Manual Ingles Elster A1800

A1800 ALPHA meter
Technical manual
TM42-2410G
CONTENTS
Disclaimer of Warranties and Limitation of Liability ............................ vii

Safety Information ................................................................................ viii
Revisions to this document .................................................................... ix
1 Introduction ................................................................................................1
A1800 ALPHA meter ................................................................................1
Standards Compliance ............................................................................2
IEC .....................................................................................................2
IEEE/ANSI .........................................................................................2
DLMS .................................................................................................3
DIN ....................................................................................................3
Benefits ....................................................................................................4
Reliability...........................................................................................4
Maintainability ..................................................................................4
ANSI standard communication open protocol ................................4
Adaptability .......................................................................................4
Economy ...........................................................................................5
Security .............................................................................................5
Accuracy ............................................................................................5
Meter types ..............................................................................................6
Meter series .............................................................................................8
Metercat software ....................................................................................9
Alpha Keys ................................................................................................9
2 Product description ................................................................................ 11
Physical description .............................................................................. 11
Optical port .................................................................................... 13
LCD ................................................................................................. 13
Nameplate ..................................................................................... 13
Utility information card .................................................................. 13
Communications............................................................................ 14
Battery ............................................................................................ 15
Cover tamper detection switches ................................................. 15
Terminal configurations ................................................................ 16
Communication protocols .................................................................... 16
Virtual option board ....................................................................... 16
Port addressing ............................................................................. 17
Contents ii
System architecture .............................................................................. 18

General theory of operation ................................................................. 19
Power supply .................................................................................. 19
Current and voltage sensing ......................................................... 20
Meter engine.................................................................................. 20
Microcontroller .............................................................................. 21
EEPROM ......................................................................................... 21
Billing data ............................................................................................ 22
Metered energy and demand quantities ...................................... 22
Average power factor .................................................................... 23
Demand calculations .................................................................... 23
Maximum demand ........................................................................ 24
Cumulative maximum demand..................................................... 25
Continuous cumulative maximum demand ................................. 25
Coincident demand or power factor ............................................. 26
Demand forgiveness ..................................................................... 26
Primary and secondary metering.................................................. 26
TOU data ........................................................................................ 27
Power failure data ......................................................................... 27
Always Positive .............................................................................. 27
Logs and data sets ............................................................................... 28
Event log ........................................................................................ 29
History log ...................................................................................... 29
Self reads ....................................................................................... 29
Load profiling ................................................................................. 30
Instrumentation profiling .............................................................. 31
TRueQ Log ...................................................................................... 33
Voltage sag log .............................................................................. 33
User-defined tables ....................................................................... 33
Physical dimensions and mass ............................................................ 34
3 Operating instructions ............................................................................ 37
Indicators and controls ......................................................................... 37
LCD ................................................................................................. 37
Quantity identifier .......................................................................... 38
Display quantity ............................................................................. 38
Phase indicators ............................................................................ 38
Energy direction indicators ........................................................... 38
Power/energy units identifier ....................................................... 39
Alternate display indicator ............................................................ 39
Error indicator ................................................................................ 39
Low battery indicator ..................................................................... 39
Contents iii
Active COM port indicator ............................................................. 40

Display indicators .......................................................................... 40
Push buttons.................................................................................. 41
RESET button ................................................................................. 41
 button ........................................................................................ 42
Operating modes .................................................................................. 44
Normal mode ................................................................................. 45
Alternate mode .............................................................................. 45
Test mode ...................................................................................... 46
Read without Power mode ............................................................ 46
Demand reset ....................................................................................... 48
Demand reset lockout ................................................................... 48
Demand reset data area ............................................................... 49
4 Meter tools .............................................................................................. 51
System instrumentation ....................................................................... 51
Instrumentation accuracy ............................................................. 53
System service tests ............................................................................. 57
Service voltage test ....................................................................... 57
Service current test ....................................................................... 63
System service error codes ........................................................... 64
TRueQ monitoring ................................................................................. 67
TRueQ timing ................................................................................. 67
TRueQ display items ...................................................................... 67
TRueQ and relays .......................................................................... 67
TRueQ log ....................................................................................... 67
Voltage sags................................................................................... 67
TRueQ tests ................................................................................... 68
Security .................................................................................................. 88
Meter passwords ........................................................................... 88
Anti–tampering .............................................................................. 89
Program protection........................................................................ 89
Meter self test ....................................................................................... 91
5 Outputs .................................................................................................... 93
Relay outputs ........................................................................................ 93
Energy pulse outputs..................................................................... 97
Interposing relay control ............................................................... 98
Relay-related alarms ..................................................................... 99
LED pulse outputs............................................................................... 101
Output specifications .................................................................. 101
6 Codes..................................................................................................... 103
Error codes .......................................................................................... 103
Contents iv
E1 000001: Carryover error ....................................................... 105

E1 000010: Crystal oscillator error ............................................ 105
E1 000100: Table CRC error ...................................................... 105
E1 001000: Internal communication error ............................... 105
E1 010000: EEPROM access error ............................................ 105
E1 100000: General configuration error ................................... 105
E2 000002: Security configuration error ................................... 105
E2 000020: Password table CRC error ...................................... 106
E2 000200: Encryption key table CRC error ............................. 106
E2 020000: ROM fail error ......................................................... 106
E2 200000: Power fail data save error ..................................... 106
E3 030000: Clock error .............................................................. 106
E3 300000: Display locked by warning ..................................... 106
Warning codes .................................................................................... 107
W1 000001: Low battery warning .............................................. 108
W1 000010: Improper meter engine operation warning .......... 108
W1 000100: Reverse energy flow warning ............................... 108
W1 001000: Interposing relay disconnected ............................ 108
W1 010000: Potential indicator warning .................................. 109
W1 100000: Demand overload warning ................................... 109
W2 000002: Service current test failure warning ..................... 109
W2 000200: Demand threshold exceeded warning ................. 109
W2 002000: Line frequency warning ........................................ 109
W2 020000: TRueQ test failure warning ................................... 110
W2 200000: End of calendar warning ....................................... 110
W3 000003: Read without Power battery discharged .............. 110
W3 000030: Read without Power mode active ........................ 110
Communication codes ........................................................................ 111
7 Installation & removal .......................................................................... 113
Preliminary inspection ........................................................................ 113
Placing the meter into service............................................................ 114
Installing a TOU battery ............................................................... 116
Troubleshooting ........................................................................... 117
Initial setup.......................................................................................... 118
Marking the utility information card ........................................... 118
Removing the meter from service ...................................................... 119
Removing the battery .................................................................. 120
8 Loss compensation............................................................................... 121
Introduction ......................................................................................... 121
What is Loss Compensation? ..................................................... 121
Availability .................................................................................... 121
Contents v
Calculating the correction values....................................................... 121

Gather necessary data ................................................................ 122
Calculate the meter configuration parameters ......................... 123
Calculating line loss ............................................................................ 125
Calculation example ........................................................................... 128
Internal meter calculations ................................................................ 132
Meter outputs affected by compensation ......................................... 134
Testing a meter with compensation ........................................... 134
A Glossary ................................................................................................. 135
B Display ................................................................................................... 141
Display format ..................................................................................... 141
Display list items ................................................................................. 143
Default display formats ............................................................... 143
LCD test........................................................................................ 144
General meter information ......................................................... 144
Meter configuration ..................................................................... 145
Status ........................................................................................... 145
Metered quantities ...................................................................... 146
Average power factor .................................................................. 149
Coincident demand and power factor ........................................ 149
Cumulative demand .................................................................... 149
System instrumentation .............................................................. 150
System service tests ................................................................... 152
Errors and warnings .................................................................... 152
Communication codes ................................................................ 153
C Nameplate & style number information .............................................. 155
Nameplate ........................................................................................... 155
Utility information card ....................................................................... 156
Style number information ................................................................... 157
D Wiring diagrams .................................................................................... 161
Direct connected ................................................................................. 161
CT-connected meters .......................................................................... 162
E Technical specifications ....................................................................... 167
Absolute maximums ........................................................................... 167
Operating ranges ................................................................................ 167
Operating characteristics ................................................................... 168
General performance characteristics ................................................ 168
Dimensions and mass ........................................................................ 168
Contents vi
Notes:
Disclaimer of Warranties and Limitation of Liability vii
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 Solutions, 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
Solutions, 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 Solutions, 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 viii
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.
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 ix
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.
Revisions to this document x
Revision Date Brief Description

F 16 October 2012 In addition to grammatical corrections and minor corrections
throughout the manual: Added Series 200 information to “Meter
series” on page 1-6 and “Metercat software” on page 1-7; added
medium cover information to “Physical description” on page 2-1
and Figure 2-15; added “Virtual option board” on page 2-6 and
“Port addressing” on page 2-6; added “Instrumentation accuracy”
on page 4-3; revised “TRueQ tests” on page 4-14; specified
outputs for Ethernet in Figure 5-3; added “Interposing relay
control” on page 5-5 and “W1 001000: Interposing relay
disconnected” on page 6-7
G 19 June 2015 In addition to grammatical and other minor corrections,
transitioned document to new template, including a change to
continual page numbering. Other changes include: Corrected
Figure 2-9; clarified in chapter 3 that alternate mode transmits
energy pulses over the LED; moved meter self testing from chapter
6 to chapter 4; added the Tamper Detect TRueQ test set (and
associated tests) to chapter 4; clarified in chapter 4 that anti-
tampering counts the number of days since the last energy pulse;
chapter 6 revised to focus on error, warning, and communication
codes.
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
- +
- Q
L1 L 2 L 3
COM 0 2
T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6 T7 T8 EOI LC TC TST
5,000 imp/kWh
TYPE A1800 5,000 imp/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
S LE
ZE3JF R00LM-01 *01234567*
R .2-062 0 02AG-000000
imp/kWh(kVARh)
Introduction 2
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)
meters for active energy (classes
0,2 S and 0,5 S)
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
62056-21 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
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
ANSI C12.18 Optical Port
IEEE 1377/ 1997 Utility Industry End Device Data Tables
ANSI C12.19
IEEE 1702/ 1999 Protocol Specification for Telephone
ANSI C12.21 Modem Communications
Introduction 3
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” in chapter 2 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 meter
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.
Introduction 4
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.
Introduction 5
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.
Configuration IEC 62053-22 IEC 62053-21 IEC 62053-231
Class 0.2 S Class 0.5 S Class 1.0 Class 2.0 Class 2.0 Class 3.0
direct connect*    
transformer-rated    
*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.
Introduction 6
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

A1880 Interchange meter 0.2, 0.5  Multi-protocol None
communications (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
(optional TCP/IP) compensation (C)
 load profiling (L)  4-quadrant metering (A)
 4 relays  extended 1 MB memory (X)
 TRueQ  instrumentation profiling
(N)
A1830 Large C&I 0.5, 1.0  1 communications port  transformer and line loss
compensation (C)
 load profiling (L)
 4-quadrant metering (A)
 4 relays
 TRueQ
(N)
 extended 1 MB memory (X)
 Class 0.2 accuracy
 internal telephone modem
(PSTN)1
1 Same wide temperature range rating as the meter (-40 °C to +85 °C inside meter cover; -40 °C to +60 °C outside)
Introduction 7
Meter Market segment Class Standard features Optional features

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)1
A1805 Small/mid C&I 1.0  no communication ports  2 relays
 no relays
 TRueQ
 Limited to watt/var or
bidirectional active energy
only
Figure 1-2. A1800 ALPAH meter family application pyramid
Interchange
metering
A1880
ily
fam
Large C & I
r
ete
A1860
Am
A1830
PH
Mid C & I
AL
00
A1810
8
A1
Light C & I
A1805
Residential
Introduction 8
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
 Series 200
 Optional virtual option board
The meter can add and activate protocols while the meter is in the
field. See “Virtual option board” in chapter 2 for more information.
 Faster instrumentation value refresh times
For certain instrumentation quantities, the meter now supports
refresh times of about ½ second. See “System instrumentation”
on page 4-1 for more information.
 New TRueQ test sets
The meter now supports 3 separate test sets: the standard test
set, the EN 50160 test set, and the IEEE test set. See “TRueQ
tests” on page 4-14 for more information.
 Interposing relay control
 Configurable demand reset times
The meter now supports a specified time and date that a reset
occurs. See the Metercat documentation or online help for
information on configuring the demand reset time.
 Optional support for disabling the Metercat Register Edit task
The meter can be factory configured to prevent Metercat from
editing the meter register. See the Metercat documentation or
online help for information on disabling Metercat’s Register Edit
task.
 Support for European Summer Time as well as Daylight Saving
Time
The meter can now adjust for seasonal time changes based on
local custom. When programming the meter for the seasonal time
change, Metercat obtains the configuration directly from Microsoft
Windows, and the meter will change the time based on the
programming.
Introduction 9
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
Beginning with Metercat release 3.0, Metercat supports the DLMS
protocol. And beginning with Metercat release 3.2, the following features
are supported
 Interposing relay functionality support
 Virtual option board (DLT-645 version 1.1) support (requires Metercat
release 3.2.2.1)
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
 transformer and line loss compensation 2
 4-quadrant metering
 DLMS/COSEM protocol support2
2 Contact Elster for availability.

Introduction 10
Notes:
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)
 medium terminal cover
 partially-transparent long terminal cover
 meter cover assembly
 inner cover assembly
 base electronic assembly
Figure 2-1. Front view of the A1800 ALPHA meter (long cover)
Active energy LED

LCD
Alternate energy LED
Nameplate
RESET button
(sealable)
* (ALT) button
Optical port
(IEC configuration)
Utility information
card area
Terminal cover
screws (sealable)
Long wiring cover

Product description 12
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 Prevents non-utility access to the main
screws (utility) connections, 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
Terminal cover screw (sealable)
screw (sealable)
TOU battery
Battery connector
Terminal cover removal
detector switch
Terminal connectors
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” in chapter 3 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” in appendix C 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 29 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)
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 “Alpha Keys” in chapter
1 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).
Virtual option board

Beginning with the series 200 meter, the A1800 ALPHA meter can be
programmed to support additional protocols over the remote ports using
the optional virtual option board. Additional protocols can be added or
activated in the meter either at the factory at the time of manufacture or in
the field without being removed from service. The virtual option board does
not require an option board or any other hardware to support the
additional protocol.
With series 200, the virtual option board supports the following protocols:
 DL/T645
As new protocols become available or as protocols are revised, the virtual
option board can add and activate supported protocols in the field.

Port addressing
The ANSI C12 protocol does not have a specific address but the RS-485
ports do need to be addressed. Additionally, DLMS has an address in
addition to the RS-485 port addresses. When supporting DLT645, the
DLT645 protocol also has a specific address in addition to the use of the
RS-485 addresses.
The device IDs are used by the RS-485 hardware interface scheme for
addressing each meter. By giving each meter a different address based on
the last two digits of the serial numbers, each meter can be configured in a
manner that allows the meter to be installed directly in the field and
minimizing the possibility for duplicate addresses within the same RS-485
loop. The only exception to this is the main meter of any loop that needs to
be reprogrammed to have an address of 1.
Table 2-1. Port addressing scheme
ANSI C12 protocol

Port 1 device ID Set to the last 2 digits of the customer serial
number (or Elster serial number).
 If the last two digits are 00, then the
Port 2 device ID address is 100.
 If the last two digits are 01, then the
address is 101.
DLMS protocol and ANSI C12 protocol
DLMS address
Offset to the last two digits of the serial number
Port 1 device ID
+ 16
Port 2 device ID
DL/T 645 protocol
Total of 12 digits. Use the 9 digits from the
DL/T address
barcode and pad the left with 0s.
Port 1 device ID Depends on whether the base protocol is ANSI
Port 2 device ID C12 or DLMS + ANSI C12.
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
Figure 2-9. Meter block diagram
Phase A voltage 5 V linear

Wide voltage power Non volatile
Phase B voltage supply supply
power 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
Current Wh del Microcontroller

Phase A current
sensor Wh rec
Current varh del

Phase B current
sensor varh rec
Current Clock
Phase C current
sensor
Option board 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” in appendix C 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 the following list)
can be selected as a source for relay outputs. The remaining metered
quantities are calculated from 2 or more basic metered quantities.
Metered energy and demand quantities
 kVAh delivered (Q1 + Q4)
 kVAh Q1
 kVAh Q2
 kVAh Q3
 kVAh Q4
 kVAh received (Q2 + Q3)
 kVAh sum (delivered + received)
 kvarh (Q1 - Q4)
 kvarh (Q1 + Q4)*
 kvarh (Q2 - Q3)
 kvarh (Q2 + Q3)*
 kvarh (Q3 - Q2)
 kvarh delivered (Q1 + Q2)*
 kvarh net
 kvarh Q1*
 kvarh Q2*
 kvarh Q3*
 kvarh Q4*
 kvarh received (Q3 + Q4)*
 kvarh sum (delivered + received)*
 kWh delivered*
 kWh net
 kWh received*
 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 =
√𝑘𝑣𝑎𝑟ℎ2 + 𝑘𝑊ℎ2
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=
𝑡ℎ𝑜𝑢𝑟𝑠
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” in chapter 3 for more information.
Maximum demand
Maximum demand (also referred to as indicating demand 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
26).
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 =
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 29 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
 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 board Extended memory option board

(256 KB) (1 MB)
Event
History
Billing
TrueQ
Config LP
Voltage sag
Manufacturing
Self read IP
Etc.
LP*
IP*
Reserved 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 varies with each firmware release.
In most cases, the 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)
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” in chapter 3
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.
Load profiling sources
 kVAh delivered (Q1 + Q4)
 kVAh Q1
 kVAh Q2
 kVAh Q3
 kVAh Q4
 kVAh received (Q2 + Q3)
 kVAh sum
 kvarh (Q1 - Q4)
 kvarh (Q1 + Q4)
 kvarh (Q2 - Q3)
 kvarh (Q2 + Q3)
 kvarh (Q3 - Q2)
 kvarh delivered (Q1 + Q2)
 kvarh net
 kvarh Q1
 kvarh Q2
 kvarh Q3
 kvarh Q4
 kvarh received (Q3 + Q4)
 kvarh sum
 kWh delivered
 kWh net
 kWh received
 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 2-2 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 2-2 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 2-2. Estimated days of load profiling storage per number of channels
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
min/max min/max min/max min/max min/max min/max min/max min/max
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 stored 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 below. Also, instrumentation profiling
can use the sources listed in “Load profiling” on page 30 for more
extensive load profiling.
Instrumentation profiling sources:
 frequency
 per phase current
 per phase voltage
 per phase watts
 per phase VA
 per phase voltage angle with respect to line 1 voltage
 per phase fundamental (1st harmonic) current magnitude
 per phase fundamental (1st harmonic) voltage magnitude
 per phase 2nd harmonic current magnitude
 per phase 2nd harmonic voltage magnitude
 per phase voltage % total harmonic distortion (THD)
 per phase current % THD
 per phase harmonic current (sum of 2nd through 15th)
 per phase current angle with respect to line 1 voltage
 per phase vars (vectorial)
 per phase 2nd harmonic voltage %
 per phase total demand distortion (TDD)

 per phase PF
 per phase PF angle
 system watts
 system VA (arithmetic)
 system PF (arithmetic)
 system PF angle (arithmetic)
 system vars (vectorial)
 system VA (vectorial)
 system var (arithmetic)
 system PF (vectorial)
 system PF angle (vectorial)
Each channel can be configured to record the instrumentation profiling

using any one of following four algorithms (see Table 2-3):
Table 2-3. 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
Average The meter samples the selected quantity over the
instrumentation interval. The average value of all the
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” in chapter 4 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” in chapter 4 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” in chapter 4 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, medium terminal cover
89
204
224*
273
*This represents hanger

in center position. 5
Figure 2-16. 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 2-17. A1800 ALPHA meter, back of meter
202
150
Approximate dimensions in millimeters.
Figure 2-18. 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 2-4. Approximate mass
Elements Direct connect Transformer rated

2-element 1.6 kilograms 1.3 kilograms
3-element 1.7 kilograms 1.3 kilograms
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
3.5
1.4
27 32
9.5
Viewing area
5 2
As shown in Figure 3-2, the LCD is divided into different display regions.
Figure 3-2. LCD regions
Quantity identifier
Low battery indicator
Phase Alternate mode
Error/warning indicator
indicators (3) indicator
+ Q
-P +P
Energy direction - Q
L1L2 L3 Comm. port
indicator indicator
COM 0 1 2
Display quantity
Power/energy
units identifier
Tariff indicators 1 to 8 Test mode

(left to right) indicator
EOI indicator
LC indicator Cover removed
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 43 for more information.
Note: LCD backlight is not available in Read without Power mode.
Operating instructions 38
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” in chapter 4 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
Positive active energy

Reverse 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”
in chapter 2 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 44 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” in chapter 4 and “Codes and warnings” in chapter 6 for
details.
Note: This indicator also turns on during the LCD all-segments test.

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” in chapter 6 for additional details.
Display indicators
The 12 display indicators () are used to more precisely identify the
information displayed on the meter’s LCD.
These identifiers may be shown individually or in combination to describe a
particular displayed quantity.
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” in chapter 2 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 46 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 43 for more information.
A1800 ALPHA meter push buttons
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 48 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.
then the RESET button can be used to illuminate the display. See “Using
the backlight” on page 43 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 Power Sets the meter to perform a demand reset
immediately on 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” in chapter 4 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 44 for more information about the A1800
ALPHA operating modes). The  button performs differently depending on
the operating mode, as shown in Table 3-3.
then the Þ button can be used to illuminate the display. See “Using the
backlight” on page 43 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;
when released.
next quantity in the test display list.
Read Less than 1 second LCD displays once cycle of the
without alternate display list, and returns
Power to normal display list
Continuous Scrolls quickly through the
alternate display list while pressed;
when released.
next quantity in the 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 Þ 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 Þ 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
Yes, * while LCD lit? Yes, RESET
No
Has time expired?

No
Yes
Operating modes
The A1800 ALPHA meter operates in one of the following modes:
 Read without Power mode (optional)
 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” in chapter 4 for more information on self
tests, and see chapter 6 for more information on 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” in chapter 5 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
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 energy pulses (see “LED pulse outputs” in chapter 5).
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
alternate display list display list automatically, the meter exits
alternate mode after the last item is displayed.
Press the RESET Exits alternate mode and performs a demand
button 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” in chapter 5).
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
hours (1-255 test 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 an 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 41)
 displaying the alternate display list by pressing the  button (see “
button” on page 42)
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 (for more information on shared memory, see “Logs and data sets” in chapter 2).
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 reset
 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” in chapter 2 for more
information.
Notes:
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.
Table 4-1. Description of system instrumentation quantities
Instrumentation quantity Description

Quantities that are updated approximately every ½ second 1
Frequency Measured on Line 1 voltage
Phase kW and kVA Measured directly by meter engine
Phase kvar (vectorial) Calculated using the following equation (where kVA and
kW are measured simultaneously):
𝑘𝑣𝑎𝑟 = √𝑘𝑉𝐴2 − 𝑘𝑊 2
The result is then signed based on the kvar direction.
Phase voltages and currents True rms values measured by meter engine
Phase voltage angle relative to Line 1 voltage Each voltage angle is measured relative to line 1
voltage zero crossings and rounded to 30°
1 Beginning with series 200 meters, the values update approximately every ½ second. Prior versions, these quantities updated
approximately every second.
Meter tools 52

Phase power factor angle The power factor angle is the arccosine of the phase
power factor
Quantities that are updated approximately every 5 seconds
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 𝑘𝑉𝐴2𝑎𝑟𝑖𝑡ℎ − 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)
System kvar (vectorial) Sum of the per phase kvar (vectorial)
System kVA (vectorial) Calculated using the following equation:
2
𝑘𝑉𝐴𝑣𝑒𝑐𝑡 = √𝑠𝑦𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑚 𝑘𝑊 2 + 𝑠𝑦𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑚 𝑘𝑣𝑎𝑟𝑣𝑒𝑐𝑡
System power factor (vectorial) System kW divided by system kVA (vectorial)
System power factor angle (vectorial) The arccosine of system power factor (vectorial)
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 1st harmonic (fundamental) voltage magnitude The per phase magnitude of the fundamental voltage
Phase 1st harmonic (fundamental) current magnitude The per phase magnitude of the fundamental current
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 to
15th harmonic currents squared. In other words:
𝑖=15
𝑇𝐻𝐶 = √ ∑ 𝐻𝐶𝑖2
𝑖=2
Meter tools 53

Phase total harmonic distortion percentage (voltage or Calculated by using this:
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 2
𝑖=2 𝐻𝐶𝑖
𝑇𝐷𝐷 =
𝑀𝑎𝑥𝑖𝑚𝑢𝑚 𝑎𝑚𝑝𝑠
Where HCi represents the ith harmonic current.
Instrumentation accuracy
kW and kvar instrumentation quantities at test amps, test volts, and
applicable power factor angles have a ± 0.5 % accuracy (typically less than
±0.25 %). Applicable power factor angles are ±60 degrees around the
power factor angle for maximum output of each quantity. Maximum power
factor angles for watts are 0 degrees and 180 degrees. Maximum power
factor angles for vars are 90 degrees and 270 degrees. Outside of these
applicable power factor angles, accuracy decreases as the magnitude of
the quantity of interest decreases.
Figure 4-1. Applicable power factor angles for kW instrumentation values
90°
120° 60°
Maximum Maximum
180° 0°
rec kW del kW
240° 300°
270°
Meter tools 54
Figure 4-2. Applicable power factor angles for kvar instrumentation values
Maximum
del kvar
90°
150° 30°
180° 0°
210° 330°
270°
Maximum
rec kvar
The average instrumentation accuracy is as stated above, but that is in fact

tested over approximately a 1-second period. Individual instrumentation
readings are taken typically over 4-line cycle periods. Readings over
shorter periods will cause more variation from one reading to another
although the accuracy of the average of the readings remains the same.
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” in chapter 3 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.
Meter tools 55
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 4-3 and Figure 4-4 for examples
showing system instrumentation quantities. See Appendix B, “Display
table,” for information about displayable items.
Figure 4-3. Instrumentation Line 1 voltage
+P
L1L2 L3
Figure 4-4. Instrumentation system kVA
+P
L1L2 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 4-5 and
Figure 4-6 for examples of system instrumentation display quantities while
the measurement is in progress and when a result is available.
Meter tools 56
Figure 4-5. Instrumentation Line 2 current in progress
+P
L1L2 L3
Figure 4-6. Instrumentation Line 2 current measurement (secondary)
+P
L1L2 L3
Figure 4-7. Instrumentation Line 2 current measurement (primary)
+P
L1L2 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.
Meter tools 57
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 64 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
Meter tools 58
To indicate that a service voltage test is complete, the LCD displays the
following (an example is shown in Figure 4-8):
 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
 3D is a 3-wire delta service
 4Y is a 4-wire wye service

Figure 4-8. Sample service voltage test result
+P
L1L2 L3
The voltage magnitude and service type are surrounded by brackets to

indicate that the service is locked (see Figure 4-9).
Figure 4-9. Sample display of locked service voltage
+P
L1L2 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
Meter tools 59
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” in chapter 3).
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
Meter tools 60
Manual lock Manual lock

Smart autolock
Current state is locked Current state is unlocked
1 The meter initiates the service 1 The meter initiates the service 1 The meter initiates the service
voltage test. voltage test. voltage test.
2 The meter attempts to detect a 2 The phase indicator voltage 2 The phase indicator voltage
valid service. threshold levels are based on thresholds are set at the
the currently locked service. default values.
 If a valid service is detected,
the meter automatically locks 3 The meter attempts to match 3 The meter attempts to detect a
on the detected service. The the service. valid service.
LCD displays the locked valid
 If the service matches the  If a valid service is found, the
service.
presently locked service, then LCD displays the data for the
 If a valid service cannot be the LCD displays the locked service it detected.
found, the meter displays SE valid service.
 If a valid service is not found,
555000. The meter restarts
 If the service does not match the LCD displays SE 555000.
the service voltage test in
the presently locked service, The meter restarts the service
diagnostic mode (see
then the LCD displays the voltage test until a valid
“Restarting the service
service test error. The meter service is found.
voltage test in diagnostic
restarts the service voltage
mode” on page 62). However,  While a valid service is
test in diagnostic mode (see
the meter remains locked on displayed, the user can
“Restarting the service
the last valid service until a manually lock the service.
voltage test in diagnostic
new valid service is detected.
mode” on page 62).  The user presses the RESET
button 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 Q 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:
Meter tools 61
Manual lock
Smart autolock
Current state is locked
1 The meter initiates the service 4 The meter initiates the service
voltage test. test.
2 The phase indicator voltage 5 The phase indicator voltage
threshold levels are based on threshold levels are based on
the currently locked service. the currently locked service.
3 The meter attempts to match 6 The meter attempts to match
the service. the service.
 If the service matches the  If the service matches the
presently locked service, presently locked service,
then the LCD displays the then the LCD displays the
locked valid service. locked valid service.
 If the service does not  If the service does not
match the presently locked match the presently locked
service, then the LCD service, then the LCD
displays SE 555000. The displays a service test error.
meter restarts the service The meter restarts the
voltage test in diagnostic service voltage test in
mode (see “Restarting the diagnostic mode (see
service voltage test in “Restarting the service
diagnostic mode” on page voltage test in diagnostic
62). However, the lock mode” on page 62).
remains on the last valid However, the lock remains
service until a new valid on the last valid service until
service is detected. 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.
Meter tools 62
Manual lock Manual lock

Smart autolock
Current state is locked Current state is unlocked
1 The meter initiates the service The service test is performed as the 1 The meter initiates the service
test. smart autolock. voltage test.
2 The meter attempts to match  If a valid service is detected,
the service. the LCD displays the valid
service.
 If the service detected
matches the presently locked  If a valid service is not found,
service, then the LCD displays the LCD displays SE 555000.
the locked valid service.
2 After the LCD displays the valid
 If the service does not match service or the service test error,
the presently locked service, the LCD continues to the next
then the LCD displays a item in the display sequence.
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
57 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.
Meter tools 63
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 4-10 for an example of a successful service current
test.
Figure 4-10. Service current test successful completion
+P
L1L2 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 4-11. See “System service error codes” on page 64 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 4-11. Service current test error
+P
L1L2 L3
Meter tools 64
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 67 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.
Meter tools 65
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
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
Meter tools 66
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 & 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 on Line 1 0 0 0 7 0 0
Excess current on Line 1 current 0 0 0 8 0 0
Excess current & low PF on Line 1 current 0 0 0 C 0 0
Excess current & low PF on Line 2 current 0 0 0 0 C 0
Excess current & low PF on Line 3 current 0 0 0 0 0 C
Excess current & reverse power on Line 1 current 0 0 0 d 0 0
Excess current & reverse power on Line 2 current 0 0 0 0 d 0
Excess current & reverse power on Line 3 current 0 0 0 0 0 d
Meter tools 67
TRueQ monitoring
All A1800 ALPHA meters are equipped with the tamper restraint and power
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” in chapter 2 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” in
chapter 6 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.
Meter tools 68
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” in chapter 2 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.
Depending on the test set selected using Elster meter support software,
different test sets support different tests:
 default Elster TRueQ test set
 enhanced TRueQ test set
 IEEE voltage imbalance test set
 EN 50160 (requires A1800 ALPHA meter firmware version 4.0 or later)
 Tamper detect test set
Meter tools 69
Table 4-5. TRueQ tests by test set
Default Enhanced IEEE EN 50160 Tamper Test name

detect
Test 1 Voltage interruptions test
Test 2 Rapid voltage changes test
Test 3 Frequency changes 1
Test 4 Frequency changes 2
Test 1 Test 1 Tet 1 Test 5 Service voltage test
Test 2 Test 2 Test 2 Low voltage test
Test 3 Test 3 Test 3 High voltage test
Test 4 Test 4 Test 4 Reverse power test and power factor test
Test 5 Test 5 Test 5 Low current test
Test 6 Test 6 Test 6 Power factor
Test 7 Test 7 Test 7 Test 7 Second harmonic current test
Test 8 Test 8 Test 8 Test 6 % total harmonic distortion current test
Test 9 Test 9 Test 9 Test 7 % total harmonic distortion voltage test
Test 10 Test 10 Test 10 Voltage imbalance
Test 11 Test 11 Test 11 Current imbalance
Test 12 Test 12 Test 12 Total demand distortion
Test 13 Test 1 Low voltage (Line 1)
Test 16 Test 4 High voltage (Line 1)
Test 19 Low voltage & current present (Line 1)
Test 22 Current missing (Line 1)
Test 13 IEEE voltage imbalance
Test 8 Magnetic detection test (leading PF
angle)
Test 9 Magnetic detection test (PF angle
differences)
Meter tools 70
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 68 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 4-12). The qualification time
is defined as zero to 60 minutes where zero causes the event to be
recognized immediately as it is detected.
Figure 4-12. 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.
Name Voltage interruptions test Test set EN5160
Formula (𝑉𝐿1 𝑜𝑟 𝑉𝐿2 𝑜𝑟 𝑉𝐿3 ) < 𝑠𝑝𝑒𝑐𝑖𝑓𝑖𝑒𝑑 𝑙𝑜𝑤 𝑣𝑜𝑙𝑡𝑎𝑔𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑟𝑒𝑠ℎ𝑜𝑙𝑑

Variable 1.0% to 90.0% of the nominal service voltage
Default value 1.0% of the nominal service voltage
Configuration based on Specified low voltage threshold
This test checks the line voltages for values that drop below a specified limit. The
Description threshold is defined as a percentage of the expected nominal service voltage. The test
fails if all line voltages drops below the threshold.
Stored value Line 1 voltage
Meter tools 71
Name Rapid voltage changes test Test set EN5160
Formula (𝑉𝐿1 𝑜𝑟 𝑉𝐿2 𝑜𝑟 𝑉𝐿3 ) < 𝑠𝑝𝑒𝑐𝑖𝑓𝑖𝑒𝑑 𝑙𝑜𝑤 𝑣𝑜𝑙𝑡𝑎𝑔𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑟𝑒𝑠ℎ𝑜𝑙𝑑 𝑜𝑟

(𝑉𝐿1 𝑜𝑟 𝑉𝐿2 𝑜𝑟 𝑉𝐿3 ) > 𝑠𝑝𝑒𝑐𝑖𝑓𝑖𝑒𝑑 ℎ𝑖𝑔ℎ 𝑣𝑜𝑙𝑡𝑎𝑔𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑟𝑒𝑠ℎ𝑜𝑙𝑑
Low voltage threshold: 80.0% to 99.9% of the nominal service voltage
Variable
High voltage threshold: 100.1% to 120.0% of the nominal service voltage
Low voltage threshold: 95.0%
Default value
High voltage threshold: 105.0%
Configuration based on Specified low voltage threshold and specified high voltage threshold
This test checks the line voltages for values that are out of range. The line voltages
Description must be within a specified range of the expected nominal service voltage. The test fails
if any line voltage is out of the specified range.
Name Frequency changes 1 Test set EN5160
Formula 𝑠𝑦𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑚 𝑓𝑟𝑒𝑞𝑢𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑦 < 𝑠𝑝𝑒𝑐𝑖𝑓𝑖𝑒𝑑 𝑙𝑜𝑤 𝑓𝑟𝑒𝑞𝑢𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑦 𝑡ℎ𝑟𝑒𝑠ℎ𝑜𝑙𝑑 𝑜𝑟

𝑠𝑦𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑚 𝑓𝑟𝑒𝑞𝑢𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑦 > 𝑠𝑝𝑒𝑐𝑖𝑓𝑖𝑒𝑑 ℎ𝑖𝑔ℎ 𝑓𝑟𝑒𝑞𝑢𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑦 𝑡ℎ𝑟𝑒𝑠ℎ𝑜𝑙𝑑
Low frequency threshold: 85.00% to 99.99% of the nominal system frequency
Variable
High frequency threshold: 100.01% to 115.00% of the nominal system frequency
Low frequency threshold: 99.00%
Default value
High frequency threshold: 101.00%
Configuration based on Specified thresholds for both low frequency and high frequency
This test checks the frequency for values that are out of range. The frequency must be
Description within a specified range of the system frequency. The test fails if the frequency is out of
the specified range.
Stored value Frequency value at the time the event is detected
Name Frequency changes 2 Test set EN5160
Formula 𝑠𝑦𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑚 𝑓𝑟𝑒𝑞𝑢𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑦 < 𝑠𝑝𝑒𝑐𝑖𝑓𝑖𝑒𝑑 𝑙𝑜𝑤 𝑓𝑟𝑒𝑞𝑢𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑦 𝑡ℎ𝑟𝑒𝑠ℎ𝑜𝑙𝑑 𝑜𝑟

𝑠𝑦𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑚 𝑓𝑟𝑒𝑞𝑢𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑦 > 𝑠𝑝𝑒𝑐𝑖𝑓𝑖𝑒𝑑 ℎ𝑖𝑔ℎ 𝑓𝑟𝑒𝑞𝑢𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑦 𝑡ℎ𝑟𝑒𝑠ℎ𝑜𝑙𝑑
Low frequency threshold: 85.00% to 99.99% of the nominal system frequency
Variable
High frequency threshold: 100.01% to 115.00% of the nominal system frequency
Low frequency threshold: 99.00%
Default value
High frequency threshold: 101.00%
Configuration based on Specified thresholds for both low frequency and high frequency
This test checks the frequency for values that are out of range. The frequency must be
Description within a specified range of the system frequency. The test fails if the frequency is out of
the specified range.
Stored value Frequency value at the time the event is detected
Meter tools 72
Name Service voltage test Test set Default Enhanced IEEE EN5160 Tamper detect

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

Variable 0% to 99.9%
Default value 94.0%
Configuration based on A specified low voltage threshold
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
Description voltage changes.
The threshold is defined as a percentage of the expected per phase nominal voltage
(recommended to be in the range of 60.0% 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 any other phase causes the test to fail)
Meter tools 73
Name High voltage test Test set Default Enhanced IEEE
Formula (𝑉𝐿1 𝑜𝑟 𝑉𝐿2 𝑜𝑟 𝑉𝐿3 ) ≥ 𝑠𝑝𝑒𝑐𝑖𝑓𝑖𝑒𝑑 ℎ𝑖𝑔ℎ 𝑣𝑜𝑙𝑡𝑎𝑔𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑟𝑒𝑠ℎ𝑜𝑙𝑑

Variable 100.1% to 200.0%
Default value 106.0%
Configuration based on A specified high voltage threshold
This test checks the per phase voltages for values that exceed a specified 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.
Description
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 of the phase
voltages exceeds the threshold.
Stored value Line 1 voltage (even if any other phase causes the test to fail)
Reverse power test and

Name Test set Default Enhanced IEEE EN5160 Tamper detect
power factor test
(𝑊𝐿1 𝑜𝑟 𝑊𝐿2 𝑜𝑟 𝑊𝐿3 ) < 0 𝑜𝑟
Formula 𝐼𝑓 𝑙𝑎𝑔𝑔𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑃𝐹, 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑛 (𝑃𝐹𝐿1 𝑜𝑟 𝑃𝐹𝐿2 𝑜𝑟 𝑃𝐹𝐿3 ) < 𝑠𝑝𝑒𝑐𝑖𝑓𝑖𝑒𝑑 𝑙𝑎𝑔𝑔𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑃𝐹 𝑡ℎ𝑟𝑒𝑠ℎ𝑜𝑙𝑑 𝑜𝑟
𝐼𝑓 𝑙𝑒𝑎𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑃𝐹, 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑛 (𝑃𝐹𝐿1 𝑜𝑟 𝑃𝐹𝐿2 𝑜𝑟 𝑃𝐹𝐿3 ) < 𝑠𝑝𝑒𝑐𝑖𝑓𝑖𝑒𝑑 𝑙𝑒𝑎𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑃𝐹
Variable Based on service current test thresholds
Default value Based on service current test thresholds
Configuration based on Service current test thresholds
This test recognizes any condition where the current transformer may be wired
incorrectly or where 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 for
each phase.
Description Per phase leading and lagging PF threshold values are defined in the system service
current test specifically for L1-L2-L3 phase rotation. This permits independent PF
thresholds for each service type. If the locked service has L3-L2-L1 phase rotation, then
the per phase leading and lagging thresholds are reversed (that is, the same threshold
for Line 1 minimum leading PF with L1-L2-L3 rotation is also used as the Line 1
minimum lagging PF for L3-L2-L1 rotation).
Also, if the Irms value for a given phase is less than zero current threshold, then no
power factor or reverse energy failure will be detected from that phase (to eliminate
false failures).
Stored value None
Meter tools 74
Name Low current test Test set Default Enhanced IEEE
Formula (𝐼𝐿1 𝑜𝑟 𝐼𝐿2 𝑜𝑟 𝐼𝐿3 ) < 𝑠𝑝𝑒𝑐𝑖𝑓𝑖𝑒𝑑 𝑙𝑜𝑤 𝑐𝑢𝑟𝑟𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑡ℎ𝑟𝑒𝑠ℎ𝑜𝑙𝑑

Variable Based on service current test thresholds
Default value Based on service current test thresholds
Configuration based on Service current test thresholds
This test checks the per phase currents 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 zero current
threshold, then no warning or indication will be provided. A warning will be issued when
Description 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 meter Class ampere rating (I max) from
the system service current test definition. This percentage is applied on a per phase
basis. The thresholds are defined by the service current test configuration.
Stored value None
Name Power factor test Test set Default Enhanced IEEE
Formula 𝐼𝑓 𝑙𝑎𝑔𝑔𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑃𝐹, 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑛 (𝑃𝐹𝐿1 𝑜𝑟 𝑃𝐹𝐿2 𝑜𝑟 𝑃𝐹𝐿3 ) < 𝑠𝑝𝑒𝑐𝑖𝑓𝑖𝑒𝑑 𝑙𝑎𝑔𝑔𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑃𝐹 𝑡ℎ𝑟𝑒𝑠ℎ𝑜𝑙𝑑 𝑜𝑟
𝐼𝑓 𝑙𝑒𝑎𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑃𝐹, 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑛 (𝑃𝐹𝐿1 𝑜𝑟 𝑃𝐹𝐿2 𝑜𝑟 𝑃𝐹𝐿3 ) < 𝑠𝑝𝑒𝑐𝑖𝑓𝑖𝑒𝑑 𝑙𝑒𝑎𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑃𝐹
0.00 to 1.00 for the minimum lagging power factor with L1-L2-L3 rotation (per phase);
Variable
0.00 to 1.00 for the minimum leading power factor with L1-L2-L3 rotation (per phase)
0.20 for the minimum lagging power factor with L1-L2-L3 rotation (per phase)
Default value
0.20 for the minimum leading power factor with L1-L2-L3 rotation (per phase)
Configuration based on Specified threshold for leading and lagging power factors
This test checks the power factor for any deviation beyond the programmed threshold.
This monitor may be used alone to monitor rate-based conditions 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.
Description
Per phase leading and lagging threshold values are defined specifically for L1-L2-L3
phase rotation. If the locked service has L3-L2-L1 rotation, then the per phase leading
and lagging thresholds are reversed (that is, the same threshold value for Line 1
minimum leading power factor with L1-L2-L3 rotation is also used as the Line 1 lagging
power factor with L3-L2-L1 rotation). Also, if the Irms value for a given phase is less than
the zero current threshold, then no power factor failure will be reported, regardless of
the calculated power factor value (to eliminate false failures).
Stored value None
Meter tools 75
Name Second harmonic current Test set Default Enhanced IEEE
Formula (𝐼𝐿1 𝑜𝑟 𝐼𝐿2 𝑜𝑟 𝐼𝐿3 )% 2𝑛𝑑 ℎ𝑎𝑟𝑚𝑜𝑛𝑖𝑐 𝑐𝑢𝑟𝑟𝑒𝑛𝑡

≥ 𝑠𝑝𝑒𝑐𝑖𝑓𝑖𝑒𝑑 % 2𝑛𝑑 ℎ𝑎𝑟𝑚𝑜𝑛𝑖𝑐 𝑐𝑢𝑟𝑟𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑡ℎ𝑟𝑒𝑠ℎ𝑜𝑙𝑑
Transformer rated: 2.50% of Imax (per phase)
Default value
Direct-connect: 1.25% of Imax (per phase)
Configuration based on A specified current threshold
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 the percentage of the 2nd harmonic AC
Description amperes with respect to the meter Imax. 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 any other phase causes the test to fail)
% total harmonic distortion

current test
Formula (𝐼𝐿1 𝑜𝑟 𝐼𝐿2 𝑜𝑟 𝐼𝐿3 )% 𝑇𝐻𝐷 𝑐𝑢𝑟𝑟𝑒𝑛𝑡 ≥ 𝑠𝑝𝑒𝑐𝑖𝑓𝑖𝑒𝑑 𝑇𝐻𝐷 𝑐𝑢𝑟𝑟𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑡ℎ𝑟𝑒𝑠ℎ𝑜𝑙𝑑
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
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 (THD), expressed as a percentage of the fundamental, is a
measurement of the power quality of the circuit under these conditions.
The THD current test measures the per phase THD current and can alert the utility to
Description conditions that may be harmful or dangerous to the system or other equipment. The
threshold is defined as a percentage of the fundamental. The test fails if any phase
exceeds the threshold.
Note: When there is no current on a phase, the THD result may generate an artificially
large value since the calculation involves dividing by the fundamental current (which is
or is approaching zero). Use of total demand distortion gives a better indication of the
actual magnitude of current distortion.
Stored value Line 1 THD (even if any other phase causes the test to fail)
Meter tools 76
% total harmonic distortion

voltage test
Formula (𝑉𝐿1 𝑜𝑟 𝑉𝐿2 𝑜𝑟 𝑉𝐿3 )% 𝑇𝐻𝐷 𝑣𝑜𝑙𝑡𝑎𝑔𝑒 ≥ 𝑠𝑝𝑒𝑐𝑖𝑓𝑖𝑒𝑑 𝑇𝐻𝐷 𝑣𝑜𝑙𝑡𝑎𝑔𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑟𝑒𝑠ℎ𝑜𝑙𝑑
Variable 0.0% to 99.9% of the fundamental voltage
Default value 30.0% of the fundamental threshold (per phase)
Configuration based on A specified THD percentage
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 (THD), expressed as a percentage of the fundamental, is a
measurement of the power quality of the circuit under these conditions.
The THD voltage test measures the per phase THD voltage and can alert the utility to
Description conditions that may be harmful or dangerous to the system or other equipment. The
threshold is defined as a percentage of the fundamental. The test fails if any phase
exceeds the threshold.
Note: When a phase voltage is missing, the THD can be artificially large since the
calculation involves dividing by the fundamental voltage (which is or is approaching
zero). However, If a phase voltage is lost, other PQM/TRueQ failures will also be
incurred.
Stored value Line 1 THD voltage (even if any other phase causes the test to fail)
Name Voltage imbalance test Test set Default Enhanced IEEE
(𝑉𝐿1 𝑜𝑟 𝑉𝐿2 𝑜𝑟 𝑉𝐿3 ) > 𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑖𝑚𝑢𝑚 𝑣𝑜𝑙𝑡𝑎𝑔𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑟𝑒𝑠ℎ𝑜𝑙𝑑 𝑎𝑛𝑑

Formula 𝑙𝑜𝑤𝑒𝑠𝑡 𝑝𝑒𝑟 𝑝ℎ𝑎𝑠𝑒 𝑣𝑜𝑙𝑡𝑎𝑔𝑒
< 𝑖𝑚𝑏𝑎𝑙𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑟𝑒𝑠ℎ𝑜𝑙𝑑
ℎ𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑒𝑠𝑡 𝑝𝑒𝑟 𝑝ℎ𝑎𝑠𝑒 𝑣𝑜𝑙𝑡𝑎𝑔𝑒
Minimum voltage threshold: 0.00% to 100.00% of the nominal
Variable
Imbalance threshold: 0.00% to 100.00%
Minimum voltage threshold: 80.00% of the nominal
Default value
Imbalance threshold: 90.00%
Configuration based on Minimum high voltage threshold and imbalance threshold
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)
Description
must be less than the imbalance threshold
This calculation methodology does not meet the IEEE 1159 definition; however, this
calculation methodology does allow a valid calculation to be performed on any
polyphase service even with single phase voltage excitation which is not possible using
the IEEE 1159 definition.
The minimum voltage threshold is defined as a percentage of the nominal voltage, and
the imbalance threshold is a percentage.
Stored value None
Meter tools 77
Name Current imbalance test Test set Default Enhanced IEEE
(𝐼𝐿1 𝑜𝑟 𝐼𝐿2 𝑜𝑟 𝐼𝐿3 ) > 𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑖𝑚𝑢𝑚 𝑐𝑢𝑟𝑟𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑡ℎ𝑟𝑒𝑠ℎ𝑜𝑙𝑑 𝑎𝑛𝑑

Formula 𝑙𝑜𝑤𝑒𝑠𝑡 𝑝𝑒𝑟 𝑝ℎ𝑎𝑠𝑒 𝑐𝑢𝑟𝑟𝑒𝑛𝑡
< 𝑖𝑚𝑏𝑎𝑙𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑟𝑒𝑠ℎ𝑜𝑙𝑑
ℎ𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑒𝑠𝑡 𝑝𝑒𝑟 𝑝ℎ𝑎𝑠𝑒 𝑐𝑢𝑟𝑟𝑒𝑛𝑡
Minimum current threshold: 0.00% to 100.00% of I max
Variable
Imbalance threshold: 0.00% to 100.00%
Minimum current threshold: 1.25% of Imax
Default value
Imbalance threshold: 5.00%
Configuration based on Minimum high current threshold and imbalance threshold
This test checks for an imbalance between per phase currents. To qualify as a failure,
both of the following must exist:
 The highest per phase current must be greater than the minimum current
threshold
Description
 The ratio between the lowest per phase current to the highest (low/high) must
be less than the imbalance threshold
The minimum current threshold is defined as a percentage of I max, and the imbalance
threshold is a percentage.
Stored value None
Total demand distortion

Name Test set Default Enhanced IEEE
test
Formula (𝐼𝐿1 𝑜𝑟 𝐼𝐿2 𝑜𝑟 𝐼𝐿3 )% 𝑇𝐷𝐷 ≥ 𝑠𝑝𝑒𝑐𝑖𝑓𝑖𝑒𝑑 𝑇𝐷𝐷 𝑡ℎ𝑟𝑒𝑠ℎ𝑜𝑙𝑑
Variable 0.00% to 100.00% of Imax (per phase)
Default value 10.00% of Imax
Configuration based on Specified TDD threshold
The 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
Description phase as a percentage of the maximum demand load current (I max). Total demand
distortion gives an indication of the absolute amount of distortion seen by a meter
rather than the relative indication given by total harmonic distortion.
Stored value Line 1 % TDD (even if any other phase causes the test to fail)
Meter tools 78
Name Low voltage (Line 1) Test set Enhanced
Formula 𝑉𝐿1 < 𝑠𝑝𝑒𝑐𝑖𝑓𝑖𝑒𝑑 𝑙𝑜𝑤 𝑣𝑜𝑙𝑡𝑎𝑔𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑟𝑒𝑠ℎ𝑜𝑙𝑑

Variable 0.0% to 99.9% of nominal
Default value 60.0% of nominal
Configuration based on A specified voltage threshold
This test checks Line 1 voltage for values that fall below a specified limit. The threshold
Description is defined as a percentage of the expected Line 1 nominal voltage. The test fails if Line
1 voltage falls below the voltage threshold.


Name High voltage (Line 1) Test set Enhanced
Formula 𝑉𝐿1 ≥ 𝑠𝑝𝑒𝑐𝑖𝑓𝑖𝑒𝑑 ℎ𝑖𝑔ℎ 𝑣𝑜𝑙𝑡𝑎𝑔𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑟𝑒𝑠ℎ𝑜𝑙𝑑

This test checks Line 1 values that exceed a specified limit. The threshold is defined as
Description a percentage of the expected Line 1 nominal voltage. The test fails if Line 1 voltage
exceeds the voltage threshold.
Meter tools 79


Low voltage & current

Name Test set Enhanced
present (Line 1)
𝑉𝐿1 < 𝑠𝑝𝑒𝑐𝑖𝑓𝑖𝑒𝑑 𝑙𝑜𝑤 𝑣𝑜𝑙𝑡𝑎𝑔𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑟𝑒𝑠ℎ𝑜𝑙𝑑 𝑎𝑛𝑑
Formula
𝐼𝐿1 ≥ 𝑠𝑝𝑒𝑐𝑖𝑓𝑖𝑒𝑑 ℎ𝑖𝑔ℎ 𝑐𝑢𝑟𝑟𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑡ℎ𝑟𝑒𝑠ℎ𝑜𝑙𝑑
0.0% to 99.9% of nominal Line 1 voltage
Variable
0.0003 to 1000.0000 amperes for Line 1 current
78.0% for low voltage threshold
Default value
0.0015 amperes for high current threshold
Configuration based on Specified thresholds for voltage and current
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:
Description
 Current on Line 1 is greater than a specified current threshold, and
 Voltage on Line 1 is less than a specified voltage threshold
Meter tools 80

present (Line 2)
Formula
Variable
Default value
Description

present (Line 3)
Formula
Variable
Default value
Description
Meter tools 81
Name Current missing (Line 1) Test set Enhanced
(𝑉𝐿1 𝑜𝑟 𝑉𝐿2 𝑜𝑟 𝑉𝐿3 ) ≥ 𝑠𝑝𝑒𝑐𝑖𝑓𝑖𝑒𝑑 𝑣𝑜𝑙𝑡𝑎𝑔𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑟𝑒𝑠ℎ𝑜𝑙𝑑 𝑎𝑛𝑑

Formula 𝐼𝐿1 < 𝑠𝑝𝑒𝑐𝑖𝑓𝑖𝑒𝑑 𝑐𝑢𝑟𝑟𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑡ℎ𝑟𝑒𝑠ℎ𝑜𝑙𝑑 𝑎𝑛𝑑
(𝐼𝐿2 𝑜𝑟 𝐼𝐿3 ) ≥ 𝑠𝑝𝑒𝑐𝑖𝑓𝑖𝑒𝑑 𝑐𝑢𝑟𝑟𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑡ℎ𝑟𝑒𝑠ℎ𝑜𝑙𝑑
5.0 % to 100.0 % of nominal for Line 1 voltage threshold
Variable
0.0003 A to 1000.0000 A for Line 1 current threshold
60.0 % of nominal for Line 1 voltage threshold
Default value
0.0015 A for Line 1 current threshold
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:
Description  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
Meter tools 82

Variable
Default value

Meter tools 83

Variable
Default value

Meter tools 84
IEEE voltage imbalance

Name Test set IEEE
test
% 𝑖𝑚𝑏𝑎𝑙𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒 ≥ 𝑠𝑝𝑒𝑐𝑖𝑓𝑖𝑒𝑑 𝐼𝐸𝐸𝐸 𝑖𝑚𝑏𝑎𝑙𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑟𝑒𝑠ℎ𝑜𝑙𝑑
𝑉𝑛𝑒𝑔
% 𝑖𝑚𝑏𝑎𝑙𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒 = | | × 100%
𝑉𝑝𝑜𝑠
1 − √3 − 6𝛽
Formula % 𝑖𝑚𝑏𝑎𝑙𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒 = √
1 + √3 + 6𝛽
where:
4 4 4
|𝑉𝐿1,𝐿2 | + |𝑉𝐿2,𝐿3 | + |𝑉𝐿3,𝐿1 |
𝛽=
2 2 2 2
(|𝑉𝐿1,𝐿2 | + |𝑉𝐿2,𝐿3 | + |𝑉𝐿3,𝐿1 | )
Default value 5.00%
Configuration based on IEEE voltage imbalance threshold
This voltage imbalance calculation is defined in IEEE-1159-2009 and is defined as the
ratio of the magnitude of the negative sequence voltage component to the magnitude
of the positive sequence voltage component, expressed in a percentage. The test fails
if the imbalance threshold value exceeds the specified voltage. IEEE voltage imbalance
Description may only be calculated in polyphase meters in which all three line-to-line voltages are
available to the voltage sensing terminals.
These include 3-phase, 4-wire wye and 3-phase, 4-wire delta services on 3-element
meters and 3-phase, 3-wire delta services on 2-element meters.
Stored value None
Meter tools 85
Magnetic detection
Name Test set Tamper detect
(leading PF angle)
𝐼𝑓 [(𝑊𝐿1 > 0 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐼𝐿1
> 𝑀𝑖𝑛𝑖𝑚𝑢𝑚 𝑡𝑒𝑠𝑡 𝑝ℎ𝑎𝑠𝑒 𝑐𝑢𝑟𝑟𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐿𝑖𝑛𝑒 1 𝑛𝑜𝑟𝑚𝑎𝑙𝑖𝑧𝑒𝑑 𝑃𝐹 𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑙𝑒
< 𝑠𝑝𝑒𝑐𝑖𝑓𝑖𝑒𝑑 𝑛𝑜𝑟𝑚𝑎𝑙𝑖𝑧𝑒𝑑 𝑝𝑜𝑤𝑒𝑟 𝑓𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑜𝑟 𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑙𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑟𝑒𝑠ℎ𝑜𝑙𝑑) 𝑜𝑟
Formula (𝑊𝐿2 > 0 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐼𝐿2 > 𝑀𝑖𝑛𝑖𝑚𝑢𝑚 𝑡𝑒𝑠𝑡 𝑝ℎ𝑎𝑠𝑒 𝑐𝑢𝑟𝑟𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐿𝑖𝑛𝑒 2 𝑛𝑜𝑟𝑚𝑎𝑙𝑖𝑧𝑒𝑑 𝑃𝐹 𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑙𝑒
< 𝑠𝑝𝑒𝑐𝑖𝑓𝑖𝑒𝑑 𝑛𝑜𝑟𝑚𝑎𝑙𝑖𝑧𝑒𝑑 𝑝𝑜𝑤𝑒𝑟 𝑓𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑜𝑟 𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑙𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑟𝑒𝑠ℎ𝑜𝑙𝑑) 𝑜𝑟
(𝑊𝐿3 > 0 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐼𝐿3 > 𝑀𝑖𝑛𝑖𝑚𝑢𝑚 𝑡𝑒𝑠𝑡 𝑝ℎ𝑎𝑠𝑒 𝑐𝑢𝑟𝑟𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐿𝑖𝑛𝑒 3 𝑛𝑜𝑟𝑚𝑎𝑙𝑖𝑧𝑒𝑑 𝑃𝐹 𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑙𝑒
< 𝑠𝑝𝑒𝑐𝑖𝑓𝑖𝑒𝑑 𝑛𝑜𝑟𝑚𝑎𝑙𝑖𝑧𝑒𝑑 𝑝𝑜𝑤𝑒𝑟 𝑓𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑜𝑟 𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑙𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑟𝑒𝑠ℎ𝑜𝑙𝑑)]
90.0 degrees to -90.0 degrees (leading or negative angles are expected, but lagging or
Variable
positive angles are allowed for special conditions) (See special note below)
Default value -15 degrees (that is, 15 degrees leading)
Configuration based on Specified normalized PF angle threshold
When a magnet begins to saturate a current sensor core, it causes a leading phase
shift in the output of the current sensor. Most loads are unity to lagging, so a leading
power factor phase angle is unusual. This test looks for that shift at some (typically)
leading phase angle to detect the possible presence of a magnet tamper condition. If
however, there are legitimate leading power factor load conditions, the test should
either be disabled or have the threshold set to a more leading value.
Each phase is tested individually, and if any phase fails, the test will fail. Once any
phase is failing, then all phases must be passing for the PQM test failure to be over.
Description Each phase is initially checked to ensure that real energy (Wh) is in the Delivered
direction. If it is, then the rms current for that phase is checked to ensure that it is
greater than a user defined minimum test phase current threshold (as a percentage of
Class Amps, and defined in the Service Test component). If it is, then the normalized
power factor angle is tested to see if it is more leading than the normalized power
factor angle threshold (negative values are leading so less than means more leading).
Normalization of a power factor angle subtracts the nominal per phase power factor
angle (which may vary depending on the service type and phase rotation) from the
actual per phase power factor angle. This allows a single threshold angle to be used for
comparison purposes on all phases, and all service types and rotations.
Stored value The normalized power factor phase angle difference (always a positive value)
The specified normalized power factor angle threshold is expected to be leading
(negative), but lagging (positive) angles are allowed for special conditions where actual
loads are expected to be significantly lagging. The test will still fail if an actual
normalized PF angle is less (more leading) than the specified normalized power factor
Special note angle threshold, even if the angle and the threshold are both lagging (positive) angles.
But the user should beware that use of lagging angles would generally be a source of
false failures.
To prevent the monitor from creating a false alarm from legitimate leading PF phase
angles, the recommended qualification time is 15 minutes.
Magnetic detection (leading PF angle) examples

Example 1:
For a 3-element 4wire wye service, with PF phase angles of:
 Line 1 = 12°
 Line 2 = 340° = -20°
 Line 3 =16°
Meter tools 86
All normal PF angles are 0 degrees, so normalized PF angles are:

 Line 1 = 12° – 0° = 12°
 Line 2 = -20° – 0° = -20°
 Line 3 = 16° – 0° = 16°
Only the normalized Line 2 angle is less than the -15° threshold, so this
will fail because of Line 2.
Example 2:
For a 3-element 4-wire delta service with L3-L2-L1 phase rotation, with PF
phase angles of:
 Line 1 = 342° = -18°
 Line 2 = 10°
 Line 3 =16°
The normal PF angles under polyphase unity PF conditions for Lines 1, 2
and 3 respectively are 330°, 30° and 0°. So normalized PF angles are:
 Line 1 = 342° – 330° = 12°
 Line 2 = 10 - 30° = -20°
 Line 3 = 16° – 0° = 16°
Only the normalized Line 2 angle is less than the -15° threshold, so this
will fail because of Line 2.
Meter tools 87
Magnetic detection (PF

Name Test set Tamper detect
angle differences)
𝐼𝑓 [(𝑀𝑎𝑥𝑖𝑚𝑢𝑚 𝑞𝑢𝑎𝑙𝑖𝑓𝑖𝑒𝑑 𝑛𝑜𝑟𝑚𝑎𝑙𝑖𝑧𝑒𝑑 𝑝ℎ𝑎𝑠𝑒 𝑃𝐹 𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑙𝑒
Formula − 𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑖𝑚𝑢𝑚 𝑞𝑢𝑎𝑙𝑖𝑓𝑖𝑒𝑑 𝑛𝑜𝑟𝑚𝑎𝑙𝑖𝑧𝑒𝑑 𝑝ℎ𝑎𝑠𝑒 𝑃𝐹 𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑙𝑒)
> 𝑠𝑝𝑒𝑐𝑖𝑓𝑖𝑒𝑑 𝑃𝐹 𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑙𝑒 𝑑𝑖𝑓𝑓𝑒𝑟𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑒𝑠]
Variable 0 degrees to 180 degrees
Default value 20 degrees
Configuration based on Specialized normalized PF angle differences threshold
When a magnet begins to saturate a current sensor core, it causes a leading phase
shift in the output of the current sensor. Most loads are unity to lagging, so a leading
power factor phase angle is unusual. However, if the load is significantly lagging then
the tampering may not cause the current signal to go far enough leading to fail the
previous test. But magnet location is very important in the saturation of CT cores, so if
the magnet is close to one current sensor then that current sensor may be greatly
affected, but an adjacent current sensor may not be affected much or any. So this test
assumes that the polyphase loading on all phases is roughly equivalent (amount of
phase shift on each phase), and so it looks for a difference in the normalized PF angle
for each phase and checks to see if one is significantly different from another, which
may indicate the possible presence of a magnet tamper condition. If however, there are
legitimate reasons for significantly different phase loadings (different power factor load
conditions), the test should either be disabled, or have the threshold set to a larger
difference value.
All qualified normalized phase PF phase angles are checked to find a maximum value,
and a minimum value. If the difference between the maximum minus the minimum is
Description
greater than a user specified normalized PF phase angle difference threshold, then the
test fails.
To be a qualified phase PF phase angle, the real energy (Wh) flow for that phase must
be in the delivered direction. If it is, then the rms current for that phase is checked to
ensure that it is greater than a user defined minimum test phase current threshold (as
a percentage of Class Amps, and defined in the service current threshold settings). If it
is, then the angle is considered qualified, and the normalized power factor angle is
tested to see if it is the maximum or minimum normalized phase PF angle.
Normalization of a power factor angle subtracts the nominal per phase power factor
angle (which may vary depending on the service type and phase rotation) from the
actual per phase power factor angle. This allows the different per phase power factor
angles for all different service types and rotations to be treated in a similar manner
with respect to each other.
To prevent the monitor from creating a false alarm from legitimate PF phase angle
differences, the recommended qualification time is 15 minutes.
Stored value The normalized power factor phase angle difference (always a positive value)
Magnetic detection (PF angle differences) examples

Example 1:
For a 3-element 4wire wye service, with PF phase angles of:
 Line 1 = 12°
 Line 2 = 340° = -20°
 Line 3 =16°
Meter tools 88
All normal PF angles are 0 degrees, so normalized PF angles are:

 Line 1 = 12° – 0° = 12°
 Line 2 = -20° – 0° = -20°
 Line 3 = 16° – 0° = 16°
Minimum Normalized PF Angle is -20°. Maximum Normalized PF Angle is
16°. Difference is 16° - -20° = 36° which is greater than the 20°
threshold, so this test will fail.
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 are 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 4-6, 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 4-6. 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 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.
Meter tools 89
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 energy 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. 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. The A1800 ALPHA meter supports one of two methods of exiting
program protect mode:
 breaking the terminal cover seals and meter cover seals
 pressing the RESET and  buttons
The desired method to exit program protect must be specified at the time
of ordering
Breaking seals 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” in chapter 2 for
details.
Meter tools 90
Pressing buttons to temporarily disable program protection:

1 Break the RESET button seal.
2 Simultaneously press and hold the RESET button and the  button for
about 5 seconds until PPPPPP displays on the LCD (see Figure 4-13).
This display indicates that the meter has temporarily exited program
protection.
3 At this point, you can perform any of the data or program altering
operations available using the Elster meter support software.
4 The meter resumes program protection when the communication
session has terminated.
Figure 4-13. Display for temporarily disabling program protection
Meter tools 91
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 chapter 6, “Codes.”
 For relay alarms, see “Relay-related alarms” in chapter 5.
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
Meter tools 92
Notes:
5 OUTPUTS
Relay outputs
The A1810 ALPHA meter does not include relay outputs. The A1830 ALPHA
meter and higher supports up to 4 relays.
RS-232 connector
(optional)*
Pulse output relay

(optional)
RS-485 terminals
RS-232
connector

Pulse output relay defau t 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
Outputs 94
Figure 5-2. A1800 ALPHA with RS-485 as second communication port
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
Outputs 95
Figure 5-3. A1800 ALPHA meter with Ethernet
Ethernet connector(optional)*
Pulse output relays(optional)
RS-232 terminals
RS-485 terminals

Pulse output relay defau t values RS-485 connections RS-232 connector RJ45 connector
4-wire 1 2 3 4 5
Tx+ Rx-
1 2 3 5 6 7 8
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
3 = Tx 8 = NC 1 = Transmit + 5 = NC
C = Wh rec + -bias
4 = DTR 9 = NC 2 = Transmit - 6 = Receive -
D = varh rec
5 = GND 3 = Receive + 7 = NC
- +bias 4 = NC 8 = NC
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.
Outputs 96
Table 5-1. Source for relay operation and output specification
Relay source Relay output specifications

Energy pulse For each pulse of the selected basic
metered quantity (see “Metered energy
and demand quantities” in chapter 2), 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.
Demand forgiveness (cold The relay closes while demand forgiveness
load pickup) is in effect. The relay will open after the
demand forgiveness time has expired.
TRueQ test failure Relay closes as long as the specified
TRueQ tests continue to fail (see “TRueQ
monitoring” in chapter 4).
Specified errors, warnings, The relay closes for as long as the
and meter events specified errors, warnings, or events
persist (see “Relay-related alarms” on page
99).
TOU switches to a specific The relay closes for the duration of the
tariff specified tariffs.
Figure 5-4. 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.
Outputs 97
Figure 5-5. 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.
Outputs 98
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.
Interposing relay control

Beginning with Series 200 meters, the A1800 ALPHA meter supports the
use of an interposing relay. By using an interposing relay, the A1800
ALPHA meter can remotely control a contactor that the meter would
otherwise be unable to control directly.
Controlling an interposing relay requires configuring the meter’s relay
component using Metercat release 3.2.1 or later. When enabled for
interposing relays, the functions of Relay C and Relay D are overridden of
their previous settings, and Relay C and Relay D will only serve to control
the interposing relay.
Specifications
Relay C, when activated, supplies a pulse that will connect the interposing
relay. Relay D, when activated, supplies a pulse that will disconnect the
interposing relay.
The pulse duration is between 24 milliseconds and 32 milliseconds. Relay
C and Relay D can switch up to 125 VAC or 180 VDC at up to 70 mA.
Arming
It is possible to program the meter to delay activating Relay C until the 
button is pressed. The meter is “armed” remotely; however, arming the
interposing relay control does not activate Relay C. Instead, Relay C can
only be activated by a user pressing the  button on the meter.
It is also possible to clear an armed state remotely by sending a command
or by using Metercat.
LCD behavior
When the meter is enabled for control of an interposing relay, the meter
LCD indicates the state of the interposing relay:
 When the state of the interposing relay is disconnected, the meter
displays a warning on the LCD (see “W1 001000: Interposing relay
disconnected” in chapter 6).
 When the state of the interposing relay is connected, the meter LCD
operates as expected based on its operating mode.
 If the meter is armed for activation, the meter locks the LCD with the
display ARMED / PUSH .This special display overrides all other
display modes.
Outputs 99
Figure 5-6. Display for the meter armed for interposing relay activation
Power failures
If the meter experiences a power failure, the state of the interposing relay
is maintained when power is restored to the meter. For example, if the
meter is armed for interposing relay activation when the power fails, the
meter will maintain the armed state when power is restored.
For meters with the optional Read without Power feature, because it is not
possible to change the state of the interposing relay during a power failure,
the meter will not display the armed state on the LCD.
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” in chapter 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.
Outputs 100
Table 5-2. Errors, warnings, and events that can trigger a relay
Condition Description
Carryover error See “E1 000001: Carryover error” in chapter 6.
Clock error See “E3 030000: Clock error” in chapter 6.
Crystal oscillator error See “E1 000010: Crystal oscillator error” in chapter 6.
Demand overload warning See “W1 100000: Demand overload warning” in chapter 6.
EEPROM access error See “E1 010000: EEPROM access error” in chapter 6.
End of calendar warning See “W2 200000: End of calendar warning” in chapter 6.
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” in chapter 6.
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 operation See “W1 000010: Improper meter engine operation warning” in chapter
warning 6.
Instrumentation profiling set 1 wrap Set 1 of the instrumentation profiling log is within 2 days of overflowing.
imminent event Data will be lost if the instrumentation profiling log is not read within 2
days.
Instrumentation profiling set 2 wrap Set 2 of the instrumentation profiling log is within 2 days of overflowing.
imminent event Data will be lost if the instrumentation profiling log is not read within 2
days.
Internal communication error See “E1 001000: Internal communication error” in chapter 6.
Low battery warning See “W1 000001: Low battery warning” in chapter 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” in chapter 6.
Power fail data save error See “E2 200000: Power fail data save error” in chapter 6.
Pulse profiling wrap imminent event The pulse profiling log is within 2 days of overflowing. 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” in chapter 6.
Service current test failure warning See “W2 000002: Service current test failure warning” in chapter 6.
Service voltage test failure warning The service voltage test was unable to find a valid service or the
measured service does not match the locked service.
Outputs 101
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 5-7. 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 specification
Operating mode Imax Pulse rate Pulse divisor

5000 pulses/kWh or
10 A 8
5000 pulses/kvarh
Normal
2500 pulses/kWh or
20 A 8
2500 pulses/kvarh
5000 pulses/kWh or
10 A 8
5000 pulses/kvar
Alternate
2500 pulses/kWh or
20 A 8
2500 pulses/kvarh
40,000 pulses/kWh or
10 A 1
40,000 pulses/kvarh
Test
40,000 pulses/kWh or
20 A 1
40,000 pulses/kvarh
Outputs 102
Table 5-4. Direct connect-rated meter LED output specifications
Operating mode Pulse rate Pulse divisor

500 pulses/kWh or
Normal 8
1000 pulses/kvarh
500 pulses/kWh or
Alternate 8
1000 pulses/kvarh
4000 pulses/kWh or
Test 1
4000 pulses/kvarh
6 CODES
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” in chapter 3 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” in chapter 3 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 106
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.
Codes 104
Figure 6-1. Sample error code displayed on the LCD
+P
L1L2 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
Table 6-2. Group E2 error conditions and codes
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
Table 6-3. Group E3 conditions and codes
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.
Codes 105
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.
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.
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.
Codes 106
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
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 105),
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
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 107) 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.
Codes 107
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 103 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
through Table 6-6 describe the different warning conditions and their
codes.
Figure 6-2. Sample warning code
+P
L1L2 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
Interposing relay disconnected 0 0 1 0 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 warning 0 0 0 0 0 2
Demand threshold exceeded warning 0 0 0 2 0 0
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 discharged 0 0 0 0 0 3
Read without Power mode active 0 0 0 0 3 0
Codes 108
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” in chapter 7 and “Installing a TOU battery” in chapter 7 for
instructions on replacing batteries.
In addition, the low battery indicator will display on the LCD (see “Low
battery indicator” in chapter 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 001000: Interposing relay disconnected

This warning code indicates that the interposing relay is in a disconnected
state. See “Interposing relay control” in chapter 5 for more information.
This code is cleared automatically when the state of the interposing relay is
connected.
Codes 109
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” in chapter 3 and “Voltage sags” in chapter 4 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.
support software
W2 000002: Service current test failure warning

This code indicates that the most recently performed service current test
has failed. See “Service current test” in chapter 4 for more information.
 the service current test is performed again and the test does not fail
support software
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.
Codes 110
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.
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” in chapter 3 for more information). This code is
cleared automatically when the meter exits the Read without Power mode.
Codes 111
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
L1L2 L3
Table 6-7. Communication codes
Condition Code
CRC error C 0 0 1 0 1
Syntax error C 0 0 0 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.
Codes 112
Notes:
7 INSTALLATION &
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.
Installation & removal 114
Placing the meter into service

See Appendix D, “Wiring diagrams,” for illustrations of both internal and
connection wiring diagrams.

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” in chapter 3 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.

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
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.
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 (with the loss compensation
key enabled):
 2-element
 3-element
Calculating the correction values

To configure the loss compensation feature of a meter, you must use these
values. 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
Meter current Meter current when power transformer is operating at
maximum rating
Meter voltage Meter voltage when power transformer is operating at
rated voltage
1 Edison Electric Institute, Handbook for Electricity Metering, 10th edition, Washington, DC: Edison Electric Institute, 2002, p. 16.
Loss compensation 122
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)
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)
Item Equation
VAphase If bank of 3 transformers:
𝑉𝐴𝑝ℎ𝑎𝑠𝑒 = 𝑘𝑉𝐴𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑑 × 1000
If one 3-phase transformer:
(𝑘𝑉𝐴𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑑 × 1000)
𝑉𝐴𝑝ℎ𝑎𝑠𝑒 =
3
Vsec rated For 2 element, 3-wire delta applications:
𝑉sec 𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑑 = 𝑉sec 𝐿−𝐿
For 3 element, 4-wire wye applications:
𝑉𝑠𝑒𝑐 𝐿−𝐿
𝑉𝑠𝑒𝑐 𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑑 =
√3
Vpri rated For 2 element, 3-wire delta applications:
𝑉𝑝𝑟𝑖 𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑑 = 𝑉𝑝𝑟𝑖 𝐿−𝐿
For 3 element, 4-wire wye applications:
𝑉𝑝𝑟𝑖 𝐿−𝐿
𝑉𝑝𝑟𝑖 𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑑 =
√3
Isec rated All applications:
√3 × 𝑉𝐴𝑝ℎ𝑎𝑠𝑒
𝐼𝑠𝑒𝑐 𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑑 =
Ipri rated All applications:
𝐼𝑝𝑟𝑖 𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑑 =
𝑉𝑝𝑟𝑖 𝐿−𝐿
Note: For a bank of three single phase transformers, the following
calculations should be performed independently for each transformer
and then summed to obtain the total losses.
LWFe Take directly from power transformer test report
Item Equation
LWCu Take directly from power transformer test report
LVAFe %𝐸𝑋𝐶
𝑘𝑉𝐴𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑑 × 1000 × ( )
100
LVACu %𝑍
𝑘𝑉𝐴𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑑 × 1000 × ( )
100
LVFe √𝐿𝑉𝐴𝐹𝑒 2 − 𝐿𝑊𝐹𝑒 2
LVCu √𝐿𝑉𝐴𝐶𝑢 2 − 𝐿𝑊𝐶𝑢2
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 × 𝐼𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑑 × 𝐸𝑙𝑒𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑠
%LWCu (𝐿𝑊𝐶𝑢 + 𝐿𝑖𝑊𝑇𝑂𝑇 ) × 100
%LVFe 𝐿𝑉𝐹𝑒 × 100
%LVCu (𝐿𝑉𝐶𝑢 + 𝐿𝑖𝑉𝑇𝑂𝑇 ) × 100
Meter current 𝐼𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑑
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 (/meter or /kilometer)
GMR1 Geometric mean radius of the phase conductors (in
meters)
Xa1 Inductive reactance of the conductor at 1ft. spacing
(/meter or /kilometer)
1Either GMR or Xa 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 ()
XL Line reactance ()
Deq Geometric mean distance between phase conductors (in
meters)
DL1,L2 Distance between Line 1 and Line 2 (in meters)
Parameter Equation
RL
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 × {𝑋𝑎 + [0.2794 × ( ) × log 𝐷𝑒𝑞 ]}
60
where:
𝐷𝑒𝑞 = 3√𝐷𝐿1,𝐿2 × 𝐷𝐿2,𝐿3 × 𝐷𝐿3,𝐿1
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
2
LiWsec 𝐼𝑠𝑒𝑐 𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑑 × 𝑅𝐿 𝑠𝑒𝑐 × 𝑛
2
LiVsec 𝐼𝑠𝑒𝑐 𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑑 × 𝑋𝐿 𝑠𝑒𝑐 × 𝑛
2
LiWpri 𝐼𝑝𝑟𝑖 𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑑 × 𝑅𝐿 𝑝𝑟𝑖 × 𝑛
2
LiVpri 𝐼𝑝𝑟𝑖 𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑑 × 𝑋𝐿 𝑝𝑟𝑖 × 𝑛
LiWTOT 𝐿𝑖𝑊𝑠𝑒𝑐 + 𝐿𝑖𝑊𝑝𝑟𝑖

LiVTOT 𝐿𝑖𝑉𝑠𝑒𝑐 + 𝐿𝑖𝑉𝑝𝑟𝑖
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,
𝐼𝑝𝑟𝑖 𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑉𝑠𝑒𝑐 𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑑
=
𝐼𝑠𝑒𝑐 𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑉𝑝𝑟𝑖 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
𝐶𝑇𝑅
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)
Value
Parameter
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
2 Edison Electric Institute, Handbook for Electricity Metering, 10th edition, Washington, DC: Edison Electric Institute, 2002,
Chapter 10, “Special Metering,” pp. 249-88.
Step 1.
Calculate the quantities
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:
𝑉𝐴𝑝ℎ𝑎𝑠𝑒 = 𝑘𝑉𝐴𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑑 × 1000
3333 × 1000 = 3,333,000
Vrated Secondary side, 2-element delta application
𝑉𝑠𝑒𝑐 𝐿−𝐿 = 2520
Irated Secondary side application
𝐼𝑠𝑒𝑐 𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑑 =
√3 × 3,333,000
= 2290.84
2520
Line 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
√33,3302 − 96502 = 31,902
√271,9232 − 18,9352 = 271,313
Line 2
Calculations
Parameter Value
LWFe 9690
LWCu 18400
LVAFe %𝐸𝑋𝐶
𝑘𝑉𝐴𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑑 × 1000 × ( )
100
1.06
3333 × 1000 × ( ) = 35,330
100
LVACu %𝑍
𝑘𝑉𝐴𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑑 × 1000 × ( )
100
8.03
3333 × 1000 × ( ) = 267,640
100
√35,3302 − 96902 = 33,975
√267,6402 − 18,4002 = 267,007
Line 3
Calculations
Parameter Value
LWFe 9340
LWCu 18692
LVAFe %𝐸𝑋𝐶
𝑘𝑉𝐴𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑑 × 1000 × ( )
100
0.91
3333 × 1000 × ( ) = 30,330
100
LVACu %𝑍
𝑘𝑉𝐴𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑑 × 1000 × ( )
100
8.12
3333 × 1000 × ( ) = 270,640
100
√30,3302 − 93402 = 28,856
√270,6402 − 18,6922 = 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 = 98,900
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 losses, if needed.
Per the stated assumptions, there is no compensating for line losses:
 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 × 2290.84 × 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
%LVCu (𝐿𝑉𝐶𝑢 + 𝐿𝑖𝑉𝑇𝑂𝑇 ) × 100
808,313 × 100
= 7.0009
2520 × 2290.84 × 2
𝐶𝑇𝑅
2290.84
= 3.82 𝐴
600
𝑉𝑇𝑅
2520
= 126 𝑉
20
Summary of calculated values

Item Value
Registration Add losses
Iron watts correction percentage (%LWFe) 0.2484
Copper watts correction percentage (%LWCu) 0.4853
Iron vars correction percentage (%LVFe) 0.8205
Copper vars correction percentage (%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
2 2 2
W 𝑅 × (𝐼𝐿1 𝑚𝑒𝑎𝑠 + 𝐼𝐿2 𝑚𝑒𝑎𝑠 + 𝐼𝐿3 𝑚𝑒𝑎𝑠 ) + 𝐺
2 2 2
× (𝑉𝐿1 𝑚𝑒𝑎𝑠 + 𝑉𝐿2 𝑚𝑒𝑎𝑠 + 𝑉𝐿3 𝑚𝑒𝑎𝑠 )
2 2 2
var 𝑋 × (𝐼𝐿1 𝑚𝑒𝑎𝑠 + 𝐼𝐿2 𝑚𝑒𝑎𝑠 + 𝐼𝐿3 𝑚𝑒𝑎𝑠 ) + 𝐵
4 4 4
× (𝑉𝐿1 𝑚𝑒𝑎𝑠 + 𝑉𝐿2 𝑚𝑒𝑎𝑠 + 𝑉𝐿3 𝑚𝑒𝑎𝑠 )
For a 2-element meter, watts and vars are compensated every two line
cycles according to the following equations:
Compensation Equation
2 2 2 2
W 𝑅 × (𝐼𝐿1 𝑚𝑒𝑎𝑠 + 𝐼𝐿3 𝑚𝑒𝑎𝑠 ) + 𝐺 × (𝑉𝐿1 𝑚𝑒𝑎𝑠 + 𝑉𝐿3 𝑚𝑒𝑎𝑠 )
2 2 4 4
var 𝑋 × (𝐼𝐿1 𝑚𝑒𝑎𝑠 + 𝐼𝐿3 𝑚𝑒𝑎𝑠 ) + 𝐵 × (𝑉𝐿1 𝑚𝑒𝑎𝑠 + 𝑉𝐿3 𝑚𝑒𝑎𝑠 )
where:
Term Description
R Per element resistance
G Per element conductance
X Per element reactance
B Per element susceptance
Ix meas Per phase rms current
Vx meas Per phase rms voltage
Elster 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
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 LCD and 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
Metercat). Likewise, TRueQ functions and instrumentation profiling values
are not affected when compensation is active.
Testing a meter with compensation

The LEDs on the 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.
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.
Metercat also permits the loss compensation 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.
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
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 =
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.
Glossary 136
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
Glossary 137
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.
Glossary 138
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.
Glossary 139
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.
Glossary 140
Notes:
B DISPLAY
Display format
Displayable items are described in “Display list items” on page 143. 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” in chapter 3 for more detailed information on
the LCD regions.
Figure B-1. A1800 ALPHA meter LCD
Quantity identifier
Phase Alternate mode
Error/warning indicator
indicators (3) indicator
+ Q
-P +P
Energy direction - Q
L1L2 L3 Comm. port
indicator indicator
COM 0 1 2
Display quantity
Power/energy
units identifier
Tariff indicators 1 to 8 Test mode

(left to right) indicator
EOI indicator
LC indicator Cover removed
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
indicator items in the alternate display list (see “ button”
in chapter 3)
Active COM port Indicates that a communication session is in
indicators progress and 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
identifier quantity currently displayed on the LCD.
Display 142
Item Description
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”
in chapter 3)
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
indicators (Q) energy 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 If the indicator is turned on, the battery warning
indicator 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 143
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 141 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)
Display 144
Character Represents
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
L1L2 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
Display 145

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
Display 146

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
Display 147

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
Display 148

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)
Display 149
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
Display 150
System instrumentation
The A1800 ALPHA meter can display system instrumentation quantities.
See “System instrumentation” in chapter 4 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 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
Display 151

Line 1 kVA (primary) xxxx.xxxx L1 kVA
Line 1 kVA (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
Display 152

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

The A1800 ALPHA meter can display the validity of the electricity service
where it is installed. See “System service tests” in chapter 4 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 3 L3-2-1
xxx 1L
Currently locked service [xxx 4Y] L1-2-3
[xxx 3 ] 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” and “Warning codes” in chapter 6 for more information.
Display 153
Communication codes
The A1800 ALPHA meter indicates the status of a communication session
by displaying it on the LCD. See “Communication codes” in chapter 6.
Display 154
Notes:
C NAMEPLATE & 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 an 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
set ings
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
and frequency 3 x 58/100...240/415V, 60 Hz
0.2S
1(10)A
Nominal (max) 2006 Made in USA Isolation Class 2
current symbol
ELSTER SAMPLE
SERIAL # 01234567 Year and place
of manufacture
STYLE
Elster style number ZE3JF4R00LM-01 *01234567*
R1.2-06210102AG-000000
U ility symbol
Firmware version Meter serial number
and barcode
See Table C-1 for a description of the firmware version number.

Table C-1. Firmware version number
Code Description
R Meter release
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
Nameplate & style number information 156
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 for a transformer rated meter.
Figure C-3 is an example of a utility information card for a direct connect
meter.
Figure C-2. Utility information card (transformer rated)
Figure C-3. Utility information card (direct connect rated)

Style number information

The following table lists the commonly used styles for the A1800 ALPHA
meter and the options that are available. Style numbers are subject to
change without notice. Contact Elster for availability.
FIELD NUMBERS 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
A1800 ALPHA meter Z E
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 wiring J
Sequential wiring K
5 A (20 A max), transformer rated1
Sequential wiring T
5 A (120 A max) direct connect rated
Sequential wiring N
MAIN BOARD & VOLTAGE LINK OPTIONS
All meters are 57.7 V to 480 V2
No main board options (256 KB memory)3 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)4 Q
External voltage links (256 KB memory)4 R
Internal voltage links with backlight (256 KB) 4 S
External voltage links with backlight (256 KB) 4 T
RELAYS & 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
See Table C-2 for information on fields 7 and 8.
1 Only for non-standard instances of transformer-rated meters where Imax is greater than 10 A. All other transformer-rated meters
are to use 10 A as the standard selection.
2 Voltage link options available for direct connect-rated meters only.
3 Select this option for direct connected-rated meters without voltage links.
FIELD NUMBERS 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
MISCELLANEOUS OPTIONS
See Table C-3 for miscellaneous options.
METERING OPTIONS
See Table C-3 for metering options.
Table C-2. Communication options
FIELD NUMBERS 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
SERVICE
TEST AMPS & WIRING
Relays & extended memory
COMMUNICATION OPTIONS ANSI DLMS
Optical port only A18105 00 C0
1 port: Internal telephone modem (ITM3) A18305 D0 CA
2 ports: RS-232/4856 & ITM3 A18605 RD CD
2 ports: RS-232/4856 & RS-232 A18605 RE CE
2 ports: RS-232/4856 & RS-485 A18605 RF CF
2 ports: RS-232/4856 & Ethernet A18605 T6
1 port: RS-232/4856 A18305 R0 CR
2 ports (ACB): RS-232/4857 & DLT/645 over RS-485 A1880 R1 C1
2 ports (ACB): RS-232/4857 and RS-4857 A18605 C2
1 port: RS-232/4857 A18305 R2
2 ports (ACB): RS-232/4856 & Modbus over RS-4856 A1882 R3
2 ports (ACB): RS-232/4856 & DNP over RS-4856 A1884 R4 C4
2 ports (ACB): RS-232/4856 & Modbus over RS-232 A1882 R5
2 ports (ACB): RS-232/4856 & DNP over RS-232 A1884 R6
1 port (NIC): EA_NIC nA18105 PE
1 port (NIC): EA_NIC with last gasp nA18105 PF
2 ports (NIC): RS-232/4856 & EA_NIC nA18305 PB
2 ports (NIC): RS-232/4856 & EA_NIC with last gasp nA18305 PD
MISCELLANEOUS OPTIONS
METERING OPTIONS
5 Additional virtual option boards available with these models. Available: DL/T 645.
6 4-wire RS-485 implementation
7 2-wire RS-485 implementation
Table C-3. Miscellaneous and metering options
FIELD NUMBERS 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
SERVICE
TEST AMPS & WIRING
Relays & extended memory
COMMUNICATION OPTIONS ANSI DLMS
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
Medium terminal cover, IEC optical port, TOU battery 6 G
Medium terminal cover, ANSI optical port, TOU battery 7 H
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
Notes:
D WIRING DIAGRAMS
See 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 delta
L3 L1
L2
1 3 4 6 7 9 10 12
L1 L
L2 O
L3 A
N D
DC001.vsd
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
L
L1
O
L2 or N
A
L3
DC002.vsd
D
Wiring diagrams 162
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
CT001.vsd
Figure D-4. 2-element, 3-wire sequential, transformer connected meter used in single phase transformer application
1 3
1 2 3 5 7 8 9
L 1 L
I O
2
N CT006.vsd
A
E D
Wiring diagrams 163
Figure D-5. 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
CT002.vsd
Figure D-6. 3-element, 4-wire current transformer, sequential connection meter used in single phase application
1 3
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 11
1
L L
I O
N A
EN D
CT007.vsd
Wiring diagrams 164
Figure D-7. 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
CT003.vsd
Figure D-8. 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
CT004.vsd
Wiring diagrams 165
Figure D-9. 3-element, 4-wire instrument transformer, sequential connection meter used in a single phase application
1 3
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 11
1
L
L
I O
N A
E D
N
CT008.vsd
Figure D-10. 3-element, 4-wire instrument 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
CT005.vsd
Wiring diagrams 166
Notes:
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 -40 °C to +85 °C inside meter cover
-40 °C to +60 °C outside
Humidity range 0 % to 100 % noncondensing
Technical specifications 168
Operating characteristics
Power supply burden Less than 3 W
Per phase current burden Less than 0.1 VA (transformer rated & 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)
Reactive energy 2.0 % (IEC 62053-23) Actual accuracy is better than 0.5 % for 2.0 %
accuracy meters
General performance characteristics

Starting current
CT connected 1 mA
Direct connect 16 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.
Super capacitor is expected to provide carryover power for all normal power
outage for a period of at least 6 hours at +25 °C. The battery is not under load
except when super capacitor 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 bps 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

See “Physical dimensions and mass” in chapter 2 for more information.
1 Conforms to IEC 62053-61 (Electricity Metering Equipment, Power Consumption and Voltage Requirements)
Elster Solutions © 2015 by Elster. All rights reserved.
208 S Rogers Lane Information herein is subject to change without notice.
Raleigh, NC 27610-2144 Product specifications cited may change. Contact your
Elster representative for the most current product
information.

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A1800 ALPHA meter

Disclaimer of Warranties and Limitation of Liability ............................ vii

System architecture .............................................................................. 18

Active COM port indicator ............................................................. 40

E1 000001: Carryover error ....................................................... 105

Calculating the correction values....................................................... 121

Disclaimer of Warranties and Limitation of Liability

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

Caution is used to alert personnel to the presence of a hazard that will or

Warning is used to alert personnel to the presence of a hazard that can

Danger is used to alert personnel to the presence of a hazard that will

Revisions to this document

Revision Date Brief Description

A1800 ALPHA meter

Number Date Edition Title

Number Date Title

Number Date Edition Title

Number Date Title

ANSI standard communication open protocol

Meter Market segment Class Standard features Optional features

Meter Market segment Class Standard features Optional features

Figure 1-2. A1800 ALPAH meter family application pyramid

2 Contact Elster for availability.

Active energy LED

Long wiring cover

ANSI-compliant optical interface IEC-compliant optical interface

Utility information card

Figure 2-5. Removing the utility information card

Pulse output relay

*Present when optional second communication port is installed

Pulse output relay

*Present when optional second communication port is installed

Cover tamper detection switches

Cover closed Cover opened

Virtual option board

1 Contact Elster for availability.

ANSI C12 protocol

Figure 2-9. Meter block diagram

Phase A voltage 5 V linear

Current Wh del Microcontroller

Current varh del

Option board Optical Remote Pulse

General theory of operation

Main power supply

Auxiliary power supply

Current and voltage sensing

Average power factor

Figure 2-10. Rolling demand intervals

sub- sub- sub- sub- sub-

The rolling interval calculates demand by using the following equation:

For example, if the demand interval is 15 minutes and the total

interval interval interval interval

sub- sub- sub- sub-

Thermal time constant

Figure 2-12. Maximum demand

New maximum Earlier maximum

In addition to maximum demand, the A1800 ALPHA meter also stores

Cumulative maximum demand

Continuous cumulative maximum demand

Coincident demand or power factor

Primary and secondary metering

Power failure data

Theft-resistant measurement normally applies to registration of active

Logs and data sets