Wrong meter?

[varedrover]

I purchased the EKM Basic kWh Meter 100A 120/240-volt, 3-wire, 60Hz EKM-25IDS pass thru meter. I read the instructions about the 3/8 wire diameter prior to purchase and measured my wire to determine the fit. It measured at what *I thought* was 3/8". Needless to say, they don't fit. What other options are there to connect this meter to 2-2-2-4 AL feeder cable (for an indoor sub-panel). The meter will be housed in an 8" x 8" PVC enclosure in an interior space.

[Jameson]

Thanks for your purchase. Unfortunately if you cannot fit your wire through the pass through meter you will have to upgrade to an external CT meter such as the EKM-Omnimeter I v.3 and 2 CTs. If you have 3/8"+ wire but less than 1/2" our smallest 200 amp CTs will work for you.

Here is a link to a 120/240 volt metering package (this includes the meter and CTs): http://www.ekmmetering.com/ekm-metering ... ckage.html

First click the "Customize and Add to Cart" button to see your options. If you would like to return your old meter, we take back meters that are in good condition within 30 days of purchase. Please let us know if you have any questions.

Thanks again,

[varedrover]

Thanks for the helpful information! I ordered this meter on-line yesterday: http://www.ekmmetering.com/ekm-metering ... ckage.html
In the package I reviewed on the website, it doesn't look like it includes the pieces labeled "Junction" in the photo as a "required" item. Are these the Piercing Connectors? If so, are they included?

I ordered the:
meter
2 CTs
inline fuses

Do I need to place another order for these items? Thank you.

[Jameson]

Hey varedrover,
Yes, the piercing connectors are not required. They can make installation easier in some situations. We are currently sold out of these, but if you would like help sourcing some we would be happy to help.

In the case of an Omnimeter installation, the "Junction" is just where the voltage reference wire taps off of the main line. In many situations there is either a lug on a breaker or a wire nut that you can use. Just loosen the lug that is holding the main wire, slip in your voltage reference wire under the lug, and tighten it back down. This will give you a voltage reference of this wire as well as power the meter itself. Make sure your Line 1 voltage reference wire, is tapping off of Line 1, and going to the Line 1 voltage reference port on your meter.

Your order looks good for either a 120/240 volt 3-wire residential system or a 3-phase 3-wire (no neutral) system. This is all you need. You may want to consider either getting a DIN Rail piece or an enclosure, but if you already have either of these you will be fine.

If you need a hand, please let us know.

[varedrover]

Thanks for the reply. The meter I'm installing will be located about 15 feet from the panel. It will be mounted on a DIN in an 8x8 PVC box. So, instead of using the piercing connector, can I run a piece of #12 romex cable from the main panel to the meter to make the connection? My system is a residential application 120/240V, 4-wire ((2 hot (red/black), 1 neutral (white) and 1 ground (green)). The meter is for a 100A subpanel being fed by a breaker in the main panel. So, if I connect the red wire (Line 1) to the breaker in the main panel and connect the #12 wire (voltage reference wire) to this same lug on the breaker and then the red connects to Line 1 of the meter and the #12 connects to Line 1 of the voltage reference port on the meter?

Thanks for your help!

[Jameson]

I would run a smaller wire than 12 AWG Romex from the panel to the meter for the voltage reference wire. We usually use 16 AWG or 18 AWG. The meter itself draws less than a watt, so this wire can be very small. I think you have it right (except that you mention connecting Line 1 to the meter twice, dont do this) you will connect just like this wiring diagram here: http://www.ekmmetering.com/information/ ... ml#answer6
(In your case the black wire and the red wire are reversed if you are using the red wire as Line 1)

I would not extend the length of your CT wires unless you are willing to sacrifice some accuracy. Our CTs come with wire leads that are 6 ft. in length. I would try to locate the meter closer to the panel if you can. See this post: http://forum.ekmmetering.com/viewtopic. ... d+ct#p5573

We are happy to help,

[varedrover]

Ok, now I'm confused? The picture shown shows 3 junctions (are all of these voltage reference wires)? Do I need just one voltage reference wire or 3?

[Jameson]

Hello varedrover,

For a 120/240 volt 3-wire system you will need 3 voltage reference wires. One goes to Line 1, one goes to Line 2, and the 3rd goes to Neutral. You can also see this in Figure 3 of this spec sheet: http://documents.ekmmetering.com/OmniMe ... tering.pdf

This will give the meter the voltage references it needs in order to be able to accurately meter your system.

Thanks,

[varedrover]

Ok great. Thank you. Makes much more sense now.