Fluke 113 Service Guide

Revenue meter

socket checks using

the new Fluke 113

Utility Multimeter

All utilities generally require that revenue
self-contained meter sockets be checked
and tested for proper wiring and no back­feed conditions. These checks happen
before setting a meter in place and supply­ing utility power to the facility. This is also
true when re-connecting a meter after a
service termination or disconnect.

This application note describes the
procedure for testing a meter socket with
the Fluke 113 Utility Multimeter before
setting or re-connecting a revenue meter
to utility power.

Application Note

About the Fluke 113 Utility Multimeter

Testing revenue meter sockets, for sets or
re-connects, became easier when Fluke released
the 113 Utility Multimeter. The Fluke 113 offers
several advantages for revenue socket tests over
standard high impedance multimeters or testers.

1. VCHEK

2. Low impedance input

3. Ease of Use

4. CAT IV 300 V/CAT III 600 V safety rating
VCHEK combines a continuity test and a volt-

age measurement on a single switch position. The
meter automatically determines and displays what
is being measured. This eliminates the guesswork
and allows the meter technician to quickly deter­mine whether continuity or voltage is present
without changing switch positions or pressing any
buttons.

The Fluke 113 also incorporates a low impedance

input, which acts as a load for the socket tests,
in cases where ghost voltages may be present.
This combination makes ease of use a key factor
in selecting and using the Fluke 113 for all meter
socket checks.

™

Measurement function

Measuring load side to neutral.

From the Fluke Digital Library @ www.fluke.com/library

Meter socket test procedure

The sample test procedure in this application note
uses a self contained 120 V/240 V single phase
three wire socket. A similar test methodology
would be utilized for other commercial and indus­trial socket checks, with the only difference being
the line side voltage readings for the different
socket configurations.

Setup recommendations:

• Complete a thorough visual inspection of the

meter socket and its surroundings. Look for
improperly mounted enclosures, exposed weath­erheads, frayed conductors, discolored socket
contacts, and so forth.

Do not begin meter socket tests until all
visible external defects are corrected.

• If the socket has a bypass handle, do not raise

the handle until the meter socket has been
completely checked out.

• Use appropriate PPE (Personal protective equip-

Line 1 Line 2

Load 1 Load 2

Neutral

Line side –
from transformer

Load side –
to customer

ment) for ALL checks. While your employer
or utility may have different guidelines, this
equipment generally consists of, but may not be
limited to, the following items:

• Hard hat

• Safety glasses

• Rubber gloves with approved protectors

(600 V)

• Flame retardant (FR) clothing

• 100 % natural fiber clothing

• Safety toe shoes

Before beginning the socket checks, switch the
Fluke 113 to the VCHEK position. The meter display
looks like this.

First and foremost: Work safe

To begin the tests, first insure that your test leads
and meter are in good working order.

Check the leads and probes for any physical or
visual damage. Do not use and replace if damage is
apparent or visible.

Short the test probes together. This checks and
tests for continuity of the leads. An audible tone
will also be heard if the leads are OK.

Measure a known live voltage source. In this
case, test #1 below accomplishes this.

Then, for this example and this type of installa­tion, there are six tests to be performed.

Always make line side measurements first. This
insures utility power is present and connected and
that your test meter is working correctly before
doing the load side checks. Also make sure the load
side breaker is OFF.

Make the tests in the following order, and look for
results similar to those shown below:

The Fluke 113 is now ready to make either a
continuity test, diode check, or voltage measure­ment. All three tests are automatic. The meter will
determine the correct measurement.

Below is a diagram of a typical self-contained
120 V/240 V 3 wire meter socket.

1. Line 1 to Neutral.

4. Load 1 to Neutral.

2. Line 2 to Neutral.

5. Load 2 to Neutral.

3. Line 1 to Line 2.

6. Load 1 to Load 2.

Do not set or re-connect the meter if the load side
readings are not as indicated above.

The “OL” indication on the meter display indicates
no continuity or an open circuit condition when
checking the load side of the meter socket. This is
the expected result. Do not set the meter or operate
a bypass handle if there is a reading other than
“OL” indicated during steps 4 through 6. A reading
means:

1. There may be a short circuit or fault on the load

side of the meter socket or service equipment.

2. There could be a back feed voltage present from

another source connected to the load side.

3. There could be a line to neutral wiring error on

the load side of the system.

If a foreign voltage or unexpected reading is
found during the load side tests, many utilities
require their personnel to “blank and seal” or
“boot” the socket at this point. The meter cannot be
set or re-connected until the load side problem is
corrected by the customer.

2 Fluke Corporation Revenue meter socket checks using the new Fluke 113 Utility Multimeter