Application Note

ManualsBrandsFluke ManualsMultimeterFluke 113

All utilities generally require that revenue

self-contained meter sockets be checked

and tested for proper wiring and no back-

feed conditions. These checks happen

before setting a meter in place and supply-

ing utility power to the facility. This is also

true when re-connecting a meter after a

service termination or disconnect.

This application note describes the

procedure for testing a meter socket with

the Fluke 113 Utility Multimeter before

setting or re-connecting a revenue meter

to utility power.

About the Fluke 113 Utility Multimeter

Testing revenue meter sockets, for sets or

re-connects, became easier when Fluke released

the 113 Utility Multimeter. The Fluke 113 offers

several advantages for revenue socket tests over

standard high impedance multimeters or testers.

1. VCHEK

™

Measurement function

2. Low impedance input

3. Ease of Use

4. CAT IV 300 V/CAT III 600 V safety rating

VCHEK combines a continuity test and a volt-

age measurement on a single switch position. The

meter automatically determines and displays what

is being measured. This eliminates the guesswork

and allows the meter technician to quickly deter-

mine whether continuity or voltage is present

without changing switch positions or pressing any

buttons.

The Fluke 113 also incorporates a low impedance

input, which acts as a load for the socket tests,

in cases where ghost voltages may be present.

This combination makes ease of use a key factor

in selecting and using the Fluke 113 for all meter

socket checks.

Meter socket test procedure

The sample test procedure in this application note

uses a self contained 120 V/240 V single phase

three wire socket. A similar test methodology

would be utilized for other commercial and indus-

trial socket checks, with the only difference being

the line side voltage readings for the different

socket conﬁgurations.

Setup recommendations:

• Complete a thorough visual inspection of the

meter socket and its surroundings. Look for

improperly mounted enclosures, exposed weath-

erheads, frayed conductors, discolored socket

contacts, and so forth.

Do not begin meter socket tests until all

visible external defects are corrected.

• If the socket has a bypass handle, do not raise

the handle until the meter socket has been

completely checked out.

Application Note

From the Fluke Digital Library @ www.fluke.com/library

Revenue meter

socket checks using

the new Fluke 113

Utility Multimeter

Measuring load side to neutral.

Summary of content (3 pages)

PAGE 1
Revenue meter socket checks using the new Fluke 113 Utility Multimeter All utilities generally require that revenue self-contained meter sockets be checked and tested for proper wiring and no backfeed conditions. These checks happen before setting a meter in place and supplying utility power to the facility. This is also true when re-connecting a meter after a service termination or disconnect.
PAGE 2
• Use appropriate PPE (Personal protective equip- ment) for ALL checks. While your employer or utility may have different guidelines, this equipment generally consists of, but may not be limited to, the following items: • Hard hat • Safety glasses • Rubber gloves with approved protectors (600 V) • Flame retardant (FR) clothing • 100 % natural fiber clothing • Safety toe shoes Before beginning the socket checks, switch the Fluke 113 to the VCHEK position. The meter display looks like this.
PAGE 3
A typical method of disconnecting service is to “boot” or seal the meter at the socket, by placing sleeves over the two load side terminals of the meter and placing the meter back into the socket. This cuts the service to a customer, but allows the meter to remain in place. Removing the meter, installing a blank plate, and sealing the socket prevents the meter from being set until the socket is tested for load, foreign voltage, or faults, which may cause an arc fault if one of these conditions exists.