Choosing the Right Sub-Meters for Your Energy Monitoring System

Published: December 17, 2024

When implementing an energy monitoring system at your manufacturing facility, selecting the right sub-meters is crucial for accurate data collection and long-term reliability. At Industrial Control Services, we design and install LoRa wireless monitoring systems across Staffordshire and the West Midlands, and we're often asked about meter selection for different applications.

Understanding Sub-Meter Requirements

Not all electricity meters are created equal. Industrial facilities need meters that can:

• Withstand harsh environments (dust, vibration, temperature extremes)
• Provide accurate three-phase measurements with CT connections
• Support communication protocols (Modbus, M-Bus) for system integration
• Meet MID (Measuring Instruments Directive) certification for billing purposes
• Operate reliably for 15+ years without calibration drift

The difference between a £50 basic meter and a £200 industrial-grade meter becomes apparent after 2-3 years when cheaper units fail or provide inaccurate readings.

Single Phase vs Three Phase Meters

Single Phase Meters are suitable for:

• Individual machines or equipment (under 20kW)
• Lighting circuits
• Office areas and auxiliary loads
• Small compressors or pumps

Three Phase Meters with CT Connection are required for:

• Main facility incomer monitoring
• Production lines and large machinery
• Compressed air systems (compressor rooms)
• HVAC plant rooms
• Any equipment above 30kW consumption

For facilities implementing BICS 2027 compliance or comprehensive energy audits, three-phase CT meters are typically needed at 5-15 monitoring points depending on facility size.

Recommended Meter Suppliers

While we design the overall monitoring system architecture and handle all installation work, we recommend AnyMeters.co.uk as a reliable source for quality sub-meters.

Why AnyMeters.co.uk?

Curated Selection from Top Manufacturers AnyMeters stocks meters from world-leading brands including:

• Iskra - Reliable three-phase CT meters (we frequently spec the MT174)
• Eastron - Cost-effective SDM series with Modbus communication
• EmLite - Industrial-grade meters with advanced features
• ABB and Itron - Premium options for critical applications

Technical Support and Expertise Their sales team (01268 203 444) can advise on meter selection for specific applications. If you're unsure whether you need MID certification, what CT ratio to specify, or which communication protocol works with your system, they'll point you in the right direction.

Competitive Pricing AnyMeters offers bundle deals (meters + CTs) which often provide better value than purchasing components separately. For example, their Iskra MT174 CT meter bundles include matched current transformers at competitive prices.

Fast Delivery When we're installing monitoring systems on tight timelines, reliable supply matters. AnyMeters maintains stock of commonly-specified meters with next-day delivery available.

Meters We Commonly Specify

For reference, here are meter models we frequently use in our LoRa monitoring installations:

Budget-Conscious Projects (£60-£100 per meter)

• SDM230-MOD-MID (Single Phase) - Modbus, MID certified, DIN rail mount
• SDM630MCTE-MID (Three Phase) - CT operated, multi-function, excellent value

Standard Industrial Applications (£150-£250 per meter)

• Iskra MT174 (Three Phase) - Robust, reliable, proven in harsh environments
• EmLite EMP1.CX (Three Phase) - Built-in data logging, ideal for standalone monitoring

Critical or Billing Applications (£250+ per meter)

• Premium ABB or Itron models with extended warranties and certifications

Note: These are indicative examples. We select meters based on your specific requirements, environment, and budget during the system design phase.

Integration with LoRa Monitoring Systems

The meters we specify typically output Modbus RTU (RS-485) or pulse signals which connect to our LoRa transmitter nodes. The beauty of this approach:

• Meters remain standard industrial products (easy to replace if needed)
• LoRa transmitters handle wireless communication to gateway
• No dependence on facility WiFi or IT infrastructure
• Data uploads to Energy Portal for visualization and analysis

We handle all meter commissioning, CT installation, and system integration - you get a complete working solution.

BICS 2027 Considerations

If you're preparing for BICS 2027 eligibility (25% electricity cost reduction), your sub-metering system must provide documented consumption data at major load points. The meters need to be:

• MID certified (for official energy reporting)
• Permanently installed (not temporary logging equipment)
• Continuously operational (12+ months of baseline data required)

This is another reason to invest in quality meters from the start - you can't afford failures or data gaps when building your BICS compliance documentation.

Our Installation Service

Industrial Control Services provides complete energy monitoring installations including:

✓ System design and meter specification ✓ Meter supply (we can source through AnyMeters or other suppliers) ✓ CT installation and commissioning ✓ LoRa transmitter configuration ✓ Gateway setup and cloud integration ✓ Energy Portal access and training ✓ Ongoing support and maintenance

We're based in South Staffordshire and serve manufacturers across the West Midlands. Whether you need sub-metering for immediate savings identification or BICS 2027 preparation, we deliver turnkey solutions.

Getting Started

Step 1: Energy Audit We start with an assessment of your facility to identify key monitoring points and calculate potential savings (free initial bill analysis available).

Step 2: System Design We specify the right meters, CT ratios, and LoRa network architecture for your application.

Step 3: Installation Professional installation typically completed in 1-3 days depending on number of monitoring points.

Step 4: Data Collection & Analysis Energy Portal access provides real-time visibility of consumption, enabling targeted improvements.

Need Energy Monitoring?

If you're considering sub-metering for your facility, contact Industrial Control Services for a free assessment. We'll help you:

• Identify optimal monitoring points
• Specify appropriate meter types and quantities
• Calculate installation costs and savings ROI
• Understand BICS 2027 eligibility requirements

Call 07415 798544 or visit our Energy Audits page for more information.

For meter specifications and pricing, AnyMeters.co.uk is an excellent resource - mention you're working with Industrial Control Services and they'll be able to recommend products compatible with our LoRa monitoring systems.

About Industrial Control Services We provide energy management and industrial automation services to manufacturers across Staffordshire and the West Midlands. From energy audits and sub-metering to PLC programming and SCADA systems, we deliver practical solutions that reduce costs and improve efficiency.

Tags: Energy Monitoring, Sub-Metering, LoRa Wireless, BICS 2027, Energy Audits, Staffordshire, Industrial Automation