By sion932 
With the rapid development of DC power applications such as electric vehicles (EVs), photovoltaic (PV) systems, and data centers, the demand for accurate and reliable DC energy measurement has become increasingly prominent. To address this need, the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) released the standard IEC 62053-41:2021 on June 15, 2021, titled “Electricity metering equipment – Particular requirements – Part 41: Static meters for DC energy (classes 0,5 and 1)” . This standard establishes uniform technical specifications and type test requirements for static DC watt-hour meters, playing a crucial role in promoting the standardization and interoperability of DC energy metering equipment worldwide.
1. Scope and Application Boundaries
IEC 62053-41:2021 is specifically applicable to static watt-hour meters of accuracy classes 0.5 and 1, which are designed for measuring DC electrical energy in DC systems . It should be emphasized that this standard only governs the type tests of such meters. The scope of application is further defined by the following design objectives of the metering equipment :
- Measuring and controlling electrical energy in two-pole electrical networks where one pole is earthed, with a maximum voltage of 1500 V DC;
- Enclosing all functional elements, including add-on modules, in a single meter case (excluding indicating displays);
- Operating with integrated or detached indicating displays, or without any indicating display;
- Being installed in specified matching sockets or racks;
- Optionally providing additional functions beyond DC energy measurement.
Notably, the standard also specifies clear exclusion criteria. It does not apply to meters where the voltage between the two poles (one earthed) exceeds 1500 V DC, meters used in non-two-pole earthed networks, portable meters, or those intended for rolling stock, vehicles, ships, and airplanes . Additionally, it does not cover data interfaces of meter registers, installation sockets/racks, additional functions of meters, or measures against tampering .
2. Key Technical Requirements
As a part of the IEC 62053 series, IEC 62053-41:2021 references several foundational standards, including IEC 61000-4-19:2014 (electromagnetic compatibility testing) and IEC 62052-11:2020 (general requirements for electricity metering equipment) . These references ensure that the technical requirements are consistent with the overall framework of international electrotechnical standards.
A critical technical requirement involves meters designed for use with Low Power Instrument Transformers (LPITs) as defined in the IEC 61869 series. According to the standard, such meters can only be tested for compliance with IEC 62053-41:2021 if they are tested together with their matching LPITs and meet the requirements for directly connected meters . This requirement guarantees the accuracy and reliability of metering systems that incorporate transformers.
In terms of type tests, the standard specifies various tests to verify the performance of DC energy meters, including electromagnetic immunity tests (e.g., immunity to radiated radiofrequency electromagnetic fields, fast electrical transients), environmental tests (e.g., dry heat, cold, and cyclic damp heat tests), and tests for conducted differential mode current disturbances . These tests ensure that the meters can operate stably and accurately under different operating conditions.
3. Typical Application Areas
IEC 62053-41:2021 covers a wide range of application scenarios where DC energy measurement is essential. The main application areas include :
- EV charging stations or charging infrastructures (when measurement is performed on the DC side);
- Information technology (IT) server farms, which rely heavily on DC power supply for stable operation;
- DC supply points for communication equipment, ensuring accurate energy accounting for communication networks;
- Low-voltage DC networks in residential or commercial areas (with measurement on the DC side);
- Solar PV systems, where DC power generation needs to be accurately measured for efficiency evaluation and energy trading;
- DC supply points for public transport networks, such as trolleybus systems.
4. Significance and Global Impact
IEC 62053-41:2021 fills a gap in international standards for DC energy metering of static meters with accuracy classes 0.5 and 1. Before its release, there was a lack of unified international specifications for such meters, leading to inconsistencies in product quality and measurement accuracy across different regions . By establishing clear technical requirements and test methods, the standard facilitates global quality control of DC energy metering equipment and promotes the interoperability of DC power systems.
The standard also has a significant impact on national standardization. For example, China has developed the national standard GB/T 17215.241-2025, which references IEC 62053-41:2021 . This adoption helps align China’s DC energy metering standards with international practices, supporting the export of domestic DC meter products and promoting the global development of DC power technologies.
IEC 62053-41:2021 is a pivotal international standard for static DC energy meters, providing clear and comprehensive technical specifications for the design, testing, and application of such equipment. Its establishment not only ensures the accuracy and reliability of DC energy measurement in various critical applications but also drives the standardization and sustainable development of the global DC power industry. As DC power applications continue to expand, the role of IEC 62053-41:2021 in guiding product innovation and ensuring fair energy trading will become increasingly important.
References
[1] IEC. (2021). IEC 62053-41:2021 Electricity metering equipment – Particular requirements – Part 41: Static meters for DC energy (classes 0,5 and 1). IEC Webstore.
[2] Guangdong Provincial WTO/TBT Notification and Consultation Research Center. (2021). IEC Releases Energy Meter Standard IEC 62053-41:2021. WTO/FTA Consultation Network.
[3] 3+3 Key Industry Standard Information Public Service Platform. (2025). IEC 62053-41-2021. Nantong Quality Infrastructure “One-Stop” Service Platform.
[4] Lisun Group. (2025). IEC 62053-41:2021 Equipos de medición de electricidad. Requisitos particulares. Parte 41: Contadores estáticos de energía CC (clases 0,5, 1 y XNUMX). es.lisungroup.com.