elmåler

Elmåler, or electric meter, is a device that measures the amount of electrical energy consumed in a building or installation. It records energy usage in kilowatt-hours (kWh) and is typically located at the service entrance. The meter data is used to calculate billing by the electricity supplier, and ownership or responsibility for the meter varies by country—some systems place it with the utility, others with the customer.

There are several common types. Analog (electromechanical) meters use rotating dials to display consumption. Digital electronic meters provide numerical readings. Smart meters feature two-way communication, remote reading, and often interval data logging. Residential installations are usually single-phase, while commercial or industrial setups may use three-phase meters or multiple meters.

How it works. An elmåler measures energy by monitoring voltage and current and computing instantaneous power, then integrating over time to yield total energy used. Older meters rely on mechanical motion, while modern meters use microprocessors, store consumption data, and may log readings at specific intervals or events. Smart meters can transmit data to the utility and receive signals for remote configuration or pricing changes.

Installation and regulation. Meters are installed by licensed technicians or by the utility, and the metering point is typically sealed for accuracy. In many regions, deployment of smart meters is ongoing, with regulatory oversight, and possible opt-out provisions in some markets. Privacy and cybersecurity considerations accompany increased data sharing.

See also: Electric meter, Smart grid, Energy management.