# Multi-rate energy meter

Canonical URL: https://eloragrid.ai/symbols/multi-rate-energy-meter
Publisher: Elora Grid
Updated: 2026-10-28
Lookup label: kWh
Drawing use: SLD, Schematic
Reference families: IEC, Manufacturer

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.

### Terms

- Signal: Electrical information passed between devices, rather than necessarily the main power supply.
- Schematic: A drawing showing function and connections rather than physical appearance.

Concept diagram: Identify the device and form → Read the connections and state → Check the equipment reference
A guide to reading this reference. The original symbol illustration and its drawing notes appear below; these boxes are not a wiring diagram.

- [Power and energy measurement quantities](https://www.se.com/ph/en/faqs/FA343278/)
- [IEC graphical symbols for diagrams](https://tc3.iec.ch/tc-activity/graphical-symbols-for-diagrams/)


## 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

## Important distinction

A multi-rate meter splits energy by time or tariff; a bidirectional meter splits energy by direction.

## Facts

- Registers: Two or more tariff registers
- Switching: Internal clock or external tariff signal
- Preview: Independent educational concept; consult the applicable standard and project legend for the exact graphic

## Public references

- [Power and energy measurement quantities](https://www.se.com/ph/en/faqs/FA343278/) — Schneider Electric. Public explanation of energy and power measurement quantities used by meters.
- [IEC graphical symbols for diagrams](https://tc3.iec.ch/tc-activity/graphical-symbols-for-diagrams/) — IEC. IEC context for graphical symbols used in diagrams; no IEC graphic is reproduced.

## Graphic scope

Independent original educational concept illustration by Elora Grid. Not a certified standards graphic or manufacturer footprint. Unitless; not to scale. Original artwork licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/. Publisher material is linked only.