end of the cable cores is stripped to 10 cm. This makes it easier for the wire to fit into the shield and bend, which makes it easier to install several machines. The insulation inside the cable is removed by 1 cm.

Conductors are marked in different colors:

• white and brown colors are used for phase wires;
• black, blue, light blue indicate the neutral cable;
• green for grounding.

After stripping the wire, it is inserted into the contact from above and secured with a screw using a screwdriver. If the wire is flexible, then it is better to connect special lugs. They ensure a reliable connection.

When connecting, the following must not be allowed:

• insulation getting under the clamp;
• Tightening the wire too much to prevent changes in the shape of the housing and disruption of the switch.

Several protective devices can be built into the shield, which are connected by jumpers, but it is more effective to use a tire selected to size.

How to connect machines after the meter

First of all, determine the required number of circuit breakers. The best option would be to share the load. One device is used for sockets, and the second for powering lighting.

An expensive option is to install a separate switch in each room. With this method, there will be machine boxes in each room, which does not always fit into the interior.

It is advisable to install meter machines with the help of an electrician who understands various types of meters, automatic switches and electrical connection diagrams. Using his knowledge, you can reduce material costs for electrical panel equipment, find out possible ways to save energy, and improve the power supply of connected devices.