USING LOAD-SIDE VOLTAGE AND AN AUXILIARY SWITCH TO CONFIRM THE CLOSE OR OPEN STATUS OF A METER DISCONNECT SWITCH

摘要

The invention relates to a method and system for secure confirmation of the status of a metering disconnect switch. By utilizing both a mechanical auxiliary switch and the reading of a load-side voltage immediately after a switch operation, a nearly certain decision can be achieved that the state of the relay is accurately known. This invention will prevent a motorized or solenoid driven switch operator from achieving a close or open state of the switch that otherwise could be uncertain.

主权项

1. An electrical energy meter for metering electrical energy delivered from a voltage source via feeder lines to an electrical load at a subscriber location, said meter disposed between said voltage source and said electrical load, the meter comprising:
a disconnect switch, interposed into said feeder lines, for switching between an open position in which electrical energy is not supplied to said electrical load and a closed position in which electrical energy is supplied to said electrical load; a load-side voltage sensor, which provides voltage signals indicative of load-side voltage on a side of said disconnect switch connected to said electrical load; a position sensor operably coupled to the disconnect switch and providing an indication whether the disconnect switch is in the opened or closed position; and a processor that receives the voltage signals from the load-side voltage sensor indicative of load-side voltage and the indication of the disconnect switch position from the position sensor and determines therefrom whether an abnormal condition exists.