kWh
Active-energy meter
An active-energy meter accumulates active power over time.
SLD / Schematic
Symbols · kWh
Prepayment energy meter
Energy meter with credit control that disconnects supply through an integral switch when credit is used up.
In plain English
What does Prepayment energy meter mean?
A prepayment meter combines an energy register with a credit system and a supply switch. When credit is exhausted the switch opens the supply, so on the schematic the meter includes or controls a load switch in the main circuit as well as its measuring element.
A simple example
The integral switch is a disconnection device rather than protection. The symbol does not show emergency credit arrangements or which circuits are supplied through the switch, and essential loads may need to be wired so they are not interrupted.
What the drawings help you do
Identify which circuits pass through the meter's switch. Check that protection is provided separately. A prepayment meter can switch the supply off; an ordinary energy meter only measures.
This particular reference
Energy meter with credit control that disconnects supply through an integral switch when credit is used up. A prepayment meter can switch the supply off; an ordinary energy meter only measures.
- Terminal
- An identified point where a conductor connects.
- Schematic
- A drawing showing function and connections rather than physical appearance.
Read the source: IEC graphical symbols for diagrams · Power and energy measurement quantities
SLD / Schematic · kWh
What it represents
A prepayment meter combines an energy register with a credit system and a supply switch. When credit is exhausted the switch opens the supply, so on the schematic the meter includes or controls a load switch in the main circuit as well as its measuring element.
The integral switch is a disconnection device rather than protection. The symbol does not show emergency credit arrangements or which circuits are supplied through the switch, and essential loads may need to be wired so they are not interrupted.
How to read it
- Identify which circuits pass through the meter's switch.
- Check that protection is provided separately.
Information to show or reference
- Show integral switch
- Identify switched circuits
- Reference protective device
A distinction that matters
A prepayment meter can switch the supply off; an ordinary energy meter only measures.
Sources you can follow
These public references support the explanation and provide further detail. Their graphics and downloadable files remain with their publishers.
IEC graphical symbols for diagrams
IEC context for graphical symbols used in diagrams; no IEC graphic is reproduced.
Power and energy measurement quantities
Public explanation of energy and power measurement quantities used by meters.
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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