1. Single Phase Energy Meter
The single phase energy meter is the most widely used type — designed for residential and light commercial applications where the electrical supply is 220V-240V across two wires (line + neutral). These meters measure active energy consumption (kWh) and are available in both analog (electromechanical) and digital (electronic) versions.
Best for: Residential buildings, apartments, small shops, home sub-metering. Current range: 5(40)A to 10(100)A. IEC 62053-21 Class 1 or Class 2 accuracy.
Analog vs Digital Single Phase Meters
Analog meters use a rotating aluminum disc driven by electromagnetic induction. They are durable, inexpensive, and require no external power — but lack communication features. Digital meters use a microprocessor with LCD/LED display, offer pulse output, and can include RS485 MODBUS communication for remote reading.
| Feature | Analog Meter | Digital Meter |
|---|---|---|
| Display | Mechanical counter | LCD / LED digital |
| Accuracy | Class 2 (IEC 62053-11) | Class 1 (IEC 62053-21) |
| Communication | None | Pulse, RS485, WiFi optional |
| Price (B2B, bulk) | $3–$6/unit | $8–$18/unit |
| Lifespan | 15-20 years | 10-15 years |
| Anti-tamper | Basic seal only | Magnetic + cover detection |
2. Three Phase Energy Meter
Three phase energy meters are designed for commercial buildings, industrial facilities, and utility distribution networks operating on 3-phase, 4-wire (3P4W) or 3-phase, 3-wire (3P3W) systems at 230/400V. They measure active, reactive, and apparent power across all three phases.
Best for: Factories, commercial buildings, EV charging stations, solar PV monitoring, utility grid metering. Current: direct up to 100A or CT-operated for 100A+. Accuracy: Class 0.5S, 1, or 2.
Direct-Connect vs CT-Operated
Direct-connect meters (up to 100A) wire the load current directly through the meter. CT-operated meters use external current transformers for loads above 100A — common in industrial panels and substations where the primary current may be 200A, 400A, or higher. CT-operated meters offer greater flexibility and are the standard for revenue-grade utility metering.
3. Prepaid STS Keypad Energy Meter
Prepaid STS meters use the Standard Transfer Specification (STS) — an internationally recognized protocol for electricity token generation. Users purchase a 20-digit token (via mobile money, bank, or vendor), enter it on the meter keypad, and the meter credits the corresponding kWh. When credit runs out, the meter disconnects via an internal relay.
Best for: Utilities and municipalities in Africa, Middle East, South Asia. Eliminates billing collection costs, reduces revenue loss from non-payment. Compliant with STS 531-1/2/3.
Key features: Built-in contactor/relay for load disconnect, tamper detection, low-credit alarm, emergency credit buffer, and support for multiple tariff rates. Our prepaid meters are deployed in Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana, Tanzania, Nepal, and Pakistan with full local certification.
4. Smart WiFi / IoT Energy Meter
Smart energy meters connect to the internet via WiFi, 4G, or LoRaWAN — sending real-time consumption data to a cloud platform or mobile app. These are the fastest-growing segment, driven by utility digitalization and smart home adoption.
Unlike basic digital meters, smart meters support: remote disconnect/reconnect, time-of-use (TOU) tariffs, load profiling, power quality monitoring (voltage, current, PF, frequency), and over-the-air (OTA) firmware updates. Common protocols: MODBUS TCP/RTU, DL/T645, MQTT.
Best for: Smart buildings, EV charging, solar + storage systems, energy service companies (ESCOs), utility AMI projects. Communication: WiFi, 4G/GPRS, Zigbee, LoRaWAN.
5. DIN Rail Mounted Energy Meter
DIN rail energy meters are compact (1P to 7P modules wide) and snap onto standard 35mm DIN rails inside distribution panels. They are the go-to format for sub-metering in multi-tenant buildings, office fit-outs, and industrial control panels.
Available in single phase (2P-4P) and three phase (7P) configurations with optional RS485, pulse output, and backlit LCD. Most models are MID certified (EU Measuring Instruments Directive) for billing applications in Europe.
Need help selecting the right energy meter? Our engineering team can recommend the best model for your application — with certifications, pricing, and shipping.
Request a Quote →6. Choosing the Right Energy Meter: Quick Selection Guide
| Application | Recommended Type | Key Spec | Approx. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Residential billing | Single Phase Digital | Class 1, LCD, 5(60)A | $8–$12 |
| Apartment sub-metering | DIN Rail Single Phase | Class 1, RS485, 2P | $10–$16 |
| Utility prepaid deployment | STS Keypad Prepaid | STS 531, 20-digit token | $22–$35 |
| Industrial factory | Three Phase CT-Operated | Class 0.5S, 3P4W | $35–$70 |
| EV charging station | Smart WiFi 3-Phase | MID, MODBUS, 4G | $45–$85 |
| Solar PV monitoring | Bi-directional Smart | Import/export, WiFi | $30–$55 |
| Building energy audit | DIN Rail + Split Core CT | Pulse output, Class 1 | $15–$25 |
7. Certifications That Matter for Energy Meter Import
When sourcing energy meters from China, confirm your supplier can provide the right certifications for your target market:
- IEC 62053-21/22 — International accuracy standard (Class 1, 0.5S)
- CE (EU) — European conformity, required for EU + many African markets
- MID 2014/32/EU — Legal metrology for billing in EU countries
- STS 531 — Prepaid token interoperability standard
- ISO 9001 — Factory quality management system
- RoHS — Restriction of hazardous substances
- EN 50470 — European standard for active energy meters
Browse our full energy meter range — 242 models, single & three phase, from $8/unit with CE, MID, STS certifications. Low MOQ 100 units. Free samples.
View Energy Meters →Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Class 1 and Class 0.5S energy meters?
Class 1 meters have ±1% accuracy across the full load range and are standard for residential and commercial billing. Class 0.5S meters offer ±0.5% accuracy and are required for revenue-grade utility metering and large industrial consumers. The "S" designation means the meter maintains accuracy even at very low loads (down to 1% of rated current).
Can I mix different meter types in one building?
Yes — many multi-tenant commercial buildings use a combination: a CT-operated three-phase meter at the main incomer for utility billing, then DIN rail single-phase meters for individual tenant sub-metering. All meters can feed into a central RS485 or WiFi energy management system.
What is the minimum order quantity (MOQ) from Yomin Electric?
Our standard MOQ is 100 units per model for OEM/ODM orders with custom branding. For standard off-the-shelf models, we accept orders from 50 units. Sample orders (1-5 units) are available for evaluation and certification testing.