Product Bulletin

PB42-1800A

A1800 ALPHA Meter Family

 2005 by Elster Electricity, LLC. All rights are reserved.

No part of this software or documentation may be reproduced, transmitted, processed or recorded by any means or form,
electronic, mechanical, photographic or otherwise, translated to another language, or be released to any third party without the
express written consent of Elster Electricity, LLC.
Printed in the United States of America.
ALPHA, ALPHA Plus, and EnergyAxis are registered trademarks and Metercat and AlphaPlus are trademarks of Elster
Electricity, LLC.
Other product and company names mentioned herein may be the trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective
owners.

DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTIES AND LIMITATIONS OF LIABILITY

There are no understandings, agreements, representations, or warranties either express or implied, including warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose, other than those specifically set out by any existing contract between the parties.
Any such contract states the entire obligation of the seller. The contents of this document shall not become part of or modify any
prior existing agreement, commitment, or relationship.
The information, recommendations, descriptions, and safety notices in this document are based on Elster Electricity, LLC experience and judgment with respect to operation and maintenance of the described product. This information should not be considered as all-inclusive or covering all contingencies. If further information is required, Elster Electricity, LLC should be consulted.
No warranties, either expressed or implied, including warranties of fitness for a particular purpose or merchantability, or warranties arising from the course of dealing or usage of trade, are made regarding the information, recommendations, descriptions,
warnings, and cautions contained herein.
In no event will Elster Electricity, LLC be responsible to the user in contract, in tort (including negligence), strict liability or otherwise for any special, indirect, incidental, or consequential damage or loss whatsoever, including but not limited to: damage or
loss of use of equipment, cost of capital, loss of profits or revenues, or claims against the user by its customers resulting from
the use of the information, recommendations, descriptions, and safety notices contained herein.

A1800 ALPHA Meter Family

Product Bulletin

A1800 ALPHA Meter Family

Product Bulletin

Contents

Contents

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
System-ready Meter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Flexible communication options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Optional internal industrial-grade modem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Enhanced Features and Functionality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Tamper restraint and quality monitoring (TRueQ) . . . . . . . . . . 3
Extended memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Transformer and line loss compensation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Optical Port (Available in ANSI or IEC Standard) . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Optional batteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Optional auxiliary power supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
LCD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Displayable quantities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Current billing period . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Previous billing period readings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Previous season readings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Self read. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Revenue Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Open cover detection switches. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Site diagnostics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Reverse energy flow warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Cumulative maximum demand . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Always Positive energy measurement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Write prevention lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Three-level passwords . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Security audit trail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Exceptional Environmental Performance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Rugged enclosure. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Clear nameplate information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Technical Details . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Accuracy class . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Terminal configurations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Wiring configurations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Wide operating ranges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Four-quadrant metering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Meter types. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Option boards. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Instantaneous service measurements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Load profiling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Instrumentation profiling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Relays. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Detailed Logs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
History log . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Event log. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Self reads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Voltage sag log . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Metercat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Alpha Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
22 July 2005

Contents

A1800 ALPHA Meter Family

Product Bulletin

Operating Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operating modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Normal mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Alternate mode. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Program mode (optional) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Test mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pulse outputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Push buttons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ALT button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
RESET button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Demand reset lockout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Billing data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Average power factor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Demand calculation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Maximum demand . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Coincident demand or power factor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
TOU data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Demand forgiveness. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Meter tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
System instrumentation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
System service tests. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Meter self testing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Technical specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dimensions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Absolute maximums . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operating ranges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operating characteristics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
General performance characteristics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

ii

20
20
20
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20
21
21
21
22
22
22
22
23
23
24
24
24
24
24
24
25
27
27
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29

22 July 2005

A1800 ALPHA Meter

Product Bulletin

A1800 ALPHA Meter

Product Bulletin

Introduction

Introduction
Elster Electricity has engineered the A1800 ALPHA meter family based on
our extensive metering technology and global metering standards
knowledge. The A1800 ALPHA family are world-class, highly accurate,
robust, system-ready meters that are ideally suited for advanced
commercial, industrial, and substation metering applications. Using an
open protocol and supporting a variety of communications methods, the
A1800 ALPHA meter family is integral to any metering system.
Figure 1. A1800 ALPHA meter family application pyramid

A1
80
0A

LP
HA

me
ter
f

am
ily

Interchange
metering

Heavy C&I

Mid C&I

Light C&I

Residential

Table 1. Meter designations of the A1800 ALPHA meter family

Meter

Market segment

Class

1880

Interchange meter

0.2

1860

Heavy C&I

0.2, 0.5

1830

Mid C&I

0.5, 1.0

1810

Mid C&I

1.0

22 July 2005

Standard features

Optional features

See Elster for availability

2 comm ports
4 relays
external power supply
advanced metering (A)
TRueQ (Q)
load profiling (L)
instrumentation profiling (N)
1 comm port
4 relays
TRueQ (Q)
load profiling (L)
instrumentation profiling (N)
no comm port
no relays
TRueQ (Q)

transformer loss comp (C)

extended 1MB memory (X)

advanced metering (A)

transformer loss comp (C)
extended 1MB memory (X)

advanced metering (A)

load profiling (L)
instrumentation profiling (N)
transformer loss comp (C)
extended 1MB Memory (X)

System-ready Meter

A1800 ALPHA Meter

Product Bulletin

System-ready Meter
Sophisticated in its system-ready capabilities, the A1800 ALPHA meters
easily upgradeable design offers our customers the flexibility to keep pace
with their changing metering requirements and business growth.

NEW

Application
Faster data reading to minimize
download time of profile data

Flexible communication options

The A1800 ALPHA meters robust power supply supports communications
options, including RS-232, RS-485, and internal modem, as well as future
options developed by Elster and our business partners. With the capability
to communicate simultaneously using up to 2 communication ports, the
A1800 ALPHA meter removes the guesswork needed to support different
communications needs. The meters open protocol provides easy, remote
access to the advanced functions of the meter.
The serial port provides communication speed up to 19,200 bps.
Optional internal industrial-grade modem
An optional, industrial-grade modem with wide temperature range
performance is available.1

Figure 2. A1800 ALPHA meter

Hanger (extended)
Active enery test LED
Alternate enery test
LED
RESET button
(sealable)

LCD

T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6

T7 T8 EOI Cnf TC TST

ALT ()
button

A1800R ALNCQPS-X1P1S1
3x100V400V, 50Hz

/1 /5 (10)A, Cl.0.5S
0.5

Manufacturer
nameplate

LEDs: 20000 Imp/kWh(kVARh)

*LEDs: 50000 Imp/kWh(kVARh)

CT

Serial #: 0000 0001

VT

2005

ZMXCXXXXX-XX

imp/kWh(kVARh)

Optical port1
Customer
nameplate

Meter cover screws

(sealable)

Terminal cover
screws (sealable)

Wiring cover (long)

Contact Elster Electricity for feature availability.

22 July 2005

A1800 ALPHA Meter

Product Bulletin

Enhanced Features and Functionality

Figure 3. A1800 ALPHA meter (transformer rated) - cover removed

RS-232 connector
(optional)*

RS-485 terminals
(optional)*
Pulse output relays

TOU
battery

RS-485 terminals

Battery
connector
Terminal removal
detector switch
RS-232
connector
Terminal connectors
Auxiliary
power supply
*Present when optional second communication port is installed

Enhanced Features and Functionality

Application
Reduce tampering and monitor
power quality with TRueQ.

NEW

Tamper restraint and quality monitoring (TRueQ)

Our TRueQ feature is an efficient, cost-effective means of monitoring
tampering, power quality, and service status without the need of a separate
and expensive external device. Elsters A1800 ALPHA meter comes
standard with TRueQ-enabled. TRueQ may be programmed to test such
parameters as high or low voltage, high or low power factor, high harmonic
distortion, current imbalance, voltage imbalance, and voltage sags. Each of
these measurements has programmable thresholds. The TRueQ log
records the time of the TRueQ test failure and reports the identity of the
failed test. When the condition that caused the TRueQ test failure ends, the
meter records the time and the identity of the test.
The A1800 ALPHA meter family, combined with Elster Electricity meter
support software, can help identify power distortion problems and their
source. By using TRueQ, utilities can monitor exceptions to user-defined
thresholds for items such as voltage, current, total harmonic distortion, and
total demand distortion. The A1800 ALPHA meter can perform a variety of
tests to measure and collect power quality data 24 hours a day, including
the following:

22 July 2005

continuously monitor 12 different power quality conditions (see

Table 2)

generate real time alarms for violations

date/time stamp a log entry

a counter and a timer for each test to record the total number of
occurrences and the cumulative time spent outside the threshold

Enhanced Features and Functionality

A1800 ALPHA Meter

Product Bulletin

Table 2. Available TRueQ tests

Application
Extended memory will allow for greater
memory storage (for example, extensive
load and instrumentation profiling),

NEW

TRueQ

Test name

Test 1

Service voltage test

System service voltage test

thresholds

Test 2

Low voltage test

A specified low voltage

threshold

Test 3

High voltage test

A specified high voltage

threshold

Test 4

Reverse power test & PF

Service current test

thresholds

Test 5

Low current test

Service current test

thresholds

Test 6

Power factor (PF)

A specified threshold for

leading and lagging

Test 7

Second harmonic current

test

A specified current threshold

Test 8

% Total harmonic distortion

current

Specified THD percentage

Test 9

% Total harmonic distortion

voltage

Specified THD percentage

Test 10

Voltage imbalance

Minimum high voltage

threshold and imbalance
threshold

Test 11

Current imbalance

Minimum high current

threshold and imbalance
threshold

Test 12

% total demand distortion

Specified TDD percentage

Configuration based upon

Extended memory
A 1 MB extended memory board is available and must be specified at time
of order.
Transformer and line loss compensation
The loss compensation functionality is available only on the following
current transformer (CT) connected A1800 ALPHA meter configurations:

2-element

2 element

3-element

A meter with loss compensation must first be programmed with the proper
utility rate configuration using Elster Electricity meter support software just
as you would with any other A1800 ALPHA meter. Next, a special
programming step is performed to load the proper loss constants into the
meter. This is done with special Windowsbased software, A1800 ALPHA
Meter Loss Compensation Tool.

22 July 2005

A1800 ALPHA Meter

Product Bulletin

Enhanced Features and Functionality

To configure the loss compensation feature of an A1800 ALPHA Meter you

must input the following values into the loss compensation software. These
values are site specific and must be uniquely determined for each loss
compensation application.
Parameter

Description

%LWFe

Iron watts correction percentage

%LWCu

Copper watts correction percentage

%LVFe

Iron vars correction percentage

%LVCu

Copper vars correction percentage

Meter current

Meter current when power transformer is operating

at maximum rating

Meter voltage

Meter voltage when power transformer is operating

at rated voltage

Calculation of loss compensation parameters is dependent on the location

of the meter with respect to the power transformer. The rated voltage and
rated current used in the calculations must represent the values on the
same side of the power transformer as the meter is located.

If the meter is located on the secondary side of the power

transformer, then the rated voltage and rated current used in the
calculations must be secondary values.

If the meter is located on the primary side of the power

transformer, then the rated voltage and rated current used in the
calculations must be primary values.

Refer to the A1800 ALPHA Meter Technical Manual (TM42-2410) for

details on configuring transformer and line loss compensation.

NEW

Optical Port (Available in ANSI or IEC Standard)

The A1800 ALPHA meter provides an optical port that can be ordered with
either an ANSI-compliant or IEC-compliant interface. To use Elster
Electricity meter support software to read or program the meter requires an
optical probe connected to the PC and optical port. This probe connects
the computer to the optical port on the meter, and the probe provides the
required interface for communications.
For more information on ordering the UNICOM III Probe, contact your local
Elster Electricity representative.

NEW

22 July 2005

Optional batteries
The A1800 ALPHA meter supports up to two batteries. The main battery is
under the meters terminal cover (see Figure 4); the auxiliary battery is
located under the meters main circuit board (see Figure 5).

Enhanced Features and Functionality

A1800 ALPHA Meter

Product Bulletin

Figure 4. Optional main meter battery location

Optional main meter battery

(under terminal cover)

Figure 5. Optional auxiliary meter battery location

Optional auxiliary battery

(under main circuit board)

Optional auxiliary power supply

The auxiliary power supply is located under the meters terminal cover. See
Figure 3 for an illustration showing the location of these items.

NEW

LCD
The A1800 ALPHA meter is equipped with a 16-segment character liquid
crystal display. The LCD is used to display meter data, status, warning, and
error information. The LCD operates over a wide temperature range of
-45 C to +85 C. The LCD is divided into different display regions, as
shown in Figure 6. An optional backlit LCD is also available.2

Contact Elster Electricity for complete details.

22 July 2005

A1800 ALPHA Meter

Product Bulletin

Enhanced Features and Functionality

Figure 6. A1800 ALPHA meter LCD

Low battery indicator

Phase indicators
(3)

Error/warning indicator
Energy direction
indicators

Quantity identifier

Alternate mode
indicator
Comm. port
indicator

Display
quantity

Power/energy
units identifier
Tariff indicators 1 to 4
(left to right)

Reserved

EOI indicator

Test mode
indicator
Cover removed
indicator

LC indicator

Displayable quantities
Using Elster Electricity meter support software, users can program which
quantities are displayed on the LCD. The following summary shows the
types of items that can be displayed. A full listing of the possible display
quantities can be found in the meter technical manual or the software user
guide.
Current billing period. Current billing period readings include the
following information:

all time-of-use data

all available energy and demand readings

selected security and instrumentation data

The specific items measured and displayed are selected and programmed
by the user with Elster Electricity meter support software.
Figure 7. Metered quantity - tariff 2 cumulative demand

T2

Previous billing period readings. All of the data for the current billing
period is automatically stored at the time of a demand reset, including all of
the recorded time-of-use data.
Previous season readings. On a season change, all billing data is stored
and is available for display.
Self read. The A1800 ALPHA meter can display data from all the self
reads.

22 July 2005

Revenue Protection

A1800 ALPHA Meter

Product Bulletin

Figure 8. Metered quantity - tariff 2 delivered (self read)

T2

Revenue Protection
Multiple anti-tampering and advanced security features have been built into
the A1800 ALPHA meter to ensure revenue protection for our customers.
The meters site diagnostic capability continuously monitors the service,
verifying that all phases are present and that the wiring configuration is
correct. Adverse or abnormal conditions, such as phase outages and
reverse energy events, are logged. In addition to logging, the meter can
generate an alarm. The meter can be programmed to record cumulative
demand to help monitor potential tampering. The history log provides an
audit trail of data-altering or program-changing events within the meter.
An always run positive security option enables the A1800 ALPHA meter
to calculate the absolute energy value per phase. We also offer an optional
write-protection hardware lock feature that disables the meters ability to be
re-programmed in the field.
Application
Cover
detection
switches
record all opening and closing
of covers by logging events with
a time and date stamp.

NEW

Open cover detection switches

Removing the terminal cover or the main meter cover opens a detection
switch and exposes the base electronic assembly, including the terminal
connections. Each of the covers includes a plastic tab that when released
activates the detection switch (Figure 9). When a detection switch is
activated the TC (terminal cover) indicator on the LCD (Figure 10) will
behave in the following manner:

turns on and remains on when the terminal cover is removed

blinks when the meter cover is removed

Figure 9. Terminal cover tamper detection switch

Cover closed

Cover opened

22 July 2005

A1800 ALPHA Meter

Product Bulletin

Revenue Protection

Figure 10. LCD indication of tamper detection

Lit = terminal cover open

Blink = meter cover open

TC

The event is logged with the date and time (even when the meter is not
powered).

Application
This feature makes sure the meter is
installed correctly and generates an
alarm if it is not.

Application
If the metered service is not expected to
return energy, this warning may be an
indication of tampering. Further investigation is recommended. In some cases, the
A1800 ALPHA meter may need to be
returned to the factory.

Application
This feature is used to calculate the previous maximum demand when the
demand may have had an unauthorized
reset.

Site diagnostics
The meters site diagnostic capability continuously monitors the service,
verifying that all phases are present and that the wiring configuration is
correct. Adverse or abnormal conditions, such as phase outages and
reverse energy events, are logged. In addition to logging, the meter can
generate an alarm. See Instrumentation profiling on page 16 for details.
Reverse energy flow warning
The W1 000100 warning code indicates that reverse energy flow has been
detected equivalent to the energy represented by 2 test LED pulses since
the last reset. It may be an indication of tampering with the A1800 ALPHA
meter installation. If reverse energy flow is expected, then this warning
code can be disabled through Elster Electricity meter support software.
The code is cleared by these methods:

performing a demand reset

issuing the clear values and status command through Elster

Electricity meter support software

Cumulative maximum demand

Using cumulative maximum demand, a demand reset adds the current
maximum demand value to the cumulative maximum demand. Since the
cumulative demand is not reset to zero, unauthorized demand resets do
not cause a loss of the maximum demand data.
To determine the maximum demand for a billing period after a demand
reset, subtract the previous cumulative demand value from the current
cumulative demand value.

Application
Prevent tampering and minimize
the tamperings effect by forcing
positive energy flow in the event
of improper wiring.

NEW

Always Positive energy measurement

The A1800 ALPHA meter can be ordered with an optional theft-resistant
measurement feature, Always Positive, that records reverse energy flow as
positive energy flow on a phase-by-phase basis. This feature can be used
to deter power theft or minimize the effects of improper meter wiring. The
following equation shows how total active power is calculated using theftresistant measurement:

Ptotal = P1 + P2 + P3
Theft-resistant measurement normally applies to registration of active
energy. Apparent energy registers are calculated and signed normally.
Instrumentation values, including +kWh and -kWh, are also signed
normally. Therefore, instrumentation can be used to investigate the meter
service wiring, while the theftresistant measurement guarantees that
active energy is properly registered.
22 July 2005

Exceptional Environmental Performance

A1800 ALPHA Meter

Product Bulletin

Note:

In the rare situation of extremely poor power factor, 2element applications where the phase shift of the first
element exceeds 60 will result in over-measuring of the
first element energy and may result in incorrect overbilling.

Operation of the LCD energy direction indicators is modified by theftresistant measurement. With the theftresistant option, the -P arrow is not
used. The +P energy direction indicator is on continuously whenever kWh
flow of any direction is detected.

Application
Prevent unauthorized meter configuration
changes with this feature by locking the
meter configuration at the factory.

Application
Prevent unauthorized access to meter
data and configuration using the extensive password protection feature.

Application
Obtain a complete audit trail of meter
operations and incidents, an invaluable
tool for obtaining evidence of unauthorized meter operation.

Write prevention lock

If specified at time of ordering, by default, an A1800 ALPHA meter will not
allow meter program parameters to be altered unless the meter is in
program mode. see Program mode (optional) on page 20 for more
details.
Three-level passwords
Meter passwords, set by the utility, provide security against unauthorized
communications to the meter. Communications cannot be initiated with the
meter unless the user gives the correct password. The A1800 ALPHA
meter uses three different passwords for granting specific access to data.
One password allows read only access to meter data and prevents
programming changes. A second password permits tasks required for
billing data collection, such as adjusting the date and time, performing
demand resets, and clearing any errors and warnings. A third password
allows full programming capability for changing meter configuration
parameters.
Security audit trail
All A1800 ALPHA meter configurations (including the A1800D) provide
audit trails for detecting potential tampering incidents. In addition to the
history log and event log, which can be used to help determine possible
meter tampering, the A1800 ALPHA meter can report such events as the
following:

number of manually-initiated demand resets

number of days since last demand reset

number of days since last pulse detected

reverse energy flow

number of failed password attempts

All A1800 ALPHA meters record a chronological history of programming

changes to the meter.

Exceptional Environmental Performance

Meters are routinely subjected to a diverse range of harsh environments,
including extreme temperatures and dust. Even meters installed in indoor
industrial environments or inside cabinets can be exposed to severe
conditions. Elster has addressed these demanding requirements by
designing the A1800 ALPHA meter with many of the robust features used
in our outdoor electronic meters.

NEW

10

Rugged enclosure
The A1800 ALPHA meter family is designed for indoor mounting. The
cover assembly of the A1800 ALPHA meter exceeds the environmental
requirements of IEC 62053-11. The A1800 ALPHA meter provides an IP54
degree of resistance from water, dust, and sand.

22 July 2005

A1800 ALPHA Meter

Product Bulletin

Technical Details

Encased in a rugged polycarbonate enclosure, the A1800 ALPHA meter

functions reliably within a wide operating temperature range of -40 C to
+85 C (inside the meter) and a wide operating humidity range of 0% to
100 % non-condensing.
Clear nameplate information
The A1800 ALPHA meter family provides ample nameplate information,
protected under a plastic cover. The information is easy to read, indelible,
and tamper-resistant. It will last as long as the meter and will not be
affected by the UV light. The nameplate will also include barcode serial
number information for easy stock control.

Technical Details
Accuracy class
The A1800 ALPHA meter meets or exceeds requirements of IEC
standards.
IEC 62053-22

IEC 62053-21

IEC 62053-231

Configuration
Class 0.2 S

Class 0.5 S

Class 1.0

direct connect
transformer-rated
1

Class 2.0 Class 2.0

Class 3.0

Actual reactive energy accuracy is substantially better than required by the standard.

Terminal configurations
The A1800 ALPHA meter supports three terminal configurations:

100 A (120 A thermal) self-contained with voltage disconnect links

10 A transformer-rated (sequential)

10 A transformer-rated (symmetrical)

Wiring configurations. Refer to the wiring diagram on the nameplate of

each meter for specific terminal assignments. All connections are equipped
with combination-head screws that accept either a slotted or Phillips
screwdriver.

Figure 11. Twoelement, threewire delta transformer connected

1 2 3

L 1
I
2
N
E 3

22 July 2005

7 8 9

L
O
A
D

11

Technical Details

A1800 ALPHA Meter

Product Bulletin

Figure 12. Three-element, four-wire current transformer, sequential connection

2
N
3

1
L 2
I
N 3
EN

9 11

L
O
A
D

Figure 13. Three-element, four-wire current transformer, symmetrical connection

2
N
1

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 11

1
L 2
I
N 3
EN

12

L
O
A
D

22 July 2005

A1800 ALPHA Meter

Product Bulletin

Technical Details

Figure 14. Threeelement, fourwire instrument transformer, sequential connection

2
N
3

9 11

1
L
2
I
N 3
E
N

L
O
A
D

Figure 15. Three-element, fourwire instrument transformer, symmetrical connection

2
N
1

1 2 3 4

1
L
I 2
N 3
E
N

22 July 2005

5 6

7 8 9 11

L
O
A
D

13

Technical Details

A1800 ALPHA Meter

Product Bulletin

Figure 16. Twoelement, threewire delta or network connection

L1

L3

L2
or
L3

L1

3 4

6 7

L1
L2 or N
L3

Figure 17. Threeelement, fourwire wye or fourwire delta connection

L3

L1

L2
or

11

L3

N
L2

9 10

12

L1

L1
L2
L3
N

Application
Wide current and voltage ranges allow
for reduced inventory stocking levels.

Wide operating ranges

The A1800 ALPHA meter has the following wide operating ranges:

voltage 46 V to 528 V

current 1 mA to 10 A (CT-connected)

Four-quadrant metering
Four-quadrant metering allows measurement of active, reactive, and
apparent energy in both the delivered and received directions.
A1800 ALPHA meters with reactive or apparent metering capabilities can
measure two quantities, one average power factor and two coincident
values. When enabled with advanced four-quadrant metering, these
meters offer six measured quantities, two average power factors and four
coincident values.

14

22 July 2005

A1800 ALPHA Meter

Product Bulletin

Technical Details

Meter types
The A1800 ALPHA meter family is delivered factory-configured in the
following basic meter configuration:
A1800R

VARh and VAR, VAh and VA1, Wh and W on a TOU

basis

VAh and is measured by vectorial calculation using Wh and VARh on a continuos

integration basis.

The following additional functions can be applied to the meter types:

Suffix

Description of function

Load profiling (LP)

Instrumentation profiling (IP)

Transformer and line loss compensation (LC)

Advanced four-quadrant metering (6 quantities)

Option boards
Some of the option boards available for the A1800 ALPHA meter are
indicated below:

output relay option board (2 relays)

internal modem option board

RS-232 option board

RS-485 option board

1 MB extended memory board

auxiliary power supply

Instantaneous service measurements

System instrumentation quantities are measured instantaneously and
generally provided on a per phase basis. The instrumentation
measurements are near instantaneous. Using Elster Electricity meter
support software, instrumentation quantities may be placed in normal,
alternate, or test mode display sequences. The alternate mode display
sequence is recommended because it is generally not necessary for these
quantities to be displayed at all times.
The meters LCD can be programmed with Elster Electricitys meter
support software to display primary instrumentation values.
Figure 18. System instrumentation kVA

22 July 2005

15

Technical Details

A1800 ALPHA Meter

Product Bulletin

A1800 ALPHA meters can provide instantaneous measurements of the

following values:

Frequency
System kW
System kVA (arithmetic)
System kvar (arithmetic)
System power factor (arithmetic)
System power factor angle (arithmetic)
System kvar (vectorial)
System kVA (vectorial)
System power factor (vectorial)
System power factor angle (vectorial)

Phase voltages and currents

Phase voltage angle relative to line 1
voltage
Phase kW and kVA
Phase kvar (vectorial)
Phase current angle relative to line 1
voltage
Phase power factor
Phase power factor angle
Phase 1st harmonic (fundamental)
voltage magnitude
Phase 1st harmonic (fundamental)
current magnitude
Phase 2nd harmonic voltage magnitude
Phase 2nd harmonic current magnitude
Phase 2nd harmonic voltage
percentage
Phase total harmonic current
magnitude
Phase total harmonic distortion
percentage (voltage or current)
Phase total demand distortion

Load profiling
In meters with load profiling capabilities (designated with the L option),
the A1800 ALPHA meter can record up to 8 channels of information, using
metered quantities as sources for load profiling.
Application
Identify tampering and monitor
power quality using instrumentation profiling.

NEW

Instrumentation profiling
In meters with instrumentation profiling capabilities (designated with the N
option), the A1800 ALPHA meter has 2 sets of instrumentation recorders.
A set can record up to 16 channels of information about the conditions at
the meter installation. Any instrumentation quantity can be recorded. Each
channel can be configured to sample its selected quantity over the
instrumentation interval and can record the results in one of the following
ways:
Minimum

The meter samples the selected quantity over the

instrumentation interval. The minimum value of all the
samples is recorded.

Maximum

The meter samples the selected quantity over the

instrumentation interval. The maximum value of all the
samples is recorded.

Average

End

16

The meter samples the selected quantity over the

instrumentation interval. The average value of all the
samples is recorded.
The meter samples the selected quantity over the
instrumentation interval. The last value of all the samples
is recorded.

22 July 2005

A1800 ALPHA Meter

Product Bulletin

Technical Details

Measurement

Figure 19. Instrumentation profiling recording options

Maximum

Average

End
Minimum
0

15

30

45

Minutes

IP interval

Each set of instrumentation profiling has its own, independent interval

length that is configured separately from the demand interval length.

Application
Relays can be programmed to provide
alarms on TRueQ events.

Relays
The A1800 ALPHA meter supports the installation of one or two option
boards and one or both option boards can include relay outputs. The
meter supports up to 6 relays (4 relays on the main circuit board and 2
relays on an option board), depending upon the communications options
being used. For more information about relay outputs and
communications, see the instructional leaflet that comes with the option
board.

Figure 20. A1800 ALPHA meter - relay options

RS-232 connector (optional)*
RS-485 terminals (optional)*
Pulse output relays

RS-232 connector

RS-485 terminals

*Present when optional second

communication port installed
Pulse output relay default values

RS-485 connections
Tx+

A = Wh del
B = varh del
C = Wh rec
D = varh rec

E = EOI
F = LC

RS-232 connector
1

Rx-

Tx-

2
6

4
8

Rx+

1 = NC
2 = Rx
3 = Tx
4 = DTR
5 = GND

6 = DSR
7 = RTS
8 = NC
9 = NC

The output relays can switch up to 250 VAC or 350 VDC at up to 70 mA.
See Wiring configurations on page 11.
With the A1800 ALPHA meter, all relay outputs are programmable using
Elster Electricity meter support software. Sources for relay outputs are
listed in Table 3.

22 July 2005

17

Detailed Logs

A1800 ALPHA Meter

Product Bulletin

Table 3. Sources for relay operation and output specifications

Relay source

Relay output specification

Energy pulse

For each pulse of the selected basic metered

quantity (see Billing data on page 22), the
relay will do either of the following:
toggle (that is, turn on and off)
pulse for a specified length of time

Load control

The relay closes when the demand exceeds

the specified demand threshold, and it remains
closed for the duration of the interval. The relay
will open after the demand remains below the
threshold for one full interval.

EOI indication

The relay closes for 5 seconds after the end of

each interval or subinterval.

Demand forgiveness
(cold load pickup)

The relay closes while demand forgiveness is

in effect. The relay will open after the demand
forgiveness time has expired.

TRueQ tests failure

Relay closes as long as the specified TRueQ

tests continue to fail.

Specified errors,
warnings, and meter
events

The relay closes for as long as the specified

errors, warnings, or events persist.

TOU switches to a
specific rate

The relay closes for the duration of the

specified rates.

Detailed Logs
NEW

All A1800 ALPHA meters are equipped with nonvolatile EEPROM. The
standard storage space is 128 KB of main board memory. A small portion
of this main board memory is permanently reserved (called reserved
memory) by the meter to store the main billing and configuration
information. The remainder of the memory, called shared memory, is used
to store the logs and data sets.
Using Elster Electricitys meter support software, you can configure the
number of entries for each log as well as specify events to be logged.
All the logs and data sets share the meters shared memory. The sizes of
each may vary to allow more room for a different log or data set. For
example, self reads can store less data so that load profiling can store
more memory.

NEW

History log
All A1800 ALPHA meter configurations can record alterations to meter
programming in a history log. Each entry in the history log includes the
following:

date and time

ANSI C12.19 table modified or procedure ID used

user ID of the person whose account edited the table or

performed the procedure

Event log
All A1800 ALPHA meter configurations can record the date and time when
meter events occur. Meter events include the following:

18

22 July 2005

A1800 ALPHA Meter

Product Bulletin

Detailed Logs

Application
Self reads eliminate the need to schedule
exact meter reader visits to the meter and
still allow for consistent periodic reads at
the same day of every month.

NEW

NEW

power failures (start date & time and stop date & time)

demand resets

test mode (start date & time and stop date & time)

time changes (the before and after times)

TOU rate override (start date & time and stop date & time)

event log reset

per phase outage (start time and stop time)

terminal cover opened (date & time)

meter cover opened (date & time)

Self reads
All A1800 ALPHA meters support up to 35 self reads. A self read records
current billing data and stores it in memory. Self reads can be triggered by
a scheduled calendar event or every demand reset. This data can be
retrieved later for analysis or billing.
Voltage sag log
The meters also have a voltage sag log. The voltage sag log records the
date, time, and phase of any detected voltage sag below a user-defined
threshold. The meter recognizes sags in duration as short as 2 line cycles
on any phase.
Metercat
Metercat, Elster Electricitys meter support software, is a 32-bit application
running under Microsoft Windows 95/98/NT/Me/2000/XP. Metercat gives
users the ability to communicate with and program the A1800 ALPHA
meter in a Windows environment. To provide for easier analysis, Metercat
generates meter reading reports in HTML format. Users are assigned
unique IDs and group level rights, providing flexible security in deployment.
Additionally, Metercat comes with multiple language support.
Alpha Keys
Alpha Keys software allows A1800 ALPHA meters to be upgraded with
additional functionality. Upgrading with Alpha Keys software means the
meter will not need to be returned to the factory, and new meters are not
necessary for added functionality.
Table 4 lists the options that can be added to the meter using Alpha Keys:

Table 4. Configuration option upgrades

Additional function

Can be added to

Load profiling

A1800R

Instrumentation profiling
Transformer and line loss compensation
Advanced four quadrant metering
1

22 July 2005

A1800RL
1

A1800R
A1800R

Contact Elster Electricity for availability.

19

Operating Features

A1800 ALPHA Meter

Product Bulletin

Operating Features
Operating modes
The A1800 ALPHA meter operates in one of the following modes:

normal

alternate

program (optional)

test

As part of its standard function, the meter performs self tests to make sure
it is operating correctly. The self test ensures that the A1800 ALPHA meter
is functioning properly and that its displayed quantities are accurate. If the
self test indicates an error exists, the LCD will display the error/warning
indicator. The meter will attempt to function normally, but meter data may
be suspect.
Normal mode. Normal mode is the default operating mode for the
A1800 ALPHA meter. It is generally used to display billing data on the LCD.
The meter is fully operational in this mode, and it will process and store
data while the LCD scrolls through the normal display list quantities.
Typically, the normal display mode cycle begins with an LCD test, which
turns on all the display segments. The normal mode cycle then scrolls
through all programmed display quantities before beginning the cycle
again.
While in normal mode, the test LEDs and optical port transmit test pulses
proportional to metered energy. See Pulse outputs on page 21 for more
information.
Alternate mode. Alternate mode can be programmed with Elster
Electricity meter support software to display a second set of quantities on
the LCD. Alternate mode is most often used for displaying nonbilling data,
but it can be programmed to display any of the available quantities. This
mode is activated in one of the following ways:

pressing the ALT () button on the A1800 ALPHA meter

after power up (for one cycle of the alternate display list

Note:

This feature can be disabled using Elster Electricitys

meter support software.

The meter is fully operational while in alternate mode. While in alternate

mode, the test LEDs and optical port transmit test pulses proportional to
metered energy (See Pulse outputs on page 21 for more information.)
and the alternate display indicator displays.
If the LCD remains on a pulse line cumulative counter, the meter will exit the
alternate mode at midnight. For the A1800D meter, which uses relative
timekeeping, midnight may not be synchronous with a realtime clock.

NEW

Application
Program mode can only be entered by
unlocking the hardware lock. This ensures
that meters are installed and maintained
with their originally-intended program, minimizing the opportunities for unauthorized
reprogramming of the meter.

20

Program mode (optional). If specified at time of ordering, by default, an

A1800 ALPHA meter will not allow meter program parameters to be altered
unless the meter is in program mode. Only some data and configuration
parameters can be altered while the meter is in program mode. These
alterable items must be specified during order entry and can include:

communication parameters
power quality parameters
time of day (TOU or load profiling configurations)
switch times (TOU configurations)
special dates list (TOU or load profiling configurations)

22 July 2005

A1800 ALPHA Meter

Product Bulletin

Operating Features

All other parameter changes require the meter to be in program mode.

While in program mode, the test LEDs and optical port transmit test pulses
identically as in normal mode. See Pulse outputs on page 21 for more
information.
Test mode. Test mode displays test readings without affecting the present
energy usage and billing data values in the A1800 ALPHA meter. Shorter
demand intervals may be used in test mode to reduce demand test time
and will not interfere with billing data. When normal mode is resumed,
readings taken during test mode will be discarded, and present energy
usage and billing data values will be restored.
Test mode is activated by issuing a command to the meter over the optical
port using Elster meter support software. The command can include
parameters that select the pulse source and pulse speed:
pulse source options

kWh energy

alternate energy (kVARh for A1800R meters)

See Pulse outputs on page 21 for more information.

Pulse outputs
With A1800 ALPHA meters, all pulse outputs (optical port pulse outputs,
test LEDs pulse outputs, and relay pulse outputs) are programmable using
Elster Electricity meter support software. Table 5 lists the default values of
pulse outputs for the A1800 ALPHA meter.
Table 5. Default pulse output settings
Legend
Pulse output:

Optical port

Normal

Alternate

Test

5000

2500

20,000

Output type / Divisor

Toggle output:

Test LEDs

8
5000

Output type / Divisor

Relays
Output type / Divisor

8
5000

5000

40,000
8

5000
8

40,000
8

Push buttons
The A1800 ALPHA meter is equipped with two buttons: an alternate mode
button and a RESET button. These buttons are located on the front of the
meter (see Figure 21). The buttons are used to manually change the
meters operating mode and display.

22 July 2005

21

Operating Features

A1800 ALPHA Meter

Product Bulletin

Figure 21. Push buttons

ALT ( ) button

R E SE T button
(sealable)

ALT button. Pressing the ALT () button initiates the alternate mode
display sequence. The button performs differently depending on the
operating mode.
RESET button. The RESET button is typically used to perform a demand
reset. The RESET button can be sealed to prevent unauthorized demand
resets. Pressing the RESET button initiates a sequence of events to reset
the billing demand to zero, starts a new billing period, and stores a
complete set of billing quantities for the ending period in nonvolatile
memory.
Demand reset lockout. After a demand reset, the register can be
programmed to ignore subsequent manual demand resets for a specified
time. This can prevent accidental, multiple demand reset operations.
Billing data
All A1800 ALPHA meters are capable of measuring delivered and received
kWh and kW demand. The A1800K and A1800R meters can measure
apparent and reactive energy and demand. The meter engine samples the
voltage and current inputs and sends these measurements to the
microcontroller. In the meter engine, each pulse is equal to 1 Ke, defined as
one of the following:

secondary-rated Wh per pulse

secondary-rated varh per pulse

secondary-rated VAh per pulse

Basic metered quantities can be selected as a source for relay or optical

pulse outputs. The remaining metered quantities are calculated from two or
more basic metered quantities.
Table 6. Metered quantities by meter type
Metered quantity

22

A1800R

kVAh delivered (Q1 + Q4)

kVAh Q1

kVAh Q2

kVAh Q3

kVAh Q4

kVAh received (Q2 + Q3)

22 July 2005

A1800 ALPHA Meter

Product Bulletin

Operating Features

Metered quantity

A1800R

kVAh sum (del + rec)

kvarh (Q1 - Q4)

kvarh (Q1 + Q4)

kvarh (Q2 - Q3)

kvarh (Q2 + Q3)

kvarh (Q3 - Q2)

kvarh delivered (Q1 + Q2)

kvarh net

kvarh Q1

kvarh Q2

kvarh Q3

kvarh Q4

kvarh received (Q3 + Q4)

kvarh sum (del + rec)

kWh delivered

kWh net

kWh received

kWh sum

Basic metered quantity (can be used to drive outputs)

Average power factor. The A1800 ALPHA meter can calculate and
display average power factor. Average power factor is calculated and
updated by the meter every second from the total energy values since the
last demand reset.
The quantities used to calculate the average power factor are userconfigurable. After each demand reset, the values used in the calculation
are set to zero, and the average power factor is set to 1.000. Full TOU data
is maintained for each power factor.
Demand calculation. Demand is the average value of power over a
specific time interval. The A1800 ALPHA meter supports three different
methods for demand calculation.

22 July 2005

Rolling interval

Rolling demand is defined by two parameters:

demand interval length and subinterval length.
Both of these values are configured by Elster
Electricity meter support software. Demand is
calculated at the end of each subinterval,
resulting in overlapping demand intervals.

Block interval

Block demand is a special form of rolling interval

demand in which the subinterval is the same
length as the demand interval.

Thermal time
constant

The A1800 ALPHA meter can calculate demand

based on a logarithmic scale that accurately
emulates thermal demand meters.

23

Operating Features

A1800 ALPHA Meter

Product Bulletin

Maximum demand. The A1800 ALPHA meter stores the highest demand
value that occurs in a billing period, called the maximum demand. In
addition to maximum demand, the A1800 ALPHA meter stores either
cumulative or continuous cumulative maximum demand.
Coincident demand or power factor. Coincident values are values that
occur during the same interval the demand reaches peak value.
A1800 ALPHA meters can be programmed to trigger the recording of a
coincident demand or power factor. The number of coincident values that
can be captured by the A1800 ALPHA meter depends on whether or not
the advanced four-quadrant metering option (-A suffix) is present.

A1800R meters can record 2 coincident demand or power factor

values.

A1800RA meters can record 4 coincident demand or power factor

values.

TOU data. A1800 ALPHA meters with TOU capabilities store energy and
demand data for the total (single rate) in addition to the four TOU rates.
Demand forgiveness. Demand forgiveness is the time after a power
outage when demand is not calculated or stored. Using Elster Electricity
meter support software, the A1800 ALPHA meter has two programmable
settings for demand forgiveness:

the number of minutes a power outage must last to qualify for

demand forgiveness (0 to 15 minutes)

the number of minutes after a qualified power outage when

demand is not calculated or stored (0 to 255 minutes)

Meter tools
The A1800 ALPHA meter can perform these series of tests to analyze the
electrical service and verify its own operation:

System instrumentation

Tamper restraint and quality monitoring (TRueQ)

System service tests

Meter self testing

System instrumentation. System instrumentation measurements provide

nearly instant analysis of electrical service. Most of the >50 instrumentation
quantities are true root mean squared (rms) measurements over an even
number of line cycles, but others are compound quantities. Compound
quantities require multiple measurements at slightly different times with the
results from these multiple measurements. Instrumentation measurements
are not billing measurements. Instrumentation quantities are immediate;
billing is measured or averaged over time. Billing quantities measure all
present phases; instrumentation quantities can measure each phase
separately.

24

frequency

per phase current, voltage, kW, kVA, and kVAR

per phase voltage and current angles (with respect to phase A

voltage)

per phase fundamental (1st harmonic) voltage and current

magnitudes

per phase 2nd harmonic current and voltage magnitudes

per phase voltage and current percent Total Harmonic Distortion

22 July 2005

A1800 ALPHA Meter

Product Bulletin

Operating Features

per phase harmonic current magnitude (sum of 2nd through 15th)

system kW

per phase PF and PF angle

system PF and PF angle (arithmetic)

system PF and PF angle (vectorial)

system kVAR and kVA (arithmetic)

system kVAR and kVA (vectorial)

per phase 2nd harmonic voltage percentage

per phase total demand distortion

System service tests. System service tests can be performed to

determine the validity of the electrical service that the A1800 ALPHA meter
is metering. The system service tests consist of a service voltage test and a
service current test.
Service voltage test
The service voltage test is intended to assist in identifying the following:

incorrectly wired or misapplied voltage transformers

open or missing line fuses

The following are validated by this test:

phase voltages

phase voltage angles

phase rotation

The meter measures each phase voltage and phase voltage angle and
attempts to match the measurements to a stored list of valid services.

If the service voltage test is successful, the validated service is

shown on the meters LCD and the meter will continue to the next
display quantity in the sequence.

If the test is not successful, a warning is set. Also, the LCD will
indicate a service error by displaying SE plus a code on the LCD.

Figure 22. Service current test error

The following conditions can cause the service voltage test to fail:

phase voltage angles not within 15 of the expected service

phase angles

phase voltage magnitudes not within the tolerance of the nominal

service voltages programmed into the meter with Elster Electricity
meter support software

System service locking

Once a service voltage test has detected a valid service, it can be locked
into the A1800 ALPHA meter memory. A locked valid service is used as a
basis for future system service tests and TRueQ tests. The following
information will be stored in the meter when the service is locked:
22 July 2005

25

Operating Features

A1800 ALPHA Meter

Product Bulletin

service type identification

nominal service voltage

voltage phase rotation

service voltage and current limits

voltage sag detection threshold

The A1800 ALPHA meter can lock a valid service in either of these ways:

smart autolock

manual lock

To indicate that a service voltage test is complete, the LCD displays the
following (an example is shown in Figure 23):

phase rotation (for example, L1-2-3 or L3-2-1)

voltage magnitude (for example, 120 or 240)

service type showing the number of wires and the service type, for
example:

1L is a single phase service

3 is a 3-wire delta service

4Y is a 4-wire wye service

Figure 23. Sample service voltage test result

The voltage magnitude and service type appear surrounded by brackets

when the service is locked.
Application
The service current test can detect tampering of meters by flagging incorrectly
wired meters.

Service current test

The service current test validates system currents and is intended to assist
in identifying the following:

incorrectly wired or misapplied current transformers

incorrectly wired sockets

open or missing load-side fuses

If the service current test is successful, L1-2-3 OK is shown on the A1800

ALPHA meter LCD. The meter will continue to the next item in the display
sequence. See Figure 4-8 for an example of a successful service current
test.

26

22 July 2005

A1800 ALPHA Meter

Product Bulletin

Technical specifications

Figure 24. Service current test successful completion

If the test is not successful, a warning is set. Also, the LCD will indicate a
service error by displaying SE and a code, an example of which is shown in
Figure 22.
Meter self testing. A1800 ALPHA meters are factory-calibrated and
tested for years of trouble-free service. No field calibrations or adjustments
are necessary to ensure accurate operation of the meter. It is normal,
however, for the A1800 ALPHA meter to perform self tests. Self tests verify
the meter is operating properly. Errors that are encountered are displayed
on the LCD.

Technical specifications
Dimensions
Figure 25. Dimensions (in millimeters) - for reference only - do not use for construction

22 July 2005

27

Technical specifications

A1800 ALPHA Meter

Product Bulletin

Absolute maximums

Voltage

Continuous 528 VAC

Surge voltage withstand

Test performed

Results

Oscillatory (IEC 61000-4-12)

2.5 kV, 60 seconds

Impulse voltage test (IEC 60060-1)

12 kV @ 1.2/50 s, 450
8 kV with option boards)

AC voltage (insulation)

4 kV, 50 Hz for 1 minute

Current

Continuous at Class amperes

Temporary (0.5 seconds) at 2000 % of maximum meter current
Operating ranges

Voltage
Nameplate nominal range 58 V to 415 V
Operating range 49 V to 528 V
Current

0.0 A to 10 A

Frequency

Nominal 50 Hz or 60 Hz 5 %

Temperature range

-40 C to +85 C inside meter cover

-40 C to +65 C outside

Humidity range

0 % to 100 % noncondensing
Operating characteristics

Power supply burden

Less than 3 W

Per phase current burden

0.1 m typical at 25 C

Per phase voltage burden

0.008 W at 120 V

Accuracy

Active energy

Reactive energy

0.2 % (IEC 62053-22)

0.5 % (IEC 62053-22)
1.0 % (IEC 62053-21)

2.0 % (IEC 62053-23)

Actual accuracy is
better than 0.5 %

28

0.03 W at 240 V

0.04 W at 480 V

22 July 2005

A1800 ALPHA Meter

Product Bulletin

Technical specifications

General performance characteristics

Starting current
CT-connected 1 mA
Direct connect < 40 mA (Ib = 5 A)
Creep 0.000 A (no current)

No more than 1 pulse per quantity, conforming to IEC 62053

requirements

Internal clock accuracy

Better than 0.5 seconds/day (while powered), conforming to

IEC 62054-21

Outage carryover capacity

LiSOCl2 battery rated 800 mAhr, 3.6 V and shelf life of 15+ years.
5 years continuous duty at 25 C.
Supercapacitor (optional) is expected to provide carryover power for all
normal power outages for a period of at least 24 hours at +25 C and a
minimum of 30 minutes at +85 C. The battery is not under load except
when supercapacitor is discharged or when a programmed meter is
stored for an extended period without line power. Based on this low duty
cycle, the projected life of the battery in normal service is expected to be
greater than 20 years.

Communications rate
Optical port 1200 to 28,800 bps

Physical components meet IEC

62056-21 or ANSI C12.18

Optical port protocol ANSI C12.18 and C12.19

Serial ports 1200 bps to 19,200 bps
Serial port protocols ANSI C12.21 and C12.19

22 July 2005

29

Technical specifications

30

A1800 ALPHA Meter

Product Bulletin

22 July 2005

Elster Electricity, LLC

Raleigh, North Carolina USA
+ 1800 338 5251 (US Technical Support)
+ 1800 257 9754 (US Sales Support)
+ 1 919 212 4800 (US Main)
+ 1 905 634 4895 (Canada)
support@us.elster.com
www.elsterelectricity.com