TM42 2410e PDF

A1800 ALPHA® meter
Technical manual
TM42-2410E
www.elster.com
Technical manual i Contents
Contents
1 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1
A1800 ALPHA meter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1
Standards Compliance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2
IEC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2
IEEE/ANSI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2
DLMS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3
DIN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3
Benefits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3
Reliability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3
Maintainability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3
ANSI standard communication open protocol . . . . . . 1-4
Adaptability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4
Economy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4
Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4
Accuracy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4
Meter types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-5
Meter series . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-6
Metercat software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-6
Alpha Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-6
2 Product description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1

Physical description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1
Optical port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-3
LCD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3
Nameplate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-3
Utility information card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-4
Communications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-4
Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-5
Cover tamper detection switches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-5
Terminal configurations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-6
Communication protocols . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-6
System architecture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-6
General theory of operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-7
Power supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-8
Main power supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-8
Auxiliary power supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-8
Current and voltage sensing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-8
Meter engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-8
Microcontroller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-8
EEPROM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-9
Billing data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-10
Metered energy and demand quantities . . . . . . . . . . . 2-10
Average power factor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-10
Demand calculations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-10
Rolling interval . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-11
Block interval . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-11
Thermal time constant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-12
Maximum demand . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-12
Cumulative maximum demand . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-12
Continuous cumulative maximum demand . . . . . . . . 2-12
Technical manual ii Contents
Coincident demand or power factor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-13

Demand forgiveness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-13
Primary and secondary metering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-13
TOU data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-13
Power failure data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-14
Always Positive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-14
Logs and data sets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-14
Event log . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-15
History log . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-15
Self reads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-16
Load profiling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-16
Load profiling pulse divisor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-17
Instrumentation profiling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-17
TRueQ Log . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-18
Voltage sag log . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-18
User-defined tables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-18
Physical dimensions and mass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-19
3 Operating instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-1

Indicators and controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-1
LCD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-1
Quantity identifier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-2
Display quantity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-2
Phase indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-2
Energy direction indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-2
Power/energy units identifier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3
Alternate display indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-3
Error indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-3
Low battery indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-3
Active COM port indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-3
Display indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-3
Push buttons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-4
RESET button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-4
✱ button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-5
Using the backlight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-6
Operating modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-7
Normal mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-7
Alternate mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-8
Test mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-8
Read without Power mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-9
Demand reset . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-10
Demand reset lockout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-10
Demand reset data area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-10
4 Meter tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1

System instrumentation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1
System service tests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-5
Service voltage test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-5
System service locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-5
Initiating service voltage tests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-7
Restarting the service voltage test in diagnostic mode 4-9
Service current test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-9
Initiating the service current test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-10
System service error codes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-10
TRueQ monitoring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-12
TRueQ timing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-12
TRueQ display items . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-12
TRueQ and relays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-12
TRueQ log . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-13
Technical manual iii Contents
Voltage sags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-13

Voltage sag counter and timer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-13
TRueQ tests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-13
TRueQ event counters and timers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-15
Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-25
Meter passwords . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-25
Anti–tampering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-26
Program protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-26
5 Outputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-1
Relay outputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-1
Energy pulse outputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-3
Using pulse divisor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-3
Using pulse value . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-4
Relay-related alarms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-4
LED pulse outputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-6
Output specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-6
6 Testing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-1
Meter self test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-1
Codes and warnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-2
Error codes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-2
Warning codes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-5
Communication codes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-8
Meter shop testing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-9
Test equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-9
Test setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-9
Meter testing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-10
Using relay outputs for testing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-10
Using LCD pulse count for testing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-10
7 Installation and removal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-1

Preliminary inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-1
Placing the meter into service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-1
Installing a TOU battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-3
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-4
Initial setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-5
Marking the utility information card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-5
Removing the meter from service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-6
Removing the battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-6
8 Loss compensation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-1

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-1
What is Loss Compensation? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-1
Availability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-1
Software support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-1
Calculating the correction values . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-1
Gather necessary data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-2
Calculate the meter configuration parameters . . . . . . .8-2
Calculating line loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-5
Calculation example . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-8
Enter Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-12
Internal meter calculations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-12
Meter outputs affected by compensation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-15
Technical manual iv Contents
Testing a meter with compensation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-15
A Glossary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-1
B Display table . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-1

Display format . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-1
Display list items . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B-2
Default display formats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B-3
LCD test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-3
General meter information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B-4
Meter configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B-4
Status . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-5
Metered quantities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B-6
Average power factor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B-8
Coincident demand and power factor . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B-8
Cumulative demand . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B-8
System instrumentation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B-9
System service tests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-11
Errors and warnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-12
Communication codes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-12
C Nameplate and style number information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-1

Nameplate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-1
Utility information card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .C-2
Style number information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .C-3
D Wiring diagrams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-1

Direct connected . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-1
CT-connected meters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .D-2
E Technical specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E-1

Absolute maximums . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E-1
Operating ranges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E-1
Operating characteristics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E-1
General performance characteristics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E-2
Dimensions and mass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E-2
Technical manual v Contents
Disclaimer of Warranties and Limitation of Liability

There are no understandings, agreements, representations, or warranties either
expressed or implied, including warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular
purpose, other than those specifically set out by any existing contract between the parties.
Any such contract states the entire obligation of the seller. The contents of this technical
manual shall not become part of or modify any prior or existing agreement, commitment,
or relationship.
The information, recommendations, descriptions, and safety notices in this technical

manual are based on Elster Electricity, LLC experience and judgment with respect to the
operation and maintenance of the described product. This information should not be
considered as all-inclusive or covering all contingencies. If further information is required,
Elster Electricity, LLC should be consulted.
No warranties, either expressed or implied, including warranties of fitness for a particular

purpose or merchantability, or warranties arising from the course of dealing or usage of
trade, are made regarding the information, recommendations, descriptions, warnings,
and cautions contained herein.
In no event will Elster Electricity, LLC be held responsible to the user in contract, in tort
(including negligence), strict liability, or otherwise for any special, indirect, incidental, or
consequential damage or loss whatsoever, including but not limited to: damage or loss of
use of equipment, cost of capital, loss of profits or revenues, or claims against the user by
its customers from the use of the information, recommendations, descriptions, and safety
notices contained herein.
Safety Information
Installation, operation, and maintenance of this product can present potentially hazardous
conditions (for example, high voltages) if safety procedures are not followed. To ensure that
this product is used safely, it is important that you:
Review, understand, and observe all safety notices and recommendations within this
manual.
Do not remove or copy individual pages from this manual, as this manual is intended for
use in its entirety. If you were to remove or copy individual pages, cross references and
safety notices may be overlooked, possibly resulting in damage to the equipment,
personal injury, or even death.
Inform personnel involved in the installation, operation, and maintenance of the product
about the safety notices and recommendations contained in this manual.
Within this manual, safety notices appear preceding the text or step to which they apply.
Safety notices are divided into the following four classifications:
Notice is used to alert personnel to installation, operation, or maintenance

information that is important but not hazard related.
Caution is used to alert personnel to the presence of a hazard that will or can
cause minor personal injury, equipment damage, or property damage if the
notice is ignored.
Technical manual vi Contents
Warning is used to alert personnel to the presence of a hazard that can cause
severe personal injury, death, equipment damage, or property damage if notice
is ignored.
Danger is used to alert personnel to the presence of a hazard that will cause
severe personal injury, death, equipment damage, or property damage if the
notice is ignored.
Revisions to This Document

The A1800 ALPHA Meter Technical Manual can be referred to by its document number:
TM42–2410. Each revision of this manual is designated with a letter, with the first revision
being “A,” the second being “B,” and so forth. The document number and its revision are
located at the bottom of each page.
The following table lists the revisions to this document, the date of the release, and any
notes about the changes made.
Revision Date Brief Description

A 31 August 2005 Initial release of the document.
B 22 June 2006 Grammatical corrections and corrections for clarity made throughout the manual.
Addition of partially-transparent cover in “Security” in Chapter 1. Addition of A1880
meter functions and other meter types in Table 1-4. Renamed “manufacturer
nameplate” to “nameplate” and renamed “utility nameplate” to “utility information
card.” Renamed “open cover detection switches” to “cover tamper detection
switches.” Added “Auxiliary Power Supply” in Chapter 2. Added backlight information
to “LCD” in Chapter 3 and “Using the Backlight” in Chapter 3. “Program mode”
renamed to “program protection” and is now included in “Program Protection” in
Chapter 4. Clarified meter types and output options in “Relay Outputs” in Chapter 5.
Clarified the pulse constant information in “Using Pulse Divisor” in Chapter 5. Added
“Style Number Information” in Appendix C. Corrected Appendix E, “Technical
Specifications.”
23 June 2006 Corrected typographical error for “Pulse count for quantity (alternate-delivered)” in
Appendix B.
C 31 August 2006 Grammatical corrections and corrections for clarity made throughout the document.
Corrected and clarified output specifications in Chapter 5, “Outputs.”
D 09 February 2007 Added IEEE standards information in Table 1-2. Added information regarding direct
connect-rated meters in Chapter 1, Chapter 5, Chapter 7, Appendix C, and Appendix
E. Corrected wiring diameter sizes in “Placing the Meter into Service,” in Chapter 7.
Clarified the “Note regarding two-element meters” in Chapter 8. Corrected Figure D-7
in Appendix D.
E 01 July 2009 In addition to grammatical corrections and minor corrections throughout the
manual: Added DLMS to “Standards Compliance” in Chapter 1; added “Meter series”
in Chapter 1; revised “Communications” in Chapter 2; added “Communication
protocols” in Chapter 2; revised “General theory of operation” in Chapter 2; revised
“Physical dimensions and mass” in Chapter 2; added “Read without Power mode” in
Chapter 3; revised “TRueQ tests” in Chapter 4; revised “Warning codes” in Chapter 6.
Technical manual 1-1 Introduction
1 Introduction
A1800 ALPHA meter

The A1800 ALPHA meter family provides a platform that supports a variety of metering
requirements. The A1800 ALPHA meter family is a totally electronic polyphase electricity
meter and integral register for commercial and industrial applications. The meter is
available in 3- and 4-wire configurations for 2 and 3 phases.
See Figure 1-1 for an illustration of an A1800 ALPHA meter.
Figure 1-1. A1800 ALPHA meter
Q
- +P
Q
L1L 2 L3
COM 0 1 2
T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6 T7 T8 EOI LC TC TST
5 000 imp/kWh
TYPE A1800 5 000 mp/kVarh
MODEL 1830RALN
3 x 58/100...277/480V, 60 Hz
0 2S
1(10)A
2006 Made in USA
ELSTER SAMPLE CT A
SERIAL # 01234567

VT V
STYLE
ZE3JF4R00LM 01 *01234567*
R1 2-06210102AG-000000
imp/kWh(kVARh)
Standards Compliance
IEC. The A1800 ALPHA meter meets or exceeds the following IEC standards for electricity
metering.
Table 1-1. IEC standards supported by the A1800 ALPHA meter
Number Date Edition Title
62052-11 2003 1 General requirements, tests and test conditions.
62053-21 2003 1 Particular requirements-static meters for active
energy (Classes 1.0 and 2.0)
62053-22 2003 1 Particular requirements-static meters for active
energy (classes 0,2 S and 0,5 S)
62053-23 2003 1 Particular requirements-static meters for
reactive energy (classes 2 and 3)
62053-31 1998 1 Particular requirements-pulse output devices
for electromechanical and electronic meters
(two wires only)
62053-61 1998 1 Particular requirements-power consumption
and voltage requirements
62056-211 2002 1 Electricity metering-data exchange for meter
reading, tariff and load control-direct local data
exchange
62052-21 2004 Electricity metering-tariff and load control-
particular requirements for time switches
1
Complies with optical port requirements only.
IEEE/ANSI. The A1800 ALPHA meter meets or exceeds the following IEEE/ANSI standards
for electricity metering, and it is intended for use by commercial and industrial utility
customers.
Table 1-2. IEEE/ANSI standards supported by the A1800 ALPHA meter
Number Date Title
IEEE 1701/ 1996 Protocol Specification for ANSI Type 2 Optical
ANSI C12.18 Port
IEEE 1377/ 1997 Utility Industry End Device Data Tables
ANSI C12.19
IEEE 1702/ 1999 Protocol Specification for Telephone Modem
ANSI C12.21 Communications
DLMS. The A1800 ALPHA meter meets or exceeds the following IEC standards for DLMS
protocol support (when the meter is enabled for DLMS protocol support). See
“Communication protocols” on page 2-6 for more information.
Table 1-3. IEC standards supported by the A1800 ALPHA meter for DLMS protocols
Number Date Edition Title
62056-42 2002-02 1.1 Physical layer services and procedures for
connection-oriented asynchronous data
exchange
62056-46 2007-02 1.1 Data link layer using HDLC protocol
62056-53 2006-12 2 COSEM Application layer
62056-61 2006-11 2 Object identification system (OBIS)
62056-62 2006-11 2 Interface classes
DIN. The A1800 ALPHA meter meets or exceeds the following DIN standards for electricity
metering.
Table 1-4. DIN standards supported by the A1800 ALPHA meter1
Number Date Title
DIN 43857 Part 2 1978 Watthour meters in moulded insulation case
without instrument transformers, up to 60 A
rated maximum current; principal dimensions
for polyphase meters.
1 For meter width and location of lower mounting holes
Benefits
Reliability. The A1800 ALPHA meter, part of the ALPHA line of meters, uses the patented
ALPHA meter technology for measurement and accurate calculation of energy quantities.
With over 3 million ALPHA polyphase meters in operation throughout the world, the
A1800 ALPHA continues the tradition of reliable electronic meters.
The power supply in the meter operates from any available phase. A three-phase, four-
wire A1800 ALPHA meter maintains operation if the neutral line and any one or two of the
line voltages become disconnected. The meter can also operate using the auxiliary power
supply, which can power the meter from an independent power source in the situation
where main power is unavailable.
The A1800 ALPHA meter can use its internal crystal oscillator or the power line frequency to
maintain time and date functions. The crystal oscillator can be used when the power line
frequency is known to be too unstable for accurate timekeeping.
The A1800 ALPHA meter has been designed to function to provide long battery life.
Because of the low current drain, the service life of the lithium battery can exceed the life of
the meter.
The A1800 ALPHA meter uses nonvolatile memory to store billing and other critical data.
The data is preserved even if the power fails.
Maintainability. The A1800 ALPHA meter is easy to maintain. Meter register functions and
communication interfaces are fully integrated on a single, surface-mount technology
circuit board.
The meter firmware resides in flash memory, allowing the firmware to be upgraded in the
field.
ANSI standard communication open protocol. The A1800 ALPHA meter complies
with the ANSI C12.18, C12.19, and C12.21 standards. These standards include
communication protocols for a wide range of metering products. They are the basis for
common industry data structures and a common protocol for transporting the data
structures. Supporting the ANSI protocols makes it easier to add products to existing
systems and provide an open standard for meter data communications.
Adaptability. The A1800 ALPHA meter allows configuration for custom TOU rates (tariffs),
offering a broad range of demand and TOU operations.
Most common services and mounting configurations are supported, and functional
upgrades are easily performed as new situations arise. The wide operating range allows
installation at any of the common meter voltages. Additionally, the factory-configurable
optical port accommodates ANSI and IEC standards. The 16-segment character liquid
crystal display (LCD) improves readability and provides flexibility for displaying meter
information. As an added feature, the main meter circuit board provides selectable,
independent, serial remote interfaces for RS-232 or RS-485 communication.
Economy. The A1800 ALPHA meter saves both time and money. It can increase personnel
productivity because of the following features:
• no user calibration required (factory calibrated)

• reduced testing times
• fewer styles to learn and maintain
• dual serial communications interfaces on the main meter circuit board
• automated data retrieval
• system service verification
• on-site instrumentation displays
• tamper restraint and quality monitoring (TRueQ™) tests
• event logging
Security. The A1800 ALPHA meter is tamper-resistant. Passwords may be specified that
prevent unauthorized access to meter data. The standard TRueQ feature or the optional
instrumentation profiling (or both) can be used to detect possible tampering of energy
measurements.
All A1800 ALPHA meters provide auditing capabilities that can be used to indicate potential
meter tampering like terminal cover open detection and per phase outage recording.
The A1800 ALPHA meter can be ordered with a partially-transparent terminal cover,
making it easier to see obvious tampering.
Accuracy. The A1800 ALPHA meter meets or exceeds requirements of IEC standards.
IEC 62053-22 IEC 62053-21 IEC 62053-231

Configuration
Class 0.2 S Class 0.5 S Class 1.0 Class 2.0 Class 2.0 Class 3.0
direct connect1 9 9 9 9
transformer-rated 9 9 9 9
1
Actual reactive energy accuracy is substantially better than required by the standard.
The meter precisely measures demand and energy across a wide range of voltage and
current despite variations in temperature and power factor.
The low current sensor burden may also improve the accuracy of external current
transformers when measuring light loads.
Meter types
Different meters within the A1800 ALPHA meter family have specific capabilities (see
Table 1-5 and Figure 1-2).
Note: Throughout this manual, the term A1800 ALPHA is used to describe any meter in
the meter family. When necessary, a specific meter designation (for example,
A1830 meter) will be used to indicate that the description applies to only one meter
in the meter family.
Table 1-5. Meter designations of the A1800 ALPHA meter family

Meter Market segment Class Standard features Optional features
A18801 Interchange meter 0.2 • Multi-protocol communications • 2 additional relays1
(Modbus, DNP 3.0, DL/T 645, or
TCP/IP)
• 4-quadrant metering
• transformer and line loss
compensation (C)
• load profiling (L)
• instrumentation profiling (N)
• extended ½ MB memory (X)
• auxiliary power supply
• 4 relays
• TRueQ
A1860 Large C&I 0.2, 0.5 • 2 communications ports • transformer and line loss
• load profiling (L) compensation (C)
• 4 relays • 4-quadrant metering (A)
• TRueQ • extended 1 MB memory (X)
• instrumentation profiling (N)
• 2 additional relays1
A1830 Large C&I 0.5, 1.0 • 1 communications port • transformer and line loss
• load profiling (L) compensation (C)
• 4 relays • 4-quadrant metering (A)
• TRueQ • instrumentation profiling (N)
• extended 1 MB memory (X)
• Class 0.2 accuracy
• 2 additional relays1
• internal telephone modem (PSTN)2
A1810 Mid C&I 1.0 • no communications ports • 4-quadrant metering
• no relays • load profiling (L)
• TRueQ • instrumentation profiling (N)
• extended 1 MB memory (X)
• Class 0.2 or 0.5 accuracy
• 4 relays
• internal telephone modem (PSTN)2
A1805 Small/Mid C&I 1.0 • no communication ports • 2 relays
• no relays
• TRueQ
• Limited to watt/var or bidirectional
active energy only
1 See Elsterfor availability.
2
Same wide temperature range rating as the meter (-40 °C to +85 °C inside meter cover; -40 °C to +60 °C outside)
Figure 1-2. A1800 ALPHA meter family application pyramid
Interchange
metering
A1880
ly
mi
r fa
Large C & I
e te
A1860
Am
A1830
PH
Mid C & I
AL
00
A1810
8
A1
Light C & I
A1805
Residential
Meter series
The meter series is used to indicate the options and capabilities available for the
A1800 ALPHA meter.
• Series 110 and later

Optional DLMS/COSEM protocol support available
• Series 150
Optional Read without Power feature available
Metercat software
Beginning with Metercat release 2.3, the following features are supported:
• Enhanced TRueQ test set

• Up to 8 metered quantities
• Independent TOU switch times for energy and demand
Alpha Keys
Alpha Keys™ software allows A1800 ALPHA meters to be upgraded so they provide
additional functionality. Upgrading with Alpha Keys software means that the meter does
not have to be returned to the factory and new meters do not have to be purchased to gain
functionality.
The following features can be added to the meter by using Alpha Keys:
• load profiling
• instrumentation profiling
• transformer and line loss compensation1
• 4-quadrant metering
• DLMS/COSEM protocol support1
1 Contact Elster for availability.

Technical manual 2-1 Product description
2 Product description
Physical description
The A1800 ALPHA meter is designed for indoor mounting. The cover assembly of the
A1800 ALPHA meter exceeds the environmental requirements of IEC 62053-11. The case of
the A1800 ALPHA meter provides an IP54 degree of protection for the meter.
The physical components of the A1800 ALPHA meter consist of the following:
• terminal cover
• long terminal cover (see Figure 2-1)
• short terminal cover (see Figure 2-2)
• partially-transparent terminal cover
• meter cover assembly
• inner cover assembly
• base electronic assembly
Figure 2-1. Front view of the A1800 ALPHA meter
LCD Active energy LED

Alternate energy LED
Nameplate
RESET button
(sealable)
* (ALT) button
Optical port
(IEC configuration)
Utility information
card area
Terminal cover
screws
(sealable)
Long wiring
cover
The terminal cover and meter cover assembly are manufactured using a UV-protected
polycarbonate plastic. The terminal cover is available in either the long version or the short
version. The meter cover assembly has a clear plastic window that allows the meter LCD
and nameplates to be viewed.
Figure 2-2. Front view of A1800 ALPHA meter with short terminal cover (transformer rated)
The A1800 ALPHA meter can be sealed using any or all of the following methods:
Seal location Purpose

Meter cover screws Prevents access to the meter except for the main
(certification) connections, relay connections, communication
interface connections, and nameplate. Also can
prevent reprogramming and recalibration of the
meter.
Terminal cover screws Prevents non-utility access to the main connections,
(utility) relay connections, and utility information card
RESET push button Prevents unauthorized manual demand resets
The four cover screws can be individually sealed (Figure 2-1). The two terminal cover
screws limit access to the main terminals and auxiliary wiring connections only. Therefore,
only the terminal cover seals must be broken to access these connections. The two meter
cover screws are located on the lower front of the meter under the terminal cover. Sealing
these screws seals the main enclosure and limits access to the metering circuit board and
sensing elements.
For maximum protection of the metering components, seal all four screw seals.
Figure 2-3. A1800 ALPHA meter with cover removed (transformer rated)
Meter cover
screw (sealable)
Meter cover
screw (sealable)
Terminal cover
screw (sealable) TOU battery
Battery connector
Terminal cover removal

Terminal connectors detector switch
Terminal cover
Auxiliary power supply
screw (sealable)
Optical port. The A1800 ALPHA meter provides an optical port that can be ordered with
either an ANSI-compliant or IEC-compliant interface (see Figure 2-4). To use Elster meter
support software to read or program the meter through the optical port, an optical probe is
required. This probe connects from the serial port of the computer to the optical port on the
meter.
Figure 2-4. Comparison of ANSI-compliant and IEC-compliant optical port interface
ANSI-compliant optical interface IEC-compliant optical interface
Elster recommends use of the UNICOM III probe to reliably read the A1800 ALPHA meter.
For information on ordering the UNICOM III probe, visit www.elsterelectricity.com or contact
your local Elster representative.
LCD. The A1800 ALPHA meter is equipped with a 16-segment character liquid crystal
display. See “Indicators and controls” on page 3-1 for details.
Nameplate. Elster installs the nameplate at the factory. See Appendix C, “Nameplate and
style number information,” for details on the nameplate.
Utility information card. The utility information card is removable (after the terminal
cover has been removed) and allows the utility to enter meter site-specific information. See
“Utility information card” on page C-2 for more information.
Figure 2-5. Removing the utility information card
Communications. The A1830 ALPHA meter provides remote communications interfaces

on the main meter circuit board for RS-232 or RS-485 serial communication. Physical
outputs exist for both RS-232 and RS-485 interfaces; however, only one can be used at any
given time. No configuration is necessary to switch between an RS-232 and RS-485
selection. Additionally, the A1860 ALPHA meter provides a second, independent serial
communication port that supports either RS-232 (see Figure 2-6) or RS-485 (see Figure 2-7).
See Chapter 5, “Outputs,” for more information on the RS-232 or RS-485 ports.
Figure 2-6. A1860 ALPHA meter with RS-232 as second communication port
RS-232 connector
(optional)*
Pulse output relay

(optional)
RS-485 terminals
RS-232 connector
*Present when optional second communication port is installed

RS-485 connector
(optional)*
Pulse output relay

(optional)
RS-485 terminals
RS-232
connector
Battery. The terminal block has a battery well and connector for the optional TOU battery.
Cover tamper detection switches. When either the terminal cover or the meter cover is
opened, a detection switch is activated. (See Figure 2-8 for an illustration of the terminal
cover detection switch; the meter cover detection switch is similar.) When either detection
switch is activated, the TC indicator on the LCD turns on and remains on while the cover is
removed. The date and time of the cover removal is logged in the event log. See “Event log”
on page 2-15 for more information.
Figure 2-8. Terminal cover detection switch
Cover closed Cover opened

Terminal configurations. The A1800 ALPHA meter supports the following terminal
configurations:
• 10 A transformer-rated (sequential)
• 10 A transformer-rated (symmetrical)
• 120 A direct connect-rated (sequential)
• 120 A direct connect-rated (symmetrical)1
Communication protocols
The A1800 ALPHA meter supports the ANSI C12 standards for both local and remote
communication.
Additionally, the A1800 ALPHA meter can also support the DLMS standards for both local
and remote communication. When equipped with the optional DLMS communication
support, the meter supports both ANSI C12 and DLMS communication. When establishing
a communication session, the meter automatically determines the protocol being used
and responds in the same protocol.
For series 110 meters and later, DLMS support can be enabled by purchasing the
appropriate Alpha Key and upgrading the A1800 ALPHA meter with the Alpha Keys
support software.1 See “Beginning with Metercat release 2.3, the following features are
supported:” on page 1-6 for more information.
For a list of the DLMS OBIS identifiers supported by the A1800 ALPHA meter, see the
A1800 ALPHA meter communication options product guide (PG42-1012).
System architecture
The A1800 ALPHA meter main circuit board contains all the electronics that make up the
meter registers and communication interfaces. See for the meter circuit board block
diagram. The circuit board as shown in contains the following:
• meter engine
• microcontroller
• EEPROM
• resistive dividers for the 3 phase voltages
• load resistors for the 3 current sensors
• power supply
• high frequency crystal oscillator
• 32 kHz low power timekeeping crystal oscillator
• optical port components
• liquid crystal display (LCD) interface
• RS-232 and RS-485 communication interfaces
• option board interface
• pulse outputs
1 See Elster
for availability.
Figure 2-9. Meter block diagram

Phase A voltage Non
Wide input 5 V linear
volatile
Phase B voltage power power supply
supply
supply
Phase C voltage
Battery
Precision
reference
LCD Low
power
crystal
Resistive
divider
Power Fail
Resistive
2x Line Freq
divider
A
Resistive B
divider
Meter engine C
Phase A Current Wh Del Microcontroller

current sensor Wh Rec
varh Del
Phase B Current
current sensor varh Rec
Phase C Current Clock

current sensor
Option Optical Remote Pulse

Crystal EEPROM
connector port port 1/2 outputs
General theory of operation

The A1800 ALPHA meter’s engine receives analog inputs of voltages and current to
calculate the desired metered quantities. The meter engine samples the input voltages
and current 66 to 88 times per cycle. The actual sampling frequency is based on whether
50 Hz or 60 Hz power systems are being measured.
Using these input signals, the meter engine calculates root mean square (rms) values of
voltage and current, and the meter engine uses the sampled signals to compute Wh, VAh,
and VArh quantities for each phase. These individual phase quantities are summed, and
the totals are transmitted to the microprocessor. The microprocessor processes and stores
the data into memory according to the user-specified program. Once stored, data values
are available to be displayed and communicated as required by the utility or other meter
user.
The very high sampling rate inherent in the meter engine and the additional over sampling
techniques used in the A1800 ALPHA meter results in very high accuracy regardless of
harmonic content, phase angle, or point on the load curve. The meter engine accumulates
and recalculates all quantities after every line cycle. This provides the ability to include the
effect of harmonics up to and beyond the 33rd harmonic. Individual harmonics up to and
including the 15th harmonic are displayable items and are included in distortion
measurements. Further advanced electronic techniques are used to provide extreme
stability of accuracy over time and over an exceptionally wide range of operating and load
conditions.
The A1800 ALPHA meter can accommodate various tariff structures. The meter also
supports a variety of communication options that allow the meter to be read remotely or
manually. In addition, relays may be used for pulse outputs of user-selected quantities or
for signaling the start of a tariff period.
Power supply
Main power supply. Power is supplied to the A1800 ALPHA meter using a wide voltage
range power supply that accepts voltages from 49 V to 528 V AC. At least two lines must
be present to power the meter circuitry. The output from the power supply is then fed to a
low voltage linear regulator to attain the low level voltage.
Auxiliary power supply. The A1800 ALPHA meter may be ordered with an auxiliary
power supply. The auxiliary power supply allows the A1800 ALPHA meter to be powered
by a separate AC or DC power source, such as substation’s independent power lines.
Should the main power supply be unavailable, the meter will be fully operational provided
the independent power is still available. The A1800 ALPHA meter can also be connected to
both the main power source and auxiliary power source, providing uninterrupted power in
the event that the main power becomes unavailable.
The auxiliary power supply accepts the following voltages:
• For independent AC power, from 57 V rms to 240 V rms (nominal)

• For independent DC power, from 80 V to 340 V (nominal)
Note: When using independent DC power, the A1800 ALPHA meter’s auxiliary power
supply is polarity independent. The meter will operate properly without regard to
which wire is positive and which wire is negative.
The output from the independent power supply is then fed to a low voltage linear regulator
to attain the low level voltage.
Current and voltage sensing

Power line currents and voltages are sensed using specialized current sensors and
resistive dividers, respectively. Multiplication and other calculations are performed using a
custom integrated circuit (called the meter engine).
The meter receives each phase current through a precision-wound current sensor that
reduces the line current proportionally. The meter engine samples the individual phase
currents to provide accurate current measurement.
The meter receives each phase voltage through resistive dividers. This ensures that a
linear low level voltage is maintained. It also serves to minimize phase shift over a wide
dynamic range. The meter engine samples the scaled inputs provided by the resistive
dividers to provide accurate voltage measurements.
Meter engine
Multiplication and other calculations are performed using a custom integrated circuit,
called the meter engine. The meter engine contains the digital signal processor (DSP) with
built-in analog-to-digital (A/D) converters capable of sampling each current and voltage
input. The A/D converters measure the voltage and current inputs for a given phase. The
DSP multiplies the signals appropriately, using the factory-programmed calibration
constants.
Microcontroller
The microcontroller performs many different functions, for example:
• communicates with the DSP and EEPROM

• provides for serial communication over the optical port
• provides for serial communication over the remote ports
• generates optical output pulses
• controls the LCD
• controls any option boards
The microcontroller and the meter engine communicate with each other constantly to
process voltage and current inputs. When the microcontroller detects a power failure, it
initiates the shutdown and stores billing and status information in EEPROM.
EEPROM
The A1800 ALPHA meter uses electrically erasable programmable read only memory
(EEPROM) for nonvolatile storage of manufacturing data, meter configuration data, and
energy measurement values. The A1800 ALPHA meter is provided with either 128 KB or
256 KB of main board memory. See “Style number information” on page C-3 for
information regarding how to identify the amount of main board memory on your meter.
The EEPROM provides storage of all information needed to ensure the integrity of the
demand or energy calculations, including the following:
• configuration data
• billing data
• all TOU data
• log and profiling data
• meter status
• constants
• energy usage
• maximum demand
• cumulative demand
Billing data
Metered energy and demand quantities

All A1800 ALPHA meters are capable of measuring delivered and received kWh energy
and kW demand. The A1800 ALPHA meters can also measure reactive and apparent
energy and demand. The meter engine samples the voltage and current inputs and sends
these measurements to the microcontroller. In the meter engine, each pulse is equal to
one Ke defined as one of the following:
• secondary rated Wh per pulse

• secondary rated varh per pulse
• secondary rated VAh per pulse
The following list shows the available metered quantities for the A1800 ALPHA meter. Basic
metered quantities (indicated by * in Table 2-1) can be selected as a source for relay
outputs. The remaining metered quantities are calculated from 2 or more basic metered
quantities.
Table 2-1. Metered energy and demand quantities

• kVAh delivered (Q1 + Q4) • kvarh delivered (Q1 + Q2)*
• kVAh Q1 • kvarh net
• kVAh Q2 • kvarh Q1*
• kVAh received (Q2 + Q3) • kvarh Q4*
• kVAh sum (delivered + received) • kvarh received (Q3 + Q4)*
• kvarh (Q1 - Q4) • kvarh sum (delivered + received)*
• kvarh (Q1 + Q4)* • kWh delivered*
• kvarh (Q2 - Q3) • kWh net
• kvarh (Q2 + Q3)* • kWh received*
• kvarh (Q3 - Q2) • kWh sum*
Average power factor

The A1800 ALPHA meter can calculate the average power factor (AvgPF) using kWh and
kvarh values since the last demand reset.
kWh
AvgPF =
k var h 2 + kWh 2
The meter can store up to two average power calculations, which can be configured in
Elster’s meter support software. Average power factor is calculated every second. Upon a
demand reset, the values used in this calculation are set to zero and the AvgPF will be set
to 1.000.
Demand calculations
Demand is the average value of power over a specified time interval. The A1800 ALPHA
meter supports three different methods for demand calculation:
• rolling interval
• block interval
• thermal time constant
An interval is the time over which demand is calculated. The length of a demand interval is
programmable using Elster meter support software, but the value must be evenly divisible
into 60 minutes. Common demand interval lengths are 15 or 30 minutes.
Rolling interval. Rolling demand interval is defined by two parameters:

• the demand interval length - specified in minutes and may be any value that is
evenly divisible into 60
• subinterval length - also specified in minutes and may be any value that is evenly
divisible into the interval length
Both of these values are configurable by Elster meter support software. The demand is
calculated at the end of each subinterval, resulting in overlapping demand intervals (or a
“rolling” demand).
For example, the A1800 ALPHA meter can be configured for a 15-minute demand interval
length and a 5-minute subinterval length. In this case, the demand is calculated every 5
minutes based on the 3 previous subintervals (see Figure 2-10).
Figure 2-10. Rolling demand intervals

15-minute interval
15-minute interval
15-minute interval
sub- sub- sub- sub- sub-

interval interval interval interval interval
0 5 10 15 20 25
Time (minutes)
The rolling interval calculates demand by using the following equation:
total accumulated energy

D=
t hours
For example, if the demand interval is 15 minutes and the total accumulated energy is
50 kWh, then the demand is 200 kW.
50 kWh
D= = 200 kW
0.25 h
Block interval. Block demand interval is a special case of rolling interval demand in
which the subinterval is the same size as the interval (see Figure 2-11).
Figure 2-11. Block demand intervals

interval interval interval interval
sub- sub- sub- sub-

interval interval interval interval
0 15 30 45 60
Time (minutes)
Thermal time constant. The A1800 ALPHA meter can perform thermal demand
emulation. The meter calculates demand based on a logarithmic scale that accurately
emulates thermal demand meters. The thermal demand time constants vary depending
upon the operational mode of the meter.
• Normal mode time constant is 15 minutes.

• Test mode time constant is 1 minute.
See “Operating modes” on page 3-7 for more information.
Maximum demand
Maximum demand (also referred to as indicating or peak demand) is the highest demand
value that occurs in a billing period. The demand for each demand interval is calculated
and compared to an earlier maximum demand value. If the new interval demand exceeds
the previous maximum demand, then the new demand is stored as the maximum
demand (see Figure 2-12). When a demand reset occurs, the maximum demand is reset to
zero. The demand for the first full interval after a demand reset becomes the maximum
demand.
Figure 2-12. Maximum demand
New maximum Earlier maximum

demand (9.9 kW) demand (9.9 kW)
Earlier maximum
demand (9.7 kW)
Interval 7
demand Interval 8
Interval 6 (9.9 kW) demand
demand (9.5 kW)
(9.2 kW)
In addition to maximum demand, the A1800 ALPHA meter also stores either the
cumulative or continuous cumulative demand. A1800 ALPHA meters can be programmed
to trigger the recording of a coincident demand or power factor (see “Coincident demand
or power factor” on page 2-13).
Cumulative maximum demand

Using cumulative maximum demand, a demand reset adds the current maximum
demand value to the cumulative maximum demand. This feature is used to calculate the
previous maximum demand when the demand may have had an unauthorized reset.
Since the cumulative demand is not reset to zero, unauthorized demand resets do not
cause a loss of the maximum demand data.
To determine the maximum demand for a billing period after a demand reset, subtract the
previous cumulative demand from the current cumulative demand.
Continuous cumulative maximum demand

Continuous cumulative maximum demand works similarly to cumulative maximum
demand. Continuous cumulative demand, however, is always equal to the sum of the
previous billing period continuous cumulative demand and the current maximum
demand. This feature is used to calculate the previous maximum demand when the
demand may have had an unauthorized reset.
Coincident demand or power factor

The number of coincident values that may be captured by the A1800 ALPHA meter
depends on whether or not the 4-quadrant metering (“A” suffix) option is present.
• A1800 ALPHA meters without 4-quadrant metering record 2 coincident values.

• A1800 ALPHA meters with 4-quadrant metering record up to 4 coincident values.
Coincident demand refers to a demand value that occurs at the same time as another
demand reaches its peak value. For example, an electric utility may want to record the kvar
demand at the time of a maximum kW demand. This requires that kvar demand be stored
and reported during the same interval as the maximum kW demand.
Similarly, coincident power factor refers to a power factor that occurs at the same time as a
demand value reaches its peak value. For example, an electric utility may want to record
the power factor at the time of a maximum kvar demand. This requires the power factor be
stored and reported during the same interval as the maximum kvar demand.
kWh
Coincident PF =
kvarh 2 + kWh 2
Demand forgiveness
Demand forgiveness is the time during which demand is not calculated or stored after a
qualified power outage. Demand forgiveness has two programmable settings:
• outage time: the number of minutes a power outage must last to qualify for demand
forgiveness (0 to 15 minutes)
• time: the number of minutes that demand is not calculated or stored (0 to 255
minutes) following a qualified power outage; zero disables demand forgiveness
Primary and secondary metering

The A1800 ALPHA meter can be programmed for either primary or secondary metering.
When configured for primary metering, the A1800 ALPHA meter internally converts the
measured energy, demand and instrumentation quantities to primary units using the
voltage transformer ratio and the current transformer ratio. These ratios are programmed
using Elster meter support software. The metered quantities reflect energy, demand and
instrumentation on the primary side of the instrument transformers.
When configured for secondary metering, the A1800 ALPHA meter does not use the
voltage transformer ratio or the current transformer ratio to adjust the metered quantities.
The metered quantities reflect the energy, demand and instrumentation on the secondary
side of the instrument transformers even if the voltage and current ratios are programmed
into the meter.
TOU data
All A1800 ALPHA meters store the total (single-rate) data for energy and demand. TOU
meters can store the total data and the data for up to 4 rates. TOU rates can be based on
any combination of day (up to 4 day types), time (up to 132 switch times), or season (up to
12 seasons). The switch points for energy and demand may be configured independently
of each other.
All selected metered quantities are stored according to the TOU rate. The meter stores the
energy, demand, and average power factor for each rate.
Power failure data

The A1800 ALPHA meter monitors and records the total power failure data. The following
information is recorded:
• cumulative number of minutes of all power failures

• start date and time of the most recent power failure
• end date and time of the most recent power failure
These values can be programmed to display on the LCD. See Appendix B, “Display table,”
for more information about displayable items.
See “Event log” on page 2-15 for information on loss of phase voltage.
Always Positive
The A1800 ALPHA meter can be ordered with the optional Always Positive feature which
records reverse energy as positive energy flow on a phase-by-phase basis. Always
Positive can be used to deter power theft or minimize the effects of improper meter wiring.
The following equation shows how total active power is calculated using theft-resistant
measurement:
Ptotal = P1 + P2 + P3
Theft-resistant measurement normally applies to registration of active energy. Apparent

energy registers are calculated and signed normally. Instrumentation values, including
+kWh and -kWh, are also signed normally. Therefore, instrumentation can be used to
investigate the meter service wiring, while the theft-resistant measurement guarantees
that active energy is properly registered.
Note: When the Always Positive is enabled and, in the rare situation of extremely poor
power factor, 2-element applications where the phase shift of the first element
exceeds 60 ° will result in overmeasuring of the first element energy and may
result in incorrect overbilling.
Operation of the LCD energy direction indicators is modified by theft–resistant
measurement. With the theft–resistant option, the -P arrow is not used. The +P energy
direction indicator is on continuously whenever kWh flow of any direction is detected.
Logs and data sets

All A1800 ALPHA meters are equipped with EEPROM. As shown in Figure 2-13, a small
portion of this main board memory is permanently reserved (called “reserved memory”) by
the meter to store the main billing and configuration information. The remainder of the
memory (called “shared memory”) is used to store the following logs and data sets:
• event log
• history log
• self reads
• load profiling
• instrumentation profiling
• TRueQ log
• voltage sag log
All of the logs and data sets share the meter’s memory. Using Elster meter support
software, the sizes of each log or data set can be configured to allow more room for a
different log or data set. For example, self reads can be configured to store less data so
that the load profiling can store more data.
Figure 2-13. Allocation of meter memory

Main circuit board memory Extended memory option board
(128 KB or 256 KB) (1 MB)
Event,
Billing data, Configuration Self read,
History, IP,*
data, Manufacturing info, LP,*
TRueQ, LP*
etc. IP*
Voltage sag
Reserved memory** Shared memory

Notes
*Extended memory used only when requested number of days exceeds the capacity of main
board memory. If meter support software is set to maximize data storage, then the extended
memory option board would always be used for LP and IP data storage.
**Size of reserved memory is fixed and may vary with each firmware release.
In most cases, the 128 KB or 256 KB option is sufficient to meet data logging and profiling
requirements. In some cases (for example, if extensive instrumentation profiling is desired),
more memory may be required. When the data storage cannot be met with the 256 KB
main memory option, extended memory can be used to add shared memory to the
A1800 ALPHA meter.
Event log
All A1800 ALPHA meters have an event log. The A1800 ALPHA meter stores the date and
time that events occur. Elster meter support software is used to define and program the
number of event log entries that the meter will record. Events that can be included in the
event log are as follows:
• power fail start and stop (2 event log entries)

• date and time change information (2 event log entries)
• date and time of demand resets (1 event log entry)
• date and time of event log reset (1 event log entry)
• date and time of test mode activity (2 event log entries)
• start and stop time when the current TOU rate is overridden by the alternate TOU rate
schedule (2 event log entries)
• start and stop time of per phase outage (2 event log entries)
• date and time of terminal cover removal (1 event log entry)
• date and time of main cover removal (1 event log entry)
Note: The meter will detect and log the removal of either the terminal cover or main cover
even when the meter is not powered (provided the TOU battery is functioning).
After the maximum number of entries has been stored, the meter will begin overwriting
the oldest entries. The event log can be disabled through Elster meter support software.
History log
All A1800 ALPHA meters have a history log that stores table information and procedure ID
for configuration-altering writes to the meter. The A1800 ALPHA meter records a sequential
listing of records, along with the date and time. The meter records this information as an
audit trail, maintaining a history of programming changes made to the meter.
After the maximum number of entries has been stored, the meter will begin overwriting
the oldest entries. The history log can be disabled through Elster meter support software.
Self reads
All A1800 ALPHA meters can support self reads. A self read captures the current period
billing data and stores it in memory. The A1800 ALPHA meter can store up to 35 self reads
can be stored depending on memory requirements for logs, data, etc. This data can be
retrieved later for analysis or billing. If the meter has recorded the maximum number of
self reads, the next self read will overwrite the oldest copy.
Self reads are events that can be triggered by any of the following:
• scheduled calendar events

• every demand reset
• communication procedure
Self reads are different from previous billing data copies. The previous billing data copy
stores only one copy of billing data at a time and only when a demand reset occurs. See
“Demand reset data area” on page 3-10 for more information.
Load profiling
For meters with load profiling capabilities (designated with an “L” suffix), the A1800 ALPHA
meter is capable of recording 8 channels of information.
Table 2-2. Load profiling sources

• kVAh delivered (Q1 + Q4) • kvarh delivered (Q1 + Q2)
• kVAh Q1 • kvarh net
• kVAh Q2 • kvarh Q1
• kVAh received (Q2 + Q3) • kvarh Q4
• kVAh sum • kvarh received (Q3 + Q4)
• kvarh (Q1 - Q4) • kvarh sum
• kvarh (Q1 + Q4) • kWh delivered
• kvarh (Q2 - Q3) • kWh net
• kvarh (Q2 + Q3) • kWh received
• kvarh (Q3 - Q2) • kWh sum
Load profiling has its own, separate interval length that is configured independently from
the demand interval length. The length of the load profiling interval must adhere to the
following rules:
• the length must be between 1 and 60 minutes

• the time must be evenly divisible into an 60 minutes
Table 2-3 show the number of days of load profiling available. These values are estimates
and may vary depending on the firmware used in the meter.
Data in Table 2-3 are based on the following settings:
• load profiling at 15-minute intervals

• no instrumentation profiling
• the meter is programmed for 6 metered quantities, 2 average power factors, and 4
coincident values
The first number shows the number of days of load profiling, assuming all other logs and
self reads record the maximum number of entries. The second number shows the number
of days of load profiling, assuming all other logs and self reads record the minimum
number of entries.
Table 2-3. Estimated days of load profiling storage per number of channels
Days of Number of channels
storage
(max./min.) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
128 KB 199/320 106/171 81/130 60/96 51/81 41/66 37/59 32/51

256 KB 594/714 317/381 242/291 178/214 151/182 124/149 110/133 95/114
1 MB 3177 1696 1294 954 812 664 592 509
Note: The actual number of days stores varies based on meter firmware release and
other options programmed using Elster meter support software. See the
documentation for the meter support software for more information regarding
memory allocation.
Load profiling pulse divisor. A pulse divisor is used to scale down the number of pulses
recorded in each load profiling interval. This allows recording of data that may exceed the
maximum number of pulses that can be stored in each load profiling interval (each interval
can store 32,767 pulses before overflowing). The range for the value of the load profiling
pulse divisor is 1 (default) to 255.
Instrumentation profiling
In meters with instrumentation profiling (designated with an “N” suffix), the meter has two
sets of instrumentation profiling. Each set can record up to 16 channels from the sources
listed in Table 2-4. Also, instrumentation profiling can use the sources listed in Table 2-2 for
more extensive load profiling.
Table 2-4. Instrumentation profiling sources

• frequency • per phase vars (vectorial)
• per phase current • per phase 2nd harmonic voltage %
• per phase voltage • per phase total demand distortion (TDD)
• per phase watts • per phase PF
• per phase VA • per phase PF angle
• per phase voltage angle with respect to line 1 voltage • system watts
• per phase fundamental (1st harmonic) current magnitude • system VA (arithmetic)
• per phase fundamental (1st harmonic) voltage magnitude • system PF (arithmetic)
• per phase 2nd harmonic current magnitude • system PF angle (arithmetic)
• per phase 2nd harmonic voltage magnitude • system vars (vectorial)
• per phase voltage % total harmonic distortion (THD) • system VA (vectorial)
• per phase current % THD • system var (arithmetic)
• per phase harmonic current (sum of 2nd through 15th) • system PF (vectorial)
• per phase current angle with respect to line 1 voltage • system PF angle (vectorial)
Each channel can be configured to record the instrumentation profiling using any one of
following four algorithms (see Table 2-5):
Table 2-5. Instrumentation profiling recording algorithms
Item Description
Minimum The meter samples the selected quantity over the instrumentation
interval. The minimum value of all the samples is recorded.
Maximum The meter samples the selected quantity over the instrumentation
interval. The maximum value of all the samples is recorded.
Average The meter samples the selected quantity over the instrumentation
interval. The average value of all the samples is recorded.
End The meter samples the selected quantity over the instrumentation
interval. The last value of all the samples is recorded.
Each set of instrumentation profiling has its own, separate interval length that is configured
independently from the demand interval length. The length of the instrumentation profiling
interval must adhere to the following rules:
• the length must be between 1 and 60 minutes

• the time must be evenly divisible into an 60 minutes
TRueQ Log
The A1800 ALPHA meter has a TRueQ log that records TRueQ test failures. Elster meter
support software is used to define and program the number of TRueQ log entries that the
meter will record. Elster meter support software is also used to define which tests can
record failures in the TRueQ log.
The A1800 ALPHA meter can record the following data associated with the TRueQ test:
• the date and time when the TRueQ monitor first detects a qualified failure and the
identifier of the TRueQ test (1 TRueQ log entry)
• the date and time when the TRueQ monitor no longer detects a failure and the
identifier of the TRueQ test (1 TRueQ log entry)
Note: See “TRueQ event counters and timers” on page 4-15 for information on
qualification time
For each TRueQ log entry, the meter also records an instrumentation measurement related
to the TRueQ test.
When the maximum number of entries has been stored, the meter will begin overwriting
the oldest entries.
See “TRueQ monitoring” on page 4-12 for more information.
Voltage sag log

The meter has a voltage sag log. The A1800 ALPHA meter records the date, time, and
phases of any detected voltage sag. The log records a maximum of 1 entry per second.
When the maximum number of entries has been stored, the meter will begin overwriting
the oldest entries.
See “Voltage sags” on page 4-13 for more information.
User-defined tables
User defined tables offer specific data retrieval options for A1800 ALPHA meters. User
defined table configuration may be requested at the time of purchase, and the specific
configuration may be programmed at the factory. An AMR system can then be configured
to retrieve the user defined table information from the meter instead of individual table
reads. This reduces the total communications time.
Physical dimensions and mass

The approximate dimensions of the meter correspond to DIN 43-857 part 2 (excluding the
meter hanger).
See the following figures for illustrations of the meter and its dimensions.
Figure 2-14. A1800 ALPHA meter, standard terminal cover

89
22
204 224*
307
*This represents hanger

in center position.
150 5
Approximate dimensions in millimeters
170
Figure 2-15. A1800 ALPHA meter, short terminal cover
89
22*
213* 224*
240
*This represents hanger in

center position
5
150
170 Approximate dimensions in millimeters

Figure 2-16. A1800 ALPHA meter, back of meter
202
150
Approximate dimensions in millimeters.
Figure 2-17. A1800 ALPHA meter, bottom view (direct connect and transformer rated)
170 170
6.2
Ø 10 5.4
Direct connect meter Transformer rated meter
Approximate dimensions in millimeters.
Table 2-6. Approximate mass

Elements Direct connect Transformer rated
2-element 1.6 kilograms 1.3 kilograms
3-element 1.7 kilograms 1.3 kilograms
Technical manual 3-1 Operating instructions
3 Operating instructions
Indicators and controls
LCD
The liquid crystal display (LCD) is used to display meter data and status information.
Figure 3-1 shows the dimensions of the LCD.
Figure 3-1. LCD dimensions

85
77
1.4 3.5
+ Q
-P +P 7
- Q
27 32
9.5
Approximate dimensions in millimeters

5 2
Viewing area
As shown in Figure 3-2, the LCD is divided into different display regions.
Figure 3-2. LCD regions

Low battery indicator
Phase Quantity identifier
Error/warning indicator indicators (3)
+ Q
-P +P
Energy direction
indicator - Q
L1 L2 L3 Alternate mode
indicator
COM 0 1 2
Display quantity
Comm. port indicator
Power/energy
units identifier
Tariff indicators 1 to 8
(left to right)
EOI indicator Test mode indicator
Cover removed
LC indicator
indicator
The A1800 ALPHA meter can be ordered with a backlight option for the LCD. The LCD can
be illuminated by pressing one of the push buttons, making it easier to read the LCD in no-
light or low-light conditions. The backlight option must be specified at the time of ordering.
See “Using the backlight” on page 3-6 for more information.
Note: LCD backlight is not available in Read without Power mode.

Quantity identifier. This 7-digit region identifies the displayed quantity as defined and
programmed with Elster meter support software. An identifier can be assigned to most
display quantities in the display sequence. See Appendix B, “Display table,” for more
information.
Display quantity. This 8-digit display on the LCD shows either metered quantities or other
displayable information, depending upon how the A1800 ALPHA meter has been
programmed.
The displayable digits are definable using Elster meter support software for both energy
and demand readings. From 3 to 8 digits with up to 4 decimal places can be used. These
digits are also used to report error codes for the following error conditions:
• operational errors (E1, E2, or E3)

• system instrumentation and service test errors (SE)
• warnings (W1 or W2)
• communication codes (COM 0, COM 1, COM 2)
For instrumentation values and tests, numeric values may be replaced by or mixed with
alphabetic characters to better define the value. See Appendix B, “Display table,” for more
information.
Phase indicators. Each phase indicator (L1, L2, and L3) corresponds to a line voltage (Line
1, Line 2, and Line 3, respectively) present on the A1800 ALPHA meter connections. The
state of the indicators correspond to the following:
• If the indicators are on, then all expected line voltages are present.
• If an indicator is blinking, then that expected line voltage is either missing or below
the defined threshold for voltage sag detection.
• If an indicator is off, the line is not expected for the configured meter type.
See “Voltage sags” on page 4-13 for more details on momentary voltage sag detection
and the phase indicators.
Energy direction indicators. The energy direction indicators display the quadrant and
direction of the last Wh (active) and varh (reactive) energy flow. Positive energy flow is
energy delivered to the consumer load, while reverse energy flow is energy received from
the consumer load. Figure 3-3 shows the meaning of each energy direction indicator.
The energy direction indicators turn on to display energy flow direction when any of the
meter phases are measuring energy flow (that is, when one of the line currents is above
the meter starting threshold).
Figure 3-3. Energy direction indicators

Positive reactive energy
Reverse active energy Positive active energy
Reverse reactive energy

On meters with the Always Positive option, the +P indicator is on continuously whenever
kWh flow of any direction is detected. The –P indicator is inoperative for this meter
configuration (see “Always Positive” on page 2-14 for more information).
Power/energy units identifier. The power/energy units identifier is used to indicate the
unit of measurement for the quantity displayed on the meter’s LCD. In some cases, it may
not be possible to represent the displayed quantity using the power/energy units identifier.
If this is the case, then the power/energy units identifier will not be used. Instead, the
quantity will be identified either using the quantity identifier or appending the unit to the
display quantity.
Alternate display indicator. This indicator (✱) displays when the A1800 ALPHA meter is
operating in alternate mode. This indicator also displays during the all segment test of the
LCD.
See “Operating modes” on page 3-7 for more information on the different operating
modes.
Error indicator. The error indicator flashes when any error condition is present or remains
on if a warning condition is present. When the error indicator is on, the LCD will also
display the appropriate error or warning code. See “System service error codes” on
page 4-10 and “Codes and warnings” on page 6-2 for details.
Note: This indicator also turns on during the LCD all-segments test.
Low battery indicator. The low battery indicator is turned on when the TOU battery
voltage is low or when the TOU battery is missing. Additionally, the low battery warning
display item (if included in the display list) also is displayed.
Note: This indicator also turns on during the LCD all-segments test.
Active COM port indicator. The active COM port indicator indicates that a
communication session is in progress and which COM port is being used.
Table 3-1. Port codes
Code Port
COM 0 Optical port
COM 1 Remote port 1
COM 2 Remote port 2
See “Communication codes” on page 6-8 for additional details.
Display indicators. The 12 display indicators (▼) are used to more precisely identify the
information displayed on the meter’s LCD.
Note: These identifiers may be shown individually or in combination to describe a

particular displayed quantity.
Note: The manufacturer’s nameplate details the meaning of the display indicators. See
Appendix C, “Nameplate and style number information.”
Tariff indicators. The tariff indicators (T1, T2, T3, and T4) indicate the current tariff. If the
displayed quantity is a TOU item (for example, tariff 1 total kWh), the corresponding
indicator (T1) turns on. If the quantity’s tariff is active at the time, the tariff indicator flashes.
Note: The active tariff indicators also turns on during the LCD all-segments test.
EOI indicator. The end-of-interval (EOI) indicator is used to verify the timing of the demand
interval. Ten seconds before the end of the demand interval, the EOI indicator will be
turned on and remain on until the end of the interval.
For rolling demand, the EOI indicator turns on for 10 seconds before the end of
each subinterval.
Transformer and line loss compensation indicator. The loss compensation (LC) indicator
indicates the meter is currently compensating for transformer and line loss.
Cover tamper indicator. The cover tamper (TC) indicator indicates that either the terminal
cover or the meter cover is removed. This may indicate that tampering has occurred on the
meter. The TC indicator turns off when all the covers are in place. See “Cover tamper
detection switches” on page 2-5 for additional information.
Test mode indicator. The test (TST) mode indicator indicates that the meter is currently
operating in test mode. See “Test mode” on page 3-8 for details.
Push buttons
The following push buttons are located on the front of the A1800 ALPHA meter:
• RESET (sealable)
• ✱
If sealed, the RESET button is only accessible after breaking the seal; the ✱ button is always
accessible.
If the A1800 ALPHA meter is ordered with the backlight display option, then either the RESET
button or the ✱ button can be used to illuminate the display. See “Using the backlight” on
page 3-6 for more information.
Figure 3-4. A1800 ALPHA meter push buttons
* (ALT) button
RESET button
(sealable)
RESET button. To activate the RESET button, it may be necessary to break the seal that
locks the RESET button in the inactive position. After the seal is broken, rotate the push
button 90 ° in either direction and press the push button (see Figure 3-5). Pressing the
RESET button performs a demand reset (see “Demand reset” on page 3-10 for a description
on what happens during a demand reset). The RESET button performs differently
depending on the A1800 ALPHA operating mode, as shown in Table 3-2.
Note: If the A1800 ALPHA meter is ordered with the backlight display option, then the
RESET button can be used to illuminate the display. See “Using the backlight” on
page 3-6 for more information.
Table 3-2. RESET button behavior

Mode Description
Normal Performs a demand reset
Alternate Returns to normal mode and performs a demand reset
Test Resets test value and remains in test mode
Read without Sets the meter to perform a demand reset immediately on power
Power restoration
To seal the RESET button, rotate the RESET button 90 ° back to the inactive position and
apply the seal.
Figure 3-5. RESET button positions
Inactive position Active position

RESET button RESET button can be pressed
cannot be pressed
Using to lock service. Pressing the RESET button will accept and lock the detected service
when the service test lock mode has been set to manual and the system service voltage
test has just been performed by the A1800 ALPHA meter. See “Manual lock” on page 4-6
for more details.
Using the RESET button to lock the service will not perform a demand reset
unless it is pressed a second time.
✱ button. Pressing the ✱ button normally initiates the alternate mode (see “Operating
modes” on page 3-7 for more information about the A1800 ALPHA operating modes). The
✱ button performs differently depending on the operating mode, as shown in Table 3-3.
Note: If the A1800 ALPHA meter is ordered with the backlight display option, then the ✱
button can be used to illuminate the display. See “Using the backlight” on page 3-6
for more information.
Table 3-3. ✱ button function in different operating modes

Mode Press method Description
Normal Less than 1 second Enters alternate mode, LCD displays one cycle of the alternate display list, and returns
to normal mode.
Alternate Continuous Scrolls quickly through the alternate display list while pressed; locks LCD on a display
quantity when released.
Press and release If the LCD is locked on a display quantity, each press steps to the next quantity in the
alternate display list.
Test Continuous Scrolls quickly through the test mode display list while pressed; locks LCD on a display
test display list.
Read without Less than 1 second LCD displays once cycle of the alternate display list, and returns to normal display list
Power
Continuous Scrolls quickly through the alternate display list while pressed; locks LCD on a display
alternate display list.
Using the backlight. The A1800 ALPHA meter can be ordered with an optional backlight
for the LCD. Once the backlight is turned on, the LCD will be illuminated for two minutes.
Note: The backlight option is not available in Read without Power mode.
To illuminate the LCD, use the following process (see Figure 3-6):
1. Press either the ✱ button or the RESET button. The backlight turns on for the specified
illumination time.
2. While the LCD is illuminated, the push buttons will operate as follows:
• The RESET button operates as specified in Table 3-2.
• The ✱ button operates as specified in Table 3-3.
3. The backlight will turn off at the end of the illumination time. Pressing either the ✱
button or the RESET button restarts the process, beginning with step 1.
The A1800 ALPHA meter can be ordered with the backlight always turned on. With this
option, the LCD backlight will always be illuminated, and the RESET and ✱ buttons will
operate as specified in Table 3-2 and Table 3-3, respectively.
Figure 3-6. Using the backlight on the A1800 ALPHA meter LCD (default operating mode)
Backlight off
Any button is
pressed
Backlight on
Enter alternate Perform

mode demand reset
Button pressed
while LCD lit? Yes,
Yes, *
RESET
No
Has time
expired?
No
Yes
Operating modes
The A1800 ALPHA meter operates in one of the following modes:
• normal mode
• alternate mode
• test mode
• Read without Power mode (optional)
As part of its function, the meter performs self tests to make sure it is operating normally.
The self test ensures that the A1800 ALPHA meter is functioning properly and that its
displayed quantities are accurate. If the self test indicates an error, the LCD displays the
error indicator. In addition, the meter can be programmed to “lock” the error code on the
display. The meter attempts to function normally, however, the meter data may be suspect.
See “Meter self test” on page 6-1 for more information on self tests and errors.
Normal mode
Normal mode is the default operation mode for the A1800 ALPHA meter. It is generally
used to display billing data on the LCD. The meter is fully operational in this mode, and it
will process and store data while the LCD scrolls through the normal display list quantities.
The LCD test will always appear immediately after power is connected to the A1800 ALPHA
meter or after a power restoration from an outage.
Typically, the normal mode display cycle begins with an LCD test which turns on all of the
display segments. This is recommended because it provides a quick way to determine if
the LCD is functioning properly. The LCD test can be disabled using Elster meter support
software. The normal display cycle will scroll through all programmed display quantities
before beginning the cycle again.
While in normal mode, the LEDs transmit pulses proportional to metered energy. See “LED
pulse outputs” on page 5-6 for details on the LEDs.
Alternate mode
Alternate mode can be programmed with Elster meter support software to display a
second set of quantities on the LCD. Alternate mode is most often used for displaying non-
billing data, but it can be programmed to display any of the available quantities. This
mode is activated in one of the following ways:
• pressing the ✱ button on the A1800 ALPHA meter

• after power up for one cycle of the alternate display list
Note: This feature can be disabled using Elster’s meter support software.
The meter is fully operational while in alternate mode. While in alternate mode, the
alternate display indicator is turned on. Additionally, the LEDs transmit pulses (see “LED
pulse outputs” on page 5-6).
There are several different ways to exit alternate mode. Whenever exiting the alternate
mode, the meter returns to normal mode.
Table 3-4. Exiting alternate mode
Method Description
Wait for the end of the If the meter is scrolling through the alternate display list
alternate display list automatically, the meter exits alternate mode after the
last item is displayed.
Press the RESET button Exits alternate mode and performs a demand reset.
Wait for the timeout If the LCD remains on a quantity, the meter exits
alternate mode after 2 minutes of inactivity. If the LCD
remains on a pulse line cumulative counter, the meter
will exit the alternate mode at midnight.
Power failure occurs Exits alternate mode; when power is restored, the
meter's display is in normal mode.
At midnight Exits alternate mode at the next midnight crossing.
Test mode
The A1800 ALPHA meter enters test mode by a command through the optical port. While in
test mode, the test mode indicator (TST) will flash on the meter’s LCD.
Test mode displays test readings without affecting the present energy usage and billing
data values in the A1800 ALPHA meter. Shorter demand intervals may be used in test
mode to reduce demand test time and will not interfere with billing data.
When normal mode is resumed, readings taken during test mode will be discarded and
present energy usage and billing data values will be restored. The status of the meter
(including billing data, profiling data, errors, and warnings) before the meter entered test
mode is restored.
While in test mode, the optical port transmits test pulses proportional to metered energy
(see “LED pulse outputs” on page 5-6).
Test mode is entered using Elster meter support software. The meter exits test mode under
any of the following conditions:
Table 3-5. Exiting test mode
Method Description
Test mode expires Automatically after a programmable timeout has
expired (between 1 and 255 test mode intervals)
Send an exit command Using Elster meter support software, send an exit
command over the optical port.
Automatically after 24 Automatically after a programmable timeout (1-255 test
hours mode intervals).
Power failure occurs Exits test mode; when power is restored, the meter's
display is in normal mode.
Read without Power mode

The A1800 ALPHA meter may be ordered with the Read without Power feature. When the
Read without Power feature is available, the meter’s registers can be read during an
outage. Auxiliary power is not available in this mode. The Read without Power option must
be specified at the time of ordering. Read without Power is only available as on option for
A1800 ALPHA meters series 150 and later.
To enter Read without Power mode during an outage, press the ✱ button for
approximately 5 seconds. The meter will turn on the LCD and will display the following:
• LCD test (even if LCD test is disabled in normal mode)

• normal display items in sequence; when the cycle is complete, it restarts at the
beginning of the normal display list
Note: Error codes and warning codes are handled in the same manner as they would be
handled under normal mode.
The meter has limited operational capability while in Read without Power mode. While in
read without mode, only the following items can be performed:
• manually reading the LCD

• performing a billing read or diagnostic using an optical probe over the optical port1
• manually performing a demand reset by pressing the RESET button (see “RESET
button” on page 3-4)
• displaying the alternate display list by pressing the ✱ button (see “✱ button” on
page 3-5)
Other functions, including data altering communication, meter programming, service tests,
and instrumentation, are not available while the meter is in Read without Power mode. If
an unavailable item is programmed in a display list, the LCD will briefly display dashes (-)
in the display quantity area before scrolling to the next item.
The meter exits Read without Power mode when any of the following actions occur:
• power is restored to the meter

• the maximum lifetime usage of the Read without Power battery is exceeded
• the specified timeout expires
The timeout period can be extended by 30 seconds if the user either presses a button or
starts an optical communication session toward the end of the timeout period. The timeout
period is extended by 30-second increments up to a maximum of twice the specified Read
without Power timeout period.
1 Billing data is
always available in Read without Power mode. Data stored in shared memory may not be available while in
Read without Power mode (see “Logs and data sets” on page 2-14 for more information on shared memory).
Demand reset
A demand reset can be performed one of three ways:
• pressing the RESET button

• issuing a command over the optical or remote ports
• as a scheduled calendar event
Regardless of how the demand was reset, the meter performs many different functions,
including the following:
• the present billing data is copied to the demand reset data area
• the billing data’s present maximum demand is added to the cumulative demand,
and then the billing data’s present maximum demand is reset to zero
• the billing data’s dates and times of the maximum demands are reset to zero
• the billing data’s present coincident values are reset to zero
• all demand calculations are reset to zero and a new demand interval is started
• previous interval demands are reset to zero
• present interval demands are reset to zero
• all average power factor calculations are restarted
• pulse line cumulative counters are cleared
• current conditions for certain errors or warnings are cleared
As a security feature, the meter records these values:
• the cumulative number of demand resets (rolls over to zero after 255)
• the cumulative number of manual demand resets (pressing the RESET button or
issuing a command)
• date and time of last demand reset1
• number of days since the last demand reset
• the method of the most recent demand reset (for example, button press, procedure,
or calendar)
• if configured, the event log records every demand reset
Demand reset lockout

Through Elster meter support software, a demand reset lockout time can be defined. The
demand reset lockout can remain in effect for up to 255 minutes after a demand reset
(regardless of the method of demand reset). During the demand reset lockout, subsequent
demand resets will be ignored by the meter. This prevents subsequent demand resets (for
example, accidental or tamper-related demand reset presses). If a power failure occurs
during the demand reset lockout period, the lockout is released upon power restoration.
Demand reset data area

In all demand reset occurrences, the meter copies the present billing data and stores it in
the demand reset data area. This data is referred to as the previous billing data because
its general purpose is to preserve the data as one billing period ends and the next billing
period begins. The meter stores only one copy of the previous billing data. The next
demand reset overwrites whatever is currently stored as the previous billing data.
Previous billing data is different from self reads, which can store multiple copies of the
billing data. See “Self reads” on page 2-16 for more information.
1 If demand reset is set during Read without Power mode, the date and time for the demand reset is identical to the start time of
the most recent power outage.
Technical manual 4-1 Meter tools
4 Meter tools
System instrumentation
System instrumentation is a collection of displayable items designed to assist in evaluating
a service by providing real time analysis of the conditions present at the A1800 ALPHA
installation. Instrumentation quantities should not be confused with billing quantities
because they are intended for an entirely different purpose.
System instrumentation quantities are measured instantaneously while billing quantities

are measured and averaged over a number of minutes. Instrumentation quantities are
generally provided on a per phase basis, while billing quantities represent a combination
of all present phases. This can result in discrepancies between similar billing and
instrumentation data, and this is to be expected.
The instrumentation measurements are near instantaneous. Using Elster meter support
software, instrumentation quantities may be placed in normal, alternate, or test mode
display sequences. The alternate mode display sequence is recommended because it is
generally not necessary for these quantities to be displayed at all times.
Most instrumentation quantities are true root mean square (rms) measurements over an
even number of line cycles, but others are compound quantities. Compound quantities
require multiple measurements at slightly different times with the results calculated from
these multiple measurements. Instrumentation quantities can also round or restrict the
quantity to a desirable value under certain system conditions. See Table 4-1 for more
information about how the instrumentation quantities are obtained.The quantities that are
indicated by a footnote are updated about every second; the remaining quantities are
updated about every 5 seconds.
Table 4-1. Description of system instrumentation quantities
Instrumentation quantity Description
Frequency1 Measured on line 1 voltage.
System kW The signed sum of the kW measurement on each phase taken only moments
apart
System kVA (arithmetic) The signed sum of the kVA measurement on each phase taken only
moments apart
System kvar (arithmetic) Calculated using the following equation:
kvar = (system kVAarith ) 2 - (system kW) 2
System power factor (arithmetic) System kW divided by system kVA (arithmetic)

System power factor angle (arithmetic) The arccosine of system power factor (arithmetic)
Phase kW and kVA1 Measured directly by meter engine
Phase kvar (vectorial)1 Calculated using the following equation (where kVA and kW are measured
simultaneously):
kvar = kVA 2 - kW 2
The result is then signed based on the kvar direction.
System kvar (vectorial) Sum of the per phase kvar (vectorial)
Table 4-1. Description of system instrumentation quantities

Instrumentation quantity Description
System kVA (vectorial) Calculated using the following equation:
kVAvect = system kW 2 + (system kvarvect ) 2
System power factor (vectorial) System kW divided by system kVA (vectorial)

System power factor angle (vectorial) The arccosine of system power factor (vectorial)
Phase voltages and currents1 True rms values measured by meter engine
Phase voltage angle relative to line 1 voltage1 Each voltage angle is measured relative to line 1 voltage zero crossings and
rounded to 30°
Phase current angle relative to line 1 voltage Each current angle is measured relative to line 1 voltage zero crossings
Phase power factor Phase kW divided by phase kVA, both measured simultaneously. Phase
power factor is set to 1.00 if phase current is less than the absolute minimum
current (twice starting amps).
Phase power factor angle1 The power factor angle is the arccosine of the phase power factor
Phase 1st harmonic (fundamental) voltage The per phase magnitude of the fundamental voltage
magnitude
Phase 1st harmonic (fundamental) current The per phase magnitude of the fundamental current
magnitude
Phase 2nd harmonic voltage magnitude The per phase magnitude of the 2nd harmonic voltage
Phase 2nd harmonic current magnitude The per phase magnitude of the 2nd harmonic current
Phase 2nd harmonic voltage percentage Per phase, the 2nd harmonic voltage magnitude divided by the fundamental
voltage magnitude
Phase total harmonic current magnitude Per phase, the square root of the sum of the 2nd - 15th harmonic currents
squared. In other words:
i = 15
∑ HCi
2
THC =
i=2
where HCi = ith harmonic current

Phase total harmonic distortion percentage Calculated by using:
(voltage or current)
rms 2 - fundamental 2
THD = × 100
fundamental
where:
rms represents an unfiltered rms phase voltage or current
fundamental represents the fundamental rms phase voltage or current
Per phase total demand distortion Calculated by using:
i =15
∑ HCi
2
i =2
TDD =
Maximum amps
where HCi represents the ith harmonic current.
1 Updated about every 1 second.
Voltage, current, kW, kvar, and kVA instrumentation quantities have an error of less than
±0.25 %. Accuracy will diminish as the value of the quantity becomes smaller.
The meter’s LCD can be programmed with Elster’s meter support software to display
primary instrumentation values.
If the LCD remains on an instrumentation quantity while in alternate or test

mode, the displayed instrumentation quantity updates once per second. See “✱
button” on page 3-5 for more information on locking the LCD on a desired
quantity.
The quantity identifier gives information about the quantity being displayed on the
A1800 ALPHA meter LCD, as indicated in Table 4-2.
Table 4-2. System instrumentation quantity identifiers
Quantity identifier Description
L123 System instrumentation measurements
L1 Line 1 measurements
L1 H2-15 Line 1 total harmonic distortion
L1 H1 Line 1 1st harmonic
L1 H2 Line 1 2nd harmonic
L1 TDD Line 1 total demand distortion
The display quantity will show a measurement and a unit of measure on the A1800 ALPHA
meter LCD. See Figure 4-1 and Figure 4-2 for examples showing system instrumentation
quantities. See Appendix B, “Display table,” for information about displayable items.
Figure 4-1. Instrumentation line 1 voltage
+P
L1 L2 L3
Figure 4-2. Instrumentation system kVA
+P
L1 L2 L3
Immediately before displaying a system instrumentation quantity, the meter begins to

measure that quantity. If the result of the instrumentation measurement is not immediately
available, dashes (-) will be shown in the display quantity until the measurement is
complete. See Figure 4-3 and Figure 4-4 for examples of system instrumentation display
quantities while the measurement is in progress and when a result is available.
Figure 4-3. Instrumentation line 2 current in progress
+P
L1 L2 L3
Figure 4-4. Instrumentation line 2 current measurement (secondary)
+P
L1 L2 L3
Figure 4-5. Instrumentation line 2 current measurement (primary)
+P
L1 L2 L3
If an A1800 ALPHA meter is programmed to display a system measurement quantity for a

phase that does not exist (for example, Line 2 on a two-element meter), then that display
quantity will be skipped automatically. This allows different meter types to be programmed
with similar configurations using Elster meter support software.
System service tests

System service tests can be performed to determine the validity of the electrical service that
the A1800 ALPHA meter is metering. The system service tests consist of a service voltage
test and a service current test.
Service voltage test

The service voltage test is intended to assist in identifying the following:
• incorrectly wired or misapplied voltage transformers

• open or missing line fuses
The following are validated by this test:
• phase voltages
• phase voltage angles
• phase rotation
The meter measures each phase voltage and phase voltage angle and attempts to match
the measurements to a stored list of valid services.
• If the service voltage test is successful, the validated service is shown on the meter’s
LCD and the meter will continue to the next display quantity in the sequence.
• If the test is not successful, a warning is set. Also, the LCD will indicate a service error
by displaying SE plus a code on the LCD. See “System service error codes” on page 4-
10 for more information about system service error codes.
The following conditions can cause the service voltage test to fail:
• phase voltage angles not within ±15° of the expected service phase angles
• phase voltage magnitudes not within the tolerance of the nominal service voltages
programmed into the meter with Elster meter support software
System service locking. Once a service voltage test has detected a valid service, it can
be locked into the A1800 ALPHA meter memory. A locked valid service is used as a basis
for future system service tests and TRueQ tests. The following information will be stored in
the meter when the service is locked:
• service type identification

• nominal service voltage
• voltage phase rotation
• service voltage and current limits
• voltage sag detection threshold
The A1800 ALPHA meter can lock a valid service in either of these ways:
• smart autolock
• manual lock
To indicate that a service voltage test is complete, the LCD displays the following (an
example is shown in Figure 4-6):
• phase rotation (for example, L1-2-3 or L3-2-1)

• voltage magnitude (for example, 120 or 240)
• service type showing the number of wires and the service type, for example:
• 1L is a single phase service
• 3Δ is a 3-wire delta service
• 4Y is a 4-wire wye service
Figure 4-6. Sample service voltage test result
+P
L1 L2 L3
The voltage magnitude and service type are surrounded by brackets to indicate that the
service is locked (see Figure 4-7).
Figure 4-7. Sample display of locked service voltage
+P
L1 L2 L3
Smart autolock. When smart autolock is enabled through Elster meter support software,
the A1800 ALPHA meter will attempt to lock the service automatically once it is determined
to be valid. Both the voltage magnitude and phase angle of the service are compared to a
table of valid relationships stored within the meter memory. The meter accepts the service
that most closely matches one of the stored values in the A1800 ALPHA meter.
The A1800 ALPHA meter periodically checks the service. Under certain conditions, the
smart autolocked service may lock on a different service. This is useful because the meter
may have been moved to a new service. The service voltage test will be performed and the
service may be changed in response to the following events:
• power up
• exit of test mode
• after a data-altering communication session
If a new, valid service is detected, the meter locks on the new service. If a valid service
cannot be detected, the meter responds in the following manner:
• the meter remains locked on the last known valid service

• the LCD displays an error code
Manual lock. When configured through Elster meter support software for manual lock, the
A1800 ALPHA meter will detect and evaluate the service in the same manner as it does
when autolock is enabled. The identified service information will also be shown on the
LCD; however, the RESET button must be pressed in order to lock the detected service (see
“Using to lock service” on page 3-5).
When the service type has been detected, the phase rotation, voltage magnitude, and the
service type will be displayed on the LCD. If the RESET button is not pressed to accept the
service, the LCD will alternate between L1-2-3 ------ and the detected service
information until the service has been manually locked.
Once manually locked, the service never unlocks automatically. To move the
A1800 ALPHA meter to a new installation with a different type of service, the
service must be unlocked using Elster meter support software. The new service
type can then be detected and manually locked.
Initiating service voltage tests. When enabled, the service voltage test is initiated at any
of the following times:
• after power up, a data-altering communications session, or exiting test mode

• at midnight
Service voltage tests can also be initiated at any of these times, depending on meter
configuration:
• as a display item
• as a TRueQ test (for meters with TRueQ capabilities)
The behavior of the service voltage test depends on these factors:
• the event that initiates the service voltage test

• the state of the service lock
After power up, data-altering communications session, or exiting test mode. The following
table explains meter behavior when the service voltage test is performed after any of the
following:
• power is applied to the meter

• data-altering communications session
• exiting test mode
Manual lock Manual lock

Smart autolock
Current state is locked Current state is unlocked
1 The meter initiates the service voltage 1 The meter initiates the service voltage 1 The meter initiates the service voltage
test. test. test.
2 The meter attempts to detect a valid 2 The phase indicator voltage threshold 2 The phase indicator voltage
service. levels are based on the currently thresholds are set at the default
• If a valid service is detected, the locked service. values.
meter automatically locks on the 3 The meter attempts to match the 3 The meter attempts to detect a valid
detected service. The LCD displays service. service.
the locked valid service. • If the service matches the presently • If a valid service is found, the LCD
• If a valid service cannot be found, locked service, then the LCD displays the data for the service it
the meter displays SE 555000. displays the locked valid service. detected.
The meter restarts the service • If the service does not match the • If a valid service is not found, the
voltage test in diagnostic mode presently locked service, then the LCD displays SE 555000. The
(see “Restarting the service voltage LCD displays the service test error. meter restarts the service voltage
test in diagnostic mode” on The meter restarts the service test until a valid service is found.
page 4-9). However, the meter voltage test in diagnostic mode 4 While a valid service is displayed, the
remains locked on the last valid (see “Restarting the service voltage user can manually lock the service.
service until a new valid service is test in diagnostic mode” on • The user presses the RESET button
detected. page 4-9). to lock the service. The LCD displays
the locked service.
• If the user does not lock the service,
the meter returns to the service test
until a valid service is found and
locked.
If the service voltage test is interrupted (for example, the ✱ button is pressed or there is a
communications session), the meter restarts the service voltage test after handling the
interruption.
At midnight. If the service is locked, the meter checks the service at midnight. The meter
always does the following when the service voltage test is run at midnight:
Manual lock
Smart autolock
Current state is locked
1 The meter initiates the service test. 1 The meter initiates the service test.
2 The phase indicator voltage threshold 2 The phase indicator voltage threshold
levels are based on the currently locked levels are based on the currently locked
service. service.
3 The meter attempts to match the service. 3 The meter attempts to match the service.
• If the service matches the presently • If the service matches the presently
locked service, then the LCD displays locked service, then the LCD displays
the locked valid service. the locked valid service.
• If the service does not match the • If the service does not match the
presently locked service, then the LCD presently locked service, then the LCD
displays SE 555000. The meter displays a service test error. The meter
restarts the service voltage test in restarts the service voltage test in
diagnostic mode (see “Restarting the diagnostic mode (see “Restarting the
service voltage test in diagnostic service voltage test in diagnostic
mode” on page 4-9). However, the mode” on page 4-9). However, the
lock remains on the last valid service lock remains on the last valid service
until a new valid service is detected. until a new valid service is detected.
If the service test is interrupted (for example, the ✱ button is pressed or there is a
communications session), the meter restarts the service test after handling the interruption.
If the service has not been locked, the test is not performed and the LCD displays
SE 555000.
As a display item in a display sequence. Using Elster meter support software, the service
voltage test can be programmed as a displayable quantity in any display sequence. The
service test is initiated when the service test quantity is displayed on the LCD.
Manual lock
Smart autolock Service locking disabled
Current state is locked
1 The meter initiates the service test. The service test is performed as the 1 The meter initiates the service test.
2 The meter attempts to match the autolock. • If a valid service is detected, the
service. LCD displays the valid service.
• If the service detected matches the • If a valid service cannot be found,
presently locked service, then the the meter displays SE 555000.
LCD displays the locked valid 2 After the LCD displays the valid service
service. or the service test error, the LCD
• If the service does not match the continues to the next item in the
presently locked service, then the display sequence.
LCD displays a service test error.
3 After the LCD displays the locked valid
service or the service test error, the
LCD continues to the next item in the
display sequence.
As a TRueQ test. When the service voltage test is programmed as a TRueQ test, the service
test is performed only if the service is locked. TRueQ tests are available only on meters with
TRueQ capabilities. See “Service voltage test” on page 4-5 for more information.
Restarting the service voltage test in diagnostic mode. Depending on how the
service voltage test was started, the test restarts in diagnostic mode if the test fails. The
A1800 ALPHA meter uses the diagnostic mode if the service voltage test was started in
these ways:
• after power up, data-altering communications session, or exiting test mode

• at midnight
The diagnostic mode cycles through performing the service voltage test and displaying
information about the service that may be useful in determining why the test failed, as
listed below:
1. Perform the service voltage test.

2. Display line 1 voltage.
3. Perform the service voltage test.
5. Perform service voltage test.
8. Display line 2 voltage angle.
10. Display line 3 voltage angle.
If at any point a valid service is found and locked, the meter displays the locked service on
the LCD and continues to the next item in the display sequence. Otherwise, the cycle
restarts at step 1.
Service current test

The service current test validates system currents and is intended to assist in identifying the
following:
• incorrectly wired or misapplied current transformers

• open or missing load-side fuses
If the service current test is successful, L1-2-3 OK is shown on the A1800 ALPHA meter
LCD. The meter will continue to the next item in the display sequence. See Figure 4-8 for an
example of a successful service current test.
Figure 4-8. Service current test successful completion
+P
L1 L2 L3
If the test is not successful, a warning is set. Also, the LCD will indicate a service error by
displaying SE and a code, an example of which is shown in Figure 4-9. See “System service
error codes” on page 4-10 for more information. The following conditions can cause the
service current test to fail:
• current remains on one phase while no current is on any other phase

• current on any single phase is below the programmed low current limit
• current on any phase is greater than the programmed absolute maximum
• current is negative on any phase (reverse power)
• power factor on any phase is less than the limit set for leading or lagging power
factor
If all phases are below the absolute minimum current threshold, the low and missing
current failure will not be reported. It is assumed that this is a valid, no-load condition. In
this case, the low and zero current warnings will display if the condition exists.
Figure 4-9. Service current test error
+P
L1 L2 L3
Initiating the service current test. The service current test can be initiated in any of the
following ways:
• the service current test may be placed in any display sequence. The service current
test will be performed when the quantity is displayed in the display sequence.
• the service current test may be included in the TRueQ tests if the A1800 ALPHA meter
is equipped with this feature. The results of the TRueQ test will not be seen on the
LCD. See “TRueQ monitoring” on page 4-12 for more details on TRueQ.
• the service current test may be programmed to be performed after successful
service voltage tests that perform automatically (but not as part of a display list)
If the A1800 ALPHA meter does not have a locked service, then the system service current
test will be skipped regardless of how the test is initiated.
Parameters regarding the system service current tests can be changed without requiring
the meter to be unlocked and then relocked or requiring the meter to be reset. These
parameters (configurable with Elster meter support software) include the following:
• enable or disable per phase reverse power tests

• absolute minimum current
• per phase low currents
• absolute maximum current
• per phase leading and lagging power factor limits
System service error codes

When SE is shown on the LCD, the displayed quantity is a numeric code representing a
system service error. This indicates that there is a service problem detected by the
A1800 ALPHA meter. Table 4-3 and Table 4-4 show all possible system service error codes.
Table 4-3. System service voltage test error codes
Error code
Service error condition (SE) Voltage phase
L1 L2 L3
Low nominal voltage on line 1 1 0 0 0 0 0
High nominal voltage on line 1 2 0 0 0 0 0
Unrecognized service 5 5 5 0 0 0
Table 4-3. System service voltage test error codes

Error code
Service error condition (SE) Voltage phase
L1 L2 L3
Bad phase angle on line 1 8 0 0 0 0 0
Low voltage & bad phase angle on line 1 9 0 0 0 0 0
High voltage & bad phase angle on line 1 A 0 0 0 0 0
High voltage & bad phase angle on line 2 0 A 0 0 0 0
High voltage & bad phase angle on line 3 0 0 A 0 0 0
Table 4-4. System service current test error codes

Error code
Service error condition (SE) Current phase
L1 L2 L3
Missing line 1 current 0 0 0 1 0 0
Low line 1 current 0 0 0 2 0 0
Missing and low current on line 1 0 0 0 3 0 0
Low PF on line 1 0 0 0 4 0 0
Low PF on line 2 0 0 0 0 4 0
Low PF on line 3 0 0 0 0 0 4
Reverse power on line 1 0 0 0 5 0 0
Low PF & low current on line 1 0 0 0 6 0 0
Reverse power & low current on line 1 0 0 0 7 0 0
Excess current on line 1 current 0 0 0 8 0 0
Table 4-4. System service current test error codes

Error code
Service error condition (SE) Current phase
L1 L2 L3
Excess current & low PF on line 1 0 0 0 C 0 0
Excess current & low PF on line 2 0 0 0 0 C 0
Excess current & low PF on line 3 0 0 0 0 0 C
Excess current & reverse power on line 1 0 0 0 d 0 0
Excess current & reverse power on line 2 0 0 0 0 d 0
Excess current & reverse power on line 3 0 0 0 0 0 d
If service current errors are present on more than one phase, a single error code is
displayed to represent all detected errors. For example, SE 000308 indicates missing
current on line 1 and excess current on line 3.
TRueQ monitoring
All A1800 ALPHA meters are equipped with the tamper restraint and quality (TRueQ)
monitoring features that can monitor circuit parameters on a cyclic basis, 24 hours a day
throughout the billing period. TRueQ tests may be turned on or off through Elster meter
support software.
TRueQ tests will recognize any deviation beyond the thresholds. When shipped, the meter
is stored with default values for the thresholds. Using Elster meter support software, these
thresholds can be edited.
Most TRueQ tests are performed individually so that circuit parameters are not being
monitored continuously. Each subsequent test will begin immediately after the previous
one has ended. The momentary voltage sag test, however, uses the per phase rms
voltage calculation which is part of the voltage sensing process within the meter engine.
The rms voltages are calculated once every 2 line cycles, so the momentary voltage sag
test is capable of recognizing any phase voltage deviation that remains below a specified
threshold for as few as 2 line cycles.
TRueQ timing
In addition to defining thresholds for each test, a minimum time may also be defined. Once
the monitored parameter falls outside the threshold and remains there longer than the
minimum time, the failure will be stored and the cumulative count will increment by one. A
cumulative timer will also be activated and will run for as long as the event is detected. The
cumulative count and timer for each test can be retrieved through Elster meter support
software.
TRueQ display items

The meter can be programmed to display a warning code on the LCD when a TRueQ test
fails. Warning codes can be enabled or disabled on a test-by-test basis using Elster meter
support software.
TRueQ and relays

If one or more relays are installed in the A1800 ALPHA meter, the relay can be
programmed to close when the failure occurs. When a failure condition is no long present,
the warning code will automatically clear; and any relays will open.
TRueQ log
All A1800 ALPHA meters record TRueQ events in the TRueQ log. Meters with TOU capability
will also record the date and time of any TRueQ failure in the TRueQ log. See “TRueQ Log”
on page 2-18 for more information about the TRueQ log.
A qualified TRueQ failure causes the W2 020000 warning code to be shown on

the LCD. See “W2 020000: TRueQ test failure warning” on page 6-7 for more
details.
Voltage sags
A momentary sag in voltage can reset process control equipment and computer systems.
The momentary voltage sag monitor watches for decreases in voltage that last for a
measured number of cycles. This monitor can detect any voltage decrease that falls below
a programmed threshold for as few as 2 line cycles. Threshold and duration are defined
using Elster meter support software.
The voltage sag threshold is defined as a percentage of the lowest nominal per phase
voltage and recommended to be in the range of 60 % to 99.9 %.
A sag is defined as a drop in phase voltage below the threshold for a duration greater
than the sag minimum time and less than the sag maximum time. If the condition exceeds
the maximum sag time, it will not be considered a sag event. The sag times can be
configured to a resolution of 8 milliseconds. The minimum time range can be from 32
milliseconds to 2.04 seconds. The maximum time range can be a time up to 546 seconds.
The potential indicators on the A1800 ALPHA meter LCD will indicate when voltage is below
the sag level threshold. When a phase voltage drops below the voltage sag threshold, the
corresponding potential indicator will blink.
Voltage sag counter and timer. Each phase voltage has a voltage sag counter and
timer associated with it. Each counter can accumulate up to 65,535 before rolling over to
zero. Each cumulative timer can record time for 414 days.
A voltage sag event is only counted if the voltage remains below the voltage sag threshold
for more than the minimum time and less than the maximum time. A voltage that remains
below the voltage sag threshold for longer than the maximum time is considered to be a
low voltage condition, and it is not counted by the momentary voltage sag monitor.
The counter and timer for each phase are maintained within the A1800 ALPHA meter
memory. These values can be reported and can be reset through Elster meter support
software.
See “Voltage sag log” on page 2-18 for more information about the log of momentary
voltage sag events.
TRueQ tests
TRueQ tests do not interfere with any meter functions related to energy measurement.
These tests run separately from the metering functions. Table 4-5 shows the available tests
for TRueQ, along with their description.
Table 4-5. TRueQ tests
TRueQ Test name Configuration based upon
Test 1 Service voltage test System service voltage test thresholds
Test 2 Low voltage test A specified low voltage threshold
Test 3 High voltage test A specified high voltage threshold
Table 4-5. TRueQ tests

Test 4 Reverse power test & PF Service current test thresholds
Test 5 Low current test Service current test thresholds
Test 6 Power factor (PF) A specified threshold for leading and
lagging
Test 7 Second harmonic current test A specified current threshold
Test 8 % Total harmonic distortion Specified THD percentage
(THD) current
Test 9 % Total harmonic distortion Specified THD percentage
voltage
Test 10 Voltage imbalance Minimum high voltage threshold and
imbalance threshold
Test 11 Current imbalance Minimum high current threshold and
imbalance threshold
Test 12 % total demand distortion Specified TDD percentage
(TDD)
The following TRueQ tests are available on all A1800 ALPHA meters programmed with
Metercat release 2.3 or later:
Table 4-6. Enhanced TRueQ tests
Test 13 Low voltage (Line 1) Specified low voltage threshold
Test 16 High voltage (Line 1) Specified high voltage threshold
Test 19 Low voltage and current Specified thresholds for low voltage and
present (Line 1) high current
Test 22 Current missing (Line 1) Specified thresholds for voltage and
current
current
current
During the low current and reverse power and power factor tests, there will be
no event detected if all measured line currents drop below the absolute
minimum current threshold. An event will be detected if any single phase or two
phases drop below the programmed threshold for the qualification time. This
eliminates false detection when the load is dramatically reduced or turned off.
TRueQ event counters and timers. Each TRueQ test has its own event counter
associated with it. Each counter can accumulate to a maximum of 65,535 before rolling
over to zero. For each TRueQ test, an event occurring on one phase or across multiple
phases is counted as a single event. The momentary voltage sag monitor, however,
records counters and timers for each phase. See “Voltage sag counter and timer” on
page 4-13 for details.
The cumulative timer for each monitor can record time over 20 years. To increase the
cumulative counter or timer, the TRueQ test must fail for a period greater than the
qualification time. The cumulative timer includes the qualification time for the test (see
Figure 4-10). The qualification time is defined as zero to 60 minutes where zero causes the
event to be recognized immediately as it is detected.
Figure 4-10. Total TRueQ test failure time

TRueQ Qualification Remaining
failure time time
Time recorded by
meter
An event ends when the condition is no longer present. If an event occurs but does not last
for the qualification time, then neither the counter nor timer will reflect the event having
occurred.
The counter and timer for each monitor are maintained within the A1800 ALPHA meter
memory. These values can be reported and can be reset through Elster meter support
software.
Test 1 Name Service voltage test

Formula
(VL1 or VL2 or VL3 ) ≤ Specified low voltage threshold
Variable Based on service test thresholds

Default value Based on service test thresholds
Configuration based on System service voltage test thresholds
Description This test continually monitors service voltage. Voltage fluctuations outside the programmed limits are detected
and can indicate one of the following:
• improper voltage transformer operation
• inappropriate transformer tap settings
• equipment failure
All voltage magnitudes and phase angles must fall within the thresholds for the locked service. The thresholds
are defined by the service voltage configuration. Programming the service voltage as a TRueQ test allows it to
continually run and create a log of the results.
Stored value None
Test 2 Name Low voltage test

Formula
(VL1 or VL2 or VL3 ) ≤ Specified low voltage threshold
Variable 0 % to 99.9 %
Default value 94.0 %
Configuration based on A specified low voltage threshold
Description This test checks the per phase voltages for values that fall below a specified limit. Each phase threshold can be
set individually and can be set at a value higher or lower than the limits selected for the service voltage test.
This allows a more thorough study of the voltage changes.
The threshold is defined as a percentage of the expected per phase nominal voltage (recommended to be in
the range of 60 % to 99.9 %). The percentage for each phase can be individually defined. The test fails if any
phase voltage exceeds the threshold.
Stored value Line 1 voltage (even if line 2 or line 3 causes the test to fail)
Test 3 Name High voltage test

Formula
(VL1 or VL2 or VL3 ) ≥ Specified high voltage threshold
Variable 100.1 % to 200.0 %

Configuration based on A specified high voltage threshold
Description This test checks the per phase voltages for values that exceed a specific limit. The threshold values can be set
at a value higher or lower than the limits selected for the service voltage test. This allows a more thorough
study of the voltage changes.
The threshold is defined as a percentage of the expected per phase nominal value. The percentage for each
phase can be individually defined. the test fails if any phase voltage exceeds the threshold.
Stored value Line 1 voltage (even if line 2 or line 3 causes the test to fail)
Test 4 Name Reverse power test and power factor test

Formula
Configuration based on Service current test thresholds
Description This test recognizes any condition where the current transformer may be wired incorrectly or where may
tampering may have occurred. The power factor (PF) threshold in this test is typically set to a very low value to
detect only abnormal conditions.
The PF thresholds are defined with the system service current test definition. Using the service current test
definition permits independent PF settings to be set for each service type. Each service type can have
individual leading and lagging thresholds.
Testing for reverse power can only be enabled or disabled for all phases simultaneously.
Stored value None
Test 5 Name Low current test

Formula
(I L1 or I L2 or I L3 ) ≤ Specified low current threshold

Configuration based on Service current test thresholds
Description This test checks the service current for values that fall below a specified limit. This test will check for erroneous
operation or failure of a current transformer and can detect signs of meter tampering. If all phase currents fall
below the limit on an initial no-load or test condition, then no warning or indication will be provided. A warning
will be issued when one or more phase currents fall below the threshold value for the qualification time while
the remaining phase currents stay above the limits.
This threshold is defined as a percentage of the A1800 ALPHA meter Class ampere rating from the system
service test definition. This percentage is applied on a per phase basis. The thresholds are defined by the
service current configuration.
Stored value None
Test 6 Name Power factor test

Formula
Variable 0.00 to 1.00 for minimum leading power factor (per phase)
0.00 to 1.00 for minimum lagging power factor (per phase)
Default value 0.20 for minimum leading power factor (per phase)
0.20 for minimum lagging power factor (per phase)
Configuration based on Specified thresholds for leading and lagging power factors
Description This test checks the power factor for any deviation beyond the programmed threshold. This monitor may be
used alone to monitor rate-based conditions or in conjunction with the reverse power test and PF monitor to
provide a more thorough analysis of power factor fluctuations.
The leading and lagging thresholds are individually defined for each phase. These settings may be different
than those defined in the service current configuration.
Stored value None
Test 7 Name Second harmonic current test

Formula
2 nd harmonic current ≥ 2 nd harmonic current magnitue threshold
Variable 0.00 % to 100.00 %

Default value Transformer-rated: 2.50 % of Class amps (per phase)
Self-contained: 1.25 % of Class amps (per phase)
Configuration based on A specified current threshold
Description This test checks for the presence of second harmonic current. The second harmonic current may be created by
equipment on the line or may indicate the presence of DC on the system. The threshold is defined as values in
AC amperes according to the meter class. The test fails if any phase exceeds the threshold.
To prevent the monitor from creating a false alarm from legitimate second harmonic current sources, the
recommended qualification time is 15 minutes.
Stored value Line 1 second harmonic magnitude (even if line 2 or line 3 causes the test to fail)
Test 8 Name % total harmonic distortion current test

Formula
Variable 0.0 % to 99.9 % of the fundamental current
Default value 30.0 % of the fundamental current (per phase)
Configuration based on A specified THD percentage
Description As the load on electrical systems becomes more saturated with electronic control devices (such as computers
and communications systems), there is a growing concern with the harmonics that these devices can
contribute to the electrical system. Total harmonic distortion, expressed as a percentage of the fundamental, is
measurement of the power quality of the circuit under these conditions.
The total harmonic distortion current test measures the per phase THD current and can alert the utility to
conditions that may be harmful or dangerous to the system or other equipment. The threshold is defined as a
percentage of the fundamental. The thresholds are defined by the service voltage configuration. The test
phases if any phase exceeds the threshold.
Stored value Line 1 THD (even if line 2 or line 3 causes the test to fail)
Test 9 Name % total harmonic distortion voltage test

Formula
Variable 00.0% to 99.9 % of the fundamental voltage
Default value 30.0 % of the fundamental voltage (per phase)
Configuration based on A specified THD percentage
Description As the load on electrical systems becomes more saturated with electronic control devices (such as computers
and communications systems), there is a growing concern with the harmonics that these devices can
contribute to the electrical system. Total harmonic distortion, expressed as a percentage of the fundamental, is
a measurement of the power quality of the circuit under these conditions.
The total harmonic distortion voltage test measures per phase THD voltage and can alert the utility to
conditions that may be harmful or dangerous to the system or other equipment. The threshold is defined as a
percentage of the fundamental. The thresholds are defined by the service voltage configuration. The test fails if
any phase exceeds the threshold.
Stored value Line 1 THD voltage (even if line 2 or line 3 causes the test to fail)
Test 10 Name Voltage imbalance test

Formula
(VL1 or VL2 or VL3 ) > minimum voltage threshold and
lowest per phase voltage
< imbalance threshold
highest per phase voltage
Variable Minimum voltage threshold: 0.00 % to 100.00 % of the nominal

Imbalance threshold: 0.00 % to 100.00 %
Default value Minimum voltage threshold: 80.00 % of the nominal
Imbalance threshold: 90.00 %
Configuration based on Minimum high voltage threshold and imbalance threshold
Description This test checks for an imbalance between phase voltages. The test first measures and normalizes each per
phase voltage. The voltages are normalized to account for different per phase nominal voltages as specified
by the locked service. To qualify as a failure, both the following conditions must exist:
The highest normalized per phase voltage must be greater than the minimum voltage threshold
The ratio of the lowest normalized per phase voltage to the highest (low/high) must be less than the
imbalance threshold
Using Elster meter support software, the minimum voltage threshold is defined as a percentage of the
nominal voltage, and the imbalance threshold is a fraction (0 to 1).
Stored value None
Test 11 Name Current imbalance test

Formula
(I L1 or I L2 or I L3 ) < minimum current threshold and
lowest per phase current
< imbalance threshold
highest per phase current
Variable Minimum current threshold: 0.00 % to 100.00 % of Class amperes

Imbalance threshold: 0.00 % to 100.00 %
Default value Minimum current threshold: 1.25 % of the Class amperes
Imbalance threshold: 5.00 %
Configuration based on Minimum high current threshold and imbalance threshold
Description This test checks for an imbalance between phase currents. To qualify as a failure, both the following must
exist:
• The highest per phase current must be greater than the minimum current threshold
• The ratio between the lowest per phase current to the highest (low/high) must be less than the imbalance
threshold
Using Elster meter support software, the minimum current threshold is defined as a percentage of Class
amperes, and the imbalance threshold is a fraction (0 to 1).
Stored value None
Test 12 Name Total demand distortion

Formula
TDD > threshold
Variable 0.00 % to 100.00 % of the class amperes (per phase)

Default value 10.00 % of the Class amperes
Configuration based on Specified TDD threshold
Description This test checks the per phase total demand distortion (TDD) and makes sure that the TDD is less than the
threshold. TDD measures the harmonic current distortion on each phase in percentage of the maximum
demand load current (Class amperes).
Stored value Line 1 % TDD (even if it is line 2 or line 3 that causes the test to fail)
Test 13 Name Low voltage (Line 1)

Formula
VL 1 < Specified voltage threshold
Variable 0.0 % to 99.9 % of nominal

Configuration based on A specified voltage threshold
Description This test checks Line 1 voltage for values that fall below a specified limit. The threshold is defined as a
percentage of the expected Line 1 nominal voltage. The test fails if Line 1 voltage falls below the voltage
threshold.
Stored value Line 1 voltage

Formula

threshold.

Formula

threshold.
Test 16 Name High voltage (Line 1)

Formula
VL 1 ≥ Specified voltage threshold

Description This test checks Line 1 voltage for values that exceed a specified limit. The threshold is defined as a percentage
of the expected Line 1 nominal voltage. The test fails if Line 1 voltage exceeds the voltage threshold.

Formula

Description This test checks Line 2 voltage for values that exceed a specified limit. The threshold is defined as a
percentage of the expected Line 2 nominal voltage. The test fails if Line 2 voltage exceeds the voltage
threshold.

Formula

Description This test checks Line 3 voltage for values that exceed a specified limit. The threshold is defined as a
percentage of the expected Line 3 nominal voltage. The test fails if Line 3 voltage exceeds the voltage
threshold.
Test 19 Name Low voltage and current present (Line 1)

Formula
VL1 < Specified voltage threshold and
I L1 ≥ Specified high voltage threshold
Variable 0.0 % to 99.9 % of nominal for Line 1 voltage

0.0003 to 1000.0000 amperes for Line 1 current
Default value 78.0 % for voltage threshold
0.0015 amps for current threshold
Configuration based on Specified thresholds for voltage and current
Description This test checks voltage and current on Line 1 to detect possible theft or VT problems on Line 1. This test fails if
the following conditions are present:
• Current on Line 1 is greater than a specified current threshold, and
• Voltage on Line 1 is less than a specified voltage threshold

Formula
I L2 ≥ Specified high voltage threshold


Formula
I L3 ≥ Specified high current threshold

Test 22 Name Current missing (Line 1)

Formula
(VL1 or VL2 or VL3 ) ≥ specified voltage threshold and
I L1 < specified current threshold and
(I L2 or I L3 ) ≥ specified current threshold
Variable 5.0 % to 100.0 % of nominal for Line 1 voltage threshold

5.0 % to 100.0 % of nominal for Line 2 voltage threshold
0.0003 A to 1000.0000 A for Line 1 current threshold
Default value 60.0 % of nominal for Line 1 voltage threshold
60.0 % of nominal for Line 2 voltage threshold
0.0015 A for Line 1 current threshold
Description This test checks voltage and current on all phases to help detect possible theft or CT problems on Line 1. This
test fails if the following conditions are present:
• Voltage is present on any phase, and
• Current is at or above a specified threshold on Line 2 or Line 3, and
• Current is below a specified threshold on LIne 1
Stored value Line 1 current

Formula


Formula

Security
All A1800 ALPHA meters include features that help prevent unauthorized access to meter
data and record events that may indicate meter tampering.
Meter passwords
Access to the A1800 ALPHA meter is protected through the use of passwords. When
establishing communication with the meter, the meter will request a password. If the
correct password is not supplied, the meter will not communicate or perform the
commands that it is issued. Passwords help ensure that the meter data is protected and
that the programming cannot be altered without proper authorization.
The A1800 ALPHA meter uses three passwords to control access to the meter. As shown in
Table 4-7, each password allows different activities that can be performed on the meter.
For more information regarding passwords, see the documentation that comes with the
Elster meter support software.
Table 4-7. A1800 ALPHA meter passwords
Password Allowed activity
Read only The meter can be read. No alteration of data or programming is
allowed.
Billing read The meter can be read. Some basic data-altering activity relating to
billing functions is allowed.
Unrestricted The meter can be read. Full programming of the meter is allowed.
When communicating with the A1800 ALPHA meter remotely, the A1800 ALPHA meter
supports the password encryption standards in accordance with ANSI C12.21. In
accordance with ANSI C12.18, the password is not encrypted when communicating using
the optical port.
The meter records the number of failed password attempts that were used in trying to
access the meter. An internal warning will be generated if 10 failed password attempts
occur since the last demand reset. This warning can be used to control a relay output or to
trigger an alarm call.
Anti–tampering
All A1800 ALPHA meters provide auditing capabilities that can be used to indicate potential
meter tampering. These capabilities can record such items as the following:
• programming changes
• power outages
• number of days since last pulse
• number of manually-initiated demand resets
• number of days since last demand reset
• reverse energy flow
• history log
• cover removal detection
Program protection
As a security feature, the A1800 ALPHA meter can be ordered with program protection.
Program protection prevents metrological parameters from being altered. Some data and
configuration parameters can be altered while in program protection.1 These alterable
items must be specified at ordering and can include the following:
• communication parameters
• TRueQ parameters
• time of day (TOU or load profiling configurations)
• switch times (TOU configurations)
• special dates list (TOU or load profiling configurations)
All other parameter changes require the meter to exit program protect mode.
To temporarily disable program protection:
1. Break the terminal cover seals and remove terminal cover. The TC indicator will turn
on.
2. Break the meter cover seals and lift the meter cover.
3. At this point, you can perform any of the data or program altering operations
available using the Elster meter support software.
4. Close the meter cover and install the seals.
5. Install the terminal cover and seals. The TC indicator will turn off.
If programmed to do so, changes in the state of the terminal cover and the meter cover are
logged in the event log. See “Event log” on page 2-15 for details.
1 Onmeters with a history log, it may be possible to change certain metrological parameters while in program protection. For
more information, see “History log” on page 2-15.
Technical manual 5-1 Outputs
5 Outputs
Relay outputs
The A1810 ALPHA meter does not include relay outputs. The A1830 ALPHA meter and
higher supports up to 4 relays.1
RS-232 connector
(optional)*
Pulse output relay

(optional)
RS-485 terminals
RS-232
connector

Pulse output relay default values RS-485 connections RS-232 connector
4-wire 1 2 3 4 5
Tx+ Rx-
6 7 8 9
Tx- Rx+
A B C D 1= NC 6 = DSR
2-wire 2= Rx 7 = RTS
A = Wh del + -bias 3= Tx 8 = NC
B = varh del 4= DTR 9 = NC
C = Wh rec 5= GND
- +bias
D = varh rec
1 Support for
up to 6 relays on the A1830 ALPHA meter and higher is a future option. Contact Elster for availability.
RS-485 connector
(optional)*
Pulse output relay

(optional)
RS-485 terminals
RS-232
connector

Pulse output relay default values RS-485 connections RS-232 connector
4-wire 1 2 3 4 5
Tx+ Rx-
A B C D 6 7 8 9
Tx- Rx+
A = Wh del 1 = NC 6 = DSR
B = varh del 2-wire 2 = Rx 7 = RTS
C = Wh rec + -bias 3 = Tx 8 = NC
D = varh rec 4 = DTR 9 = NC
5 = GND
- +bias
For more information about relay outputs and communications, see the instructional leaflet
(IL) that comes with the option board.
The output relays on the main circuit board can switch up to 125 VAC or 180 VDC at up to
70 mA. See Appendix D, “Wiring diagrams.”
With the A1800 ALPHA meter, all relay outputs are fully programmable using Elster meter
support software. Sources for relay outputs are listed in Table 5-1.
Table 5-1. Source for relay operation and output specifications
Relay source Relay output specification
Energy pulse For each pulse of the selected basic metered
quantity (see “Metered energy and demand
quantities” on page 2-10), the relay will do either of
the following:
• toggle (that is, turn on and off)
• pulse for a specified length of time
Load control The relay closes when the demand exceeds the
specified demand threshold, and it remains closed
for the duration of the interval. The relay will open
after the demand remains below the threshold for
one full interval.
EOI indication The relay closes for 5 seconds after the end of each
interval or subinterval.
Table 5-1. Source for relay operation and output specifications

Relay source Relay output specification
Demand forgiveness The relay closes while demand forgiveness is in
(cold load pickup) effect. The relay will open after the demand
forgiveness time has expired.
TRueQ tests failure Relay closes as long as the specified TRueQ tests
continue to fail (see “TRueQ monitoring” on page 4-
12).
Specified errors, warnings, and The relay closes for as long as the specified errors,
meter events warnings, or events persist (see “Relay-related
alarms” on page 5-4).
TOU switches to a specific tariff The relay closes for the duration of the specified
tariffs.
Figure 5-3. Toggle relay output

½ ½ ½ ½ ½ ½
On
Pulse
Off
Pulse period Pulse period Pulse period
In toggle mode, a relay changes state for each energy pulse received from the meter
engine.
Figure 5-4. Pulse relay output (default pulse width)

10 msec. 10 msec.
10 msec.
On
Pulse
Off
Pulse period Pulse period Pulse period
In pulse mode, a default pulse width of 10 milliseconds is generated for each energy pulse
received from the meter engine. Using Elster meter support, the width can be
programmed with a value from 1 millisecond to 255 milliseconds.
Energy pulse outputs

When a relay is used to echo energy pulses for a basic metered quantity, each pulse is
equal to a specified amount of energy.
Using Elster meter support software, there are two methods for specifying the weight of
each pulse.
Using pulse divisor. Program the energy pulse divisor with an integer value between 1
and 999.
Pulse constant
Energy pulse divisor =
Relay constant
The pulse constant (also known as the meter constant) for the A1800 ALPHA meter is as
follows:
• For transformer rated meters: 40,000 pulses per kWh

For example, the desired relay constant is 1000 pulses per 1 kWh and the pulse
constant is 40,000 pulses per 1 kWh:
40000
Energy pulse divisor = = 40
1000
Using Elster meter support software, program the energy pulse divisor of 40 into the
meter.
Note: If the energy pulse divisor is not an integer, then the exact desired output is not
possible.
• For direct connect-rated meters: 4000 pulses per kWh
For example, the desired relay constant is 1000 pulses per 1 kWh and the pulse
constant is 4000 pulses per 1 kWh:
4000
Energy pulse divisor = =4
1000
Note: If the energy pulse divisor is not an integer, then the exact desired output is not
possible.
Using pulse value. Program the energy pulse value with a value between 0.000001 kWh
and 100 kWh to represent the amount of energy per pulse (in kilo units). For example, to
have one energy pulse represent 2 Wh (0.002 kWh), you would use an energy pulse value
of 0.002.
Note: The pulse value method is available from the Tools > System Preferences >
Programming Options command in Metercat.
Note: Elster recommends that the pulse value should not be used when verifying meter
accuracy. Use the pulse divisor method when verifying meter accuracy.
Relay-related alarms
The A1800 ALPHA meter periodically performs a self test to determine if it is operating
properly. If any errors are detected, the meter can respond in any or all of the following
ways:
• display an error or a warning (see “Codes and warnings” on page 6-2)

• initiate a telephone call using a modem
• trigger a relay
See Table 5-2 for errors, warnings, and events that can trigger a relay.
Table 5-2. Errors, warnings, and events that can trigger a relay
Condition Description
Carryover error See “E1 000001: Carryover error” on page 6-3.
Clock error See “E3 030000: Clock error” on page 6-5.
Crystal oscillator error See “E1 000010: Crystal oscillator error” on page 6-4.
Demand overload warning See “W1 100000: Demand overload warning” on
page 6-7
EEPROM access error See “E1 010000: EEPROM access error” on page 6-4.
End of calendar warning See “W2 200000: End of calendar warning” on
page 6-8.
Table 5-2. Errors, warnings, and events that can trigger a relay
Condition Description
Event log wrap event The event log has exceeded the maximum number of
entries, and the oldest records will be overwritten.
General configuration error See “E1 100000: General configuration error” on
page 6-4.
History log wrap warning The history log has exceeded the maximum number
of entries. Depending on programming, the meter will
either lock the history log or start overwriting the
oldest records. If the history log is locked, no further
changes to the meter are allowed until the history log
has been read.
Improper meter engine See “W1 000010: Improper meter engine operation
operation warning warning” on page 6-6
Instrumentation profiling set 1 Set 1 of the instrumentation profiling log is within 2
wrap imminent event days of overflowing. Data will be lost if the
instrumentation profiling log is not read within 2 days.
Instrumentation profiling set 2 Set 2 of the instrumentation profiling log is within 2
wrap imminent event days of overflowing. Data will be lost if the
instrumentation profiling log is not read within 2 days.
Internal communication error See “E1 001000: Internal communication error” on
page 6-4.
Low battery warning See “W1 000001: Low battery warning” on page 6-6.
Possible tamper warning This condition indicates possible tampering of the
meter because a specified number of invalid
passwords used to access the meter has been used
(called “tamper detect warning” in this manual). This
condition does not generate an error or warning code
on the LCD.
Potential indicator warning See “W1 010000: Potential indicator warning” on
page 6-7.
Power fail data save error See “E2 200000: Power fail data save error” on
page 6-5.
Pulse profiling wrap imminent The pulse profiling log is within 2 days of overflowing.
event Data will be lost if the pulse profiling log is not read
within 2 days.
Rate override warning The current TOU rate is being overridden by the
alternate TOU rate schedule.
Reverse energy flow warning See “W1 000100: Reverse energy flow warning” on
page 6-7.
Service current test failure See “W2 000002: Service current test failure warning”
warning on page 6-7.
Service voltage test failure The service voltage test was unable to find a valid
warning service or the measured service does not match the
locked service.
LED pulse outputs

The A1800 ALPHA meter has two energy light emitting diodes (LEDs), which are
permanently configured as follows:
• active LED - indicates active (Wh) energy import or export

• alternate LED - indicates alternate (varh/VAh) energy import or export
The LEDs emit pulse outputs that can be used to test the A1800 ALPHA meter in the field
without removing the meter from service or breaking the seal.
Figure 5-5. LEDs

Active energy LED
Alternate energy LED
Output specifications
The LEDs support up to 120 pulses per second.The pulse width is fixed at 8 msec.
Depending on the operating mode of the meter, the LEDs are programmed at the factory to
emit a pulse as follows:
Table 5-3. Transformer rated meter LED output specifications
Operating mode Pulse rate Pulse divisor
Normal 5000 pulses/kWh or 5000 pulses/kvarh 8
Alternate 5000 pulses/kWh or 5000 pulses/kvar 8
Test 40,000 pulses/kWh or 40,000 pulses/kvarh 1
Table 5-4. Direct connect-rated meter LED output specification

Operating mode Pulse rate Pulse divisor
Normal 500 pulses/kWh or 1000 pulses/kvarh 8
Alternate 500 pulses/kWh or 1000 pulses/kvarh 8
Test 4000 pulses/kWh or 4000 pulses/kvarh 1
For alternate pulse rates, contact your Elster representative.

Technical manual 6-1 Testing
6 Testing
A1800 ALPHA meters are factory calibrated and tested to provide years of trouble-free
service. No field calibrations or adjustments are required to ensure accurate operation of
the meter. It is normal, however, to test installed A1800 ALPHA meters periodically to
ensure accurate billing.
The A1800 ALPHA meter performs its own self tests. Additionally, the system
instrumentation and TRueQ features provide valuable information about the meter service.
See Chapter 4, “Meter tools,” for more information about the instrumentation and power
quality features of the meter.
Testing procedures are the same regardless of the type of meter being tested.
Meter self test

The A1800 ALPHA meter periodically performs a self test to determine if it is operating
properly. The self test ensures that the A1800 ALPHA meter is functioning properly and its
displayed quantities are accurate. Any errors encountered will be displayed on the LCD.
Certain errors may also initiate a telephone call via a modem or trigger a relay.
• For LCD errors and warnings, see “Codes and warnings” on page 6-2.
• For relay alarms, see “Relay-related alarms” on page 5-4.
The meter self test will be performed automatically under the following conditions:
• when the meter is initially installed and after any power restoration
• at midnight
• immediately after a data-altering communication session
The self test incorporates a series of electronic analyses verifying many aspects of the
A1800 ALPHA meter. Continuity checks and communications checks are made between
various key circuits of the electronics, and parity checks are made of memory and data
locations. After the meter passes its self test upon power restoration, all of the LCD
segments will be turned on briefly before beginning the normal display sequence. The
following is a list of the specific tests performed during a self test:
• verification of the configuration data and checksums

• confirmation of the crystal oscillator accuracy
• detection of low battery voltage
• detection of low Read without Power battery voltage
• maximum lifetime usage of the Read without Power battery
• verification of normal microcontroller function
• detection of unexpected meter engine resets (for multiple tariff configurations)
• detection and identification of user-defined warning conditions
Codes and warnings

There are 3 types of codes:
• error codes
• warning codes
• communication codes
The A1800 ALPHA meter displays error codes and warnings as an indication of a problem
that may be adversely affecting its operation. The meter will continue to function as
normally as possible when displaying an error or warning. The ✱ and RESET buttons
operate differently if an error or warning is displayed. See “Push buttons” on page 3-4 for
information on how the push buttons operate when an error or warning is displayed.
Error codes indicate conditions that may be affecting billing data. It is not recommended to
operate the A1800 ALPHA meter for an extended time when it is displaying an error code.
Warning codes indicate conditions that may be of concern but do not affect the integrity of
billing data.
Communication codes generally indicate a condition affecting communications with the

meter through the optical port or remote port. Not all communication codes indicate
potential problems; some codes provide an indication of the present communication
process.
Error codes. Error codes override any other item that is being displayed on the LCD. Using
Elster support software, error codes can be configured to “lock” the display, preventing
other items from being displayed, and the error indicator turns on. There are exceptions to
errors locking the display:
• The normal and alternate display sequence can be viewed even when an error code
locks the display. See “✱ button” on page 3-5 for more information.
• Warning codes can be programmed to display an error code. When the condition
causing the warning code is clear, the error code is no longer displayed. See “E3
300000: Display locked by warning” on page 6-5 for more information.
Communication codes are temporarily displayed on the LCD even when the LCD is “locked”
by an error code. After the communication code clears, LCD returns to showing the error
code.
Error codes are indicated on the LCD by a group code and a numerical code. The group
code makes it easier to identify the error on the LCD. The numerical code indicates the
specific condition that has occurred. See Figure 6-1 for a sample error code displayed on
the meter LCD. Table 6-1 through Table 6-3 describe the different error conditions and their
codes.
Figure 6-1. Sample error code displayed on the LCD
+P
L1 L2 L3
Table 6-1. Group E1 error conditions and codes

Condition Code
Carryover error 0 0 0 0 0 1
Crystal oscillator error 0 0 0 0 1 0
Table CRC error 0 0 0 1 0 0
Internal communication error 0 0 1 0 0 0
EEPROM access error 0 1 0 0 0 0
General configuration error 1 0 0 0 0 0

Condition Code
Security configuration error 0 0 0 0 0 2
Password table CRC error 0 0 0 0 2 0
Encryption key table CRC error 0 0 0 2 0 0
ROM fail error 0 2 0 0 0 0
Power fail data save error 2 0 0 0 0 0

Condition Code
Clock error 0 3 0 0 0 0
Display locked by warning 3 0 0 0 0 0
Error codes of the same group are displayed in combination (E1 001010, for example),
indicating that more than one error condition has been detected. If errors exist in more
than one group, the meter will continually cycle through the different groups. Any
problems must be corrected before normal operation can continue. In some cases, the
meter may need to be reprogrammed or returned to the factory for repair or replacement.
E1 000001: Carryover error. This code indicates a failure of a RAM checksum test on data
stored in the meter’s volatile RAM during a power outage. When a loss of line voltage
occurs, the meter’s RAM is maintained by the super capacitor and the TOU battery. If both
of these fail, the data stored in RAM is lost. Billing data is stored in nonvolatile EEPROM and
will still be available.1 The push buttons and communications ports will function normally.
Since shipping can take several days, this error will likely be seen on meters
shipped without a connected battery.
The meter battery may need to be replaced, and the error will need to be reset through
Elster meter support software. If the error code is still shown after using Elster meter
support software, the meter must be returned to the factory for repair or replacement.
1 Billing data is
always stored in nonvolatile memory. Depending on meter configuration, other data may be stored in RAM,
which uses a battery to preserve memory. If the battery fails, this data would be lost.
E1 000010: Crystal oscillator error. This codes indicates a problem with the crystal oscillator.
The A1800 ALPHA meter must be returned to the factory for repair or replacement.
E1 000100: Table CRC error. This code indicates a possible error in the A1800 ALPHA
meter’s programming. This code might appear if a communications interruption occurs
during meter programming. Depending on which area of the meter is affected, billing data
may not be reliably accumulated while this error condition exists. The push buttons and
optical port will continue to function normally.
Reprogramming the meter with Elster meter support software may correct the problem. If
the error code is displayed after reprogramming, the A1800 ALPHA meter should be
returned to the factory for repair or replacement.
E1 001000: Internal communication error. This code indicates the meter had an internal
communication error. The A1800 ALPHA meter must be returned to the factory for repair or
replacement.
E1 010000: EEPROM access error. This code indicates the meter had a problem accessing
its nonvolatile EEPROM. The A1800 ALPHA meter should be returned to the factory for
repair or replacement.
E1 100000: General configuration error. This code indicates a problem with the meter’s
configuration or program. The meter can usually be reprogrammed using Elster meter
support software to correct the errors.
E2 000002: Security configuration error. This code indicates an error is present in the
meter’s security configuration. Contact Elster if this error is displayed on the LCD.
If this error occurs, the meter is vulnerable to tampering. Prompt correction of the
error will maximize the A1800 ALPHA meter’s security protection.
E2 000020: Password table CRC error. This code indicates a CRC error is present in the
meter’s ANSI C12.21 password configuration table. Contact Elster if this error is displayed
on the LCD.
E2 000200: Encryption key table CRC error. This code indicates a CRC error is present in the
meter’s ANSI C12.19 encryption key configuration table. Encryption keys are used for secure
access to the meter’s data and configuration through the remote communication port.
Contact Elster if this error is displayed on the LCD.
E2 020000: ROM fail error. This code indicates an incomplete attempt to flash the meter
firmware. This code will exist on the meter if Elster firmware flash software did not
complete the upgrade process. All meter functionality is halted until this error is resolved.
Use Elster firmware flash software to attempt repair. If this fails, the meter must be returned
to the factory for repair or replacement.
E2 200000: Power fail data save error. This code indicates that the data saved in the
nonvolatile EEPROM during a power fail may be invalid. This error will be displayed when
power is restored to the meter, and a self check has discovered an error with the EEPROM
data. The A1800 ALPHA meter must be returned to the factory for repair or replacement.
E3 030000: Clock error. This code indicates an error with the meter’s timekeeping ability.
When a carryover error occurs (see “E1 000001: Carryover error” on page 6-3), reference to
real time is lost. The meter battery may need to be replaced, and the error will need to be
reset through Elster meter support software. If the error code is still present, the meter must
be returned to the factory for repair or replacement.
TOU features cannot be performed when time is lost. Previously accumulated data is
stored in nonvolatile EEPROM and will still be available.
E3 300000: Display locked by warning. This code indicates that one or more warning
codes (see “Warning codes” on page 6-5) has locked the display. The A1800 ALPHA meter
can be programmed to lock the display if a warning condition is present. Elster meter
support software is used to select the individual warnings that will cause this error code to
display. If the condition causing the warning clears, the error code will also clear.
Warning codes. Warning codes indicate conditions of concern that do not yet affect the
integrity of billing data. When the condition is present, a warning code is automatically
inserted as the last item in the normal and alternate display sequences. When the
condition clears, the warning code, is removed from the display sequence. Elster meter
support software can be used to select individual warnings that will lock the display as an
error. See “Error codes” on page 6-2 for more information.
Warning codes are indicated on the LCD by a group code and a numerical code. The
group code makes it easier to identify the error on the LCD. The numeric code indicates the
specific condition that has occurred. See Figure 6-2 for a sample warning code displayed
on the LCD. Table 6-4 and Table 6-5 describe the different warning conditions and their
codes.
Figure 6-2. Sample warning code
+P
L1 L2 L3
Table 6-4. Group W1 warning codes

Condition Code
Low battery warning 0 0 0 0 0 1
Improper meter engine operation 0 0 0 0 1 0
warning
Reverse energy flow warning 0 0 0 1 0 0
Potential indicator warning 0 1 0 0 0 0
Demand overload warning 1 0 0 0 0 0

Condition Code
Service current test failure 0 0 0 0 0 2
warning
Demand threshold exceeded 0 0 0 2 0 0
warning
Line frequency warning 0 0 2 0 0 0
TRueQ test failure warning 0 2 0 0 0 0
End of calendar warning 2 0 0 0 0 0

Condition Code
Read without Power battery 0 0 0 0 0 3
discharged
Read without Power mode active 0 0 0 0 3 0
Warning codes of the same group are displayed in combination (for example,
W2 202000), indicating that one or more warning conditions are present. If warnings
exist in more than one group, the meter displays each group at the end of the display
sequence before returning to the first item in the display sequence.
W1 000001: Low battery warning. This warning code indicates a low battery voltage or
missing battery. A1800 ALPHA meters having realtime TOU functionality require a battery to
maintain date and time over an extended power outage.
For timekeeping configurations, the meter should be de-energized and the battery should
be replaced. Once the new battery has been installed and the meter is energized, the
code is automatically cleared. See “Removing the battery” on page 7-6 and “Installing a
TOU battery” on page 7-3 for instructions on replacing batteries.
Note: In addition, the low battery indicator will display on the LCD (see “Low battery
indicator” on page 3-3).
W1 000010: Improper meter engine operation warning. This code indicates that the meter
engine program may be corrupt or is not executing correctly. This warning condition is
typically triggered when the microcontroller reinitializes the meter engine. An unstable or
noisy electrical environment at the A1800 ALPHA meter installation can interfere with this
operation.
If the meter engine is successfully reinitialized, then the warning code will be automatically
cleared from the LCD. If the code continues to be displayed on the LCD, the A1800 ALPHA
meter should be returned to the factory for repair or replacement.
W1 000100: Reverse energy flow warning. This warning code indicates that reverse energy
flow has been detected equivalent to twice the Kh since the last reset. It may be an
indication of tampering with the A1800 ALPHA meter installation. If reverse energy flow is
expected, then this warning code can be disabled through Elster meter support software. If
the service being metered is not expected to return energy to the utility, further
investigation is required. In some cases, it may be necessary to return the A1800 ALPHA
meter to the factory for repair or replacement.
The code is cleared by these methods:
• performing a demand reset

• issuing the clear values and status command through Elster meter support software
W1 010000: Potential indicator warning. This code indicates that one or more of the phase
potentials are missing or below the defined threshold for voltage sag detection. This code
will display at the same time as one or more of the potential indicators blink. See “Phase
indicators” on page 3-2 and “Voltage sags” on page 4-13 for more details on potential
indicators and voltage sags.
The code is automatically cleared when the phase potential returns a value within the
programmed thresholds.
W1 100000: Demand overload warning. This code indicates that the demand value
exceeded the programmed overload value. It is generally intended to inform a utility when
the installation is requiring more power than the service equipment was originally
designed to handle.
If the demand overload value has been set lower than appropriate for the installation, the
A1800 ALPHA meter may be reprogrammed with a higher threshold value.

W2 000002: Service current test failure warning. This code indicates that the most recently
performed service current test has failed. See “Service current test” on page 4-9 for more
information.
• the service current test is performed again and the test does not fail
W2 000200: Demand threshold exceeded warning. This code indicates that the demand
has exceeded one of the programmed demand thresholds. This warning follows the state
of any relay programmed for demand threshold operation. It is set once the demand
threshold has been exceeded and only cleared after one complete demand interval
during which the threshold is not exceeded.
W2 002000: Line frequency warning. If a meter is configured to use the line frequency
instead of the crystal oscillator as the time base, this code indicates that the line frequency
is off by ±5 % of its programmed setting. When this condition occurs, the meter switches
timekeeping to the crystal oscillator.
The code will be automatically cleared once the line frequency returns to within 5 % of the
nominal frequency. This warning will never appear on meters configured for constant
timekeeping operation from the internal crystal.
W2 020000: TRueQ test failure warning. This code indicates that one or more TRueQ tests
have detected a value outside the programmed thresholds. Use the meter system
instrumentation displays or Elster meter support software to gain additional information on
the specific TRueQ test causing the problem.
The code will be automatically cleared once TRueQ conditions return to a value within the
programmed thresholds.
W2 200000: End of calendar warning. This code indicates that the meter calendar has
expired or is about to expire. The date at which this code appears is configurable using
Elster meter support software. Program a new calendar using Elster meter support
software.

W3 000003: Read without Power battery discharged. This code indicates that the Read
without Power battery, which is used only to enable the Read without Power mode during
an outage, failed the meter’s most recent self test. The Read without Power battery fails if
the meter self test detects that the battery’s voltage is below the minimum threshold or the
battery has exceeded its maximum lifetime usage time. The meter will not enter Read
without Power mode if this warning is displayed. Contact Elster if this warning appears on
the display.
W3 000030: Read without Power mode active. This code indicates that the meter is
operating in the Read without Power mode. The meter has limited functionality while in this
mode (see “Read without Power mode” on page 3-9 for more information). This code is
cleared automatically when the meter exits the Read without Power mode.
Communication codes. Communication codes temporarily override any other item that
is being displayed on the LCD (including error codes). Communication codes are indicated
on the LCD by a port code and a numerical code. The port code identifies the affected port.
The numerical code indicates the status of the communication session. See Figure 6-3 for
a sample communication code displayed on the meter’s LCD. See Table 6-7 for the
communication codes that can be displayed.
Figure 6-3. Sample communication code
+P
L1 L2 L3
Table 6-7. Communication codes

Condition Code
CRC error C 0 0 1 0 1
Syntax error C 0 0 1 0 3
Framing error C 0 0 1 0 4
Timeout error C 0 0 1 0 5
For most communication errors, Elster recommends you attempt the communication
again. You may need to cycle power to the A1800 ALPHA meter or to reattempt the Elster
meter support software function. If communication errors persist, return the meter to the
factory for repair or replacement.
Meter shop testing
Test equipment
Typically, meter shops develop testing procedures specific to their own needs and have the
test equipment needed. Below is a list of standard test equipment required for testing the
A1800 ALPHA meter:
• a stable mounting fixture for the meter and a means to temporarily make the proper
power connections to the meter
• a reliable power supply that should be able to do the following:
• provide a voltage source for energizing the meter at its rated voltage (if desired,
the meter can be tested using a lower source voltage if that voltage is within the
wide operating voltage range of the A1800 ALPHA meter)
• provide a variable load current at unity power factor (PF)
• provide a variable load current at a lagging power factor for varh testing; the
power supply should be capable of delivering load current at PF = 0.0 (90 °
lagging) or PF = 0.5 (60 ° lagging)
• a precision Wh reference standard with ±0.002 % accuracy
• a precision varh reference standard with ±0.002 % accuracy
• a phantom load device or other loading circuit capable of handling the test
current
• one of the following:
• a photoelectric pickup to sense test pulses from the LED and a device capable of
counting pulses
• a low voltage (12 VDC to 24 VDC), low-power pulse sensor to capture and count
pulses from the meter output relay (the pulse sensor should provide a low voltage
source to the pulsing relay as well as detect and count contact closures of the
output relay)
• test equipment for measuring, counting, and timing pulse outputs
• control equipment that can provide switching between the meter source voltage and
precision reference standard
• precision voltage and current transformers
• voltmeters, ammeters, phase angle meters, power factor meters, and any other
measuring equipment that might be required
Test setup
Before testing the A1800 ALPHA meter, check the nameplate for the following:
• Meter class for expected accuracy

• Test amperes (In or Ib)
The specific test ampere value is not critical as long as the applied current does not
exceed the Imax current rating of the meter. Normally, a value of approximately 20 %
to 25 % of Imax is used for basic tests, with additional test points at 5 %, 10 %, and
100 % of Imax also required by most legal authorities.
Note: The A1800 ALPHA meter has a flat, linear load curve accuracy response. Therefore,
when allowed by local legislation, meter accuracy testing can be accomplished by
checking the meter accuracy at two typical points. For example, test the meter with
In equal to 10 % of Imax, at both 100 % and 20 % PF. Historical data from testing the
A1800 ALPHA meter confirms that if these test points are within the required
accuracy, the entire range of loads is within the required accuracy.
• Operating voltage range
• Any other important specifications for the meter being tested
Risk of personal injury or death!

Use only authorized personnel and proper test procedures to test metering
equipment. Dangerous voltages are present. Personal injury, death, or
equipment damage can result if safety precautions are not followed.
To set up the A1800 ALPHA meter for testing:
1. Install the meter in the stable mounting fixture.

2. Place the precision Wh or varh reference standard and precision voltage and current
transformers (as required) in series with the meter being tested.
If voltage transformers are not required, then the meter source voltage should be
placed in parallel with the Wh or VARh reference standards. See Appendix D, “Wiring
diagrams,” for appropriate wiring diagrams for the A1800 ALPHA meter.
3. Connect the control equipment for switching the source voltage to the precision
reference standard.
4. Connect the measuring equipment for counting the standard’s output pulses.
5. Apply the rated test current and voltage to the terminals of the meter.
Meter testing
Since no adjustments are required for the A1800 ALPHA meter in the field, meter testing is
done primarily to verify that the meter is operating within its specifications. Typically, meter
specifications are verified by checking the meter calibration. The accuracy of the
A1800 ALPHA meter remains consistent over a wide range of ambient temperatures.
Nevertheless, for precise test results, meters should be tested in an environment where the
meter and test equipment are at the same ambient temperature, ideally 22 °C (72 °F).
The test voltage should be applied to the meter for at least ten seconds prior to making test
measurements. This allows the power supply circuitry to stabilize. When testing meters for
Class 0.2 accuracy, a test cycle time of at least one minute is recommended at In and with
PF = 1.0. When using current values lower than In for testing, test errors may occur because
not enough time is allowed for the test. When using a lower test In, increase the test time
proportionally.
The preferred test method is to apply full 3-phase voltage and current to both the meter
and the precision reference standard. Nevertheless, if required, polyphase meters can be
tested with single phase loading. Single phase loading is done by connecting the voltage
inputs in parallel and the current sensors in series to combine element operation. The
accuracy test results for single phase and polyphase loading will be virtually identical and
well within A1800 ALPHA meter specifications.
Using relay outputs for testing. The relay outputs can be used instead of the LED to test
meter calibration. To do so, the relay outputs need to be configured for pulse output. When
using the relay outputs for testing, testing time should exceed 20 seconds for accurate
results at normal test current values of Ib or In. If more accurate testing is required, use
longer testing times. If precision testing is required, testing times should be as long as it
takes to attain a stable accuracy level when comparing the meter under test to the
precision standard. The testing time may vary because of the characteristics of the
precision reference standard and the amount of power flowing through the test circuits.
Some experimentation may be required to determine the testing time needed to reach a
stable accuracy level.
Using LCD pulse count for testing. For test shops that do not have photoelectric pulse
sensors and related counters and do not want to use relay outputs for testing, the LCD can
provide a pulse count that reflects the energy measured during a test. Use the LCD pulse
count to determine the energy measured during the test cycle and compare it with the
energy delivered by precision reference standard.
Wiring a portable device into an energized metering circuit must be done with
extreme care, using only authorized procedures. If high voltage connected
current transformers are accidentally open circuited, the voltages at the
secondary open terminals can rise to the primary voltage level, creating an
extremely hazardous condition, leading to possible property damage, personnel
injury or death.
To test the meter using the LCD pulse count, the meter display must be configured to
display a test pulse count. Use the Elster meter support software to communicate to the
meter through the optical port and place it in test mode. In test mode, the LCD display can
be cycled to display the pulse count accumulated during a test cycle. After meter testing is
complete, use the meter software to restore the meter to normal mode.
If a meter is programmed to display energy pulse counts when it is in the alternate display
mode, a similar procedure also can be used to test a meter while it is in service at a
customer site. When testing a meter in service, follow the safety procedures specified by
the utility. Wire a portable precision reference standard into the circuit in series with the
billing meter. After the portable precision reference standard is in the circuit, the energy
value determined from the pulse count displayed on the LCD over the test interval can be
compared with the energy value displayed on the portable reference standard. If this test
method is used while the meter is in alternate mode, any energy consumed by the
customer during the test is registered in the normal manner.
Technical manual 7-1 Installation and removal
7 Installation and removal
Preliminary inspection
Circuit-closing devices must be used on current transformer secondaries.

Dangerous currents and voltages are present if secondaries are open-circuited.
Equipment damage, personal injury, or death can result if circuit-closing devices
are not used.
The A1800 ALPHA meter is calibrated and tested at the factory, and it is ready for
installation. Follow proper installation and removal procedures for personal safety and
protection of the meter.
Before installing and applying power to the A1800 ALPHA meter, a quick inspection of the
meter itself is recommended. Check for some of the following items:
• no broken or missing parts

• no missing or broken wiring
• no bent or cracked components
• no evidence of overheating
• check the nameplate to make sure it is appropriate for the service
Physical damage to the outside of the A1800 ALPHA meter could indicate potential
electronic damage in the inside of the meter. Do not connect power to a meter that is
suspected to have unknown internal damage. Contact your local Elster representative if
you suspect your meter may be damaged.
Placing the meter into service

See Appendix D, “Wiring diagrams,” for illustrations of both internal and connection wiring
diagrams.
Circuit-closing devices must be used on current transformer secondaries.

Dangerous currents and voltages are present if secondaries are open-circuited.
Personal injury, death, or equipment damage can result if circuit-closing devices
are not used.
Make sure to install the correct meter for the service type, maximum current, and
capacity required. Always verify that the maximum meter voltage and current
ratings are equal to or greater than the maximum service voltage and current.
Installing inappropriate meters can damage equipment.
To use the A1800 ALPHA meter effectively and safely, follow this procedure:
1. Make sure that the meter hanger, located on the base of the A1800 ALPHA meter, is
in the desired position. Sliding the hanger down to the hidden position will hide the
top supporting screw.
2. Use at least an M6 screw for the top supporting position and hang the meter on it,
making sure it is level. The meter will operate correctly in any position, but failing to
mount the meter in a proper vertical position will place the other mounting holes at
the wrong place on the mounting panel.
3. Use at least an M6 screw in each of the bottom supporting screws to secure the
A1800 ALPHA meter enclosure; the mounting holes are 7.1 mm (0.28 inches) in
diameter.
Before wiring the meter into the power circuit, use authorized utility procedures
to install proper ground connections on all appropriate VT and CT circuits and on
the meter ground terminals. Also, be certain that CTs on energized lines are
securely short-circuited either with circuit-closing test switches or with properly
installed conductors. Dangerous voltages can be present. Personal injury, death,
or equipment damage can result from wiring an ungrounded meter or
mishandling improperly grounded metering transformer circuits.
4. Install the ground connections.
A1800 ALPHA meter terminals are designed for optimum use with copper wiring.
For direct connect-rated meters, aluminum wiring can be used but if so, it is
extremely important to use proper aluminum wiring practices. Aluminum wiring
compound or wiring paste (grease) should be used when attaching the bottom-
connected terminals. Tighten the connections, allow them to relax for a few
minutes, then tighten them again. This will minimize the cold-flow effects of
aluminum cable. Failure to observe correct practices for installing aluminum
wiring could lead to overheating of the terminals, equipment failures, or
damaging fires. Where possible, Elster recommends copper-compatible meter
terminals and aluminum wire. Such adapters also can provide for use or larger
aluminum conductors that can be otherwise used in the terminals of the
A1800 ALPHA meter.
5. Ensure that primary or system voltages are either disconnected from a power source
or that utility safety practices for handling live circuits are strictly followed.
6. If applicable, ensure that any current transformers are de-energized with no high-
voltage primary voltage connected to their primaries and no primary current
circulating through them. If primary current and voltage are present in the current
transformers, it is extremely important to verify that safety shorting connections are in
place on all secondary winding connections prior to handling CT connections to the

meter.
7. Wire the meter using color-coded wire according to locally applicable specifications.
The terminal block dimensions on the A1800 ALPHA meter support cable sizes of
approximately 5 mm in diameter for transformer rated connections (10 mm in
diameter for direct connect).
Standard wiring diagrams are shown in Appendix D, “Wiring diagrams.”
8. After wiring the meter and making any communication and relay connections,
assemble the terminal cover and apply power.
For information on communication and relay connections, see Chapter 5, “Outputs.”
Figure 7-1. A1800 ALPHA meter mounting screw locations
Hanger screw mount
Screw mounts
Installing a TOU battery

The TOU battery is replaceable without breaking the meter seal. Use only Elster-
recommended TOU batteries. See your Elster representative for details.
The meter should be de-energized before installing the battery. Dangerous

voltages are present; and equipment damage, personal injury, or death can
result if safety precautions are not followed. Use authorized procedures to install
the battery while power is removed from the meter.
Before installing the battery, the A1800 ALPHA meter must have been energized for at least
1 minute within the preceding 60 minutes. This ensures that the supercapacitor is properly
charged and that the battery is not immediately drained upon installation. If this is not
done, then the battery may be damaged and the meter may not function correctly. While
the meter is powered, verify that the LCD is active and functioning.
To install the battery:
1. If the meter has not been energized for at least 1 minute during the previous 60
minutes, energize the meter for 1 minute.
If the meter has been energized for at least 1 minute during the previous 60 minutes,
proceed to step 2.
2. De-energize the meter.
3. Remove the terminal cover screws and seals.
4. Remove the terminal cover to expose the battery well.
Figure 7-2. Battery well and connector
TOU battery
5. Slide the battery leads into the connector to the right of the battery well.
6. Place the battery firmly in the battery well.
7. Replace the terminal cover.
8. Energize the meter and verify that the LCD becomes active and functioning properly.
Verify that the low battery symbol on the meter LCD is not displayed. See “Indicators
and controls” on page 3-1 for details.
9. Replace the terminal cover screws and seals.
10. Reprogram the meter or clear the errors (as necessary).
Troubleshooting.
Not following this procedure can cause the meter to function improperly. In case
a battery has been installed correctly and the meter is not functioning properly (for
example, display is blank but the meter is powered), use the following procedure.
1. De-energize the meter and let it sit without power for 48 to 72 hours. This provides
sufficient time for the supercapacitor to discharge and for the microcontroller to shut
down.1
2. Energize the meter for at least 1 minute. The microcontroller should power up
correctly and the supercapacitor will charge. Verify that the LCD becomes active and
functioning correctly.
3. De-energize the meter and insert the battery, following the instructions earlier in this
section.
If the meter still does not function properly, then it should be returned to the factory.
1 If the battery was installed

with the polarity reversed, the battery should not be damaged. If the battery was installed without
having the meter properly energized, then the battery will lose approximately 8.5 % of its service life each day.
Initial setup
After installing and powering the A1800 ALPHA meter, verify the following:
• The system service voltage test (if enabled) shows the valid service for this
installation. The phase rotation, service voltage, and service type should be indicated
on the LCD. Other validation information can be obtained using the system
instrumentation display quantities.
• All potential indicators (from L1 to L3 depending on the wiring) are present and are
not blinking. A blinking indicator means that the phase is missing the required
voltage or is below the programmed minimum voltage threshold value.
• The LEDs are blinking and the energy direction indicators on the LCD show the correct
energy flow direction.
• Required meter seals are in place.
• Any information (such as registration and location of the meter) has been recorded.
If the meter is not working correctly after it has been installed, then check for
improper installation or wiring. If the installation and wiring are correct, then verify
these other areas:
• the meter installation matches the meter nameplate

• the correct type of A1800 ALPHA meter is installed in the existing service
• no evidence of mechanical or electrical damage to either the meter or the installation
location
• the service voltage falls within the operating range as indicated on the nameplate
• the optical port is free of dirt or other obstructions
Marking the utility information card

The utility information card can be removed without breaking seals and removing the
meter cover screws. Note that the direct connect meter uses a blank card.
To remove the utility information:
1. Remove the terminal cover as described above.

2. Grasp the protruding utility information card tab firmly and pull the card out slowly
from under the meter cover.
3. Mark the card as needed.
Figure 7-3. Removing the utility information card
Removing the meter from service

Use the appropriate procedure when removing an A1800 ALPHA meter from service.
Use authorized utility procedures to remove metering equipment. Dangerous

voltages are present, and equipment damage, personal injury, or death can
result if safety procedures are not followed.
Circuit-closing devices must be used on current transformer secondaries. This

applies to CT-connected meters. Dangerous currents and voltages are present if
secondaries are open-circuited. Equipment damage, personal injury, or death
can result if circuit-closing devices are not used.
If it becomes necessary to remove an A1800 ALPHA meter from service, use the following
procedure:
1. Before disconnecting the meter, make sure that the existing meter data has been
copied, either manually or electronically using Elster meter support software.
2. Remove the voltage and disconnect the current circuits.
3. Break the seal holding the A1800 ALPHA meter terminal cover in place.
4. Remove the terminal cover screws and take off the terminal cover.
5. Disconnect the wiring.
6. Remove the lower supporting screws.
7. Lift the meter off the top supporting screw.
Removing the battery
The meter should be de-energized before removing the battery. Dangerous

voltages are present; and equipment damage, personal injury, or death can
result if safety precautions are not followed. Use authorized procedures to
remove the battery while power is removed from the meter.
Use the following procedure to remove a battery from an A1800 ALPHA meter:
1. De-energize the meter.

2. Remove the terminal cover to expose the battery well.
3. Firmly grasp the battery and lift it from the well.
4. Disconnect the battery leads from the connector.
5. Replace the terminal cover and ensure the seals are in place.
If the removed battery is still in working condition, it can be stored safely for future use.
Non-functioning batteries should be disposed of according to local laws, regulations, or
electric utility policies.
Technical manual 8-1 Loss compensation
8 Loss compensation
Introduction
What is Loss Compensation?

The Handbook for Electricity Metering defines loss compensation as follows:
A means for correcting the reading of a meter when the metering point and the point
of service are physically separated resulting in measurable losses including I2R
losses in conductors and transformers, and iron-core losses. These losses may be
added to, or subtracted from the meter registration.1
For example, it may be desirable to measure the energy usage on the low voltage side of
a distribution transformer that serves an industrial customer even though the end-point
customer actually owns the transformer and is responsible for any transformer losses. In
this case, the utility billing point is actually the high voltage side of the transformer. Using
loss compensation, the meter on the low voltage side of the transformer can actively adjust
the energy registration to account for the losses in the transformer.
Availability
The loss compensation functionality is available only on the following CT-connected
A1800 ALPHA meter configurations:
• 2-element
• 3-element
Software support
A meter with loss compensation must first be programmed with the proper utility rate
configuration using Elster meter support software just as you would with any other
A1800 ALPHA meter. Next, a special programming step is performed to load the proper
loss constants into the meter. This is done with special Windows-based software titled
A1800 ALPHA Meter Loss Compensation Tool.
Calculating the correction values

To configure the loss compensation feature of an A1800 ALPHA meter you must input the
following values into the loss compensation software. These values are site specific and
must be uniquely determined for each loss compensation application.
Parameter Description
%LWFe Iron watts correction percentage
%LWCu Copper watts correction percentage
%LVFe Iron vars correction percentage
%LVCu Copper vars correction percentage
1 Edison Electric
Institute, Handbook for Electricity Metering, 10th edition, Washington, DC: Edison Electric Institute, 2002, p. 16.
Meter current Meter current when power transformer is operating at
maximum rating
Meter voltage Meter voltage when power transformer is operating at rated
voltage
These values must be calculated on the basis of the power transformer test report and, if
line losses are to be included, the characteristics of the primary/secondary conductors at
the specific site in question. The following sections describe these calculations.
Calculation of loss compensation parameters is dependent on the location of the meter

with respect to the power transformer. The rated voltage and rated current used in the
calculations must represent the values on the same side of the power transformer as the
meter is located.
• If the meter is located on the secondary side of the power transformer, then the rated
voltage and rated current used in the calculations must be secondary values.
• If the meter is located on the primary side of the power transformer, then the rated
voltage and rated current used in the calculations must be primary values.
Gather necessary data

The following information is necessary to calculate the loss compensation configuration
parameters.
KVArated Rated kVA of power transformer
Vpri L-L Primary line-to-line voltage of power transformer
Vsec L-L Secondary line-to-line voltage of power transformer
LWCu Full load watts loss of power transformer (copper or winding
losses)
LWFe No load watts loss of power transformer (iron or core losses)
%EXC Percent excitation current of the power transformer
%Z Percent impedance of the power transformer
CTR Current transformer ratio for instrument transformers supplying
current to the meter
VTR Voltage transformer ratio for instrument transformers supplying
voltage to the meter
Elements Number of meter elements (use 3- for all 2 ½-element meters)
Note: There may be one 3-phase transformer or a bank of three single phase
transformers. If there are three single phase transformers then test data is needed
for all three.
Calculate the meter configuration parameters

Step 1. Calculate the following quantities.
VAphase Per phase VA rating of power transformer
Vsec rated Rated secondary voltage of power transformer
Isec rated Rated secondary current of power transformer
Vpri rated Rated primary voltage of power transformer
Ipri rated Rated primary current of power transformer
LWFe No load watt loss of power transformer (loss watt iron)
LWCu Full load watt loss of power transformer (loss watt copper)
LVAFe No load VA loss of power transformer (loss VA iron)
LVACu Full load VA loss of power transformer (loss VA copper)
LVFe No load var loss of power transformer (loss var iron)
LVCu Full load var loss of power transformer (loss var copper)
Parameter Equation
VAphase If bank of 3 transformers
VA phase = KVArated × 1000
If one 3-phase transformer

( kVArated × 1000 )
VA phase =
3
Vsec rated For 2 element, 3-wire delta
applications V sec rated = V sec L - L
For 3 element, 4-wire wye

applications V sec L - L
V sec rated =
3
Vpri rated For 2 element, 3-wire delta
applications V pri rated = V pri L - L
For 3 element, 4-wire wye

applications V pri L - L
V pri rated =
3
Isec rated All applications

3 × VA phase
I sec rated =
V sec L - L
Ipri rated All applications

3 × VA phase
I pri rated =
V pri L- L
Note: For a bank of three single phase transformers the below calculations should be
performed independently for each transformer and then summed to obtain the
total losses.
LWFe Take directly from power transformer test report.
LWCu Take directly from power transformer test report.
Parameter Equation
LVAFe
⎛ %EXC ⎞
kVArated × 1000 × ⎜ ⎟
⎝ 100 ⎠
LVACu
⎛ %Z ⎞
kVArated × 1000 × ⎜ ⎟
⎝ 100 ⎠
LVFe
LVAFe 2 - LWFe 2
LVCu
LVCu 2 - LWCu 2
Step 2. If it is desired to compensate for line losses then calculate the full load watt line
loss and the full load var line loss values (see next section for details on line loss
calculation).
LiWTOT Total full load watt line loss (line loss watt)
LiVTOT Total full load var line loss (line loss var)
Step 3. Calculate the per element % correction factors, the meter voltage, and the meter
current. These are the values that must be entered into the loss compensation software to
configure the meter properly.
• If the meter is on the primary side of the power transformer, then Vrated = Vpri rated
and Irated = Ipri rated.
• If the meter is on the secondary side of the power transformer, then Vrated = Vsec rated
and Irated = Isec rated.
Parameter Equation
%LWFe
LWFe × 100
Vrated × I rated × Elements
%LWCu
(LWCu + LiWTOT )× 100
%LVFe
LVFe × 100
Parameter Equation
%LVCu
(LVCu + LiVTOT )× 100
Meter current
I rated
CTR
Meter voltage
Vrated
VTR
Calculating line loss

Compensation for line losses may include primary losses, secondary losses, or both
depending on the application.

The following information is necessary to calculate the line losses.
f Frequency
n Number of conductors
L Line length (units compatible with conductor resistance)
Ra Conductor resistance (Ω/meter or Ω/kilometer)
GMR1 Geometric mean radius of the phase conductors (in meters)
Xa1 Inductive reactance of the conductor at 1ft. spacing (Ω/meter or
Ω/kilometer)
1 Either GMR or X
a is required, but not both. The available information determines which
is used in the calculations.
Step 1. Calculate line resistance and line reactance
The equations below should be applied individually to the primary and the secondary
conductors.
RL Line resistance (Ω)
XL Line reactance (Ω)
Deq Geometric mean distance between phase conductors (in
meters)
DL1,L2 Distance between Line 1 and Line 2 (in meters)
Parameter Equation
RL
L × Ra
Calculating the reactive component of the impedance is not as straight forward as the
resistance calculation, and the calculation depends on the wiring configuration. The most
common configuration is one where the wires are unbundled and the spacing between
wires is uniform. Other types of wiring, such as bundled conductors, will not be discussed
in this document. Two equations can be used to calculate line reactance. The choice of
which equation to use is based on the whether GMR or Xa is available.
Item Equation
XL If using GMR
⎛ f ⎞ ⎛ Deq ⎞
L × 0.2794 × ⎜ ⎟ × Log ⎜⎜ ⎟⎟
⎝ 60 ⎠ ⎝ GMR ⎠
If using Xa
⎧ ⎡ ⎛ f ⎞ ⎤⎫
L × ⎨ X a + ⎢0.2794 × ⎜ ⎟ × LogDeq ⎥ ⎬
⎩ ⎣ ⎝ 60 ⎠ ⎦⎭
where:
Deq = 3 DL 1,L 2 × D L 2 ,L 3 × DL 3 ,L 1
Step 2. Calculate the line losses.
Item Description
LiWTOT Total full load watt line loss (line loss watt)
LiVTOT Total full load var line loss (line loss var)
Vpri L-L Primary line-to-line voltage of power transformer
Vsec L-L Secondary line-to-line voltage of power transformer
Ipri rated Rated primary current of power transformer
Isec rated Rated secondary current of power transformer
Note: Vpri L-L, Vsec L-L, Ipri rated, and Isec rated are the same values as used in calculation
of transformer losses (see previous section).
When compensating for both transformer and line losses:
Item Equation
LiWsec
I sec2 rated × RL sec × n
LiVsec
I sec2 rated × X L sec × n
LiWpri
rated × R L pri × n
2
I pri
Item Equation
LiVpri
rated × X L pri × n
2
I pri
LiWTOT
LiW sec + LiW pri
LiVTOT
LiV sec + LiV pri
Note: In the special case that you are compensating only for line loss (no transformer
losses), then the values for Ipri rated and Isec rated must be directly specified by the
user. Typically, these two values will be inversely proportional to the rated
secondary and primary voltages of the power transformer. That is,
I pri rated V sec rated

=
I sec rated V pri rated
Step 3. If compensating for both transformer and line losses, return to Step 3 of the
previous section using the above calculated line losses to help calculate the %LWCu and
%LVCu values.
If compensating only for line losses use the following equations to calculate the per
element % correction factors, the meter voltage and the meter current for entry in the loss
compensation software.
• If the meter is on the primary side of the power transformer,

Irated = Ipri rated.
• If the meter is on the secondary side of the power transformer,
Irated = Isec rated.
Vrated is the nominal voltage seen on the high side of the instrument transformer supplying
voltage to the meter.
Parameter Equation
%LWFe 0
%LWCu
LiWTOT × 100
%LVFe 0
%LVCu
LiVTOT × 100
Meter current
I rated
CTR
Meter voltage
Vrated
VTR
Calculation example
The following example can be used as a guideline. This is based on the sample
transformer data for loss compensation shown in chapter 10 of the Handbook for Electricity
Metering (10th edition).2
Application notes:
• The application is a bank of three single-phase power transformers.

• The metering occurs on the low (secondary) side of a power transformer, and losses
will be added to the measured energy.
• There is a delta connection on the secondary of the power transformer and thus a 2-
element meter will be used to measure the service.
• Losses are being compensated for the power transformer only (no line losses).

Power transformer data (from transformer manufacturer)
Parameter Value
Line 1 Line 2 Line 3
KVArated 3333 3333 3333
Vpri L-L 115000 115000 115000
Vsec L-L 2520 2520 2520
LWCu 18935 18400 18692
LWFe 9650 9690 9340
%EXC 1.00 1.06 0.91
%Z 8.16 8.03 8.12
Instrument transformer data:
Parameter Value
CTR
3000
= 600
5
VTR
2400
= 20
120
Meter data:
Parameter Value
Elements 2
Step 1. Calculate the quantities
2 Edison Electric Institute, Handbook for Electricity Metering, tenth edition, Washington, DC: Edison Electric Institute, 2002, Chapter
10, “Special Metering,” pp. 249-88.

Because the metering is on the secondary side of the power transformer, all references to
rated voltage and rated current refer to the secondary rated values.
VAphase bank of three transformers:
kVArated × 1000 = 3333 × 1000 = 3,333,000
Vrated secondary side, 2-element delta application:
V sec L - L = 2520
Irated secondary side application:
VA phase 3 ,333 ,000

3× = 3× = 2290.84
V sec L - L 2520
Phase 1. Calculations
Parameter Value
LWFe 9650
LWCu 18935
LVAFe
⎛ %EXC ⎞
kVArated × 1000 × ⎜ ⎟
⎝ 100 ⎠
⎛ 1.00 ⎞
3333 × 1000 × ⎜ ⎟ = 33 ,330
⎝ 100 ⎠
LVACu
⎛ %Z ⎞
kVArated × 1000 × ⎜ ⎟
⎝ 100 ⎠
⎛ 8.16 ⎞
3333 × 1000 × ⎜ ⎟ = 271 ,973
⎝ 100 ⎠
LVFe
LVFe 2 - LWFe 2
35 ,330 2 − 9690 2 = 33 ,975
LVCu
LVACu 2 - LWCu 2
271 ,923 2 − 18 ,935 2 = 271 ,313
Parameter Value
LWFe 9690
LWCu 18400
Parameter Value
LVAFe
⎛ % EXC ⎞
kVArated × 1000 × ⎜ ⎟
⎝ 100 ⎠
⎛ 1.06 ⎞
3333 × 1000 × ⎜ ⎟ = 35 ,330
⎝ 100 ⎠
LVACu
⎛%Z ⎞
kVArated × 1000 × ⎜ ⎟
⎝ 100 ⎠
⎛ 8.03 ⎞
3333 × 1000 × ⎜ ⎟ = 267 ,640
⎝ 100 ⎠
LVFe
LVAFe 2 - LWFe 2
35 ,330 2 − 9690 2 = 33 ,975
LVCu
LVACu 2 - LWCu 2
267 ,640 2 − 18 ,400 2 = 267 ,007
Parameter Value
LWFe 9340
LWCu 18,692
LVAFe
⎛ % EXC ⎞
kVArated × 1000 × ⎜ ⎟
⎝ 100 ⎠
⎛ 0.91 ⎞
3333 × 1000 × ⎜ ⎟ = 30 ,330
⎝ 100 ⎠
LVACu
⎛ %Z ⎞
kVArated × 1000 × ⎜ ⎟
⎝ 100 ⎠
⎛ 8.12 ⎞
3333 × 1000 × ⎜ ⎟ = 270 ,640
⎝ 100 ⎠
LVFe
LVAFe 2 - LWFe 2
33 ,330 2 − 9340 2 = 28 ,856
Parameter Value
LVCu
LVACu 2 - LWCu 2
270 ,640 2 − 18 ,692 2 = 269 ,993
From the above:
Parameter Value
LWFe 9650 + 9690 + 9340 = 28,680
LWCu 18,935 + 18,400 + 18,692 = 56,027
LVAFe 33,330 + 35,330 + 30,330 = 98,990
LVACu 271,973 + 267,640 + 270,640 = 810,253
LVFe 31,902 + 33,975 + 28,856 = 94,734
LVCu 271,313 + 267,007 + 269,993 = 808,313
Step 2. Compensate for line loss (if needed).
Per the stated assumptions, there is no compensating for line losses:
Parameter Value
LiWTOT 0
LiVTOT 0
Step 3. Now the per element % correction factors may be calculated:
Parameter Value
%LWFe
LWFe × 100
28 ,680 × 100
= 0.2484
2520 × 229084 × 2
%LWCu
(LWCu + LiWTOT )× 100
56 ,027 × 100
= 0.4853
2520 × 2290.84 × 2
%LVFe
LVFe × 100
94 ,734 × 100
= 0.8205
2520 × 2290.84 × 2
Parameter Value
%LVCu
(LVCu + LiVTOT )×
808 ,313 × 100
= 7.0009
2520 × 2290.84 × 2
Meter current
I rated 2290.84
= = 3.82 A
CTR 600
Meter voltage
Vrated 2520
= = 126 V
VTR 20
Enter Data
Summary of calculated values to enter in A1800 ALPHA Meter Loss Compensation Tool
Parameter Value
Registration Add losses
Iron watts correction % (%LWFe) 0.2484
Copper watts correction % (%LWCu) 0.4853
Iron vars correction % (%LVFe) 0.8205
Copper vars correction % (%LVCu) 7.0009
Meter current 3.82
Meter voltage 126
Internal meter calculations

To understand the loss compensation calculations, it is first necessary to understand a little
bit about how the A1800 ALPHA meter engine operates. Internal to the meter engine, Vrms
and Irms are measured independently on each phase every two line cycles. These values
are used to perform the normal energy calculations on each phase every two line cycles.
The individual phase measurements are then summed. This drives an internal
accumulator in the meter engine that generates a pulse to the microcontroller when a
threshold level is reached. The threshold level at which a pulse is generated is known as
the meter Ke (energy per pulse). There are separate calculations, separate accumulators
and separate Ke pulses generated for each measured energy quantity (for example, kWh-
delivered, kvarh-delivered).
When loss compensation is turned on, additional calculations are performed. Every two
line cycles on each phase, the Vrms and Irms values used in the normal energy calculations
are also used to calculate a watt compensation value and a var compensation value. The
following equations indicate the compensation terms that are calculated and applied to
the normal energy measurements every two line cycles.
For a 3-element meter, watts and vars are compensated every two line cycles according to
the following equations:
Compensation Equation
W
(
R × I L1 meas 2 + I L2 meas 2 + I L3 meas 2 + )
G × (V L1 meas
2
+ V L2 meas 2 + Vc meas 2 )
var
(
X × I L1 meas 2 + I L2 meas 2 + I L3 meas 2 + )
B × (V L1 meas
4
+ V L2 meas + Vc meas
4 4
)
For a 2-element meter, watts and vars are compensated every two line cycles according to
the following equations:
Compensation Equation
W
(
R × I L1 meas 2 + I L3 meas 2 + )
G × (V L1 meas
2
+ Vc meas 2
)
var
(
X × I L1 meas 2 + I L3 meas 2 + )
B × (V L1 meas
4
+ Vc meas 4 )
Where:
Term Description
R Per element resistance
G Per element conductance
X Per element reactance
B Per element susceptance
Ixmeas Per phase rms current
Vxmeas Per phase rms voltage
The A1800 ALPHA Meter Loss Compensation Tool calculates R, G, X, and B using the
following formulas and then programs these values into the meter.
Item Equation
R
%LWCu × Meter voltage
Meter current × 100
Item Equation
G
%LWFe × Meter current
Meter voltage × 100
X
%LVCu × Meter voltage
Meter current × 100
B
%LVFe × Meter current
(Meter voltage )3 × 100
The compensation terms will be either positive or negative depending on whether losses
are configured to be added or subtracted from the energy measurements. So, the key
difference on meters with loss compensation is that every two line cycles on each phase,
the calculated W compensation value is summed with the normal Wh energy calculations.
Similarly, the var compensation term is summed per phase every two line cycles with the
normal varh energy calculations. From that point everything is essentially the same
(individual phases are then summed to drive an accumulator).
Note regarding two-element meters: Two-element ALPHA meters are unique in that they
create an artificial internal reference that is used to measure the phase voltages. For
example, line 3 experiences a loss of voltage while the meter remains powered (either
from line 1 or from an auxiliary supply) the internal meter engine will still measure a line 3
voltage equal to one-half of the line 1 voltage. In applications where loss compensation is
not applied this has no impact on the measurement of energy because no power will be
drawn by the load on line 3. That is, line 3 current equals zero and so the net energy
measured on line 3 is accurately calculated as zero. However, in the special case of a
meter that is compensating for transformer losses, the no-load compensation terms are
based solely on the measured voltage on each phase (see above formulas). Therefore, on
2-element ALPHA meters with loss compensation enabled, if line 3 voltage is lost while the
meter remains powered, the no load compensation terms for line 3 will be in error
because they will be calculated based on one-half the line 1 voltage.
The same situation would result if line 1 experiences a loss of voltage.

Meter outputs affected by compensation

When loss compensation is enabled on an A1800 ALPHA meter, all of the following
collected data use the compensated values:
• all register billing data

• all pulse profile data
• all KYZ pulse outputs
• all test pulses (both in the LCD and on the LED)
Compensation does not affect instrumentation values or the meter features that use
instrumentation values. Regardless of the status of loss compensation, all instrumentation
values reflect the actual measured values as seen at the meter terminals. For example, per
phase voltage values are not affected (whether displayed on the LCD or reported in meter
support software). Likewise TRueQ functions and instrumentation profiling values are not
affected when compensation is active.
Testing a meter with compensation

The LEDs on A1800 ALPHA meters always reflect the current measurement algorithm in the
meter engine. That is, if compensation is turned on then the LEDs will indicate
compensated energy. If compensation is turned off then the LEDs will indicate
uncompensated energy. Because the LED always reflects the state of the compensation it
reduces the chance that a meter with active compensation is accidentally installed
unknowingly.
Using the A1800 ALPHA Meter Loss Compensation Tool, it is possible to configure the
meter to automatically turn off compensation whenever the meter enters test mode. This
may or may not be desired depending on utility testing practices.
The loss compensation software also permits the A1800 ALPHA meter loss compensation
function to be manually turned off and turned on without altering the loss compensation
parameters configured in the meter.
Utilities may desire to calculate the expected test results of a compensated meter and then
test the meter with active compensation to verify that the expected results are obtained.
Technical manual A-1 Glossary
A Glossary
✱ button. The push button that activates the alternate mode. It also can be used to control
the scrolling of display quantities in the different operating modes.
Alpha Keys. A system combining hardware and software to upgrade existing

A1800 ALPHA meters. Keys allow addition of new functionality to an existing meter for an
additional fee.
alternate mode. The operating mode in A1800 ALPHA meters used to display a second
set of display quantities on the LCD. It is generally activated by pressing the Q button on the
meter. A typical use of the alternate mode is to display non-billing data as programmed by
Elster meter support software.
AvgPF. see average power factor.
average power factor. Calculated once every second, when the meter is not in test mode,
using the following formula:
kWh
AvgPF =
kvarh 2 + kWh 2
billing data. The measured quantities recorded and stored by the meter for use in billing
the consumer. May also be referred to as tariff data.
bit. Short for binary digit. It is the smallest information unit used in data communications
and storage.
coincident. Information regarding one parameter occurring at the same time as another.
For example, coincident kvar demand is the kvar demand occurring during the interval of
peak kW demand.
communication session count. The number of data-altering communications occurring

since the A1800 ALPHA meter was last programmed or a clear of the values and status.
complete LCD test. A display showing 8 in all the display areas and all identifiers on the
LCD turned on. This confirms that all segments are operating properly.
continuous cumulative. A display technique used with demand calculations and similar
to cumulative demand except continuous cumulative demand is updated constantly.
CTR. see current transformer ratio.
cumulative. A display technique used with demand calculations. Upon a demand reset,
the present maximum demand is added to the sum of the previous maximum billing
period demand values.
current transformer ratio. The ratio of the primary current to the secondary current of a
current transformer. For example, 400 A to 5 A would have a current transformer ratio of
400:5 or 80:1.
data-altering communication. Any communication that performs any of the following

actions:
• writes to a meter table

• clears data
• resets log pointers or data set pointers
• resets the demand
• performs a self read
• performs a season change
del. see delivered.
delivered. Used to specify the energy delivered (provided) to an electric service.
demand. The average power computed over a specific time.
demand forgiveness. The number of minutes that demand will not be calculated
following a recognized power outage. This provides a time period immediately following
the restoration of power during which startup power requirements will not be included in
the calculated demand.
demand interval. The time period over which demand is calculated. Demand interval
must be evenly divisible into 60 minutes.
demand reset. The act of resetting the present maximum demand to zero.
demand reset count. The total number of demand resets since the meter was last
programmed.
demand reset date. The date of the last demand reset.
demand threshold. The present value of demand which when reached initiates a relay
closure or other programmed action.
display quantity. Any value available for display on the LCD.
EEPROM. Acronym for electrically erasable programmable read only memory. This
memory retains all information even when electric power is removed from the circuit.
EOI. see end of interval.
end of interval. The indication that the end of the time interval used to calculate demand
has occurred. An EOI indicator is on the LCD and an optional relay can be supplied to
provide an EOI indication.
energy. Power measured over time.
error display. The method by which the meter displays an error message which consists of
E and numeric codes. The code indicates a condition or conditions that can adversely
affect the proper operation of the meter.
event log. The event log provides a record of entries that date and time stamp specific
events such as:
• power outages
• demand resets
• entering test mode
• time changes
external display multiplier. Used when the transformer factor is larger than can be stored
within the A1800 ALPHA meter. When programmed with Elster Metering meter support
software for an external display multiplier, display quantities read from the meter LCD must
be manually multiplied by this value to yield proper readings.
factory default. Operating parameters that are programmed into the meter at the factory
and assure that the meter is ready for correct energy measurement when installed.
four quadrant metering. See Figure A-1 for an illustration of energy relationships for
delivered and received real power (kW), apparent power (kVA), and reactive power (kVAR).
Figure A-1. Four quadrant metering quantity relationships
kvar Delivered
Lag Lag
kVA Delivered
kVA Received
kW Delivered
kW Received
Q2
Q2 Q1
Q1
Q3
Q3 Q4
Q4
Lead Lead
kvar Received
IC. see integrated circuit.
instrument transformer. A transformer used to reduce current and voltage to a level

which does not damage the meter. Meter readings will need to be increased by the
transformer ratios to reflect the energy and demand values on the primary side of the
instrument transformer.
integrated circuit. Generally used to reference the custom meter circuit used in the
A1800 ALPHA meter for per phase voltage and current sampling plus energy
measurements.
Ke. The smallest discrete amount of energy available within the meter. It is the value of a
single pulse used between the meter IC and the microcontroller.
kW overload value. The kW threshold which, when exceeded, will cause the display of the
kW overload warning message.
LC. see load control.
LCD. see liquid crystal display.
LP. see load profile.
line frequency. The frequency of the AC current on the transmission line, often used in
timekeeping applications in lieu of the internal oscillator. Depending upon the country or
region, the line frequency is either 50Hz or 60Hz.
liquid crystal display. The LCD allows metered quantities and other information about the
A1800 ALPHA meter and installed service to be viewed. Display quantities are
programmable through Elster meter support software.
load control. Used to describe a relay dedicated to operate based upon entering a
specific TOU rate period or when a demand threshold is reached.
load profiling. Load profiling records energy usage per a specific time interval while the
meter is energized. Load profiling data provides a 24 hour record of energy usage for
each day of the billing period.
maximum demand. The highest demand calculated during any demand interval over a
billing period.
microcontroller. A single chip that contains the following components:
• main processor
• RAM
• ROM
• clock
• I/O control unit
nonrecurring dates. Holidays or other specific dates that are not based upon a
predictable, repeated pattern.
normal mode. The default operating mode for the A1800 ALPHA meter. Typically, normal
mode displays billing data on the LCD following a programmed sequence.
optical port. A photo-transistor and an LED on the face of the meter that is used to transfer
data between a computer and the meter via pulses of light.
outage log. Display quantity that shows the cumulative total outage time in minutes.
P/R. see pulse ratio.
previous billing data. Used to describe the billing data recorded at the demand reset. See
also self read.
previous season data. Used to describe the billing data for the season preceding the
present billing season.
primary rated. A condition where the energy and demand as measured by the meter are
increased by the current and voltage transformer ratios. Meter data will reflect the energy
and demand actually transferred on the primary side of the instrument transformers.
program change date. The date when the meter program was last changed.
program mode. The operating mode of the meter in which full reprogramming of
metrological parameters is permitted.
pulse ratio. Pulses per equivalent disk revolution. On ALPHA meters, 1 revolution is equal
to 1 Kh period.
pulse relay. A relay used with the meter to provide output pulses from the meter to an
external pulse collector. Each pulse represents a specific amount of energy consumption.
rec. see received.
received. Used to specify the energy received by the utility at an electric service.
recurring dates. Holidays or other special dates that occur on a predictable basis.
self read. The capturing of current billing data and storing it in memory. Self reads are
scheduled events that can be triggered by the specific day of month, every set number of
days, or command by Elster meter support software. See also previous billing data.
tariff data. See billing data.
TOU. see time-of-use.
TOU meter. A meter that records energy usage and demand data on a time-of-use basis.
test mode. The test mode stores billing data in a secure memory location while the meter
measures and displays energy and demand data for testing purposes. The TEST identifier
will flash while the test mode is active. When test mode is exited, the accumulated test
data is discarded and the original billing data is restored.
timekeeping. The ability of the meter to keep a real time clock, including date and time.
time-of-use. A billing rate that records energy usage and demand data related to specific
times during the day. See also timekeeping.
transformer-rated. A meter designed to work with current or voltage transformers. The

maximum current of a transformer-rated A1800 ALPHA meter is typically 20 A.
voltage transformer ratio. The ratio of primary voltage to secondary voltage of a

transformer. For example, 12,000 V to 120 V would have a voltage transformer ratio of
100:1.
VTR. see voltage transformer ratio.
watthour constant. A meter constant representing the watthours per output pulse on the
LED. Historically, the constant represents the energy equivalent to one revolution of an
electromechanical meter.
Technical manual B-1 Display table
B Display table
Display format
Displayable items are described in “Display list items” on page B-2. The A1800 ALPHA
meter supports up to 64 quantities for display on the LCD. The LCD can be divided into
different regions, as described in Table B-1. See “Indicators and controls” on page 3-1 for
more detailed information on the LCD regions.
Figure B-1. A1800 ALPHA meter LCD

Low battery indicator
Phase Quantity identifier
Error/warning indicator indicators (3)
Energy direction
indicators Alternate mode
indicator
Comm. port
Display
indicator
quantity
Power/energy
units identifier
Tariff indicators 1 to 4 Reserved Test mode

(left to right) indicator
Cover removed
EOI indicator indicator
LC indicator
Table B-1. LCD regions

Item Description
quantity identifier identifies the displayed quantity. Using Elster meter support
software, an identifier can be assigned to most quantities.
For instrumentation quantities, the identifiers are fixed.
alternate display indicates that the meter is currently displaying items in the
indicator alternate display list (see “✱ button” on page 3-5)
active COM port indicates that a communication session is in progress and
indicators the communication port that is being used: either COM 0,
COM 1, or COM 2
power/energy units indicates the unit of measurement for the quantity currently
identifier displayed on the LCD.
display indicators indicates whether the meter is currently doing the following:
• accumulating in tariff (T1 - T4)
• has reached the end of an interval (EOI)
• compensating for transformer line loss (LC)
• indicating that either the terminal cover or the meter cover
has been removed
• is operating in test mode (see “Test mode” on page 3-8)
Table B-1. LCD regions

Item Description
display quantity Shows metered quantities or other displayable information.
From 3 to 8 total digits with up to 9 decimal places can be
used. These digits are also used to report the following:
• operational errors
• system instrumentation and service test errors
• warnings
display identifiers more precisely identifies the information presented on the
LCD.
energy direction indicates the directions of active (P) and reactive (Q) energy
indicators flow (positive energy flow is energy delivered to the
consumer load, while reverse energy flow is energy received
from the consumer load)
error indicator indicates either of the following:
• flashes when any error flag is set
• remains on if a displayable warning flag is set and no
error exists
low battery indicator if the indicator is turned on, the battery warning flag has
been set.
phase indicators L1, L2, and L3 (Line 1, Line 2, and Line 3, respectively)
correspond to a phase voltage present on the A1800 ALPHA
meter connections.
• If the indicators are on, then all phase voltages are
present.
• If an indicator is blinking, then that phase voltage is either
missing or below the defined threshold for voltage sag
detection.
Display list items

The display list items for the normal mode, alternate mode, and test mode are
programmed from the 64 available items.
The display format for all displayable items can be programmed using Elster meter
support software. The A1800 ALPHA meter LCD is capable of supporting the following
characters and symbols:
• all numbers (0 to 9)
• all Latin-based alphabetical characters
• symbols such as ° (degree), * (asterisk), [ (left bracket), and ] (right bracket)
Additional display items may also be available depending upon the version of Elster meter
support software. See the software documentation for a list of the displayable items.
Displayable items can be grouped into the following categories:
• LCD test
• general meter information
• meter configuration
• status
• metered quantities
• average power factor
• coincident demand and power factor
• system instrumentation
• system service test
• errors and warnings
Default display formats

The display areas on the LCD (such as the display quantity and display identifier) are
programmable through Elster meter support software. See “Display format” on page B-1
for more information.
The following sections describe the default behavior of the A1800 ALPHA meter display.
See Table B-2 for a description of some of the special characters that have been used in
the display quantity examples.
Table B-2. Characters in display quantity examples
Character Represents
Blank (space)
. Decimal
- hyphen; represents testing in progress
* asterisk; represents all 16 character segments on
: colon; separates time units (hh:mm), etc.
a Any alphanumeric character displayable on the LCD.
dd Numeric character; represents day (01 to 31)
H Indicates the day type is holiday
hh Numeric character; represents time in hours (01 to 24)
mm Numeric character; represents time in minutes (00 to 59)
MM Numeric character; represents month (01 to 12)
x Any numeric character.
ss Numeric character; represents time in seconds (00 to 59)
YY Numeric character; represents two digit year (00 to 99)
LCD test
The A1800 ALPHA meter tests the LCD by displaying all the identifiers, as shown in
Figure B-2. The meter tests the LCD for 3 seconds after power up.
Figure B-2. LCD all segment test
+ Q
-P +P
- Q
L1 L2 L3
COM 0 1 2
Display description Display quantity Quantity ID Units ID

LCD test [all segment test] ******* ******** [all segments]
General meter information

General meter information quantities are items that are not associated with any particular
pulse or instrumentation source.

Identifier String 1 [Account:1] aaaaaaaa ID 1-1 of 4
Identifier String 1 [Account:2] aaaaaaaa ID 1-2 of 4
Identifier String 1 [Account:3] aaaa ID 1-3 of 4
Identifier String 1 [Account:4] ID 1-4 of 4
Identifier String 2 [Meter ID:1] aaaaaaaa ID 2-1 of 4
Identifier String 2 [Meter ID:2] aaaaaaaa ID 2-2 of 4
Identifier String 2 [Meter ID:3] aaaa ID 2-3 of 4
Identifier String 2 [Meter ID:4] ID 2-4 of 4
Meter type A1800 TYPE
Firmware product xxx FW
Firmware version xxx FWV
Firmware revision xxx FWR
Hardware version xxx HDWV
Hardware revision xxx HDWR
DSP code xxx DSP
DSP code revision xxx DSPR
Meter Programmer ID xxxxxxxx
LCD test [all segment test] ******* ******** [all segments]
Meter configuration

Program ID xxxxxxxx PRG ID
Pulse ratio (P/R) x.xxxxxxx P/R
Pulse output ratio [imp/kWh] xxxxx.xxx imp/kWh
Current transformer (CT) ratio xxxxxxxx CT
Voltage transformer (VT) ratio xxxxxxxx VT
Demand interval - normal mode xxxxxxxx INTERV
Demand interval - test mode xxxxxxxx INTERVT
Watthours per pulse (Ke) xxxxxxxx Wh/Imp
Meter Kh xxxxxxxx Kh
Transformer factor (CT × VT) xxxxxxxx CTxVT
External multiplier xxx.xxxxx ExtMult

Demand overload value xxxxx.xxx DmdOvld
Status

Communication session count (port 1) xxxxxxxx Com1No
Communication session count (port 2/optical) xxxxxxxx Com2No
Days since demand reset xxxxxxxx ResDays
Days since input pulse xxxxxxxx ImpDays
Number of manual demand resets xxxxxxxx RstPress
Number of all demand resets xxxxxxxx DmdRes
Power outage count xxxxxxxx Outages
Initial remote baud (port 1) xxxxxxxx COM1bps
Initial remote baud (port 2) xxxxxxxx COM2bps
Transformer Loss Comp Status xxxxxxxx
TRueQ Status (On/Off) On
Off
Outage Log
Program Change Date (port 1) MM:dd:YY
Program Change Date (port 2/optical) MM:dd:YY
Last Elster configuration change date MM:dd:YY CnfDate
Demand reset date MM:dd:YY DmdRes
Last power outage start date MM:dd:YY Outage
Last power outage start time hh:mm Outage
Last power outage end date MM:dd:YY Restore
Last power outage end time hh:mm Restore
Present date MM:dd:YY Date
Present time hh:mm Time
Present day of week aaaaaaaa Day
Present season aaaaaaaa Season
Date of last pending table activation MM:dd:YY TblActv
Time Left in interval hh:mm Sub Int
Pulse count for quantity (Wh-delivered) xxxxxxxx ImpWhD
Pulse count for quantity (alternate-delivered) xxxxxxxx ImpE2D
Pulse count for quantity (Wh-received) xxxxxxxx ImpWhR
Pulse count for quantity (alternate-received) xxxxxxxx ImpE2R
Self Read Date MM:dd:YY
Effective Date for Rates/Special Dates MM:dd:YY
Number of Write Sessions (port 1) xxxxxxxx
Number of Write Sessions (port 2/optical) xxxxxxxx
Metered quantities
A1800 ALPHA meters can measure two quantities. Meters with the optional 4-quadrant
metering can measure eight quantities. The A1800 ALPHA meter can display the available
metered quantities for each meter type.
To indicate a self read quantity, the LCD will use the last two characters of the quantity
identifier to indicate the last self read number (01 to 35).
Display description Display ID Display quantity Quantity ID Units ID

Current billing, Previous billing, Previous season, Last self read
Total energy xxxxxxxx Deliver kWh/kVAh/kvarh
Receive
Q1
Q2
Q3
Q4
Maximum demand xxxxxxxx Del MD kW/kVA/kvar
Rec MD
Q1 MD
Q2 MD
Q3 MD
Q4 MD
Date of maximum demand MM:dd:YY MD Date
Time of maximum demand hh:mm MD Time
Cumulative demand xxxxxxxx Del CMD kW/kVA/kvar
Rec CMD
Q1 CMD
Q2 CMD
Q3 CMD
Q4 CMD
Tariff 1 energy T1 xxxxxxxx Deliver kWh/kVAh/kvarh
Receive
Q1
Q2
Q3
Q4
Tariff 1 maximum demand T1 xxxxxxxx Del MD kW/kVA/kvar
Rec MD
Q1 MD
Q2 MD
Q3 MD
Q4 MD
Tariff 1 date of maximum demand T1 MM:dd:YY MD Date
Tariff 1 time of maximum demand T1 hh:mm MD Time
Tariff 1 cumulative demand T1 xxxxxxxx Del CMD kW/kVA/kvar
Rec CMD
Q1 CMD
Q2 CMD
Q3 CMD
Q4 CMD

Receive
Q1
Q2
Q3
Q4
Rec MD
Q1 MD
Q2 MD
Q3 MD
Q4 MD
Rec CMD
Q1 CMD
Q2 CMD
Q3 CMD
Q4 CMD
Receive
Q1
Q2
Q3
Q4
Rec MD
Q1 MD
Q2 MD
Q3 MD
Q4 MD
Rec CMD
Q1 CMD
Q2 CMD
Q3 CMD
Q4 CMD
Receive
Q1
Q2
Q3
Q4
Rec MD
Q1 MD
Q2 MD
Q3 MD
Q4 MD

Rec CMD
Q1 CMD
Q2 CMD
Q3 CMD
Q4 CMD
Present Interval (current billing only)
Previous Interval (current billing only)
Average power factor

For each average power factor, the following items are available for display.

Average power factor xxxxxxxx AvgPF
Tariff 1 average power factor T1 xxxxxxxx AvgPF
Coincident demand and power factor

The A1800 ALPHA meters can measure two coincident quantities. Additionally, meters with
the 4-quadrant metering option can measure four coincident quantities. Coincident
quantities are configurable with Elster Metering meter support software to be any demand
or average power factor value captured at the time of a maximum demand value. For
each coincident value, the following items is available for display:

Coincident demand xxxxxxxx CoinDmd kW/kVA/kvar
Tariff 1 coincident demand T1 xxxxxxxx CoinDmd kW/kVA/kvar
Coincident power factor x.xxx CoinPF kW/kVA/kvar
Tariff 1 coincident power factor T1 x.xxx CoinPF kW/kVA/kvar
Cumulative demand
The A1800 ALPHA meter records either the cumulative or continuous cumulative demand.

Cumulative demand xxxxxxxx CumDmd kW/kVA/kvar

Tariff 1 cumulative demand T1 xxxxxxxx CumDmd kW/kVA/kvar
System instrumentation
The A1800 ALPHA meter can display system instrumentation quantities. See “System
instrumentation” on page 4-1 for a listing of the instrumentation quantities that can be
displayed.

Line frequency xx.xxHz L123
Line 1 voltage (secondary) xxx.xxx V L1
Line 1 voltage (primary) xxx.xxxkV
Line 1 current (secondary) xxx.xxx A L1
Line 1 current (primary) xxx.xxxkA
Line 1 power factor xx.xx L1 COS
Line 1 power factor angle xxx.xx° L1
Line 1 voltage phase angle xxx.xx°V L1
Line 2 voltage phase angle xxx.xx°V L2
Line 3 voltage phase angle xxxx.x°V L3
Line 1 current phase angle xxx.x°A L1
Line 1 kW (primary) xxxx.xxxx L1 kW
Line 1 kW (secondary) xxx.xxx MW
Line 1 kvar (primary) xxxx.xxxx L1 kvar
Line 1 kvar (secondary) xxx.xxx Mvar

Line 1 kVA (primary) xxxx.xxxx L1 kVA
Line 1 kA (secondary) xxx.xxx MVA
System kW (primary) xxxx.xxxx L123 kW
System kW (secondary) xxx.xxx MW
System kvar (primary) (arithmetic) xxxx.xxxx L123 kvar
System kvar (secondary) (arithmetic) xxx.xxx Mvar
System kVA (primary) (arithmetic) xxxx.xxxx L123 kVA
System kVA (secondary) (arithmetic) xxx.xxx MVA
System power factor (arithmetic) xx.xx L123.COS
System power factor angle (arithmetic) xx.xx ° L123
System kvar (primary) (vectorial) xxxx.xxxx L123 kvar
System kvar (secondary) (vectorial) xxx.xxx Mvar
System kVA (primary) (vectorial) xxxx.xxxx L123 kVA
System kVA (secondary) (vectorial) xxx.xxx MVA
System power factor (vectorial) xx.xx L123.COS
System power factor angle (vectorial) xx.xx ° L123
Line 1 voltage % total harmonic distortion (THD) xx.xx%V L1.H2-15
Line 1 current % total harmonic distortion (THD) xx.xx%A L1.H2-15
Line 1 total demand distortion (TDD) xx.xx A L1 TDD
Line 1 fundamental voltage magnitude (secondary) xxx.xxx V L1 H1
Line 1 fundamental voltage magnitude (primary) xxx.xkV
Line 2 fundamental voltage magnitude (primary) xxx.xxxkV L2 H1
Line 2 fundamental voltage magnitude (secondary) xxx.x V
Line 3 fundamental voltage magnitude (primary) xxx.xxxkV L3 H1
Line 3 fundamental voltage magnitude (secondary) xxx.x V
Line 1 fundamental current magnitude (primary) xxx.xxxkA L1 H1
Line 1 fundamental current magnitude (secondary) xxx.x A

Line 1 2nd harmonic voltage magnitude (primary) xxx.xxxkV L1 H2
Line 1 2nd harmonic voltage magnitude (secondary) xxx.x V
Line 1 2nd harmonic current magnitude (primary) xxx.xxxkA L1 H2
Line 1 2nd harmonic current magnitude (secondary) xxx.x A
Line 1 2nd harmonic voltage % distortion xx.xx%V L1 H2
Line 1 harmonic current distortion xxx.xxxkA L1 H2-15
(2nd - 15th) (primary)
Line 1 harmonic current distortion xxx.x A
(2nd - 15th) (secondary)
System service tests

The A1800 ALPHA meter can display the validity of the electricity service where it is
installed. See “System service tests” on page 4-5 for more information.

Service Voltage Test -------- TEST V
System Test Error xxxxxxxx SE
Service Current Test OK TEST I
--------
System Service Type xxx 4Y L1-2-3
xxx 3Δ L3-2-1
xxx 1L
Currently locked service [xxx 4Y] L1-2-3
[xxx 3Δ] L3-2-1
[xxx 1L]
Errors and warnings

The A1800 ALPHA meter displays error codes and warning codes as an indication of a
problem that may be affecting its operation. See “Error codes” on page 6-2 and “Warning
codes” on page 6-5 for more information.
Communication codes
The A1800 ALPHA meter indicates the status of a communication session by displaying it
on the LCD. See “Communication codes” on page 6-8.
Technical manual C-1 Nameplate and style number information
C Nameplate and style number

information
Nameplate
The nameplate provides important information about the meter. The nameplate can be
configured to meet the needs of the utility company; however, Figure C-1 is an illustration of
a A1800 ALPHA nameplate for transformer rated meters.
Figure C-1. Sample nameplate

LCD indcator labels
T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6 T7 T8 EOI LC TC TST
LED pulse
settings
Meter type 5,000 imp/kWh
TYPE A1800 5,000 imp/kVarh
Meter model MODEL 1830RALN s150
Number of elements
Voltage rating Accuracy Class 0.2
3 x 58/100...240/415V, 60 Hz
and frequency 0.2S
1(10)A
Nominal (max) 2006 Made in USA
Isolation Class 2
current symbol
ELSTER SAMPLE
01234567
SERIAL # Year and place

of manufacture
STYLE
Elster style number ZE3JF4R00LM-01 *01234567*
R1.2-06210102AG-000000
Utility symbol
Firmware version Meter serial number
and barcode
See Table C-1 for a description of the firmware version information.

Table C-1. Firmware version information
Code Description
R Meter release
A1800 ALPHA meter
01 Firmware version number
00 Firmware revision number
YYWW Manufacturing date code (year and week)
DD Meter engine code set version
XX Slot 1 option board firmware version, if installed (numbers are omitted
from the nameplate if no option board is installed)
ZZ Slot 2 option board firmware version, if installed (numbers are omitted
from the nameplate if no option board is installed)
AAAAAA Manufacturer order number
Utility information card

The removable utility information card provides a place for the utility to enter meter site-
specific information (for example, CT, VT, etc.). Figure C-2 is an example of a utility
information card.
Figure C-2. Utility information card (transformer rated)
CT A
VT V
imp/kW (kVARh
Figure C-3. Utility information card (direct connect rated)

Style number information
Meter style numbers for the A1800 ALPHA meter

Field numbers 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Z E 3 K F 4 R 0 0 L P
A1800 ALPHA meter
Service
3-phase, 3-wire, delta or network 2
3-phase, 4-wire, wye 3
Test amps & wiring
1 A or 5 A (10 A max), transformer rated
Symmetrical writing J
Sequential wiring K
5 A (120 A max), direct connect-rated
Sequential wiring N
Main board & voltage link options
All meters are 57.7 V to 480 V*
No main board options (128 KB memory) F
Auxiliary power supply only (128 KB memory) G
Backlight only (128 KB memory) J
Auxiliary power supply with backlight (128 KB memory) K
No main board options (256 KB memory)† L
Auxiliary power supply only (256 KB memory) M
Backlight only (256 KB memory)† N
Auxiliary power supply with backlight (256 KB memory) P
Internal voltage links (256 KB memory)‡ Q
External voltage links (256 KB memory)‡ R
Internal voltage links with backlight (256 KB memory)‡ S
External voltage links with backlight (256 KB T
memory)‡
Relays and extended memory
No relays and no extended memory 0
2 relays with no extended memory (A1805 only) 2
4 relays with no extended memory 4
Extended memory with no relays A
4 relays with extended memory E
Communication options ANSI DLMS
Optical port only A1810 00 C0
1 port: Internal telephone modem (ITM3) A1810 D0 CA
2 ports: RS-232/485§ and ITM3 A1830 RD CD
2 ports: RS-232/485§ and RS-232 A1860 RE CE
2 ports: RS-232/485§ and RS-485 A1860 RF CF
1 port: RS-232/485§ A1830 R0 CR
2 ports (ACB): RS-232/485¶ and DLT645 over RS-485¶ A1880 R1 C1
1 port: RS-232/485¶ A1830 R2
2 ports (ACB): RS-232/485§ and Modbus over RS-485§ A1882 R3
2 ports (ACB): RS-232/485§ and DNP over RS-485§ A1884 R4
2 ports (ACB): RS-232/485§ and Modbus over RS-232 A1882 R5
2 ports (ACB): RS-232/485§ and DNP over RS-232 A1884 R6
1 port (NIC): EA_NIC nA1810 PE
1 port (NIC): EA_NIC with last gasp nA1810 PF
2 ports (NIC): RS-232/485§ and EA_NIC nA1830 PB
2 ports (NIC): RS-232/485§ and EA_NIC with last gasp nA1830 PD
Miscellaneous options
Read without power Not enabled Enabled
Long terminal cover, IEC optical port, TOU battery 0 A
Long terminal cover, ANSI optical port, TOU battery 1 B
Long transparent terminal cover, IEC optical port, TOU battery 2 C
Long transparent terminal cover, ANSI optical port, TOU battery 3 D
Short terminal cover, IEC optical port, TOU battery 4 E
Short terminal cover, ANSI optical port, TOU battery 5 F
Metering options
Watt, var, TRueQ (A1805 when combined with A1810 options) L1
Watt, var, loss compensation, TRueQ L3
Watt, var, load profiling, TRueQ L5
Watt, var, loss compensation, load profiling, TRueQ L7
Watt, var, load profiling, instrumentation profiling, TRueQ L9
Watt, var, loss compensation, load profiling, instrumentation profiling, TRueQ LB
Watt, var, 4-quadrant metering, TRueQ LD
Watt, var, 4-quadrant metering, loss compensation, TRueQ LF
Watt, var, 4-quadrant metering, load profiling, TRueQ LH
Watt, var, 4-quadrant metering, loss compensation, load profiling, TRueQ LK
Watt, var, 4-quadrant metering, load profiling, instrumentation profiling, TRueQ LM
Watt, var, 4-quadrant metering, loss compensation, load profiling, instrumentation profiling, TRueQ LP
*Voltage link options available for direct connect-rated meters only.
†Select this option for direct connect meters without voltage links
‡Contact Elster for availability
§4-wire RS-485 implementation
¶2-wire RS-485 implementation
Technical manual D-1 Wiring diagrams
D Wiring diagrams
Refer to the wiring diagram on the nameplate of each meter for specific terminal
assignments. All connections are equipped with combination-head screws that accept
either a slotted or Phillips screwdriver.
Direct connected
Figure D-1. 3-element, 4-wire wye or 4-wire delta

L3 L1
L2
1 3 4 6 7 9 10 12
L1
L2
L3
N
Figure D-2. 2-element, 3-wire delta or 3-wire network

L1 L3
L2
or
L3 L1
N
1 3 4 6 7 9
L1
L2 or N
L3
CT-connected meters
Figure D-3. 2-element, 3-wire delta, transformer connected
1 3
1 2 3 5 7 8 9
L 1 L
I O
2
N A
E 3 D
Figure D-4. 3-element, 4-wire current transformer, sequential connection
1 3
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 11
1
L 2 L
I O
N3 A
EN D
Figure D-5. 3-element, 4-wire current transformer, symmetrical connection
1 3
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 11
1
L 2 L
I O
N 3 A
EN D
Figure D-6. 3-element, 4-wire instrument transformer, sequential connection
1 3
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 11
1
L
L
2 O
I
N3 A
E D
N
Figure D-7. 3-element, 4-wire instrumentation transformer, symmetrical connection
1 3
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 11
1
L L
I 2 O
N 3 A
E D
N
Technical manual E-1 Technical specifications
E Technical specifications
Absolute maximums
Voltage Continuous 528 VAC

Surge voltage withstand Test performed Results
Oscillatory (IEC 61000-4-12) 2.5 kV, 60 seconds
Fast transient (IEC 61000-4-4) 4 kV
Impulse voltage test (IEC 60060-1) 12 kV @ 1.2/50 µs ≥ 450 Ω (8 kV with option
boards)
AC voltage (insulation) test 4 kV, 50 Hz for 1 minute
Current Continuous at Imax
Temporary (0.5 seconds) at 2000 % of Imax (transformer rated)
½ cycle at 30 × Imax (direct connect-rated)
Operating ranges
Voltage
Nameplate nominal range 58 V to 415 V
Operating range 49 V to 528 V
Auxiliary power supply range For AC power: 57 V rms to 240 V rms (nominal)
For DC power: 80 V to 340 V (nominal)
Current 0 A to 10 A (transformer rated)
0 A to 120 A (direct connect rated)
Frequency Nominal 50 Hz or 60 Hz ± 5 %
Temperature range -40 °C to +85 °C inside meter cover
-40 °C to +60 °C outside
Humidity range 0 % to 100 % noncondensing
Operating characteristics
Power supply burden Less than 3 W

Per phase current burden Less than 0.01 VA (transformer rated and direct connect-rated)
Per phase voltage burden1 0.008 W at 120 V 0.03 W at 240 V 0.04 W at 480 V
Accuracy
Active energy 0.2 % (IEC 62053-22) 0.5 % (IEC 62053-22) 1.0 % (IEC 62053-21)
Actual accuracy is better than 0.5 % for 0.2 % accuracy
Reactive energy 2.0 % (IEC 62053-23)
meters
1 Conforms to IEC 62053-61 (Electricity Metering Equipment, Power Consumption and Voltage Requirements)
Technical manual E-2 Technical specifications
General performance characteristics
Starting current
CT-connected 1 mA
Direct-connected < 20 mA (Ib = 5 A)
Creep 0.000 A (no current) No more than 1 pulse per quantity, conforming to IEC 62053 requirements
Internal clock accuracy Better than 0.5 seconds/day (while powered), while conforming to IEC 62054-21
Outage carryover capacity LiSOCl2 battery rated 800 mAhr, 3.6 V and shelf life of 15+ years.
5 years continuous duty at 25 °C.
Supercapacitor is expected to provide carryover power for all normal power outages for a
period of at least 6 hours at +25 °C. The battery is not under load except when
supercapacitor is discharged or when a programmed meter is stored for an extended
period without line power. Based on this low duty cycle, the projected life of the battery in
normal service is expected to be greater than 20 years.
Read without power battery 20 years based on 6 uses per year and 3-minute operation each use.
Communications rate
Optical port 1200 to 28,800 bps Physical components meet IEC 62056-21 or ANSI C12.18
Optical port protocol ANSI C12.18 and C12.19; DLMS/COSEM (optional)
Serial ports 1200 bps to 19,200 bps
Serial port protocol ANSI C12.21 and C12.19; DLMS/COSEM (optional)
Dimensions and mass

For the dimensions and mass of the A1800 ALPHA meter, see “Physical dimensions and
mass” on page 2-19.
Technical manual X-1 Index
Index
A optical port. See optical port energy pulse divisor 5-3

A1800 ALPHA meter cover assembly 2-1 energy pulse value 5-4
accuracy 1-4 long terminal cover 2-1 energy received 3-2
adaptability 1-4 meter cover 2-1 EOI. See end–of–interval.
dimensions 2-19 partially-transparent terminal cover 2-1 error codes 6-2
economy 1-4 sealing of 2-2 error indicator 3-3
meter types 1-5 short terminal cover 2-1 event log. See logs:event
physical components 2-1 cover tamper 3-4 extended memory 2-15
reliability 1-3 crystal oscillator 1-3, 2-6, 5-4, 6-1, 6-3, 6-
security 1-4 4, 6-7 H
active COM port indicator 3-3 current sensors. See sensors:current history log. See logs:history.
alternate mode 3-8 current test, errors 4-11
I
entering 3-8
exiting 3-8
D IEC standards. See standards:IEC
delivered, energy 3-2 IEEE standards. See standards:IEEE/ANSI
LED pulse output and 3-8
demand installation
Always Positive
and primary metering 2-13 calibration 7-1
theft-resistant option 2-14
and secondary metering 2-13 preliminary inspection 7-1
ANSI standards. See standards:IEEE/ANSI
coincident 2-13 verifying 7-5
auditing
continuous cumulative maximum 2-12 instrumentation accuracy 4-3
tampering 4-26
cumulative maximum 2-12 and primary metering 2-13
autolock. See system service locking:smart
metered quantities 2-10 instrumentation profiling. See logs:instru-
autolock
demand forgiveness 2-13 mentation profiling
auxiliary power supply. See power supply,
auxiliary demand interval 2-10
block 2-11 L
average power factor. See power factor
rolling 2-11 LCD. See liquid crystal display
average
thermal time constant 2-12 LED
B demand reset output specifications 5-6
data area 3-10 pulse outputs 5-6
backlight. See liquid crystal display:back-
lockout 3-10 LED pulse output
light
basic metered quantities 2-10 performing 3-4, 3-10 alternate mode and 3-8
results of 3-10 normal mode and 3-8
pulse output and 5-2
dimensions. see A1800 ALPHA meter:di- test mode and 3-8
battery 1-3, 2-5, 6-1, 6-3, 6-5
mensions line frequency 6-6
and cover removal detection 2-15
DIN standards. See standards:DIN and timekeeping 1-3, 6-7
disposal 7-6
display indicator 3-3 line loss compensation
indication of low power 3-3, 5-5, 6-5,
display quantity 4-3 availability 8-1
6-6, B-2
system instrumentation 4-3 calculations 8-5
installing 7-3
DLMS standards. See standards:DLMS liquid crystal display
removing 7-6
DSP. See meter engine backlight 3-2, 3-6
reversed polarity 7-4
cover tamper (TC) indicator 3-4
block diagram. See system architecture
E end–of–interval indicator 3-3
C EEPROM 1-3, 6-3 energy direction indicator 3-2
calibration constants. See EEPROM access error 5-4, 6-4 error indicator 3-3
clock precision E-2 and microcontroller 2-8 loss compensation indicator 3-4
coincident power factor. See power factor and power failure 2-9, 6-5 low battery indicator 3-3
coincident calibration constants 2-8 phase indicator 3-2
communication stored values 2-9 power/energy units identifier 3-3
ANSI standards 1-4 theory of operation 2-9 tariff indicator 3-3
RS-232/RS-485 1-4, 2-6, 5-1 end-of-interval 3-3 test mode indicator 3-4
serial 1-4, 2-8 relay outputs and 5-2 load control
communication codes 6-8 energy delivered 3-2 relay outputs and 5-2
communications energy direction indicator 3-2 load profiling. See logs:load profiling
Technical manual X-2 Index
logs 2-14 power/energy units identifier. See liquid system architecture 2-6
event 2-15 crystal display:power/energy units iden- System instrumentation 4-1
history 2-15 tifier system instrumentation
instrumentation profiling 2-17 primary metering 2-13 calculations used in 4-1
load profiling 2-16 programmable relays 5-2 how obtained 4-1
self reads 2-16 push buttons 3-4 measurement in progress 4-4
TRueQ 2-18 system service locking 4-5
voltage sag 2-18 R manual lock 4-5, 4-6
loss compensation 3-4 received, energy 3-2 RESET button and 3-5
software support 8-1 relay smart autolock 4-5, 4-6
demand forgiveness 5-3 system service tests. See service current
M energy pulse 5-2 test or service voltage test
Memory. See EEPROM, extended memory, EOI 5-2
shared memory error, warning, event 5-3 T
meter cover. See cover assembly load control 5-2 tamper detection switches 2-5
meter cover pulse outputs 5-3 Tamper restraint and quality. See TRueQ
meter engine tariff 5-3 tariff indicator 3-3
pulse 2-10 triggering alarms 5-4 test
theory of operation 2-8 TRueQ test failure 5-3 diagnostic mode 4-9
metered quantities 2-10 relay outputs 5-1 test LED 5-6
microcontroller pulse mode 5-3 test mode 3-8
and meter engine pulses 2-10 specifications 5-2 indicator 3-8
detecting power failure 2-9 toggle mode 5-3 LED pulse output and 3-8
theory of operation 2-8 removal test mode indicator 3-4
A–base procedure 7-6 testing
N RESET button meter 6-10
nameplate 6-9 system service locking and 3-5 setup 6-9, 6-10
in verifying installation 7-5 resistive dividers. See sensors:voltage theft-resistant measurement 2-14
nonvolatile memory. See EEPROM RS-232/RS-485. See communication:RS- theft-resistant option
normal mode 232/RS-485 poor power factor 2-14
LED pulse output and 3-8 theory of operation 2-7–2-9
S auxiliary power supply 2-8
O safety EEPROM 2-9
optical port 2-3 notices 1-v main power supply 2-8
and communication codes 6-2 procedures 1-v meter engine 2-8
and microcontroller 2-8 seals 2-2 microcontroller 2-8
and operation during errors 6-4 secondary metering 2-13 time-of-use 2-13
and password 4-26 security TOU. See time-of-use
and test mode 3-8, 6-11 anti-tampering 4-26 TRueQ 4-12
ANSI 1-4 program protection 4-26 counters 4-15
IEC 1-4 use of passwords 4-25 LCD and 4-12
output relays self reads. See logs:self reads log 2-18
voltage 5-2 self test 6-1 notification of event 4-12
sensors relay outputs and 4-12
P current 2-8 timers 4-15
password theory of operation 2-8 voltage sag 4-13
encryption 4-26 voltage 2-8 TRueQ log. See logs:TRueQ
levels 4-25 service current test 4-9 TRueQ test
meter 4-25 initiation of 4-10 no event 4-15
phase indicator 3-2 service voltage test 4-5 TRueQ test sets 4-13
physical components. See A3 ALPHA me- shared memory 2-14
ter:physical components allocation 2-15 U
power factor signal conversion 2-8 user defined tables 2-18
average 2-10 standards utility information card 2-4, C-2
concident 2-13 ANSI 4-26, 6-4
power fail 2-9 DIN 1-3, 2-19 V
and event log 2-14 DLMS 1-3 voltage sensors. See sensors:voltage
power supply 1-3, 2-6 IEC 1-2, 1-4, 2-1 voltage test, errors 4-10
theory of operation 2-8 IEEE/ANSI 1-2
power supply, auxiliary 1-3, 2-8 style numbers C-3 W
power supply, main support software warning codes 6-5
theory of operation 2-8 loss compensation 8-1 warranty v
About Elster Group
A world leader in advanced metering
infrastructure, integrated metering, and
utilisation solutions to the gas, electricity and
water industries, Elster’s systems and solutions
reflect over 170 years of knowledge and
experience in measuring precious resources
and energy. Elster provides solutions and
advanced technologies to help utilities more
easily, efficiently and reliably obtain and use
advanced metering intelligence to improve
customer service, enhance operational
efficiency, and increase customer benefits.
Elster’s AMI solutions enable utilities to cost-
effectively deliver, manage, and conserve the
life-essential resources of gas, electricity, and
water. Elster has over 7500 staff and operations
in 38 countries in North and South America,
Europe, and Asia.
ALPHA, ALPHA Plus, REX, and EnergyAxis are registered

trademarks. Metercat, AlphaPlus, REX2, REX2-EA, and gREX are
trademarks of Elster. Other products and company names
mentioned herein may be the trademarks and/or registered
trademarks of their respective owners.
Elster
208 S Rogers Lane
Raleigh, NC 27610-2144
United States
T +1 800 338 5251 (US toll free)
T +1 905 634 4895 (Canada)
F +1 919 212 4801
www.elster.com
© 2009 by Elster. All rights reserved.

No part of this software or documentation may be reproduced,
transmitted, processed or recorded by any means or form,
electronic, mechanical, photographic or otherwise, translated
to another language, or be released to any third party without
the express written consent of the Elster.
Printed in the United States of America.

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A1800 ALPHA® meter

2 Product description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1

Coincident demand or power factor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-13

3 Operating instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-1

4 Meter tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1

Voltage sags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-13

7 Installation and removal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-1

8 Loss compensation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-1

Testing a meter with compensation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-15

B Display table . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-1

C Nameplate and style number information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-1

D Wiring diagrams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-1

E Technical specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E-1

Disclaimer of Warranties and Limitation of Liability

The information, recommendations, descriptions, and safety notices in this technical

No warranties, either expressed or implied, including warranties of fitness for a particular

Notice is used to alert personnel to installation, operation, or maintenance

Revisions to This Document

Revision Date Brief Description

A1800 ALPHA meter

See Figure 1-1 for an illustration of an A1800 ALPHA meter.

Figure 1-1. A1800 ALPHA meter

• no user calibration required (factory calibrated)

IEC 62053-22 IEC 62053-21 IEC 62053-231

Table 1-5. Meter designations of the A1800 ALPHA meter family

Figure 1-2. A1800 ALPHA meter family application pyramid

• Series 110 and later

• Enhanced TRueQ test set

1 Contact Elster for availability.

Figure 2-1. Front view of the A1800 ALPHA meter

LCD Active energy LED

Seal location Purpose

Terminal cover removal

Figure 2-4. Comparison of ANSI-compliant and IEC-compliant optical port interface

ANSI-compliant optical interface IEC-compliant optical interface

Figure 2-5. Removing the utility information card

Communications. The A1830 ALPHA meter provides remote communications interfaces

Pulse output relay

*Present when optional second communication port is installed

Pulse output relay

*Present when optional second communication port is installed

Figure 2-8. Terminal cover detection switch

Cover closed Cover opened

Figure 2-9. Meter block diagram

Phase A Current Wh Del Microcontroller

Phase C Current Clock

Option Optical Remote Pulse

General theory of operation

The auxiliary power supply accepts the following voltages:

• For independent AC power, from 57 V rms to 240 V rms (nominal)

Current and voltage sensing

• communicates with the DSP and EEPROM

Metered energy and demand quantities

• secondary rated Wh per pulse

Table 2-1. Metered energy and demand quantities

Average power factor

Rolling interval. Rolling demand interval is defined by two parameters:

Figure 2-10. Rolling demand intervals

sub- sub- sub- sub- sub-

The rolling interval calculates demand by using the following equation:

total accumulated energy

Figure 2-11. Block demand intervals

sub- sub- sub- sub-