More L2 metering solutions from Eaton

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To help specifiers and installers meet the latest requirements of the UK Building Regulations Part L2 for conservation of fuel and power in non-domestic premises, Eaton has introduced a range of new energy metering solutions. These will simplify the provision of metering for lighting, small power and other loads at the final distribution board and reduce the need to wait for factory-built specials.

The Building Regulations effectively call for separate energy metering at all final distribution boards above 50kW in new non-domestic premises with a floor area greater than 500m2. Eaton is offering two approaches to this ? Type A distribution boards with integral metering, and separate meter packs that can be installed with its popular Type A (single-phase) and Type B (three-phase) Memshield 2 distribution boards. In both cases it is offering a ?split metering? option to enable small power and lighting loads to be metered separately.

The Type A boards with integral meters are 65A SPN units with a single meter or 100A boards fitted with a two channel meter feeding two separate busbars at 65A each, providing separate metering of small power and lighting loads within one board. The single meter boards are available as 9-way or 12-way SPN units while the split boards are available as 6+6 way or 8+4 way SPN units. The meters provide a visual readout and a pulsed output for measurement of kWh. They can also provide visual indication of other parameters such as line voltage, current, kVAr and power factor. A modbus RS 485RTU option is also available.

A separate meter pack is also available which fits alongside Type A Memshield distribution boards. Dimensions and finish are designed to blend aesthetically with the adjacent board. The meter offers similar options and capabilities to those in the boards with integral meters.

For Type B (three-phase) applications, Eaton has introduced new 125A and 160A split-load meter packs in addition to two existing meter packs. The new packs are designed to sit below two standard Memshield 2 Type B boards serving lighting and small power circuits, fed by a single cable supply. It houses a 125A/160A rotary disconnect switch incomer, two sets of current transformers and two multifunction meters, together with all the internal connections. The distribution boards can be standard Memshield 2 units with the normal choice of connection options.

The existing meter packs, introduced a little over a year ago, are single-channel units. One uses a 100A direct connection OFGEM approved and certified meter providing visual readout and pulsed output of kWh only. The other uses a 200A Class 1 multi-function meter, complete with current transformers and wiring terminals. It provides visual and pulsed output kWh measurement and visual display of other parameters. In addition, a MID approved Meter version has been added to the range, as the market starts to move away from OFGEM certified meters and migrates to MID (Measurement and Instrumentation Directive) certified products for billing applications.

?There is a huge market for MCB distribution boards but in future many of these will need metering of the incoming supply. Eaton?s new Memshield 2 meter packs and Type A boards with integral metering offer contractors a cost-effective way to meet these requirements without having to resort to special factory-built solutions? says Mike Lawrence, Eaton?s Product Manager for commercial assemblies.

Picture shows three of the new Eaton meter packs (foreground) and three Memshield 2 distribtuion boards.

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