Polaris Digital Energy Meter User Manual

DAE Instrument Corp.

Polaris

Digital Energy Meter

User’s Manual

Revision 1.3e

Updated 2012/11/14

Safety Precautions

Please read these safety instructions before using this equipment.

For safety purposes, please observe the following when unwrapping and installing the package:

1. When opening the package, check that the contents have not been damaged during transit.

2. Check to make sure that the product model and the labeling on the outside of the packaging are consistent.

3. This product is designed for and suitable for most electrical power panels.

4. Do not install this product at the openings of ventilation ducts or near heat sources.

5. Make sure that the actual wiring conforms to the wiring diagram designated in this manual.

6. Guard against dust and water damage.

7. Make sure all power sources to be connected to the product have been shut off before installing.

8. This symbol means double insulation.

9. This symbol means to beware of electric shock, turn off all adjacent sources of high voltage during installation.

10. This symbol means there is risk of danger.

11. If the equipment is used in a manner not specified by manufacturer, the protection provided by the equipment may be
impaired.

The Polaris is a sensitive electrical equipment, care should be taken so that the maximum benefit and performance

can be derived from the device.

Before cleaning or performing any maintenance on the Polaris, disconnect the device from its auxiliary power source.

The input voltage and current should be either turned off or disconnected.

Cleaning

Use a dry cloth or dry brush to wipe away the dust, or use in conjunction with a vacuum cleaner to suck the dust as it

is being wiped away. Do not use any water or other liquid cleaning agents.

Ventilation

Check to make sure that there is sufficient space around the periphery of the Polaris to allow air to circulate.

Reposition any extraneous wiring that is on the Polaris.

Maintenance

Check to make sure that the wiring contacts are tight and making good contact, tighten any terminal screws that may

have loosened over time from jarring or vibration. Make sure that the wiring contact of each terminal is not touching or
shorting adjacent terminals.

Repair

Do not attempt to repair the product or modify the circuitry, contact the product representative or a qualified electrical

person if the product requires repair or servicing.

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Introduction

The Polaris is a versatile revenue grade digital energy meter. It has universal support for the most common types of

phase/wire combinations. It is also multi-function and can measure not only the kWh, but also the kW, voltage, current,
kVArh, power factor and frequency; all its measured parameters is readable through its optional RS485 communications
interface using the Modbus protocol.

The measured current cannot be directly inputted into the Polaris. It requires external current transformers (CT), and
can be matched with a wide selection of dedicated CTs for current measurement values of 5A to 400A. The CTs are

available in solid core, split core or clamp type; each with its own advantages depending on requirements as shown in
the table below:

Solid Core

Split Core

Clamp Type

Appearance

Size

Cost

Installation

Available Ratings

Application

very small to small

small

medium

cheap to low

moderate

expensive

interrupts power

no power interruption

5A, 200A

5A, 50A, 100A, 200A

400A

permanent installation

permanent or semi-

permanent installation

temporary measurement or

when up to 400A current rating

is needed

The dedicated CTs for use with the Polaris is available only from DAE and needs to be preselected together with the
model during ordering. For installations with pre-existing CTs or if larger capacities is required, the user should choose
the dedicated 5A CT and connect the user provided CT to the dedicated 5A CT. See the section on using a standard 5A

output CT for details.

In addition to its basic measurement capability, it is also available with a variety of options for different applications
including RS485 communications interface, prepaid smart card reader, relay driver output, online prepaid capability,
customizable discrete input and output.

Its RS485 interface allows it to be read remotely as part of a simple auto meter reading system or even form the

basis of a comprehensive energy monitoring system.

The Polaris can also be used as a prepaid meter with the optional ICR815L smart card reader and an external relay;
it can even form the basis of an online prepaid metering and remote disconnection system with its online prepaid
capability.

The Polaris is also equipped with both a discrete input and output that can be used for special purpose applications

as part of a custom designed ODM model.

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Installation

Mounting Procedure

1. The Polaris is wall mounted, drill the screw holes according to the diagram below.

2. Place the Polaris flush against the wall aligning the mount holes of the Polaris with the screw holes.

3. Secure the Polaris using the screws through the mount holes.

Mounting Dimensions

ø 5mm

10.6 mm

ø 5 mm

ø 5 mm

ø 5mm

119 mm

130 mm

Electrical Installation

The Polaris is a sophisticated energy meter with multiple capabilities and functions. Before installation be sure to read
and understand this section and the appropriate wiring diagrams. Installation of this device must be performed by
qualified personnel according to these instructions and in conjunction with all applicable electrical codes. DAE Instrument

and its representatives assumes no responsibility for any damage or injury resulting from the improper installation of this
equipment.

1. Check that the ratings and specification of the model to be installed is suitable for its intended application.

2. Verify that the dedicated CT being used is compatible with the type of Polaris. Note that the Polaris cannot be directly

used with non-DAE dedicated CTs. See the special application section for using the Polaris with common 5A output

CTs.

3. Verify that the current rating of the dedicated CT being used is suitable for its intended load.

4. Make sure to turn off all power sources to the Polaris and any adjacent power sources before performing the

installation.

5. Attach the dedicated CTs to their appropriate phases.

6. Connect the phase A voltage terminals of the Polaris to the corresponding power source with an intermediate 0.5A/

250V fuse.

7. Connect the voltage terminals of the Polaris to their corresponding phase voltages.

* Use 18 to 22 AWG, 600V wire for the voltage terminals.

8. Assemble the CTs onto the corresponding conductors being measured making sure that the direction and orientation

of the CTs with wiring are consistent. With solid core CTs, the wire must be threaded through the CT, which would

necessitate disconnecting the wire from the load. With split core CTs and clamp type CTs, the CT can be opened and

clipped or clamped onto the conductor without the need to disconnect the wiring to the load.

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