Computerized solid state energy meter test system and method of testing

• US 6,262,569 B1
• Filed: 11/26/1997
• Issued: 07/17/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 11/30/1994
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Radian Research, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Utility Test Equipment Company
• Inventors: Malackowski, Donald W., Carr, John M.
• Primary Examiner(s): KARLSEN, ERNEST F
• Application Number:
  US08/978,709
• Time in Patent Office: 1,329 Days
• Field of Search: 324/74, 324/130, 324/73.1, 324/110, 702/85, 361/1
• US Class Current: 324/74
• CPC Class Codes: G01R 35/04 of instruments for measuring time integral of power or current

Abstract

A portable energy meter test system for testing energy meters and other related instrumentation on-site is disclosed. The test system utilizes waveform generating circuitry to generate and transmit electrical waveforms to an energy meter to be tested, and sensing circuitry for sensing electrical characteristics corresponding to the transmitted electrical waveform. The test system includes a processor for evaluation and control of the testing procedure. A graphic touch screen is coupled to the processor for displaying information about the energy meter and for displaying test options to the user and allowing the user to control the testing process by touching the screen.

Claims

1. A portable electrical meter tester for testing electrical metering devices at a test site, where the test site includes a current source and/or a voltage source, the electrical metering device being connected with the current source and/or the voltage source of the test site, the portable electrical meter tester comprising:

measurement circuitry to determine the accuracy of the electrical metering device;

terminals connected to the measurement circuitry that releasably connect the electrical meter tester to the electrical metering device; and

circuitry connected to the terminals to monitor for back feed voltage, where the circuitry electrically isolates the electrical meter tester from the current source and the voltage source of the test site if back feed voltage is detected and connects the electrical meter tester to the test site when no back feed voltage is detected.

2. The portable electrical meter tester of claim 1 further including a processor, where the processor checks the circuitry for back feed voltage to connect the electrical meter tester to the test site only when the circuitry detects no back feed voltage.

3. The portable electrical meter tester of claim 1, wherein the circuitry comprises at least one high impedance element to prevent current flow upon detection of back feed voltage.

4. The portable electrical meter tester of claim 3 wherein the high impedance element comprises a relay.

5. The portable electrical meter tester of claim 1, wherein the circuitry notifies a user of back feed voltage connected to the terminals.