I have a replacement 600A distribution panel that the owner wants to meter separately from the main. This is main lug only with 6 disconnects, 120V/240V, 3-phase delta, NEMA 3R. It is fed from a SES in another building. Should I specify a service-type panel with the panel manufacturer's meter (no neutral bond). Or should I specify a Emon Demon type of private meter? What are the trade-offs?
Private meter for distribution panel - Emon Demon or panel brand
- Thread starter donw
- Start date
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hmspe
Senior Member
- Location
- Temple, TX
- Occupation
- PE
It depends on why they're doing the metering.
At 600A you'll need current transformers. Bar type CTs tend to be more accurate than donut CTs. If they plan to back charge a tenant for power they'll need the best possible accuracy (and they'll have an issue with trying to apportion demand charges since there's no guarantee that the high demand at the remote building happens at the same time as the site high demand). If this is just for internal accounting I'd go with whatever costs less.
You might also want to consider an Energy Management System that can monitor each distribution panel or each panel. This would give them much better information about usage since it continuously monitors instead of just giving KW and KWH totals.
Martin
At 600A you'll need current transformers. Bar type CTs tend to be more accurate than donut CTs. If they plan to back charge a tenant for power they'll need the best possible accuracy (and they'll have an issue with trying to apportion demand charges since there's no guarantee that the high demand at the remote building happens at the same time as the site high demand). If this is just for internal accounting I'd go with whatever costs less.
You might also want to consider an Energy Management System that can monitor each distribution panel or each panel. This would give them much better information about usage since it continuously monitors instead of just giving KW and KWH totals.
Martin
- Status