What are the requirements for relays and current transformers in Turkish energy meters?
In the Turkish market, meter relays and current transformers (CTs) primarily comply with IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) standards and the local Turkish EPDK (Energy Market Regulation Authority) specifications. Due to Turkey's plan to replace 50 million smart meters by 2035, the market demand for components meeting high-performance standards is extremely high.
1. Meter Relays (Latching Relays)
Turkish smart meters generally require the use of magnetic latching relays to achieve remote on/off control functions.
Mainstream Standard: Must comply with IEC 62055-31.
Key Performance Levels:
UC2 / UC3 Levels: These are core requirements in the Turkish market. UC3 level requires the relay to withstand short-circuit currents up to 6kA/10ms without explosion and to perform a 3kA/10ms turn-on test.
Magnetic Interference Resistance: According to the new standard, the relay must be able to resist external strong magnetic field interference to prevent unauthorized opening or closing.
Common Specifications:
Single-phase meters: Typically use 90A or 100A relays.
Three-phase meters: Typically use 100A or 120A three-phase relays with synchronous switching function.
Low power consumption: Requires pulse drive, with an operating time typically within 30ms to reduce the meter's own power consumption.
2. Current Transformers (CTs) used for measurement and billing have strict accuracy requirements in the Turkish market.
1. Direct-connected meter
Current specifications: 5(60)A, 5(80)A, 5(100)A
No external current transformer required
Current is sampled directly from the manganese-copper shunt inside the meter or from the built-in miniature CT.
2. CT-connected meter
Current specifications: 1.5(6)A
Requires an external current transformer (CT)
Used for high-current circuits: three-phase industrial and commercial, distribution substations, high-load users
Accuracy class: Typically 0.5 or 1.0; higher-precision meters can reach 0.2S class.
Transformer ratio: Commonly 5/2mA, with a transformation ratio of 2500:1. Available in 100/5A (5A secondary output current) or 100A/33.3mA (milliampere output) for electronic meters.
DC Immune: To prevent fraudulent meter readings due to DC interference, Turkish smart meters generally require the current transformer (CT) to have DC immunity (e.g., meeting EN 50470-3 standards).
IVY Metering's 100A meter solutions primarily consist of magnetic latching relays (for load on/off control) and high-precision current transformers (for current metering and monitoring). These components are widely used in smart meters, electric vehicle charging stations, and smart grid equipment.
Typical Relay Models: IM901/IM1002/IM1001T
Contact Type: 1 Phase and 3 Phase
Rated Current: 90A/100A
Switching Voltage: 250VAC
Control Method: single/dual coil (pulse drive), compliant with IEC 62055-31 UC2/UC3 standard.
With an auxiliary switch
Integrated Design: Customizable to meet specific needs, integrating current transformers (CTs) or shunts for integrated metering and control.
Low-cost DC Immunity CT: IVY-DCT-100A-500mT
Accuracy Class: 0.1 (high linearity output).
Measuring Range: 5(100)A, maintaining extremely high measurement accuracy even under a 100A load.
Antimagnetic: Possesses 500mT of permanent magnetic immunity, suitable for anti-electricity theft applications.
