By sion932 
The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) has long been at the forefront of formulating global standards for electrical and electronic technologies, ensuring interoperability, safety, and performance across industries. Among its numerous influential standards, IEC 62053-61:1998, titled “Electricity metering equipment (a.c.) – Particular requirements – Part 61: Power consumption and voltage requirements”, stands out as a critical specification for alternating current (AC) electricity metering equipment. Published on February 12, 1998, this standard has played a pivotal role in regulating the design, manufacturing, and application of specialized electricity meters, particularly those with integrated functions beyond basic energy measurement.
1. Scope and Application Boundaries
A defining feature of IEC 62053-61:1998 is its clear and targeted scope, which distinguishes it from other IEC standards in the same series such as IEC 60687, IEC 61036, and IEC 61268. The standard applies exclusively to newly manufactured “combined meters” and meters with additional energy-related functions that fall outside the scope of the aforementioned existing standards. Combined meters, as defined by the standard, are devices designed to measure multiple types of electrical energy, with active and reactive energy being typical examples.
The additional functions covered by IEC 62053-61:1998 are all closely related to electrical energy metering and management. These include but are not limited to maximum demand indicators, time switches, ripple control receivers, and radio receivers. It is important to note that if a meter case integrates devices or functions unrelated to energy metering and billing—such as power line carrier devices, load curve recording devices, or telephone/radio transceivers—the standard’s requirements only extend to the energy metering and processing section of the equipment. For meter characteristics and functions already addressed in existing standards, those standards take precedence, ensuring consistency and avoiding redundancy in the regulatory framework.
2. Core Technical Requirements
As the title suggests, IEC 62053-61:1998 focuses primarily on two key aspects of AC electricity metering equipment: power consumption and voltage requirements. These requirements are formulated to ensure that the meters operate efficiently, reliably, and compatibly within various AC power supply environments.
In terms of power consumption, the standard sets strict limits on the energy consumed by the metering equipment itself. This is particularly important for combined meters and those with additional functions, as the integration of multiple components can potentially lead to increased power usage. By regulating power consumption, the standard not only promotes energy efficiency but also minimizes the impact of the meter’s own energy use on the accuracy of energy measurement and billing. For utilities and end-users alike, this translates to more precise energy accounting and reduced unnecessary energy waste.
Regarding voltage requirements, IEC 62053-61:1998 specifies the acceptable voltage ranges within which the metering equipment must operate correctly. This includes requirements for voltage tolerance, ensuring that the meters maintain their measurement accuracy and functional integrity even under slight fluctuations in the supply voltage. Given that AC power grids can experience variations in voltage due to factors such as load changes and grid disturbances, these specifications are essential for ensuring the reliability of energy metering data in real-world operating conditions.
3. Significance and Industry Impact
IEC 62053-61:1998 holds significant relevance for both the electricity metering industry and the broader development of smart grids. In the context of smart grid evolution, which emphasizes intelligent energy management, efficient resource allocation, and enhanced grid reliability, the standard’s focus on power consumption and voltage performance aligns with the core objectives of smart grid technologies. By ensuring that advanced metering equipment with integrated functions meets strict efficiency and voltage requirements, the standard lays the groundwork for the seamless integration of these devices into modern smart grid systems.
Furthermore, the standard has facilitated global harmonization in the design and manufacturing of AC electricity metering equipment. With its availability in multiple languages, including English, French, and Spanish, it has been widely adopted by manufacturers, utilities, and regulatory bodies around the world. This harmonization reduces technical barriers to trade, promotes competition in the global metering equipment market, and ensures that end-users receive consistent, high-quality products regardless of their geographic location.
The enduring relevance of IEC 62053-61:1998 is also reflected in its citation by subsequent international standards. For example, it is referenced by EN ISO 25745-1, which specifies energy measurement methods for lifts, escalators, and moving walks, as well as other IEC standards in the 62053 series such as IEC 62053-21 (static meters for AC active energy) and IEC 62053-23 (static meters for reactive energy). This cross-referencing underscores the standard’s foundational role in the broader ecosystem of electrical energy measurement standards.
4. Standard Status and Historical Context
IEC 62053-61:1998 is the first edition of this standard, replacing the draft standard IEC 13/1135/FDIS:1997. Since its publication, it has remained active, a testament to its enduring relevance and the stability of its technical requirements. The standard consists of 18 pages and is classified under the ICS (International Classification for Standards) code 33.200, which pertains to telecontrol and telemetering systems.
In terms of availability, IEC 62053-61:1998 is accessible through various international standards webstores, including the IEC Webstore, ANSI Webstore, and AENOR Tienda, with pricing varying by region and membership status. Its multilingual support (English, French, and Spanish) further enhances its accessibility to a global audience, ensuring that manufacturers and regulatory authorities worldwide can easily adopt and implement its requirements.
IEC 62053-61:1998 remains a cornerstone standard for AC electricity metering equipment, particularly for combined meters and those with integrated energy-related functions. By defining clear requirements for power consumption and voltage performance, the standard ensures the efficiency, reliability, and accuracy of these critical devices. Its targeted scope, global harmonization impact, and ongoing relevance in the context of smart grid development make it an indispensable reference for manufacturers, utilities, and regulatory bodies in the electrical energy sector.
As the global energy landscape continues to evolve, with increasing emphasis on energy efficiency and intelligent grid management, the principles established by IEC 62053-61:1998 continue to guide the development of advanced metering technologies. While newer standards may emerge to address emerging technologies, the foundational role of IEC 62053-61:1998 in shaping the modern electricity metering ecosystem cannot be overstated.
References
- IEC. (1998). IEC 62053-61:1998 Electricity metering equipment (a.c.) – Particular requirements – Part 61: Power consumption and voltage requirements. IEC Webstore.
- AENOR. (2024). IEC 62053-61:1998. Tienda AENOR.
- GlobalSpec. (n.d.). IEC 62053-61 Ed. 1.0:1998. Standards GlobalSpec.
- ANSI. (2023). IEC 62053-61 Ed. 1.0 b:1998. ANSI Webstore.
- AFNOR. (2025). NF EN 62053-61: Équipement de comptage de l’électricité (c.a.) – Prescriptions particulières – Partie 61. Norminfo AFNOR.