kWh
Active-energy meter
An active-energy meter accumulates active power over time.
SLD / Schematic
Symbols · kWh
Multi-rate energy meter
Energy meter that switches between registers by time or tariff signal so energy is billed at different rates.
In plain English
What does Multi-rate energy meter mean?
A multi-rate meter has two or more registers and switches between them according to an internal clock or an external tariff signal. Older installations use a ripple control receiver or time switch to change rate, which is why the schematic may show a control input to the meter.
A simple example
The symbol marks the multiple registers but not the rate schedule. Tariff periods are set by the supply agreement and meter programming, and the drawing should reference the tariff source rather than assume it from the meter form.
What the drawings help you do
Look for an external tariff switching input. Check that the register count matches the tariff. A multi-rate meter splits energy by time or tariff; a bidirectional meter splits energy by direction.
This particular reference
Energy meter that switches between registers by time or tariff signal so energy is billed at different rates. A multi-rate meter splits energy by time or tariff; a bidirectional meter splits energy by direction.
- Signal
- Electrical information passed between devices, rather than necessarily the main power supply.
- Schematic
- A drawing showing function and connections rather than physical appearance.
Read the source: Power and energy measurement quantities · IEC graphical symbols for diagrams
SLD / Schematic · kWh
What it represents
A multi-rate meter has two or more registers and switches between them according to an internal clock or an external tariff signal. Older installations use a ripple control receiver or time switch to change rate, which is why the schematic may show a control input to the meter.
The symbol marks the multiple registers but not the rate schedule. Tariff periods are set by the supply agreement and meter programming, and the drawing should reference the tariff source rather than assume it from the meter form.
How to read it
- Look for an external tariff switching input.
- Check that the register count matches the tariff.
Information to show or reference
- Show tariff switching source
- State number of registers
- Reference meter program
A distinction that matters
A multi-rate meter splits energy by time or tariff; a bidirectional meter splits energy by direction.
Sources you can follow
These public references support the explanation and provide further detail. Their graphics and downloadable files remain with their publishers.
Power and energy measurement quantities
Public explanation of energy and power measurement quantities used by meters.
IEC graphical symbols for diagrams
IEC context for graphical symbols used in diagrams; no IEC graphic is reproduced.
About this graphic
This illustration was authored independently by Elora Grid to explain the concept. It is not reproduced from a customer drawing, an official standard graphic or a manufacturer CAD file. Its correspondence to an exact IEC or IEEE symbol identifier has not been certified.
SVG and DXF downloads contain this original artwork. DXF uses unscaled drawing units; a GA envelope supplies no product dimensions, clearances or fabrication information. Original artwork is available under CC BY 4.0. Third-party references retain their own terms.
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