Elester 1800

A1800 ALPHA® Meter Family
Technical Manual
TM42-2410D
A1800 ALPHA® Meter Family

© 2007 by Elster Electricity, LLC. All rights are reserved.
No part of this software or documentation may be reproduced, transmitted, processed or recorded by any means or form,
electronic, mechanical, photographic or otherwise, translated to another language, or be released to any third party without
the express written consent of Elster Electricity, LLC.
Printed in the United States of America.
ALPHA, ALPHA Plus, REX, and EnergyAxis are registered trademarks and Always Positive, Metercat and AlphaPlus are
trademarks of Elster Electricity, LLC.
Other product and company names mentioned herein may be the trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their
respective owners.
A1800 ALPHA Meter Family
Technical Manual Contents
Contents
y
1. Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1
Standards Compliance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1
IEC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1
IEEE/ANSI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2
DIN. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2
Benefits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3
Reliability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3
Maintainability. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3
ANSI Standard Communication Open Protocol . . . . . . . . 1-3
Adaptability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3
Economy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4
Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4
Accuracy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4
Meter Types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-5
Alpha Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-6
2. Product Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1

Physical Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1
Optical Port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3
LCD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3
Nameplate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3
Utility Information Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3
Communications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-4
Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-5
Cover Tamper Detection Switches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-5
Terminal Configurations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-6
System Architecture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-6
General Theory of Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-7
Power Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-7
Main Power Supply. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-7
Auxiliary Power Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-7
Current and Voltage Sensing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-8
Meter Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-8
Microcontroller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-8
EEPROM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-9
Billing Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-9
Metered Energy and Demand Quantities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-9
Average Power Factor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-10
Demand Calculations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-10
Rolling Interval . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-10
Block Interval . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-11
Thermal Time Constant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-11
Maximum Demand . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-11
Cumulative Maximum Demand . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-12
Continuous Cumulative Maximum Demand. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-12
Coincident Demand or Power Factor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-12
Demand Forgiveness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-12
Primary and Secondary Metering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-13
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Contents Technical Manual
TOU Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-13

Power Failure Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-13
Always Positive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-13
Logs and Data Sets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-14
Event Log . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-15
History Log . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-15
Self Reads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-15
Load Profiling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-16
Load profiling pulse divisor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-16
Instrumentation Profiling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-17
TRueQ Log . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-18
Voltage Sag Log . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-18
User-defined Tables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-18
Physical Dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-18
3. Operating Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-1

Indicators and Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-1
LCD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-1
Quantity Identifier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-1
Display Quantity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-1
Phase Indicators. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2
Energy Direction Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2
Power/energy Units Identifier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2
Alternate Display Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2
Error Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3
Low Battery Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3
Active COM Port Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3
Display Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3
Push Buttons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4
RESET Button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4
✱ Button. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-5
Using the Backlight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-6
Operating Modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-7
Normal Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-7
Alternate Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-8
Test Mode. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-8
Demand Reset . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-9
Demand Reset Lockout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-10
Demand Reset Data Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-10
4. Meter Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1

System Instrumentation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1
System Service Tests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-5
Service Voltage Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-5
System Service Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-6
Initiating Service Voltage Tests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-8
Restarting the Service Voltage Test in Diagnostic Mode . 4-10
Service Current Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-11
Initiating the Service Current Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-12
System Service Error Codes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-12
TRueQ Monitoring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-14
TRueQ Timing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-14
TRueQ Display Items . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-15
TRueQ and Relays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-15
TRueQ Log . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-15
Voltage Sags. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-15
Voltage Sag Counter and Timer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-15
TRueQ Tests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-16
TRueQ Event Counters and Timers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-17
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Technical Manual Contents
Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-22
Meter Passwords . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-22
Anti–tampering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-23
Program Protection. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-24
5. Outputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-1
Relay Outputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-1
Energy Pulse Outputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-3
Using Pulse Divisor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-3
Using Pulse Value. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-4
Relay-related Alarms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-4
LED Pulse Outputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-6
Output Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-7
6. Testing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-1
Meter Self Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-1
Codes and Warnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-2
Error Codes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-2
Warning Codes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-5
Communication Codes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-8
Meter Shop Testing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-9
Test Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-9
Test Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-10
Meter Testing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-11
Using Relay Outputs for Testing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-11
Using LCD Pulse Count for Testing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-11
7. Installation and Removal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-1

Preliminary Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-1
Placing the Meter into Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-1
Installing a TOU Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-3
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-4
Initial Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-5
Marking the Utility Information Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-5
Removing the Meter from Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-6
Removing the Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-6
8. Loss Compensation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-1

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-1
What is Loss Compensation? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-1
Availability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-1
Software Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-1
Calculating the Correction Values . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-1
Gather Necessary Data. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-2
Calculate the Meter Configuration Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-3
Calculating Line Loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-5
Calculation Example . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-8
Enter Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-12
Internal Meter Calculations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-12
Meter Outputs Affected by Compensation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-14
Testing a Meter with Compensation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-15
A. Glossary. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-1
B. Display Table . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-1

Display Format . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-1
09 February 2007 iii

Contents Technical Manual
Display List Items . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-2

Default Display Formats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-3
LCD Test. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-3
General Meter Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-4
Meter Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-5
Status . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-5
Metered Quantities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-6
Average Power Factor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-8
Coincident Demand and Power Factor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-9
Cumulative Demand . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-9
System Instrumentation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-10
System Service Tests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-13
Errors and Warnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-13
Communication Codes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-13
C. Nameplate and Style Number Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-1

Nameplate. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-1
Utility Information Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-2
Style Number Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-3
D. Wiring Diagrams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-1

Polyphase, CT-connected Meters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-1
Polyphase, Direct Connected Meters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-4
E. Technical Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E-1

Absolute Maximums . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E-1
Operating Ranges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E-1
Operating Characteristics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E-2
General Performance Characteristics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E-2
Dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E-3
iv 09 February 2007
Technical Manual
Disclaimer of There are no understandings, agreements, representations, or warranties

Warranties and either expressed or implied, including warranties of merchantability or
fitness for a particular purpose, other than those specifically set out by any
Limitation of existing contract between the parties. Any such contract states the entire
Liability obligation of the seller. The contents of this technical manual shall not
become part of or modify any prior or existing agreement, commitment, or
relationship.
The information, recommendations, descriptions, and safety notices in this
technical manual are based on Elster Electricity, LLC experience and
judgment with respect to the operation and maintenance of the described
y
product. This information should not be considered as all–inclusive or

covering all contingencies. If further information is required, Elster
Electricity, LLC should be consulted.
No warranties, either expressed or implied, including warranties of fitness
for a particular purpose or merchantability, or warranties arising from the
course of dealing or usage of trade, are made regarding the information,
recommendations, descriptions, warnings, and cautions contained herein.
In no event will Elster Electricity, LLC be held responsible to the user in
contract, in tort (including negligence), strict liability, or otherwise for any
special, indirect, incidental, or consequential damage or loss whatsoever,
including but not limited to: damage or loss of use of equipment, cost of
capital, loss of profits or revenues, or claims against the user by its
customers from the use of the information, recommendations,
descriptions, and safety notices contained herein.
Safety Information Installation, operation, and maintenance of this product can present
potentially hazardous conditions (for example, high voltages) if safety
procedures are not followed. To ensure that this product is used safely, it is
important that you:
Review, understand, and observe all safety notices and recommendations
within this manual.
Do not remove or copy individual pages from this manual, as this manual is
intended for use in its entirety. If you were to remove or copy individual
pages, cross references and safety notices may be overlooked, possibly
resulting in damage to the equipment, personal injury, or even death.
Inform personnel involved in the installation, operation, and maintenance of
the product about the safety notices and recommendations contained in
this manual.
Within this manual, safety notices appear preceding the text or step to
which they apply. Safety notices are divided into the following four
classifications:
Notice is used to alert personnel to installation, operation, or maintenance

information that is important but not hazard related.
Caution is used to alert personnel to the presence of a hazard that will or

can cause minor personal injury, equipment damage, or property damage if
the notice is ignored.
09 February 2007 v
Technical Manual
Warning is used to alert personnel to the presence of a hazard that can

cause severe personal injury, death, equipment damage, or property
damage if notice is ignored.
Danger is used to alert personnel to the presence of a hazard that will

cause severe personal injury, death, equipment damage, or property
damage if the notice is ignored.
Revisions to This The A1800 ALPHA Meter Series Technical Manual can be referred to by its
Document document number: TM42–2410. Each revision of this manual is designated
with a letter, with the first revision being “A,” the second being “B,” and so
forth. The document number and its revision are located at the bottom of
each page.
The following table lists the revisions to this document, the date of the
release, and any notes about the changes made.
Revision Date Brief Description

A 31 August 2005 Initial release of the document.
B 22 June 2006 Grammatical corrections and corrections for clarity made throughout the
manual. Addition of partially-transparent cover in “Security” on page 1-4.
Addition of A1880 meter functions and other meter types in Table 1-4.
Renamed “manufacturer nameplate” to “nameplate” and renamed “utility
nameplate” to “utility information card.” Renamed “open cover detection
switches” to “cover tamper detection switches.” Added “Auxiliary Power
Supply” on page 2-7. Added backlight information to “LCD” on page 3-1
and “Using the Backlight” on page 3-6. “Program mode” renamed to
“program protection” and is now included in “Program Protection” on
page 4-24. Clarified meter types and output options in “Relay Outputs”
on page 5-1. Clarified the pulse constant information in “Using Pulse
Divisor” on page 5-3. Added “Style Number Information” on page C-3.
Corrected Appendix E, “Technical Specifications.”
23 June 2006 Corrected typographical error for “Pulse count for quantity (alternate-
delivered)” on page B-6.
C 31 August 2006 Grammatical corrections and corrections for clarity made throughout the
document. Corrected and clarified output specifications in Chapter 5,
“Outputs.”
D 09 February 2007 Added IEEE standards information in Table 1-2. Added information
regarding direct connect-rated meters in Chapter 1, Chapter 5, Chapter
7, Appendix C, and Appendix E. Corrected wiring diameter sizes in
“Placing the Meter into Service,” in Chapter 7. Clarified the “Note
regarding two-element meters” in Chapter 8. Corrected Figure D-7 in
Appendix D.
vi 09 February 2007
A1800 ALPHA Meter Family 1 Introduction
Technical Manual
1 Introduction
y
The A1800 ALPHA meter family provides a platform that supports a variety
of metering requirements. The A1800 ALPHA meter family is a totally
electronic polyphase electricity meter and integral register for commercial
and industrial applications. The meter is available in 3- and 4-wire
configurations for 2 and 3 phases.
See Figure 1-1 for an illustration of an A1800 ALPHA meter.
Figure 1-1. A1800 ALPHA meter
T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6 T7 T8 EOI LC TC TST
5,000 imp/kWh
TYPE A1800 5,000 imp/kVarh
MODEL 1830RALN
3 x 58/100...277/480V, 60 Hz
0.2S
1(10)A
2006 Made in USA
ELSTER SAMPLE CT A
01234567
SERIAL #
VT V
STYLE
ZE3JF4R00LM-01 *01234567*
R1.2-06210102AG-000000
imp/kWh(kVARh)
Standards Compliance
IEC. The A1800 ALPHA meter meets or exceeds the following IEC
standards for electricity metering.
09 February 2007 1-1

1 Introduction A1800 ALPHA Meter Family
Technical Manual
Table 1-1. IEC standards supported by the A1800 ALPHA meter
Number Date Edition Title

62052-11 2003 1 General requirements, tests and test
conditions.
62053-21 2003 1 Particular requirements-static
meters for active energy (Classes
1.0 and 2.0)
meters for active energy (classes 0,2
S and 0,5 S)
meters for reactive energy (classes 2
and 3)
62053-31 1998 1 Particular requirements-pulse output
devices for electromechanical and
electronic meters (two wires only)
62053-61 1998 1 Particular requirements-power
consumption and voltage
requirements
62056-211 2002 1 Electricity metering-data exchange
for meter reading, tariff and load
control-direct local data exchange
62052-21 2004 Electricity metering-tariff and load
control-particular requirements for
time switches
1 Complies with optical port requirements only.
IEEE/ANSI. The A1800 ALPHA meter meets or exceeds the following

IEEE/ANSI standards for electricity metering, and it is intended for use by
commercial and industrial utility customers.
Table 1-2. IEEE/ANSI standards supported by the A1800 ALPHA meter
Number Date Title

IEEE 1701/ 1996 Protocol Specification for ANSI Type 2 Optical
ANSI C12.18 Port
IEEE 1377/ 1997 Utility Industry End Device Data Tables
ANSI C12.19
IEEE 1702/ 1999 Protocol Specification for Telephone Modem
ANSI C12.21 Communications
DIN. The A1800 ALPHA meter meets or exceeds the following DIN
standards for electricity metering.
1-2 09 February 2007

Technical Manual
Table 1-3. DIN standards supported by the A1800 ALPHA meter1
Number Date Title

DIN 43857 Part 2 1978 Watthour meters in moulded insulation
case without instrument transformers, up
to 60 A rated maximum current; principal
dimensions for polyphase meters.
Benefits
Reliability. The A1800 ALPHA meter, part of the ALPHA line of meters,
uses the patented ALPHA meter technology for measurement and
accurate calculation of energy quantities. With over 3 million ALPHA
polyphase meters in operation throughout the world, the A1800 ALPHA
continues the tradition of reliable electronic meters.
The power supply in the meter operates from any available phase. A three-
phase, four-wire A1800 ALPHA meter maintains operation if the neutral line
and any one or two of the line voltages become disconnected. The meter
can also operate using the auxiliary power supply, which can power the
meter from an independent power source in the situation where main
power is unavailable.
The A1800 ALPHA meter can use its internal crystal oscillator or the power
line frequency to maintain time and date functions. The crystal oscillator
can be used when the power line frequency is known to be too unstable for
accurate timekeeping.
The A1800 ALPHA meter has been designed to function to provide long
battery life. Because of the low current drain, the service life of the lithium
battery can exceed the life of the meter.
The A1800 ALPHA meter uses nonvolatile memory to store billing and
other critical data. The data is preserved even if the power fails.
Maintainability. The A1800 ALPHA meter is easy to maintain. Meter

register functions and communication interfaces are fully integrated on a
single, surface-mount technology circuit board.
The meter firmware resides in flash memory, allowing the firmware to be
upgraded in the field.
ANSI Standard Communication Open Protocol. The A1800 ALPHA

meter complies with the ANSI C12.18, C12.19, and C12.21 standards.
These standards include communication protocols for a wide range of
metering products. They are the basis for common industry data structures
and a common protocol for transporting the data structures. Supporting
the ANSI protocols makes it easier to add products to existing systems
and provide an open standard for meter data communications.
Adaptability. The A1800 ALPHA meter allows configuration for custom

TOU rates (tariffs), offering a broad range of demand and TOU operations.
Most common services and mounting configurations are supported, and
functional upgrades are easily performed as new situations arise. The wide
operating range allows installation at any of the common meter voltages.
Additionally, the factory-configurable optical port accommodates ANSI and
IEC standards. The 16-segment character liquid crystal display (LCD)
1 For transformer-rated meters only.

Technical Manual
improves readability and provides flexibility for displaying meter information.

As an added feature, the main meter circuit board provides selectable,
independent, serial remote interfaces for RS-232 or RS-485
communication.
Economy. The A1800 ALPHA meter saves both time and money. It can
increase personnel productivity because of the following features:
■ no user calibration required (factory calibrated)
■ reduced testing times
■ fewer styles to learn and maintain
■ dual serial communications interfaces on the main meter circuit
board
■ automated data retrieval
■ system service verification
■ on-site instrumentation displays
■ tamper restraint and quality monitoring (TRueQ™) tests
■ event logging
Security. The A1800 ALPHA meter is tamper-resistant. Passwords may
be specified that prevent unauthorized access to meter data. The standard
TRueQ feature or the optional instrumentation profiling (or both) can be
used to detect possible tampering of energy measurements.
All A1800 ALPHA meters provide auditing capabilities that can be used to
indicate potential meter tampering like terminal cover open detection and
per phase outage recording.
The A1800 ALPHA meter can be ordered with a partially-transparent
terminal cover, making it easier to see obvious tampering.
Accuracy. The A1800 ALPHA meter meets or exceeds requirements of

IEC standards.
IEC 62053-22 IEC 62053-21 IEC 62053-231

Configuration
Class 0.2 S Class 0.5 S Class 1.0 Class 2.0 Class 2.0 Class 3.0
1 ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
direct connect
transformer-rated ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
1 Actual reactive energy accuracy is substantially better than required by the standard.
The meter precisely measures demand and energy across a wide range of
voltage and current despite variations in temperature and power factor.
The low current sensor burden may also improve the accuracy of external
current transformers when measuring light loads.

Technical Manual
Meter Types Different meters within the A1800 ALPHA meter family have specific
capabilities (see Table 1-4 and Figure 1-2).
Note: Throughout this manual, the term A1800 ALPHA is used
to describe any meter in the meter family. When
necessary, a specific meter designation (for example,
A1830 meter) will be used to indicate that the description
applies to only one meter in the meter family.
Table 1-4. Meter designations of the A1800 ALPHA meter family
Meter Market segment Class Standard features Optional features

18801 Interchange meter 0.2 • Multi-protocol • 2 additional relays1
communications (Modbus,
DNP 3.0, DL/T 645, or TCP/
IP)
• 4-quadrant metering
• transformer and line loss
compensation (C)
• load profiling (L)
• instrumentation profiling (N)
• extended ½ MB memory (X)
• auxiliary power supply
• 4 relays
• TRueQ
1860 Large C&I 0.2, 0.5 • 2 communications ports • transformer and line loss
• load profiling (L) compensation (C)
• 4 relays • 4-quadrant metering (A)
• TRueQ • extended 1 MB memory (X)
• instrumentation profiling (N)
• 2 additional relays1
1830 Large C&I 0.5, 1.0 • 1 communications port • transformer and line loss
• load profiling (L) compensation (C)
• 4 relays • 4-quadrant metering (A)
• TRueQ • instrumentation profiling (N)
• extended 1 MB memory (X)
• Class 0.2 accuracy
• 2 additional relays1
• internal telephone modem
(PSTN)2
1810 Mid C&I 1.0 • no communications ports • 4-quadrant metering
• no relays • load profiling (L)
• TRueQ • instrumentation profiling (N)
• extended 1 MB memory (X)
• Class 0.2 or 0.5 accuracy
• 4 relays
• internal telephone modem
(PSTN)2
1
See Elster for availability.
2 Same wide temperature range rating as the meter (-40 °C to +85 °C inside meter cover; -40 °C to +60 °C outside)

Technical Manual
Figure 1-2. A1800 ALPHA meter family application pyramid
Interchange
ily
metering
fam
A1880
ter
me
Large C & I
HA
A1860
LP
A1830
0A
Mid C & I
80
A1
A1810
Light C & I
Residential
Alpha Keys
Alpha Keys™ software allows A1800 ALPHA meters to be upgraded so
they provide additional functionality. Upgrading with Alpha Keys software
means that the meter does not have to be returned to the factory and new
meters do not have to be purchased to gain functionality.
The following features can be added to the meter by using Alpha Keys:
■ load profiling
■ instrumentation profiling
■ transformer and line loss compensation2
■ 4-quadrant metering
2
Contact Elster for availability.

A1800 ALPHA Meter Family 2 Product Description
Technical Manual
2 Product Description
y
Physical Description The A1800 ALPHA meter is designed for indoor mounting. The cover
assembly of the A1800 ALPHA meter exceeds the environmental
requirements of IEC 62053-11. The case of the A1800 ALPHA meter
provides an IP54 degree of protection for the meter.
The physical components of the A1800 ALPHA meter consist of the
following:
■ terminal cover
■ long terminal cover (see Figure 2-1)
■ short terminal cover (see Figure 2-2)
■ partially-transparent terminal cover
■ meter cover assembly
■ inner cover assembly
■ base electronic assembly
Figure 2-1. Front view of the A1800 ALPHA meter
LCD Active energy LED

Alternate energy LED
Nameplate
RESET button
(sealable)
* (ALT) button
Optical port
(IEC configuration)
Utility information
card area
Terminal cover
screws
(sealable)
Long wiring
cover
The terminal cover and meter cover assembly are manufactured using a
UV-protected polycarbonate plastic. The terminal cover is available in either
the long version or the short version. The meter cover assembly has a clear
plastic window that allows the meter LCD and nameplates to be viewed.

2 Product Description A1800 ALPHA Meter Family
Technical Manual
Figure 2-2. Front view of A1800 ALPHA meter with short terminal cover (transformer rated)
The A1800 ALPHA meter can be sealed using any or all of the following
methods:
Seal location Purpose
Meter cover screws Prevents access to the meter except for the
(certification) main connections, relay connections, commu-
nication interface connections, and nameplate.
Also can prevent reprogramming and recalibra-
tion of the meter.
Terminal cover screws Prevents non-utility access to the main con-
(utility) nections, relay connections, and utility informa-
tion card
RESET push button Prevents unauthorized manual demand resets
The four cover screws can be individually sealed (Figure 2-1). The two
terminal cover screws limit access to the main terminals and auxiliary wiring
connections only. Therefore, only the terminal cover seals must be broken
to access these connections. The two meter cover screws are located on
the lower front of the meter under the terminal cover. Sealing these screws
seals the main enclosure and limits access to the metering circuit board
and sensing elements.
For maximum protection of the metering components, seal all four screw
seals.

Technical Manual
Figure 2-3. A1800 ALPHA meter with cover removed (transformer rated)
Meter cover
screw
(sealable) Meter cover
screw
(sealable)
Terminal cover
screw (sealable) TOU
battery
Battery
connector
Terminal cover
removal detector
Terminal connectors switch
Terminal cover
Auxiliary power supply
screw (sealable)
Optical Port. The A1800 ALPHA meter provides an optical port that can
be ordered with either an ANSI-compliant or IEC-compliant interface (see
Figure 2-4). To use Elster meter support software to read or program the
meter through the optical port, an optical probe is required. This probe
connects from the serial port of the computer to the optical port on the
meter.
Figure 2-4. Comparison of ANSI-compliant and IEC-compliant optical port interfaces
ANSI-compliant optical interface IEC-compliant optical interface
Elster recommends use of the UNICOM III probe to reliably read the
A1800 ALPHA meter. For information on ordering the UNICOM III probe,
visit elsterelectricity.com or contact your local Elster representative.
LCD. The A1800 ALPHA meter is equipped with a 16-segment character

liquid crystal display. See “Indicators and Controls” on page 3-1 for details.
Nameplate. Elster installs the nameplate at the factory. See Appendix C,

“Nameplate and Style Number Information” for details on the nameplate.
Utility Information Card. The utility information card is removable (after

the terminal cover has been removed) and allows the utility to enter meter
site-specific information. See “Utility Information Card” on page C-2 for
more information.

Technical Manual
Figure 2-5. Removing the utility information card
Communications. The A1830 ALPHA meter provides a factory

configurable remote communications interface on the main meter circuit
board for RS-232 or RS-485 serial communication. Additionally, the
A1860 ALPHA meter provides a second, independent serial
communication port that supports either RS-232 (see Figure 2-6) or RS-
485 (see Figure 2-7). See Chapter 5, “Outputs,” for more information on
the RS-232 and RS-485 ports.
Figure 2-6. A1860 ALPHA meter with RS-232 as second communication port
RS-232
connector
(optional)*
Pulse output
relays (both
optional)
RS-485 terminals
RS-232
connector
*Present when optional second communication port is installed

Technical Manual
RS-485 connector
(optional)*
Pulse output
relays (both
optional)
RS-485 terminals
RS-232
connector
Battery. The terminal block has a battery well and connector for the
optional TOU battery.
Cover Tamper Detection Switches. When either the terminal cover or

the meter cover is opened, a detection switch is activated. (See Figure 2-8
for an illustration of the terminal cover detection switch; the meter cover
detection switch is similar.) When either detection switch is activated, the
TC indicator on the LCD turns on and remains on while the cover is
removed. The date and time of the cover removal is logged in the event
log. See “Event Log” on page 2-15 for more information.
Figure 2-8. Terminal cover detection switch
Cover closed Cover opened

Technical Manual
Terminal Configurations. The A1800 ALPHA meter supports the

following terminal configurations:
■ 10 A transformer-rated (sequential)
■ 10 A transformer-rated (symmetrical)
■ 120 A direct connect-rated (sequential)
■ 120 A direct connect-rated (symmetrical)1
System Architecture The A1800 ALPHA meter main circuit board contains all the electronics
that make up the meter registers and communication interfaces. See
Figure 2-9 for the meter circuit board block diagram. The circuit board is
shown in Figure 2-9 contains the following:
■ meter engine
■ microcontroller
■ EEPROM
■ resistive dividers for the 3 phase voltages
■ load resistors for the 3 current sensors
■ power supply
■ high frequency crystal oscillator
■ 32 kHz low power timekeeping crystal oscillator
■ optical port components
■ liquid crystal display (LCD) interface
■ RS-232 and RS-485 communication interfaces
■ option board interface
■ pulse outputs
1
See Elster for availability.

Technical Manual
Figure 2-9. Meter block diagram
Phase A voltage Non

Wide input 5 V linear
volatile
Phase B voltage power power supply
supply
supply
Phase C voltage
Battery
Precision
reference
LCD Low
power
crystal
Resistive
divider
Power Fail
Resistive
2x Line Freq
divider
A
Resistive B
divider
Meter engine C
Phase A Wh Del Microcontroller

Current
current sensor Wh Rec
varh Del
Phase B Current
current sensor varh Rec
Phase C Current Clock

current sensor
Option Optical Remote Pulse

Crystal EEPROM
connector port port 1/2 outputs
General Theory of Power Supply

Operation Main Power Supply. Power is supplied to the A1800 ALPHA meter
using a wide voltage range power supply that accepts voltages from 49 V
to 528 V AC. At least two lines must be present to power the meter
circuitry. The output from the power supply is then fed to a low voltage
linear regulator to attain the low level voltage.
Auxiliary Power Supply. The A1800 ALPHA meter may be ordered with
an auxiliary power supply. The auxiliary power supply allows the
A1800 ALPHA meter to be powered by a separate AC or DC power
source, such as substation’s independent power lines. Should the main
power supply be unavailable, the meter will be fully operational provided
the independent power is still available. The A1800 ALPHA meter can also
be connected to both the main power source and auxiliary power source,
providing uninterrupted power in the event that the main power becomes
unavailable.
The auxiliary power supply accepts the following voltages:
■ For independent AC power, from 57 V rms to 240 V rms (nominal)
■ For independent DC power, from 80 V to 340 V (nominal)
Note: When using independent DC power, the A1800 ALPHA
meter’s auxiliary power supply is polarity independent.
The meter will operate properly without regard to which
wire is positive and which wire is negative.
The output from the independent power supply is then fed to a low voltage
linear regulator to attain the low level voltage.

Technical Manual
Current and Voltage Sensing

Power line currents and voltages are sensed using specialized current
sensors and resistive dividers, respectively. Multiplication and other
calculations are performed using a custom integrated circuit (called the
meter engine).
The meter receives each phase current through a precision-wound current
sensor that reduces the line current proportionally. The meter engine
samples the individual phase currents to provide accurate current
measurement.
The meter receives each phase voltage through resistive dividers. This
ensures that a linear low level voltage is maintained. It also serves to
minimize phase shift over a wide dynamic range. The meter engine
samples the scaled inputs provided by the resistive dividers to provide
accurate voltage measurements.
Meter Engine
Multiplication and other calculations are performed using a custom
integrated circuit, called the meter engine. The meter engine contains the
digital signal processor (DSP) with built-in analog-to-digital (A/D) converters
capable of sampling each current and voltage input. The A/D converters
measure the voltage and current inputs for a given phase. The DSP
multiplies the signals appropriately, using the factory-programmed
calibration constants.
Microcontroller
The microcontroller performs many different functions, for example:
■ communicates with the DSP and EEPROM
■ provides for serial communication over the optical port
■ provides for serial communication over the remote ports
■ generates optical output pulses
■ controls the LCD
■ controls any option boards
The microcontroller and the meter engine communicate with each other
constantly to process voltage and current inputs. When the microcontroller
detects a power failure, it initiates the shutdown and stores billing and
status information in EEPROM.

Technical Manual
EEPROM
The A1800 ALPHA meter uses electrically erasable programmable read
only memory (EEPROM) for nonvolatile storage of manufacturing data,
meter configuration data, and energy measurement values. The
A1800 ALPHA meter is provided with 128 KB of main board memory.
The EEPROM provides storage of all information needed to ensure the
integrity of the demand or energy calculations, including the following:
■ configuration data
■ billing data
■ all TOU data
■ log and profiling data
■ meter status
■ constants
■ energy usage
■ maximum demand
■ cumulative demand
Billing Data Metered Energy and Demand Quantities

All A1800 ALPHA meters are capable of measuring delivered and received
kWh energy and kW demand. The A1800 ALPHA meters can also
measure reactive and apparent energy and demand. The meter engine
samples the voltage and current inputs and sends these measurements to
the microcontroller. In the meter engine, each pulse is equal to one Ke
defined as one of the following:
■ secondary rated Wh per pulse
■ secondary rated varh per pulse
■ secondary rated VAh per pulse
The following list shows the available metered quantities for the
A1800 ALPHA meter. Basic metered quantities (indicated by italics in
Table 2-1) can be selected as a source for relay outputs. The remaining
metered quantities are calculated from 2 or more basic metered quantities.
Table 2-1. Metered energy and demand quantities
• kVAh delivered (Q1 + Q4) • kvarh delivered (Q1 + Q2)

• kVAh net • kvarh net
• kVAh Q1 • kvarh Q1
• kVAh received (Q2 + Q3) • kvarh received (Q3 + Q4)
• kVAh sum (delivered + received) • kvarh sum (delivered + received)
• kvarh (Q1 - Q4) • kWh delivered
• kvarh (Q1 + Q4) • kWh net
• kvarh (Q2 - Q3) • kWh received
• kvarh (Q2 + Q3) • kWh sum
• kvarh (Q3 - Q2)

Technical Manual
Average Power Factor

The A1800 ALPHA meter can calculate the average power factor (AvgPF)
using kWh and kvarh values since the last demand reset.
kWh
AvgPF =
k var h 2 + kWh 2
Average power factor is calculated every second. Upon a demand reset,
the values used in this calculation are set to zero and the AvgPF will be set
to 1.000.
Demand Calculations
Demand is the average value of power over a specified time interval. The
A1800 ALPHA meter supports three different methods for demand
calculation:
■ rolling interval
■ block interval
■ thermal time constant
An interval is the time over which demand is calculated. The length of a
demand interval is programmable using Elster meter support software, but
the value must be evenly divisible into 60 minutes. Common demand
interval lengths are 15 or 30 minutes.
Rolling Interval. Rolling demand interval is defined by two parameters:

■ the demand interval length - specified in minutes and may be any
value that is evenly divisible into 60
■ subinterval length - also specified in minutes and may be any value
that is evenly divisible into the interval length
Both of these values are configurable by Elster meter support software.
The demand is calculated at the end of each subinterval, resulting in
overlapping demand intervals (or a “rolling” demand).
For example, the A1800 ALPHA meter can be configured for a 15-minute
demand interval length and a 5-minute subinterval length. In this case, the
demand is calculated every 5 minutes based on the 3 previous subintervals
(see Figure 2-10).
Figure 2-10. Rolling demand intervals
15-minute interval
15-minute interval
15-minute interval
sub- sub- sub- sub- sub-

interval interval interval interval interval
0 5 10 15 20 25
Time (minutes)
The rolling interval calculates demand by using the following equation:
total accumulated energy

D=
t hours
2-10 09 February 2007

Technical Manual
For example, if the demand interval is 15 minutes and the total

accumulated energy is 50 kWh, then the demand is 200 kW.
50 kWh
D= = 200 kW
0.25 h
Block Interval. Block demand interval is a special case of rolling interval

demand in which the subinterval is the same size as the interval (see
Figure 2-11).
Figure 2-11. Block demand intervals
interval interval interval interval
sub- sub- sub- sub-

interval interval interval interval
0 15 30 45 60
Time (minutes)
Thermal Time Constant. The A1800 ALPHA meter can perform

thermal demand emulation. The meter calculates demand based on a
logarithmic scale that accurately emulates thermal demand meters. The
thermal demand time constants vary depending upon the operational
mode of the meter.
■ Normal mode time constant is 15 minutes.
■ Test mode time constant is 1 minute.
See “Operating Modes” on page 3-7 for more information.
Maximum Demand
Maximum demand (also referred to as indicating or peak demand) is the
highest demand value that occurs in a billing period. The demand for each
demand interval is calculated and compared to an earlier maximum
demand value. If the new interval demand exceeds the previous maximum
demand, then the new demand is stored as the maximum demand (see
Figure 2-12). When a demand reset occurs, the maximum demand is reset
to zero. The demand for the first full interval after a demand reset becomes
the maximum demand.
Figure 2-12. Indicating maximum demand
New maximum Earlier maximum

demand (9.9 kW) demand (9.9 kW)
Earlier maximum
demand (9.7 kW)
Interval 7
demand Interval 8
Interval 6 (9.9 kW) demand
demand (9.5 kW)
(9.2 kW)
In addition to maximum demand, the A1800 ALPHA meter also stores

either the cumulative or continuous cumulative demand. A1800 ALPHA
meters can be programmed to trigger the recording of a coincident
demand or power factor (see “Coincident Demand or Power Factor” on
page 2-12).
09 February 2007 2-11

Technical Manual
Cumulative Maximum Demand

Using cumulative maximum demand, a demand reset adds the current
maximum demand value to the cumulative maximum demand. This feature
is used to calculate the previous maximum demand when the demand may
have had an unauthorized reset. Since the cumulative demand is not reset
to zero, unauthorized demand resets do not cause a loss of the maximum
demand data.
To determine the maximum demand for a billing period after a demand
reset, subtract the previous cumulative demand from the current
cumulative demand.
Continuous Cumulative Maximum Demand

Continuous cumulative maximum demand works similarly to cumulative
maximum demand. Continuous cumulative demand, however, is always
equal to the sum of the previous billing period continuous cumulative
demand and the current maximum demand. This feature is used to
calculate the previous maximum demand when the demand may have had
an unauthorized reset.
Coincident Demand or Power Factor

The number of coincident values that may be captured by the
A1800 ALPHA meter depends on whether or not the 4-quadrant metering
(-A suffix) option is present.
■ A1800 ALPHA meters without 4-quadrant metering record 2
coincident values.
■ A1800 ALPHA meters with 4-quadrant metering record up to 4
coincident values.
Coincident demand refers to a demand value that occurs at the same time
as another demand reaches its peak value. For example, an electric utility
may want to record the kvar demand at the time of a maximum kW
demand. This requires that kvar demand be stored and reported during the
same interval as the maximum kW demand.
Similarly, coincident power factor refers to a power factor that occurs at the
same time as a demand value reaches its peak value. For example, an
electric utility may want to record the power factor at the time of a
maximum kvar demand. This requires the power factor be stored and
reported during the same interval as the maximum kvar demand.
kWh
Coincident PF =
kvarh 2 + kWh 2
Demand Forgiveness
Demand forgiveness is the time during which demand is not calculated or
stored after a qualified power outage. Demand forgiveness has two
programmable settings:
■ outage time - the number of minutes a power outage must last to
qualify for demand forgiveness (0 to 15 minutes)
■ time - the number of minutes that demand is not calculated or
stored (0 to 255 minutes) following a qualified power outage; zero
disables demand forgiveness
2-12 09 February 2007

Technical Manual
Primary and Secondary Metering

The A1800 ALPHA meter can be programmed for either primary or
secondary metering.
When configured for primary metering, the A1800 ALPHA meter internally
converts the measured energy, demand and instrumentation quantities to
primary units using the voltage transformer ratio and the current
transformer ratio. These ratios are programmed using Elster meter support
software. The metered quantities reflect energy, demand and
instrumentation on the primary side of the instrument transformers.
When configured for secondary metering, the A1800 ALPHA meter does
not use the voltage transformer ratio or the current transformer ratio to
adjust the metered quantities. The metered quantities reflect the energy,
demand and instrumentation on the secondary side of the instrument
transformers even if the voltage and current ratios are programmed into the
meter.
TOU Data
All A1800 ALPHA meters store the total (single-rate) data for energy and
demand. TOU meters can store the total data and the data for up to 4
rates. TOU rates can be based on any combination of day (up to 4 day
types), time (up to 132 switch times), or season (up to 12 seasons). All
selected metered quantities are stored according to the TOU rate. The
meter stores the energy, demand, and average power factor for each rate.
Power Failure Data

The A1800 ALPHA meter monitors and records the total power failure
data. The following information is recorded:
■ cumulative number of minutes of all power failures
■ start date and time of the most recent power failure
■ end date and time of the most recent power failure
These values can be programmed to display on the LCD. See Appendix B,
“Display Table,” for more information about displayable items.
See “Event Log” on page 2-15 for information on loss of phase voltage.
Always Positive
The A1800 ALPHA meter can be ordered with the optional Always Positive
feature which records reverse energy as positive energy flow on a phase-
by-phase basis. Always Positive can be used to deter power theft or
minimize the effects of improper meter wiring. The following equation
shows how total active power is calculated using theft-resistant
measurement:
Ptotal = P1 + P2 + P3
Theft-resistant measurement normally applies to registration of active

energy. Apparent energy registers are calculated and signed normally.
Instrumentation values, including +kWh and -kWh, are also signed
normally. Therefore, instrumentation can be used to investigate the meter
service wiring, while the theft–resistant measurement guarantees that
active energy is properly registered.
Note: In the rare situation of extremely poor power factor, 2-
element applications where the phase shift of the first
element exceeds 60 ° will result in overmeasuring of the
first element energy and may result in incorrect overbilling.
09 February 2007 2-13

Technical Manual
Operation of the LCD energy direction indicators is modified by theft–

resistant measurement. With the theft–resistant option, the -P arrow is not
used. The +P energy direction indicator is on continuously whenever kWh
flow of any direction is detected.
Logs and Data Sets All A1800 ALPHA meters are equipped with EEPROM. As shown in
Figure 2-13, a small portion of this main board memory is permanently
reserved (called reserved memory) by the meter to store the main billing
and configuration information. The remainder of the memory (called shared
memory) is used to store the following logs and data sets:
■ event log
■ history log
■ self reads
■ load profiling
■ instrumentation profiling
■ TRueQ log
■ voltage sag log
All of the logs and data sets share the meter’s memory. Using Elster meter
support software, the sizes of each log or data set can be configured to
allow more room for a different log or data set. For example, self reads can
be configured to store less data so that the load profiling can store more
data.
Figure 2-13. Allocation of meter memory
Main circuit board memory Extended memory option board

(128 KB) (1 MB)
Event,
Billing data, Configuration Self read,
History, IP,*
data, Manufacturing info, LP,*
TRueQ, LP*
etc. IP*
Voltage sag
Reserved memory** Shared memory

Notes
*Extended memory used only when requested number of days exceeds the capacity of main
board memory. If meter support software is set to maximize data storage, then the extended
memory option board would always be used for LP and IP data storage.
**Size of reserved memory is fixed and may vary with each firmware release.
In most cases, the 128 KB option is sufficient to meet data logging and
profiling requirements. In some cases (for example, if extensive
instrumentation profiling is desired), more memory may be required. When
the data storage cannot be met with the 128 KB main memory option,
extended memory can be used to add shared memory to the
A1800 ALPHA meter.
2-14 09 February 2007

Technical Manual
Event Log
All A1800 ALPHA meters have an event log. The A1800 ALPHA meter
stores the date and time that events occur. Elster meter support software is
used to define and program the number of event log entries that the meter
will record. Events that can be included in the event log are as follows:
■ power fail start and stop (2 event log entries)
■ date and time change information (2 event log entries)
■ date and time of demand resets (1 event log entry)
■ date and time of event log reset (1 event log entry)
■ date and time of test mode activity (2 event log entries)
■ start and stop time when the current TOU rate is overridden by the
alternate TOU rate schedule (2 event log entries)
■ start and stop time of per phase outage (2 event log entries)
■ date and time of terminal cover removal (1 event log entry)
■ date and time of main cover removal (1 event log entry)
Note: The meter will detect and log the removal of either the
terminal cover or main cover even when the meter is not
powered (provided the TOU battery is functioning).
After the maximum number of entries has been stored, the meter will begin
overwriting the oldest entries. The event log can be disabled through Elster
meter support software.
History Log
All A1800 ALPHA meters have a history log that stores table information
and procedure ID for configuration-altering writes to the meter. The
A1800 ALPHA meter records a sequential listing of records, along with the
date and time. The meter records this information as an audit trail,
maintaining a history of programming changes made to the meter.
After the maximum number of entries has been stored, the meter will begin
overwriting the oldest entries. The history log can be disabled through
Elster meter support software.
Self Reads
All A1800 ALPHA meters can support self reads. A self read captures the
current period billing data and stores it in memory. The A1800 ALPHA
meter can store up to 35 self reads can be stored depending on memory
requirements for logs, data, etc. This data can be retrieved later for analysis
or billing. If the meter has recorded the maximum number of self reads, the
next self read will overwrite the oldest copy.
Self reads are events that can be triggered by any of the following:
■ scheduled calendar events
■ every demand reset
■ communication procedure
Self reads are different from previous billing data copies. The previous
billing data copy stores only one copy of billing data at a time and only
when a demand reset occurs. See “Demand Reset Data Area” on page 3-
10 for more information.
09 February 2007 2-15

Technical Manual
Load Profiling
For meters with load profiling capabilities (designated with an -L suffix), the
A1800 ALPHA meter is capable of recording 8 channels of information.
Table 2-2. Load profiling sources
• kVAh delivered (Q1 + Q4) • kvarh delivered (Q1 + Q2)

• kVAh Q1 • kvarh net
• kVAh received (Q2 + Q3) • kvarh Q4
• kVAh sum • kvarh received (Q3 + Q4)
• kvarh (Q1 - Q4) • kvarh sum
• kvarh (Q1 + Q4) • kWh delivered
• kvarh (Q2 - Q3) • kWh net
• kvarh (Q2 + Q3) • kWh received
• kvarh (Q3 - Q2) • kWh sum
Load profiling has its own, separate interval length that is configured
independently from the demand interval length. The length of the load
profiling interval must adhere to the following rules:
■ the length must be between 1 and 60 minutes
■ the time must be evenly divisible into an 60 minutes
Table 2-3 show the number of days of load profiling available. These values
are estimates and may vary depending on the firmware used in the meter.
Data in Table 2-3 are based on the following settings:
■ load profiling at 15-minute intervals
■ no instrumentation profiling
The first number shows the number of days of load profiling, assuming all
other logs and self reads record the maximum number of entries. The
second number shows the number of days of load profiling, assuming all
other logs and self reads record the minimum number of entries.
Table 2-3. Days of load profiling storage per number of channels
Days of Number of Channels

Storage
(max./min.) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
128 KB 213/318 114/169 86/129 64/95 54/81 44/66 39/59 34/51
Load profiling pulse divisor. A pulse divisor is used to scale down the
number of pulses recorded in each load profiling interval. This allows
recording of data that may exceed the maximum number of pulses that
can be stored in each load profiling interval (each interval can store 32,767
pulses before overflowing). The range for the value of the load profiling
pulse divisor is 1 (default) to 255.
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Technical Manual
Instrumentation Profiling
In meters with instrumentation profiling (designated with an -N suffix), the
meter has two sets of instrumentation profiling. Each set can record up to
16 channels from the sources listed in Table 2-4. Also, instrumentation
profiling can use the sources listed in Table 2-2 for more extensive load
profiling.
Table 2-4. Instrumentation profiling sources
• frequency • per phase vars (vectorial)

• per phase current • per phase 2nd harmonic voltage %
• per phase voltage • per phase total demand distortion (TDD)
• per phase watts • per phase PF
• per phase VA • per phase PF angle
• per phase voltage angle with respect to line 1 voltage • system watts
• per phase fundamental (1st harmonic) current magnitude • system VA (arithmetic)
• per phase fundamental (1st harmonic) voltage magnitude • system PF (arithmetic)
• per phase 2nd harmonic current magnitude • system PF angle (arithmetic)
• per phase 2nd harmonic voltage magnitude • system vars (vectorial)
• per phase voltage % total harmonic distortion (THD) • system VA (vectorial)
• per phase current % THD • system var (arithmetic)
• per phase harmonic current (sum of 2nd through 15th) • system PF (vectorial)
• per phase current angle with respect to line 1 voltage • system PF angle (vectorial)
Each channel can be configured to record the instrumentation profiling

using any one of following four algorithms (see Table 2-5):
Table 2-5. Instrumentation profiling recording algorithms
Item Description
Minimum The meter samples the selected quantity over the
instrumentation interval. The minimum value of all the
samples is recorded.
Maximum The meter samples the selected quantity over the
instrumentation interval. The maximum value of all the
Average The meter samples the selected quantity over the
instrumentation interval. The average value of all the
End The meter samples the selected quantity over the
instrumentation interval. The last value of all the samples is
recorded.
Each set of instrumentation profiling has its own, separate interval length
that is configured independently from the demand interval length. The
length of the instrumentation profiling interval must adhere to the following
rules:
■ the length must be between 1 and 60 minutes
■ the time must be evenly divisible into an 60 minutes
09 February 2007 2-17

Technical Manual
TRueQ Log
The A1800 ALPHA meter has a TRueQ log that records TRueQ test
failures. Elster meter support software is used to define and program the
number of TRueQ log entries that the meter will record. Elster meter
support software is also used to define which tests can record failures in
the TRueQ log.
The A1800 ALPHA meter can record the following data associated with the
TRueQ test:
■ the date and time when the TRueQ monitor first detects a qualified
failure and the identifier of the TRueQ test (1 TRueQ log entry)
■ the date and time when the TRueQ monitor no longer detects a
failure and the identifier of the TRueQ test (1 TRueQ log entry)
Note: See “TRueQ Event Counters and Timers” on page 4-17
for information on qualification time
For each TRueQ log entry, the meter also records an instrumentation
measurement related to the TRueQ test.
When the maximum number of entries has been stored, the meter will
begin overwriting the oldest entries.
See “TRueQ Monitoring” on page 4-14 for more information.
Voltage Sag Log

The meter has a voltage sag log. The A1800 ALPHA meter records the
date, time, and phases of any detected voltage sag. The log records a
maximum of 1 entry per second. When the maximum number of entries
has been stored, the meter will begin overwriting the oldest entries.
See “Voltage Sags” on page 4-15 for more information.
User-defined Tables
User defined tables offer specific data retrieval options for A1800 ALPHA
meters. User defined table configuration may be requested at the time of
purchase, and the specific configuration may be programmed at the
factory. An AMR system can then be configured to retrieve the user defined
table information from the meter instead of individual table reads. This
reduces the total communications time.
Physical The approximate dimensions of the meter correspond to DIN 43-857 part
Dimensions 2 (excluding the meter hanger).
See Figure 2-14 for an illustration of the meter and its dimensions.
2-18 09 February 2007

Technical Manual
Figure 2-14. Dimensions in millimeters, front and side view
89
22
204 224*
307
*This represents
hanger in center
position.
150 5
170
Note: The dimensions are for reference purposes only. Do not

use for construction.
09 February 2007 2-19

Technical Manual
2-20 09 February 2007

A1800 ALPHA Meter Family 3 Operating Instructions
Technical Manual
3 Operating Instructions
y
Indicators and LCD

Controls The liquid crystal display (LCD) is used to display meter data and status
information. As shown in Figure 3-1, the LCD is divided into different
display regions.
Figure 3-1. Liquid crystal display
Low battery indicator Quantity

Phase
identifier
Error/warning indicator indicators (3)
Energy direction
indicators Alternate mode
indicator
Comm. port
Display
indicator
quantity
Power/energy
units identifier
Tariff indicators 1 to 8 Test mode

(left to right) indicator
Cover removed
EOI indicator indicator
LC indicator
The A1800 ALPHA meter can be ordered with a backlight option for the
LCD. The LCD can be illuminated by pressing one of the push buttons,
making it easier to read the LCD in no-light or low-light conditions. The
backlight option must be specified at the time of ordering. See “Using the
Backlight” on page 3-6 for more information.
Quantity Identifier. This 7-digit region identifies the displayed quantity

as defined and programmed with Elster meter support software. An
identifier can be assigned to most display quantities in the display
sequence. See Appendix B, “Display Table,” for more information.
Display Quantity. This 8-digit display on the LCD shows either metered
quantities or other displayable information, depending upon how the
A1800 ALPHA meter has been programmed.
The displayable digits are definable using Elster meter support software for
both energy and demand readings. From 3 to 8 digits with up to 4 decimal
places can be used. These digits are also used to report error codes for the
following error conditions:
■ operational errors (EI, E2, or E3)
■ system instrumentation and service test errors (SE)
■ warnings (WI or W2)
■ communication codes (COM 0, COM 1, COM 2)

3 Operating Instructions A1800 ALPHA Meter Family
Technical Manual
For instrumentation values and tests, numeric values may be replaced by

or mixed with alphabetic characters to better define the value. See
Appendix B, “Display Table,” for more information.
Phase Indicators. Each phase indicator (L1, L2, and L3) corresponds to
a line voltage (Line 1, Line 2, and Line 3, respectively) present on the
A1800 ALPHA meter connections. The state of the indicators correspond
to the following:
■ If the indicators are on, then all expected line voltages are present.
■ If an indicator is blinking, then that expected line voltage is either
missing or below the defined threshold for voltage sag detection.
■ If an indicator is off, the line is not expected for the configured
meter type.
See “Voltage Sags” on page 4-15 for more details on momentary voltage
sag detection and the phase indicators.
Energy Direction Indicators. The energy direction indicators display

the quadrant and direction of the last Wh (active) and varh (reactive) energy
flow. Positive energy flow is energy delivered to the consumer load, while
reverse energy flow is energy received from the consumer load. Figure 3-2
shows the meaning of each energy direction indicator.
The energy direction indicators turn on to display energy flow direction
when any of the meter phases are measuring energy flow (that is, when
one of the line currents is above the meter starting threshold).
Figure 3-2. Energy direction indicators
Positive reactive energy
Reverse active energy Positive active energy
Reverse reactive energy
On meters with the Always Positive option, the +P indicator is on

continuously whenever kWh flow of any direction is detected. The –P
indicator is inoperative for this meter configuration (see “Always Positive”
on page 2-13 for more information).
Power/energy Units Identifier. The power/energy units identifier is

used to indicate the unit of measurement for the quantity displayed on the
meter’s LCD. In some cases, it may not be possible to represent the
displayed quantity using the power/energy units identifier. If this is the case,
then the power/energy units identifier will not be used. Instead, the quantity
will be identified either using the quantity identifier or appending the unit to
the display quantity.
Alternate Display Indicator. This indicator (✱) displays when the

A1800 ALPHA meter is operating in alternate mode. This indicator also
displays during the all segment test of the LCD.
See “Operating Modes” on page 3-7 for more information on the different
operating modes.

Technical Manual
Error Indicator. The error indicator flashes when any error condition is
present or remains on if a warning condition is present. When the error
indicator is on, the LCD will also display the appropriate error or warning
code. See “System Service Error Codes” on page 4-12 and “Codes and
Warnings” on page 6-2 for details.
Note: This indicator also turns on during the LCD all-segments
test.
Low Battery Indicator. The low battery indicator is turned on when the
TOU battery voltage is low or when the TOU battery is missing.
Additionally, the low battery warning display item (if included in the display
list) also is displayed.
Note: This indicator also turns on during the LCD all-segments
test.
Active COM Port Indicator. The active COM port indicator indicates
that a communication session is in progress and which COM port is being
used.
Table 3-1. Port codes
Code Port
COM 0 Optical port
COM 1 Remote port 1
COM 2 Remote port 2
See “Communication Codes” on page 6-8 for additional details.
Display Indicators. The 12 display indicators (▼) are used to more

precisely identify the information displayed on the meter’s LCD.
Note: These identifiers may be shown individually or in
combination to describe a particular displayed quantity.
Note: The manufacturer’s nameplate details the meaning of the
display indicators. See Appendix C, “Nameplate and Style
Number Information.”
Tariff indicators. The tariff indicators (T1, T2, T3, and T4) indicate the
current tariff. If the displayed quantity is a TOU item (for example, tariff 1
total kWh), the corresponding indicator (T1) turns on. If the quantity's tariff
is active at the time, the tariff indicator flashes.
Note: The active tariff indicators also turns on during the LCD
all-segments test.
EOI indicator. The end-of-interval (EOI) indicator is used to verify the

timing of the demand interval. Ten seconds before the end of the demand
interval, the EOI indicator will be turned on and remain on until the end of
the interval.
For rolling demand, the EOI indicator turns on for 10 seconds before the
end of each subinterval.

Technical Manual
Transformer and line loss compensation indicator. The loss

compensation (LC) indicator indicates the meter is currently compensating
for transformer and line loss.
Cover tamper indicator. The cover tamper (TC) indicator indicates that
either the terminal cover or the meter cover is removed. This may indicate
that tampering has occurred on the meter. The TC indicator turns off when
all the covers are in place. See “Cover Tamper Detection Switches” on
page 2-5 for additional information.
Test mode indicator. The test (TST) mode indicator indicates that the
meter is currently operating in test mode. See “Test Mode” on page 3-8 for
details.
Push Buttons
The following push buttons are located on the front of the A1800 ALPHA
meter:
■ RESET (sealable)
■ ✱
If sealed, the RESET button is only accessible after breaking the seal; the ✱
button is always accessible.
If the A1800 ALPHA meter is ordered with the backlight display option,
then either the RESET button or the ✱ button can be used to illuminate the
display. See “Using the Backlight” on page 3-6 for more information.
Figure 3-3. A1800 ALPHA meter push buttons
* (ALT) button
RESET button
(sealable)
RESET Button. To activate the RESET button, it may be necessary to

break the seal that locks the RESET button in the inactive position. After
the seal is broken, rotate the push button 90 ° in either direction and press
the push button (see Figure 3-4). Pressing the RESET button performs a
demand reset (see “Demand Reset” on page 3-9 for a description on what
happens during a demand reset). The RESET button performs differently
depending on the A1800 ALPHA operating mode, as shown in Table 3-2.
Note: If the A1800 ALPHA meter is ordered with the backlight
display option, then the RESET button can be used to
illuminate the display. See “Using the Backlight” on page
3-6 for more information.

Technical Manual
Table 3-2. RESET button behavior
Mode Description
Normal Performs a demand reset
Alternate Returns to normal mode and performs a demand reset
Test Resets test value and remains in test mode.
To seal the RESET button, rotate the RESET button 90 ° back to the
inactive position and apply the seal.
Figure 3-4. RESET button positions
Inactive position Active position

RESET button RESET button can be pressed
cannot be pressed
Using to lock service. Pressing the RESET button will accept and lock
the detected service when the service test lock mode has been set to
manual and the system service voltage test has just been performed by the
A1800 ALPHA meter. See “Manual lock” on page 4-7 for more details.
Using the RESET button to lock the service will not perform a demand
reset unless it is pressed a second time.
✱ Button. Pressing the ✱ button normally initiates the alternate mode

(see “Operating Modes” on page 3-7 for more information about the
A1800 ALPHA operating modes). The ✱ button performs differently
depending on the operating mode, as shown in Table 3-3.
Note: If the A1800 ALPHA meter is ordered with the backlight
display option, then the ✱ button can be used to
illuminate the display. See “Using the Backlight” on page
3-6 for more information.

Technical Manual
Table 3-3. ✱ button function in different operating modes
Mode Press method Description

Normal Less than 1 second Enters alternate mode, LCD displays one cycle of the alternate display
list, and returns to normal mode.
Alternate Continuous Scrolls quickly through the alternate display list while pressed; locks
LCD on a display quantity when released.
Press and release If the LCD is locked on a display quantity, each press steps to the next
quantity in the alternate display list.
Test Continuous Scrolls quickly through the test mode display list while pressed; locks
LCD on a display quantity when released.
Press and release If the LCD is locked on a display quantity, each press steps to the next
quantity in the test display list.
Using the Backlight. The A1800 ALPHA meter can be ordered with an
optional backlight for the LCD. Once the backlight is turned on, the LCD
will be illuminated for two minutes.
To illuminate the LCD, use the following process (see Figure 3-5):
1. Press either the ✱ button or the RESET button. The backlight
turns on for the specified illumination time.
2. While the LCD is illuminated, the push buttons will operate as
follows:
■ The RESET button operates as specified in Table 3-2.
■ The ✱ button operates as specified in Table 3-3.
3. The backlight will turn off at the end of the illumination time.
Pressing either the ✱ button or the RESET button restarts the
process, beginning with step 1.
The A1800 ALPHA meter can be ordered with the backlight always turned
on. With this option, the LCD backlight will always be illuminated, and the
RESET and ✱ buttons will operate as specified in Table 3-2 and Table 3-3,
respectively.

Technical Manual
Figure 3-5. Using the backlight on the A1800 ALPHA meter LCD (default operating mode)
Backlight off
Any button is
pressed
Backlight on
Enter alternate Perform

mode demand reset
Button pressed
Yes, * while LCD lit? Yes, RESET
No
Has time
expired?
No
Yes
Operating Modes The A1800 ALPHA meter operates in one of the following modes:
■ normal mode
■ alternate mode
■ test mode
As part of its function, the meter performs self tests to make sure it is
operating normally. The self test ensures that the A1800 ALPHA meter is
functioning properly and that its displayed quantities are accurate. If the
self test indicates an error, the LCD displays the error indicator. In addition,
the meter can be programmed to “lock” the error code on the display. The
meter attempts to function normally, however, the meter data may be
suspect. See “Meter Self Test” on page 6-1 for more information on self
tests and errors.
Normal Mode
Normal mode is the default operation mode for the A1800 ALPHA meter. It
is generally used to display billing data on the LCD. The meter is fully
operational in this mode, and it will process and store data while the LCD
scrolls through the normal display list quantities.
The LCD test will always appear immediately after power is connected to
the A1800 ALPHA meter or after a power restoration from an outage.

Technical Manual
Typically, the normal mode display cycle begins with an LCD test which
turns on all of the display segments. This is recommended because it
provides a quick way to determine if the LCD is functioning properly. The
LCD test can be disabled using Elster meter support software. The normal
display cycle will scroll through all programmed display quantities before
beginning the cycle again.
While in normal mode, the LEDs transmit pulses proportional to metered
energy. See “LED Pulse Outputs” on page 5-6 for details on the LEDs.
Alternate Mode
Alternate mode can be programmed with Elster meter support software to
display a second set of quantities on the LCD. Alternate mode is most
often used for displaying non-billing data, but it can be programmed to
display any of the available quantities. This mode is activated in one of the
following ways:
■ pressing the ✱ button on the A1800 ALPHA meter
■ after power up for one cycle of the alternate display list
Note: This feature can be disabled using Elster’s meter support
software.
The meter is fully operational while in alternate mode. While in alternate
mode, the alternate display indicator is turned on. Additionally, the LEDs
transmit pulses (see “LED Pulse Outputs” on page 5-6).
There are several different ways to exit alternate mode. Whenever exiting
the alternate mode, the meter returns to normal mode.
Table 3-4. Exiting alternate mode
Method Description
Wait for the end of the If the meter is scrolling through the alternate
alternate display list display list automatically, the meter exits
alternate mode after the last item is displayed.
Press the RESET Exits alternate mode and performs a demand
button reset.
Wait for the timeout If the LCD remains on a quantity, the meter exits
alternate mode after 2 minutes of inactivity. If
the LCD remains on a pulse line cumulative
counter, the meter will exit the alternate mode
at midnight.
Power failure occurs Exits alternate mode; when power is restored,
the meter’s display is in normal mode.
At midnight Exits alternate mode at the next midnight
crossing.
Test Mode
The A1800 ALPHA meter enters test mode by a command through the
optical port. While in test mode, the test mode indicator (TST) will flash on
the meter’s LCD.
Test mode displays test readings without affecting the present energy
usage and billing data values in the A1800 ALPHA meter. Shorter demand
intervals may be used in test mode to reduce demand test time and will not
interfere with billing data.

Technical Manual
When normal mode is resumed, readings taken during test mode will be
discarded and present energy usage and billing data values will be
restored. The status of the meter (including billing data, profiling data,
errors, and warnings) before the meter entered test mode is restored.
While in test mode, the optical port transmits test pulses proportional to
metered energy (see “LED Pulse Outputs” on page 5-6).
Test mode is entered using Elster meter support software. The meter exits
test mode under any of the following conditions:
Method Description
Test mode expires Automatically after a programmable
timeout has expired (between 1 and
255 test mode intervals)
Send an exit command Using Elster meter support software,
send an exit command over the optical
port.
Automatically after 24 hours Automatically after a programmable
timeout (1-255 test mode intervals).
Power failure occurs Exits test mode; when power is
restored, the meter’s display is in
normal mode.
Demand Reset A demand reset can be performed one of three ways:

■ pressing the RESET button
■ issuing a command over the optical or remote ports
■ as a scheduled calendar event
Regardless of how the demand was reset, the meter performs many
different functions, including the following:
■ the present billing data is copied to the demand reset data area
■ the billing data’s present maximum demand is added to the
cumulative demand, and then the billing data’s present maximum
demand is reset to zero
■ the billing data’s dates and times of the maximum demands are
reset to zero
■ the billing data’s present coincident values are reset to zero
■ all demand calculations are reset to zero and a new demand
interval is started
■ previous interval demands are reset to zero
■ present interval demands are reset to zero
■ all average power factor calculations are restarted
■ pulse line cumulative counters are cleared
■ current conditions for certain errors or warnings are cleared

Technical Manual
As a security feature, the meter records these values:

■ the cumulative number of demand resets (rolls over to zero after
255)
■ the cumulative number of manual demand resets (pressing the
RESET button or issuing a command)
■ date and time of last demand reset
■ number of days since the last demand reset
■ the method of the most recent demand reset (for example, button
press, procedure, or calendar)
■ if configured, the event log records every demand reset
Demand Reset Lockout

Through Elster meter support software, a demand reset lockout time can
be defined. The demand reset lockout can remain in effect for up to 255
minutes after a demand reset (regardless of the method of demand reset).
During the demand reset lockout, subsequent demand resets will be
ignored by the meter. This prevents subsequent demand resets (for
example, accidental or tamper-related demand reset presses). If a power
failure occurs during the demand reset lockout period, the lockout is
released upon power restoration.
Demand Reset Data Area

In all demand reset occurrences, the meter copies the present billing data
and stores it in the demand reset data area. This data is referred to as the
previous billing data because its general purpose is to preserve the data as
one billing period ends and the next billing period begins. The meter stores
only one copy of the previous billing data. The next demand reset
overwrites whatever is currently stored as the previous billing data.
Previous billing data is different from self reads, which can store multiple
copies of the billing data. See “Self Reads” on page 2-15 for more
information.
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A1800 ALPHA Meter Family 4 Meter Tools
Technical Manual
4 Meter Tools
y
System System instrumentation is a collection of displayable items designed to

Instrumentation assist in evaluating a service by providing real time analysis of the
conditions present at the A1800 ALPHA installation. Instrumentation
quantities should not be confused with billing quantities because they are
intended for an entirely different purpose.
System instrumentation quantities are measured instantaneously while
billing quantities are measured and averaged over a number of minutes.
Instrumentation quantities are generally provided on a per phase basis,
while billing quantities represent a combination of all present phases. This
can result in discrepancies between similar billing and instrumentation
data, and this is to be expected.
The instrumentation measurements are near instantaneous. Using Elster
meter support software, instrumentation quantities may be placed in
normal, alternate, or test mode display sequences. The alternate mode
display sequence is recommended because it is generally not necessary
for these quantities to be displayed at all times.
Most instrumentation quantities are true root mean square (rms)
measurements over an even number of line cycles, but others are
compound quantities. Compound quantities require multiple
measurements at slightly different times with the results calculated from
these multiple measurements. Instrumentation quantities can also round or
restrict the quantity to a desirable value under certain system conditions.
See Table 4-1 for more information about how the instrumentation
quantities are obtained.
Table 4-1. Description of system instrumentation quantities
Instrumentation quantity Description

Frequency Measured on line 1 voltage.
System kW The signed sum of the kW measurement on each phase taken only
moments apart.
System kVA (arithmetic) The signed sum of the kVA measurement on each phase taken
only moments apart.
System kvar (arithmetic) Calculated using the following equation:
kvar = (system kVA arith ) 2 - (system kW) 2
System power factor (arithmetic) System kW divided by system kVA (arithmetic)

System power factor angle (arithmetic) The arccosine of system power factor (arithmetic)
Phase kW and kVA Measured directly by meter engine.

4 Meter Tools A1800 ALPHA Meter Family
Technical Manual

Phase kvar (vectorial) Calculated using the following equation (where kVA and kW are
measured simultaneously):
k var = kVA 2 − kW 2
The result is then signed based on the kvar direction.

System kvar (vectorial) Sum of the per phase kvar (vectorial)
System kVA (vectorial) Calculated using the following equation:
kVAvect = system kW 2 + (system kvarvect ) 2
System power factor (vectorial) System kW divided by system kVA (vectorial)

System power factor angle (vectorial) The arccosine of system power factor (vectorial)
Phase voltages and currents True rms values measured by meter engine.
Phase voltage angle relative to line 1 Each voltage angle is measured relative to line 1 voltage zero
voltage crossings and rounded to 30°.
Phase current angle relative to line 1 Each current angle is measured relative to line 1 voltage zero
voltage crossings.
Phase power factor Phase kW divided by phase kVA, both measured simultaneously.
Phase power factor is set to 1.00 if phase current is less than the
absolute minimum current (twice starting amps).
Phase power factor angle The power factor angle is the arccosine of the phase power factor.
Phase 1st harmonic (fundamental) voltage The per phase magnitude of the fundamental voltage.
magnitude
Phase 1st harmonic (fundamental) current The per phase magnitude of the fundamental current.
magnitude
Phase 2nd harmonic voltage magnitude The per phase magnitude of the 2nd harmonic voltage
Phase 2nd harmonic current magnitude The per phase magnitude of the 2nd harmonic current
Phase 2nd harmonic voltage percentage Per phase, the 2nd harmonic voltage magnitude divided by the
fundamental voltage magnitude
Phase total harmonic current magnitude Per phase, the square root of the sum of the 2nd - 15th harmonic
currents squared. In other words:
i =15
THC = ∑ HC
i=2
i
2
where HCi = ith harmonic current

Phase total harmonic distortion Calculated by using:
percentage (voltage or current)
rms 2 − fundamental 2
THD = × 100
fundamental
where:
rms represents an unfiltered rms phase voltage or current
fundamental represents the fundamental rms phase voltage or
current

Technical Manual

Per phase total demand distortion Calculated by using:
15
∑ HC
i =2
i
2
TDD =
Maximum amps
where HCi represents the ith harmonic current.
Voltage, current, kW, kvar, and kVA instrumentation quantities have an error
of less than ±0.25 %. Accuracy will diminish as the value of the quantity
becomes smaller.
The meter’s LCD can be programmed with Elster’s meter support software
to display primary instrumentation values.
If the LCD remains on an instrumentation quantity while in alternate or test

mode, the displayed instrumentation quantity updates once per second.
See “✱ Button” on page 3-5 for more information on locking the LCD on a
desired quantity.
The quantity identifier gives information about the quantity being displayed
on the A1800 ALPHA meter LCD, as indicated in Table 4-2.
Table 4-2. System instrumentation quantity identifiers
Quantity Identifier Description

L123 System instrumentation measurements
L1 Line 1 measurements
L1 H2-15 Line 1 total harmonic distortion
L1 H1 Line 1 1st harmonic
L1 H2 Line 1 2nd harmonic
L1 TDD Line 1 total demand distortion

Technical Manual
The display quantity will show a measurement and a unit of measure on the
A1800 ALPHA meter LCD. See Figure 4-1 and Figure 4-2 for examples
showing system instrumentation quantities. See Appendix B, “Display
Table,” for information about displayable items.
Figure 4-1. Instrumentation line 1 voltage
Figure 4-2. Instrumentation system kVA
Immediately before displaying a system instrumentation quantity, the meter

begins to measure that quantity. If the result of the instrumentation
measurement is not immediately available, dashes (-) will be shown in the
display quantity until the measurement is complete. See Figure 4-3 and
Figure 4-4 for examples of system instrumentation display quantities while
the measurement is in progress and when a result is available.
Figure 4-3. Instrumentation line 2 current in progress
Figure 4-4. Instrumentation line 2 current measured (secondary)

Technical Manual
Figure 4-5. Instrumentation line 2 current measured (primary)
If an A1800 ALPHA meter is programmed to display a system

measurement quantity for a phase that does not exist (for example, Line 2
on a two-element meter), then that display quantity will be skipped
automatically. This allows different meter types to be programmed with
similar configurations using Elster meter support software.
System Service System service tests can be performed to determine the validity of the
Tests electrical service that the A1800 ALPHA meter is metering. The system
service tests consist of a service voltage test and a service current test.
Service Voltage Test

The service voltage test is intended to assist in identifying the following:
■ incorrectly wired or misapplied voltage transformers
■ open or missing line fuses
The following are validated by this test:
■ phase voltages
■ phase voltage angles
■ phase rotation
The meter measures each phase voltage and phase voltage angle and
attempts to match the measurements to a stored list of valid services.
■ If the service voltage test is successful, the validated service is
shown on the meter’s LCD and the meter will continue to the next
display quantity in the sequence.
■ If the test is not successful, a warning is set. Also, the LCD will
indicate a service error by displaying SE plus a code on the LCD.
See “System Service Error Codes” on page 4-12 for more
information about system service error codes.
The following conditions can cause the service voltage test to fail:
■ phase voltage angles not within ±15° of the expected service
phase angles
■ phase voltage magnitudes not within the tolerance of the nominal
service voltages programmed into the meter with Elster meter
support software

Technical Manual
System Service Locking. Once a service voltage test has detected a

valid service, it can be locked into the A1800 ALPHA meter memory. A
locked valid service is used as a basis for future system service tests and
TRueQ tests. The following information will be stored in the meter when the
service is locked:
■ service type identification
■ nominal service voltage
■ voltage phase rotation
■ service voltage and current limits
■ voltage sag detection threshold
The A1800 ALPHA meter can lock a valid service in either of these ways:
■ smart autolock
■ manual lock
To indicate that a service voltage test is complete, the LCD displays the
following (an example is shown in Figure 4-6):
■ phase rotation (for example, L1-2-3 or L3-2-1)
■ voltage magnitude (for example, 120 or 240)
■ service type showing the number of wires and the service type, for
example:
■ 1L is a single phase service
■ 3Δ is a 3-wire delta service
■ 4Y is a 4-wire wye service
Figure 4-6. Sample service voltage test result
The voltage magnitude and service type are surrounded by brackets to

indicate that the service is locked (see Figure 4-7).

Technical Manual
Figure 4-7. Sample display of locked service voltage
Smart autolock. When smart autolock is enabled through Elster meter

support software, the A1800 ALPHA meter will attempt to lock the service
automatically once it is determined to be valid. Both the voltage magnitude
and phase angle of the service are compared to a table of valid
relationships stored within the meter memory. The meter accepts the
service that most closely matches one of the stored values in the
A1800 ALPHA meter.
The A1800 ALPHA meter periodically checks the service. Under certain
conditions, the smart autolocked service may lock on a different service.
This is useful because the meter may have been moved to a new service.
The service voltage test will be performed and the service may be changed
in response to the following events:
■ power up
■ exit of test mode
■ after a data-altering communication session
If a new, valid service is detected, the meter locks on the new service. If a
valid service cannot be detected, the meter responds in the following
manner:
■ the meter remains locked on the last known valid service
■ the LCD displays an error code
Manual lock. When configured through Elster meter support software for
manual lock, the A1800 ALPHA meter will detect and evaluate the service
in the same manner as it does when autolock is enabled. The identified
service information will also be shown on the LCD; however, the RESET
button must be pressed in order to lock the detected service (see “Using to
lock service” on page 3-5).
When the service type has been detected, the phase rotation, voltage
magnitude, and the service type will be displayed on the LCD. If the RESET
button is not pressed to accept the service, the LCD will alternate between
L1-2-3 ------ and the detected service information until the service has
been manually locked.
Once manually locked, the service never unlocks automatically. To move

the A1800 ALPHA meter to a new installation with a different type of
service, the service must be unlocked using Elster meter support software.
The new service type can then be detected and manually locked.

Technical Manual
Initiating Service Voltage Tests. When enabled, the service voltage

test is initiated at any of the following times:
■ after power up, a data-altering communications session, or exiting
test mode
■ at midnight
Service voltage tests can also be initiated at any of these times, depending
on meter configuration:
■ as a display item
■ as a TRueQ test (for meters with TRueQ capabilities)
The behavior of the service voltage test depends on these factors:
■ the event that initiates the service voltage test
■ the state of the service lock
After power up, data-altering communications session, or exiting test

mode. The following table explains meter behavior when the service
voltage test is performed after any of the following:
■ power is applied to the meter
■ data-altering communications session
■ exiting test mode
Manual lock Manual lock

Smart autolock
Current state is locked Current state is unlocked
1. The meter initiates the service 1. The meter initiates the service 1. The meter initiates the service
voltage test. voltage test. voltage test.
2. The meter attempts to detect a 2. The phase indicator voltage 2. The phase indicator voltage
valid service. threshold levels are based on thresholds are set at the default
• If a valid service is detected, the currently locked service. values.
the meter automatically 3. The meter attempts to match 3. The meter attempts to detect a
locks on the detected the service. valid service.
service. The LCD displays • If the service matches the • If a valid service is found,
the locked valid service. presently locked service, the LCD displays the data
• If a valid service cannot be then the LCD displays the for the service it detected.
found, the meter displays locked valid service. • If a valid service is not
SE 555000. The meter • If the service does not found, the LCD displays SE
restarts the service voltage match the presently locked 555000. The meter
test in diagnostic mode (see service, then the LCD restarts the service voltage
“Restarting the Service displays the service test test until a valid service is
Voltage Test in Diagnostic error. The meter restarts the found.
Mode” on page 4-10). service voltage test in 4. While a valid service is
However, the meter remains diagnostic mode (see displayed, the user can
locked on the last valid “Restarting the Service manually lock the service.
service until a new valid Voltage Test in Diagnostic • The user presses the
service is detected. Mode” on page 4-10). RESET button to lock the
service. The LCD displays
the locked service.
• If the user does not lock the
service, the meter returns to
the service test until a valid
service is found and locked.
If the service voltage test is interrupted (for example, the ✱ button is

pressed or there is a communications session), the meter restarts the
service voltage test after handling the interruption.

Technical Manual
At midnight. If the service is locked, the meter checks the service at

midnight. The meter always does the following when the service voltage
test is run at midnight:
Manual lock
Smart autolock
Current state is locked
1. The meter initiates the service 1. The meter initiates the service
test. test.
2. The phase indicator voltage 2. The phase indicator voltage
threshold levels are based on the threshold levels are based on the
currently locked service. currently locked service.
3. The meter attempts to match the 3. The meter attempts to match the
service. service.
• If the service matches the • If the service matches the
presently locked service, then presently locked service, then
the LCD displays the locked the LCD displays the locked
valid service. valid service.
• If the service does not match • If the service does not match
the presently locked service, the presently locked service,
then the LCD displays SE then the LCD displays a
555000. The meter restarts service test error. The meter
the service voltage test in restarts the service voltage
diagnostic mode (see test in diagnostic mode (see
“Restarting the Service “Restarting the Service
Voltage Test in Diagnostic Voltage Test in Diagnostic
Mode” on page 4-10). Mode” on page 4-10).
However, the lock remains on However, the lock remains on
the last valid service until a the last valid service until a
new valid service is detected. new valid service is detected.
If the service test is interrupted (for example, the ✱ button is pressed or

there is a communications session), the meter restarts the service test after
handling the interruption.
If the service has not been locked, the test is not performed and the LCD
displays SE 555000.

Technical Manual
As a display item in a display sequence. Using Elster meter support

software, the service voltage test can be programmed as a displayable
quantity in any display sequence. The service test is initiated when the
service test quantity is displayed on the LCD.
Manual lock
Smart autolock Service locking disabled
Current state is locked
1. The meter initiates the service The service test is performed as the 1. The meter initiates the service
test. autolock. test.
2. The meter attempts to match • If a valid service is detected,
the service. the LCD displays the valid
• If the service detected service.
matches the presently • If a valid service cannot be
locked service, then the found, the meter displays
LCD displays the locked SE 555000.
valid service. 2. After the LCD displays the valid
• If the service does not service or the service test error,
match the presently locked the LCD continues to the next
service, then the LCD item in the display sequence.
displays a service test error.
3. After the LCD displays the
locked valid service or the
service test error, the LCD
continues to the next item in
the display sequence.
As a TRueQ test. When the service voltage test is programmed as a

TRueQ test, the service test is performed only if the service is locked.
TRueQ tests are available only on meters with TRueQ capabilities. See
“Service Voltage Test” on page 4-5 for more information.
Restarting the Service Voltage Test in Diagnostic Mode.

Depending on how the service voltage test was started, the test restarts in
diagnostic mode if the test fails. The A1800 ALPHA meter uses the
diagnostic mode if the service voltage test was started in these ways:
■ after power up, data-altering communications session, or exiting
test mode
■ at midnight
The diagnostic mode cycles through performing the service voltage test
and displaying information about the service that may be useful in
determining why the test failed, as listed below:
1. Perform the service voltage test.
2. Display line 1 voltage.
3. Perform the service voltage test.
5. Perform service voltage test.
8. Display line 2 voltage angle.
10. Display line 3 voltage angle.
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Technical Manual
If at any point a valid service is found and locked, the meter displays the
locked service on the LCD and continues to the next item in the display
sequence. Otherwise, the cycle restarts at step 1.
Service Current Test

The service current test validates system currents and is intended to assist
in identifying the following:
■ incorrectly wired or misapplied current transformers
■ open or missing load-side fuses
If the service current test is successful, L1-2-3 OK is shown on the
A1800 ALPHA meter LCD. The meter will continue to the next item in the
display sequence. See Figure 4-8 for an example of a successful service
current test.
Figure 4-8. Service current test successful completion
If the test is not successful, a warning is set. Also, the LCD will indicate a
service error by displaying SE and a code, an example of which is shown in
Figure 4-9. See “System Service Error Codes” on page 4-12 for more
information. The following conditions can cause the service current test to
fail:
■ current remains on one phase while no current is on any other
phase
■ current on any single phase is below the programmed low current
limit
■ current on any phase is greater than the programmed absolute
maximum
■ current is negative on any phase (reverse power)
■ power factor on any phase is less than the limit set for leading or
lagging power factor
If all phases are below the absolute minimum current threshold, the low
and missing current failure will not be reported. It is assumed that this is a
valid, no-load condition. In this case, the low and zero current warnings will
display if the condition exists.
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Technical Manual
Figure 4-9. Service current test error
Initiating the Service Current Test. The service current test can be
initiated in any of the following ways:
■ the service current test may be placed in any display sequence.
The service current test will be performed when the quantity is
displayed in the display sequence.
■ the service current test may be included in the TRueQ tests if the
A1800 ALPHA meter is equipped with this feature. The results of
the TRueQ test will not be seen on the LCD. See “TRueQ
Monitoring” on page 4-14 for more details on TRueQ.
■ the service current test may be programmed to be performed after
successful service voltage tests that perform automatically (but not
as part of a display list)
If the A1800 ALPHA meter does not have a locked service, then the
system service current test will be skipped regardless of how the test is
initiated.
Parameters regarding the system service current tests can be changed
without requiring the meter to be unlocked and then relocked or requiring
the meter to be reset. These parameters (configurable with Elster meter
support software) include the following:
■ enable or disable per phase reverse power tests
■ absolute minimum current
■ per phase low currents
■ absolute maximum current
■ per phase leading and lagging power factor limits
System Service Error Codes

When SE is shown on the LCD, the displayed quantity is a numeric code
representing a system service error. This indicates that there is a service
problem detected by the A1800 ALPHA meter. Table 4-3 and Table 4-4
show all possible system service error codes.
Table 4-3. System service voltage test error codes
Error code
Service error condition (SE) Voltage phase
L1 L2 L3
Low nominal voltage on line 1 1 0 0 0 0 0
High nominal voltage on line 1 2 0 0 0 0 0
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Technical Manual
Error code
Service error condition (SE) Voltage phase
L1 L2 L3
Unrecognized service 5 5 5 0 0 0
Bad phase angle on line 1 8 0 0 0 0 0
Low voltage & bad phase angle on line 1 9 0 0 0 0 0
High voltage & bad phase angle on line 1 A 0 0 0 0 0
High voltage & bad phase angle on line 2 0 A 0 0 0 0
High voltage & bad phase angle on line 3 0 0 A 0 0 0
Table 4-4. System service current test error codes
Error code
Service error condition (SE) Current phase
L1 L2 L3
Missing line 1 current 0 0 0 1 0 0
Low line 1 current 0 0 0 2 0 0
Missing and low current on line 1 0 0 0 3 0 0
Low PF on line 1 0 0 0 4 0 0
Low PF on line 2 0 0 0 0 4 0
Low PF on line 3 0 0 0 0 0 4
Reverse power on line 1 0 0 0 5 0 0
Low PF & low current on line 1 0 0 0 6 0 0
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Technical Manual
Error code
Service error condition (SE) Current phase
L1 L2 L3
Reverse power & low current on line 1 0 0 0 7 0 0
Excess current on line 1 current 0 0 0 8 0 0
Excess current & low PF on line 1 0 0 0 C 0 0
Excess current & low PF on line 2 0 0 0 0 C 0
Excess current & low PF on line 3 0 0 0 0 0 C
Excess current & reverse power on line 1 0 0 0 d 0 0
Excess current & reverse power on line 2 0 0 0 0 d 0
Excess current & reverse power on line 3 0 0 0 0 0 d
If service current errors are present on more than one phase, a single error
code is displayed to represent all detected errors. For example,
SE 000308 indicates missing current on line 1 and excess current on line
3.
TRueQ Monitoring All A1800 ALPHA meters are equipped with the tamper restraint and
quality (TRueQ) monitoring features that can monitor circuit parameters on
a cyclic basis, 24 hours a day throughout the billing period. TRueQ tests
may be turned on or off through Elster meter support software.
TRueQ tests will recognize any deviation beyond the thresholds. When
shipped, the meter is stored with default values for the thresholds. Using
Elster meter support software, these thresholds can be edited.
Most TRueQ tests are performed individually so that circuit parameters are
not being monitored continuously. Each subsequent test will begin
immediately after the previous one has ended. The momentary voltage sag
test, however, uses the per phase rms voltage calculation which is part of
the voltage sensing process within the meter engine. The rms voltages are
calculated once every 2 line cycles, so the momentary voltage sag test is
capable of recognizing any phase voltage deviation that remains below a
specified threshold for as few as 2 line cycles.
TRueQ Timing
In addition to defining thresholds for each test, a minimum time may also
be defined. Once the monitored parameter falls outside the threshold and
remains there longer than the minimum time, the failure will be stored and
the cumulative count will increment by one. A cumulative timer will also be
activated and will run for as long as the event is detected. The cumulative
count and timer for each test can be retrieved through Elster meter support
software.
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TRueQ Display Items

The meter can be programmed to display a warning code on the LCD
when a TRueQ test fails. Warning codes can be enabled or disabled on a
test-by-test basis using Elster meter support software.
TRueQ and Relays

If one or more relays are installed in the A1800 ALPHA meter, the relay can
be programmed to close when the failure occurs. When a failure condition
is no long present, the warning code will automatically clear; and any relays
will open.
TRueQ Log
All A1800 ALPHA meters record TRueQ events in the TRueQ log. Meters
with TOU capability will also record the date and time of any TRueQ failure
in the TRueQ log. See “TRueQ Log” on page 2-18 for more information
about the TRueQ log.
A qualified TRueQ failure causes the W2 020000 warning code to be

shown on the LCD. See “W2 020000: TRueQ test failure warning” on page
6-8 for more details.
Voltage Sags
A momentary sag in voltage can reset process control equipment and
computer systems. The momentary voltage sag monitor watches for
decreases in voltage that last for a measured number of cycles. This
monitor can detect any voltage decrease that falls below a programmed
threshold for as few as 2 line cycles. Threshold and duration are defined
using Elster meter support software.
The voltage sag threshold is defined as a percentage of the lowest nominal
per phase voltage and recommended to be in the range of 60 % to
99.9 %.
A sag is defined as a drop in phase voltage below the threshold for a
duration greater than the sag minimum time and less than the sag
maximum time. If the condition exceeds the maximum sag time, it will not
be considered a sag event. The sag times can be configured to a resolution
of 8 milliseconds. The minimum time range can be from 32 milliseconds to
2.04 seconds. The maximum time range can be a time up to 546 seconds.
The potential indicators on the A1800 ALPHA meter LCD will indicate
when voltage is below the sag level threshold. When a phase voltage drops
below the voltage sag threshold, the corresponding potential indicator will
blink.
Voltage Sag Counter and Timer. Each phase voltage has a voltage
sag counter and timer associated with it. Each counter can accumulate up
to 65,535 before rolling over to zero. Each cumulative timer can record
time for 414 days.
A voltage sag event is only counted if the voltage remains below the
voltage sag threshold for more than the minimum time and less than the
maximum time. A voltage that remains below the voltage sag threshold for
longer than the maximum time is considered to be a low voltage condition,
and it is not counted by the momentary voltage sag monitor.
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The counter and timer for each phase are maintained within the
A1800 ALPHA meter memory. These values can be reported and can be
reset through Elster meter support software.
See “Voltage Sag Log” on page 2-18 for more information about the log of
momentary voltage sag events.
TRueQ Tests
TRueQ tests do not interfere with any meter functions related to energy
measurement. These tests run separately from the metering functions.
Table 4-5 shows the available tests for TRueQ, along with their description.
Table 4-5. TRueQ tests
TRueQ Test name Configuration based upon

Test 1 Service voltage test System service voltage test
thresholds
Test 2 Low voltage test A specified low voltage threshold
Test 3 High voltage test A specified high voltage threshold
Test 4 Reverse power test & PF Service current test thresholds
Test 5 Low current test Service current test thresholds
Test 6 Power factor (PF) A specified threshold for leading
and lagging
Test 7 Second harmonic A specified current threshold
current test
Test 8 % Total harmonic Specified THD percentage
distortion (THD) current
Test 9 % Total harmonic Specified THD percentage
distortion voltage
Test 10 Voltage imbalance Minimum high voltage threshold
and imbalance threshold
Test 11 Current imbalance Minimum high current threshold
and imbalance threshold
Test 12 % total demand Specified TDD percentage
distortion (TDD)
During the low current and reverse power and power factor tests, there will
be no event detected if all measured line currents drop below the absolute
minimum current threshold. An event will be detected if any single phase or
two phases drop below the programmed threshold for the qualification
time. This eliminates false detection when the load is dramatically reduced
or turned off.
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TRueQ Event Counters and Timers. Each TRueQ test has its own
event counter associated with it. Each counter can accumulate to a
maximum of 65,535 before rolling over to zero. For each TRueQ test, an
event occurring on one phase or across multiple phases is counted as a
single event. The momentary voltage sag monitor, however, records
counters and timers for each phase. See “Voltage Sag Counter and Timer”
on page 4-15 for details.
The cumulative timer for each monitor can record time over 20 years. To
increase the cumulative counter or timer, the TRueQ test must fail for a
period greater than the qualification time. The cumulative timer includes the
qualification time for the test (see Figure 4-10). The qualification time is
defined as zero to 60 minutes where zero causes the event to be
recognized immediately as it is detected.
Figure 4-10. Total TRueQ test failure time
TR ueQ Qualification Remaining

failure time time
Time recorded by
meter
An event ends when the condition is no longer present. If an event occurs

but does not last for the qualification time, then neither the counter nor
timer will reflect the event having occurred.
The counter and timer for each monitor are maintained within the
A1800 ALPHA meter memory. These values can be reported and can be
reset through Elster meter support software.
Test 1 Name Service voltage test

Formula
(V L1 or V L2 or V L3 ) ≤ Specified low voltage threshold
Variables Based on service test thresholds

Default value Based on service test thresholds
Configuration System service voltage test thresholds
based on
Description This test continually monitors service voltage. Voltage fluctuations outside the programmed
limits are detected and can indicate one of the following:
• improper voltage transformer operation
• inappropriate transformer tap settings
• equipment failure
All voltage magnitudes and phase angles must fall within the thresholds for the locked service.
The thresholds are defined by the service voltage configuration. Programming the service
voltage as a TRueQ test allows it to continually run and create a log of the results.
Stored value None
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Test 2 Name Low voltage test

Formula
(V L1 or V L2 or V L3 ) ≤ Specified low voltage threshold
Variables 0 % to 99.9 %
Default value 94.0 %
Configuration A specified low voltage threshold
based on
Description This test checks the per phase voltages for values that fall below a specified limit. Each phase
threshold can be set individually and can be set at a value higher or lower than the limits
selected for the service voltage test. This allows a more thorough study of the voltage changes.
The threshold is defined as a percentage of the expected per phase nominal voltage
(recommended to be in the range of 60 % to 99.9 %). The percentage for each phase can be
individually defined. The test fails if any phase voltage exceeds the threshold.
Stored value Line 1 voltage (even if line 2 or line 3 causes the test to fail)
Test 3 Name High voltage test

Formula
(V L1 or V L2 or V L3 ) ≥ Specified high voltage threshold
Variables 100.1 % to 200.0 %

Default value 106.0 %
Configuration A specified high voltage threshold
based on
Description This test checks the per phase voltages for values that exceed a specific limit. The threshold
values can be set at a value higher or lower than the limits selected for the service voltage test.
This allows a more thorough study of the voltage changes.
The threshold is defined as a percentage of the expected per phase nominal value. The
percentage for each phase can be individually defined. the test fails if any phase voltage
exceeds the threshold.
Stored value Line 1 voltage (even if line 2 or line 3 causes the test to fail)
Test 4 Name Reverse power test and power factor test

Formula
Configuration Service current test thresholds
based on
Description This test recognizes any condition where the current transformer may be wired incorrectly or
where may tampering may have occurred. The power factor (PF) threshold in this test is
typically set to a very low value to detect only abnormal conditions.
The PF thresholds are defined with the system service current test definition. Using the service
current test definition permits independent PF settings to be set for each service type. Each
service type can have individual leading and lagging thresholds.
Testing for reverse power can only be enabled or disabled for all phases simultaneously.
Stored value None
4-18 09 February 2007

Technical Manual
Test 5 Name Low current test

Formula
(I L1 or I L2 or I L3 ) ≤ Specified low current threshold

Configuration Service current test thresholds
based on
Description This test checks the service current for values that fall below a specified limit. This test will
check for erroneous operation or failure of a current transformer and can detect signs of meter
tampering. If all phase currents fall below the limit on an initial no-load or test condition, then no
warning or indication will be provided. A warning will be issued when one or more phase
currents fall below the threshold value for the qualification time while the remaining phase
currents stay above the limits.
This threshold is defined as a percentage of the A1800 ALPHA meter Class ampere rating from
the system service test definition. This percentage is applied on a per phase basis. The
thresholds are defined by the service current configuration.
Stored value None
Test 6 Name Power factor test

Formula
Variables 0.00 to 1.00 for minimum leading power factor (per phase)
0.00 to 1.00 for minimum lagging power factor (per phase)
Default value 0.20 for minimum leading power factor (per phase)
0.20 for minimum lagging power factor (per phase)
Configuration Specified thresholds for leading and lagging power factors
based on
Description This test checks the power factor for any deviation beyond the programmed threshold. This
monitor may be used alone to monitor rate-based conditions or in conjunction with the reverse
power test and PF monitor to provide a more thorough analysis of power factor fluctuations.
The leading and lagging thresholds are individually defined for each phase. These settings may
be different than those defined in the service current configuration.
Stored value None
09 February 2007 4-19

Technical Manual
Test 7 Name Second harmonic current test

Formula
2 nd harmonic current ≥ 2 nd harmonic current magnitude threshold
Variables 0.00 % to 100.00 %

Default value Transformer-rated: 2.50 % of Class amps (per phase)
Self-contained: 1.25 % of Class amps (per phase)
Configuration A specified current threshold
based on
Description This test checks for the presence of second harmonic current. The second harmonic current
may be created by equipment on the line or may indicate the presence of DC on the system.
The threshold is defined as values in AC amperes according to the meter class. The test fails if
any phase exceeds the threshold.
To prevent the monitor from creating a false alarm from legitimate second harmonic current
sources, the recommended qualification time is 15 minutes.
Stored value Line 1 second harmonic magnitude (even if line 2 or line 3 causes the test to fail)
Test 8 Name % total harmonic distortion current test

Formula
Variables 0.0 % to 99.9 % of the fundamental current
Default value 30.0 % of the fundamental current (per phase)
Configuration A specified THD percentage
based on
Description As the load on electrical systems becomes more saturated with electronic control devices
(such as computers and communications systems), there is a growing concern with the
harmonics that these devices can contribute to the electrical system. Total harmonic distortion,
expressed as a percentage of the fundamental, is measurement of the power quality of the
circuit under these conditions.
The total harmonic distortion current test measures the per phase THD current and can alert
the utility to conditions that may be harmful or dangerous to the system or other equipment.
The threshold is defined as a percentage of the fundamental. The thresholds are defined by the
service voltage configuration. The test phases if any phase exceeds the threshold.
Stored value Line 1 THD (even if line 2 or line 3 causes the test to fail)
4-20 09 February 2007

Technical Manual
Test 9 Name % total harmonic distortion voltage test

Formula
Variables 00.0 % to 99.9 % of the fundamental voltage
Default value 30.0 % of the fundamental voltage (per phase)
Configuration A specified THD percentage
based on
Description As the load on electrical systems becomes more saturated with electronic control devices
(such as computers and communications systems), there is a growing concern with the
harmonics that these devices can contribute to the electrical system. Total harmonic distortion,
expressed as a percentage of the fundamental, is a measurement of the power quality of the
circuit under these conditions.
The total harmonic distortion voltage test measures per phase THD voltage and can alert the
utility to conditions that may be harmful or dangerous to the system or other equipment. The
threshold is defined as a percentage of the fundamental. The thresholds are defined by the
service voltage configuration. The test fails if any phase exceeds the threshold.
Stored value Line 1 THD voltage (even if line 2 or line 3 causes the test to fail)
Test 10 Name Voltage imbalance test

Formulae
(VL1 or VL2 or V L3 ) > minimum voltage threshold and
lowest per phase voltage
< imbalance threshold
highest per phase voltage
Variables Minimum voltage threshold: 0.00 % to 100.00 % of the nominal

Imbalance threshold: 0.00 % to 100.00 %
Default value Minimum voltage threshold: 80.00 % of the nominal
Imbalance threshold: 90.00 %
Configuration Minimum high voltage threshold and imbalance threshold
based on
Description This test checks for an imbalance between phase voltages. The test first measures and
normalizes each per phase voltage. The voltages are normalized to account for different per
phase nominal voltages as specified by the locked service. To qualify as a failure, both the
following conditions must exist:
• The highest normalized per phase voltage must be greater than the minimum voltage
threshold
• The ratio of the lowest normalized per phase voltage to the highest (low/high) must be less
than the imbalance threshold
Using Elster meter support software, the minimum voltage threshold is defined as a percentage
of the nominal voltage, and the imbalance threshold is a fraction (0 to 1).
Stored value None
09 February 2007 4-21

Technical Manual
Test 11 Name Current imbalance test

Formulae
(I L1 or I L2 or I L3 ) < minimum current threshold and
lowest per phase current
< imbalance threshold
highest per phase current
Variables Minimum current threshold: 0.00 % to 100.00 % of Class amperes

Imbalance threshold: 0.00 % to 100.00 %
Default value Minimum current threshold: 1.25 % of the Class amperes
Imbalance threshold: 5.00 %
Configuration Minimum high current threshold and imbalance threshold
based on
Description This test checks for an imbalance between phase currents. To qualify as a failure, both the
following must exist:
• The highest per phase current must be greater than the minimum current threshold
• The ratio between the lowest per phase current to the highest (low/high) must be less than
the imbalance threshold
Using Elster meter support software, the minimum current threshold is defined as a percentage
of Class amperes, and the imbalance threshold is a fraction (0 to 1).
Stored value None
Test 12 Name Total demand distortion

Formula
TDD > threshold
Variables 0.00 % to 100.00 % of the class amperes (per phase)

Default value 10.00 % of the Class amperes
Configuration Specified TDD threshold
based on
Description This test checks the per phase total demand distortion (TDD) and makes sure that the TDD is
less than the threshold. TDD measures the harmonic current distortion on each phase in
percentage of the maximum demand load current (Class amperes).
Stored value Line 1 % TDD (even if it is line 2 or line 3 that causes the test to fail)
Security All A1800 ALPHA meters include features that help prevent unauthorized
access to meter data and record events that may indicate meter
tampering.
Meter Passwords
Access to the A1800 ALPHA meter is protected through the use of
passwords. When establishing communication with the meter, the meter
will request a password. If the correct password is not supplied, the meter
will not communicate or perform the commands that it is issued.
Passwords help ensure that the meter data is protected and that the
programming cannot be altered without proper authorization.
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Technical Manual
The A1800 ALPHA meter uses three passwords to control access to the
meter. As shown in Table 4-6, each password allows different activities that
can be performed on the meter. For more information regarding
passwords, see the documentation that comes with the Elster meter
support software.
Table 4-6. A1800 ALPHA meter passwords
Password Allowed activity

Read only The meter can be read. No alteration of data or
programming is allowed.
Billing read The meter can be read. Some basic data–altering activity
relating to billing functions is allowed.
Unrestricted The meter can be read. Full programming of the meter is
allowed.
When communicating with the A1800 ALPHA meter remotely, the

A1800 ALPHA meter supports the password encryption standards in
accordance with ANSI C12.21. In accordance with ANSI C12.18, the
password is not encrypted when communicating using the optical port.
The meter records the number of failed password attempts that were used
in trying to access the meter. An internal warning will be generated if 10
failed password attempts occur since the last demand reset. This warning
can be used to control a relay output or to trigger an alarm call.
Anti–tampering
All A1800 ALPHA meters provide auditing capabilities that can be used to
indicate potential meter tampering. These capabilities can record such
items as the following:
■ programming changes
■ power outages
■ number of days since last pulse
■ number of manually-initiated demand resets
■ number of days since last demand reset
■ reverse energy flow
■ history log
■ cover removal detection
09 February 2007 4-23

Technical Manual
Program Protection
As a security feature, the A1800 ALPHA meter can be ordered with
program protection. Program protection prevents metrological parameters
from being altered. Some data and configuration parameters can be
altered while in program protection.1 These alterable items must be
specified at ordering and can include the following:
■ communication parameters
■ TRueQ parameters
■ time of day (TOU or load profiling configurations)
■ switch times (TOU configurations)
■ special dates list (TOU or load profiling configurations)
All other parameter changes require the meter to exit program protect
mode.
To temporarily disable program protection:
1. Break the terminal cover seals and remove terminal cover. The TC
indicator will turn on.
2. Break the meter cover seals and lift the meter cover.
3. At this point, you can perform any of the data or program altering
operations available using the Elster meter support software.
4. Close the meter cover and install the seals.
5. Install the terminal cover and seals. The TC indicator will turn off.
If programmed to do so, changes in the state of the terminal cover and the
meter cover are logged in the event log. See “Event Log” on page 2-15 for
details.
1.
On meters with a history log, it may be possible to change certain metrological
parameters while in program protection. For more information, see “History Log” on
page 2-15.
4-24 09 February 2007

A1800 ALPHA Meter Family 5 Outputs
Technical Manual
5 Outputs
y
Relay Outputs The A1810 ALPHA meter does not include relay outputs. The
A1830 ALPHA meter and higher supports up to 4 relays.1
RS-232 connector
(optional)*
Pulse output relays

(both optional)
RS-485 terminals
RS-232
connector

Pulse output relay default values RS-485 connections RS-232 connector
Tx+ Rx- 1 2 3 4 5
A B C D E F 6 7 8 9
Tx- Rx+
A = Wh del E = EOI 1 = NC 6 = DSR
B = varh del F = LC 2 = Rx 7 = RTS
C = Wh rec 3 = Tx 8 = NC
D = varh rec 4 = DTR 9 = NC
5 = GND
1
Support for up to 6 relays on the A1830 ALPHA meter and higher is a future option.
Contact Elster Electricity for availability.

5 Outputs A1800 ALPHA Meter Family
Technical Manual
RS-485 connector
(optional)*
Pulse output relays

(both optional)
RS-485 terminals
RS-232
connector

Pulse output relay default values RS-485 connections RS-232 connector
Tx+ Rx- 1 2 3 4 5
A B C D E F 6 7 8 9
Tx- Rx+
A = Wh del E = EOI 1 = NC 6 = DSR
B = varh del F = LC 2 = Rx 7 = RTS
C = Wh rec 3 = Tx 8 = NC
D = varh rec 4 = DTR 9 = NC
5 = GND
For more information about relay outputs and communications, see the
instructional leaflet (IL) that comes with the option board.
The output relays on the main circuit board can switch up to 125 VAC or
200 VDC at up to 70 mA. See Appendix D, “Wiring Diagrams.”
With the A1800 ALPHA meter, all relay outputs are fully programmable
using Elster meter support software. Sources for relay outputs are listed in
Table 5-1.
Table 5-1. Sources for relay operation and output specifications
Relay source Relay output specification

Energy pulse For each pulse of the selected basic metered
quantity (see “Metered Energy and Demand
Quantities” on page 2-9), the relay will do
either of the following:
• toggle (that is, turn on and off)
• pulse for a specified length of time
Load control The relay closes when the demand exceeds
the specified demand threshold, and it
remains closed for the duration of the interval.
The relay will open after the demand remains
below the threshold for one full interval.
EOI indication The relay closes for 5 seconds after the end of
each interval or subinterval.

Technical Manual
Relay source Relay output specification

Demand forgiveness The relay closes while demand forgiveness is
(cold load pickup) in effect. The relay will open after the demand
forgiveness time has expired.
TRueQ tests failure Relay closes as long as the specified TRueQ
tests continue to fail (see “TRueQ Monitoring”
on page 4-14).
Specified errors, warnings, The relay closes for as long as the specified
and meter events errors, warnings, or events persist (see
“Relay-related Alarms” on page 5-4).
TOU switches to a specific The relay closes for the duration of the
tariff specified tariffs.
Figure 5-3. Toggle relay output
½ ½ ½ ½ ½ ½
On
Pulse
Off
Pulse period Pulse period Pulse period
In toggle mode, a relay changes state for each energy pulse received from
the meter engine.
Figure 5-4. Pulse relay output (default pulse width)
10 msec. 10 msec.
10 msec.
On
Pulse
Off
Pulse period Pulse period Pulse period
In pulse mode, a default pulse width of 10 milliseconds is generated for

each energy pulse received from the meter engine. Using Elster meter
support, the width can be programmed with a value from 1 millisecond to
255 milliseconds.
Energy Pulse Outputs

When a relay is used to echo energy pulses for a basic metered quantity,
each pulse is equal to a specified amount of energy.
Using Elster meter support software, there are two methods for specifying
the weight of each pulse.
Using Pulse Divisor. Program the energy pulse divisor with an integer
value between 1 and 999.
Pulse constant
Energy pulse divisor =
Relay constant

Technical Manual
The pulse constant (also known as the meter constant) for the
A1800 ALPHA meter is as follows:
■ For transformer rated meters: 40,000 pulses per kWh
For example, the desired relay constant is 1000 pulses per 1 kWh
and the pulse constant is 40,000 pulses per 1 kWh:
40000
Energy pulse divisor = = 40
1000
Using Elster meter support software, program the energy pulse
divisor of 40 into the meter.
Note: If the energy pulse divisor is not an integer, then the exact
desired output is not possible.
■ For direct connect-rated meters: 4000 pulses per kWh
For example, the desired relay constant is 1000 pulses per 1 kWh
and the pulse constant is 4000 pulses per 1 kWh:
4000
Energy pulse divisor = =4
1000
Using Elster meter support software, program the energy pulse
divisor of 4 into the meter.
Note: If the energy pulse divisor is not an integer, then the exact
desired output is not possible.
Using Pulse Value. Program the energy pulse value with a value
between 0.000001 kWh and 100 kWh to represent the amount of energy
per pulse (in kilo units). For example, to have one energy pulse represent 2
Wh (0.002 kWh), you would use an energy pulse value of 0.002.
Note: The pulse value method is available from the Tools >
System Preferences > Programming Options command in
Metercat.
Note: Elster recommends that the pulse value should not be
used when verifying meter accuracy. Use the pulse divisor
method when verifying meter accuracy.
Relay-related Alarms
The A1800 ALPHA meter periodically performs a self test to determine if it
is operating properly. If any errors are detected, the meter can respond in
any or all of the following ways:
■ display an error or a warning (see “Codes and Warnings” on page
6-2)
■ initiate a telephone call using a modem
■ trigger a relay
See Table 5-2 for errors, warnings, and events that can trigger a relay.
Table 5-2. Errors, warnings, and events that can trigger a relay
Condition Description
Carryover error See “E1 000001: Carryover error” on page 6-
3.
Clock error See “E3 030000: Clock error” on page 6-5.

Technical Manual
Crystal oscillator error “E1 000010: Crystal oscillator error” on page
6-4.
Demand overload warning See “W1 100000: Demand overload
warning” on page 6-7.
EEPROM access error See “E1 010000: EEPROM access error” on
page 6-4.
End of calendar warning See “W2 200000: End of calendar warning”
on page 6-8.
Event log wrap event The event log has exceeded the maximum
number of entries, and the oldest records will
be overwritten.
General configuration error See “E1 100000: General configuration error”
on page 6-4.
History log wrap warning The history log has exceeded the maximum
number of entries. Depending on
programming, the meter will either lock the
history log or start overwriting the oldest
records. If the history log is locked, no further
changes to the meter are allowed until the
history log has been read.
Improper meter engine See “W1 000010: Improper meter engine
operation warning operation warning” on page 6-7.
Instrumentation profiling set Set 1 of the instrumentation profiling log is
1 wrap imminent event within 2 days of overflowing. Data will be lost
if the instrumentation profiling log is not read
within 2 days.
Instrumentation profiling set Set 2 of the instrumentation profiling log is
2 wrap imminent event within 2 days of overflowing. Data will be lost
if the instrumentation profiling log is not read
within 2 days.
Internal communication See “E1 001000: Internal communication
error error” on page 6-4.
Low battery warning See “W1 000001: Low battery warning” on
page 6-6.
Possible tamper warning This condition indicates possible tampering
of the meter because a specified number of
invalid passwords used to access the meter
has been used (called “tamper detect
warning” in this manual). This condition does
not generate an error or warning code on the
LCD.
Potential indicator warning See “W1 010000: Potential indicator
warning” on page 6-7.
Power fail data save error See “E2 200000: Power fail data save error”
on page 6-5.
Pulse profiling wrap The pulse profiling log is within 2 days of
imminent event overflowing. Data will be lost if the pulse
profiling log is not read within 2 days.

Technical Manual
Rate override warning The current TOU rate is being overridden by
the alternate TOU rate schedule.
Reverse energy flow See “W1 000100: Reverse energy flow
warning warning” on page 6-7.
Service current test failure See “W2 000002: Service current test failure
warning warning” on page 6-7.
Service voltage test failure The service voltage test was unable to find a
warning valid service or the measured service does
not match the locked service.
LED Pulse Outputs The A1800 ALPHA meter has two energy light emitting diodes (LEDs):
■ active LED - indicates active (Wh) energy import or export
■ alternate LED - indicates alternate (varh/VAh) energy import or
export
The LEDs emit pulse outputs that can be used to test the A1800 ALPHA
meter in the field without removing the meter from service or breaking the
seal.
Figure 5-5. LEDs
Active energy LED
Alternate energy LED

Technical Manual
Output Specifications
The LEDs support up to 120 pulses per second.The pulse width is fixed at
8 msec.
Depending on the operating mode of the meter, the LEDs will emit a pulse
as follows:
Table 5-3. Transformer rated meter LED output specifications
Operating mode Pulse rate Pulse divisor

Normal 5000 pulses/kWh or 8
5000 pulses/kvarh
Alternate 5000 pulses/kWh or 8
5000 pulses/kvar
Test 40,000 pulses/kWh or 1
40,000 pulses/kvarh
Table 5-4. Direct connect-rated meter LED output specification
Operating mode Pulse rate Pulse divisor

Normal 1000 pulses/kWh or 4
1000 pulses/kvarh
Alternate 1000 pulses/kWh or 4
1000 pulses/kvarh
Test 4000 pulses/kWh or 1
4000 pulses/kvarh

Technical Manual

A1800 ALPHA Meter Family 6 Testing
Technical Manual
6 Testing
y
A1800 ALPHA meters are factory calibrated and tested to provide years of
trouble-free service. No field calibrations or adjustments are required to
ensure accurate operation of the meter. It is normal, however, to test
installed A1800 ALPHA meters periodically to ensure accurate billing.
The A1800 ALPHA meter performs its own self tests. Additionally, the
system instrumentation and TRueQ features provide valuable information
about the meter service. See Chapter 4, “Meter Tools,” for more
information about the instrumentation and power quality features of the
meter.
Testing procedures are the same regardless of the type of meter being
tested.
Meter Self Test The A1800 ALPHA meter periodically performs a self test to determine if it
is operating properly. The self test ensures that the A1800 ALPHA meter is
functioning properly and its displayed quantities are accurate. Any errors
encountered will be displayed on the LCD. Certain errors may also initiate a
telephone call via a modem or trigger a relay.
■ For LCD errors and warnings, see “Codes and Warnings” on page
6-2.
■ For relay alarms, see “Relay-related Alarms” on page 5-4.
The meter self test will be performed automatically under the following
conditions:
■ when the meter is initially installed and after any power restoration
■ at midnight
■ immediately after a data-altering communication session
The self test incorporates a series of electronic analyses verifying many
aspects of the A1800 ALPHA meter. Continuity checks and communica-
tions checks are made between various key circuits of the electronics, and
parity checks are made of memory and data locations. After the meter
passes its self test upon power restoration, all of the LCD segments will be
turned on briefly before beginning the normal display sequence. The fol-
lowing is a list of the specific tests performed during a self test:
■ verification of the configuration data and checksums
■ confirmation of the crystal oscillator accuracy
■ detection of low battery voltage
■ verification of normal microcontroller function
■ detection of unexpected meter engine resets (for multiple tariff
configurations)
■ detection and identification of user-defined warning conditions

6 Testing A1800 ALPHA Meter Family
Technical Manual
Codes and Warnings

There are 3 types of codes:
■ error codes
■ warning codes
■ communication codes
The A1800 ALPHA meter displays error codes and warnings as an
indication of a problem that may be adversely affecting its operation. The
meter will continue to function as normally as possible when displaying an
error or warning. The ✱ and RESET buttons operate differently if an error or
warning is displayed. See “Push Buttons” on page 3-4 for information on
how the push buttons operate when an error or warning is displayed.
Error codes indicate conditions that may be affecting billing data. It is not
recommended to operate the A1800 ALPHA meter for an extended time
when it is displaying an error code. Warning codes indicate conditions that
may be of concern but do not affect the integrity of billing data.
Communication codes generally indicate a condition affecting communica-
tions with the meter through the optical port or remote port. Not all com-
munication codes indicate potential problems; some codes provide an
indication of the present communication process.
Error Codes. Error codes override any other item that is being displayed
on the LCD. Using Elster support software, error codes can be configured
to “lock” the display, preventing other items from being displayed, and the
error indicator turns on. There are exceptions to errors locking the display:
■ The normal and alternate display sequence can be viewed even
when an error code locks the display. See “✱ Button” on page 3-5
for more information.
■ Warning codes can be programmed to display an error code.
When the condition causing the warning code is clear, the error
code is no longer displayed. See “E3 300000: Display locked by
warning” on page 6-5 for more information.
Communication codes are temporarily displayed on the LCD even when
the LCD is “locked” by an error code. After the communication code
clears, LCD returns to showing the error code.
Error codes are indicated on the LCD by a group code and a numerical
code. The group code makes it easier to identify the error on the LCD. The
numerical code indicates the specific condition that has occurred. See
Figure 6-1 for a sample error code displayed on the meter LCD. Table 6-1
through Table 6-3 describe the different error conditions and their codes.
Figure 6-1. Sample error code displayed on the LCD

Technical Manual
Table 6-1. Group E1 error conditions and codes
Condition Code
Carryover error 0 0 0 0 0 1
Crystal oscillator error 0 0 0 0 1 0
Table CRC error 0 0 0 1 0 0
Internal communication error 0 0 1 0 0 0
EEPROM access error 0 1 0 0 0 0
General configuration error 1 0 0 0 0 0
Condition Code
Security configuration error 0 0 0 0 0 2
Password table CRC error 0 0 0 0 2 0
Encryption key table CRC 0 0 0 0 0
2
error
ROM fail error 0 2 0 0 0 0
Power fail data save error 2 0 0 0 0 0
Condition Code
Clock error 0 3 0 0 0 0
Display locked by warning 3 0 0 0 0 0
Error codes of the same group are displayed in combination (E1 001010,
for example), indicating that more than one error condition has been
detected. If errors exist in more than one group, the meter will continually
cycle through the different groups. Any problems must be corrected before
normal operation can continue. In some cases, the meter may need to be
reprogrammed or returned to the factory for repair or replacement.
E1 000001: Carryover error. This code indicates a failure of a RAM

checksum test on data stored in the meter’s volatile RAM during a power
outage. When a loss of line voltage occurs, the meter’s RAM is maintained
by the super capacitor and the TOU battery. If both of these fail, the data
stored in RAM is lost. Billing data is stored in nonvolatile EEPROM and will
still be available.1 The push buttons and communications ports will function
normally.
1.
Billing data is always stored in nonvolatile memory. Depending on meter configura-
tion, other data may be stored in RAM, which uses a battery to preserve memory. If
the battery fails, this data would be lost.

Technical Manual
Since shipping can take several days, this error will likely be seen on
meters shipped without a connected battery.
The meter battery may need to be replaced, and the error will need to be
reset through Elster meter support software. If the error code is still shown
after using Elster meter support software, the meter must be returned to
the factory for repair or replacement.
E1 000010: Crystal oscillator error. This codes indicates a problem with

the crystal oscillator. The A1800 ALPHA meter must be returned to the
factory for repair or replacement.
E1 000100: Table CRC error. This code indicates a possible error in the
A1800 ALPHA meter’s programming. This code might appear if a
communications interruption occurs during meter programming.
Depending on which area of the meter is affected, billing data may not be
reliably accumulated while this error condition exists. The push buttons and
optical port will continue to function normally.
Reprogramming the meter with Elster meter support software may correct
the problem. If the error code is displayed after reprogramming, the
A1800 ALPHA meter should be returned to the factory for repair or
replacement.
E1 001000: Internal communication error. This code indicates the meter

had an internal communication error. The A1800 ALPHA meter must be
returned to the factory for repair or replacement.
E1 010000: EEPROM access error. This code indicates the meter had a
problem accessing its nonvolatile EEPROM. The A1800 ALPHA meter
should be returned to the factory for repair or replacement.
E1 100000: General configuration error. This code indicates a problem

with the meter’s configuration or program. The meter can usually be
reprogrammed using Elster meter support software to correct the errors.
E2 000002: Security configuration error. This code indicates an error is

present in the meter’s security configuration. Contact Elster if this error is
displayed on the LCD.
If this error occurs, the meter is vulnerable to tampering. Prompt correction

of the error will maximize the A1800 ALPHA meter’s security protection.
E2 000020: Password table CRC error. This code indicates a CRC error
is present in the meter’s ANSI C12.21 password configuration table.
Contact Elster Metering if this error is displayed on the LCD.


Technical Manual
E2 000200: Encryption key table CRC error. This code indicates a CRC
error is present in the meter’s ANSI C12.19 encryption key configuration
table. Encryption keys are used for secure access to the meter’s data and
configuration through the remote communication port. Contact Elster if this
error is displayed on the LCD.

E2 020000: ROM fail error. This code indicates an incomplete attempt to

flash the meter firmware. This code will exist on the meter if Elster firmware
flash software did not complete the upgrade process. All meter
functionality is halted until this error is resolved. Use Elster firmware flash
software to attempt repair. If this fails, the meter must be returned to the
E2 200000: Power fail data save error. This code indicates that the data
saved in the nonvolatile EEPROM during a power fail may be invalid. This
error will be displayed when power is restored to the meter, and a self
check has discovered an error with the EEPROM data. The A1800 ALPHA
meter must be returned to the factory for repair or replacement.
E3 030000: Clock error. This code indicates an error with the meter’s
timekeeping ability. When a carryover error occurs (see “E1 000001:
Carryover error” on page 6-3), reference to real time is lost. The meter
battery may need to be replaced, and the error will need to be reset
through Elster meter support software. If the error code is still present, the
meter must be returned to the factory for repair or replacement.
TOU features cannot be performed when time is lost. Previously
accumulated data is stored in nonvolatile EEPROM and will still be
available.
E3 300000: Display locked by warning. This code indicates that one or

more warning codes (see “Warning Codes” on page 6-5) has locked the
display. The A1800 ALPHA meter can be programmed to lock the display if
a warning condition is present. Elster meter support software is used to
select the individual warnings that will cause this error code to display. If the
condition causing the warning clears, the error code will also clear.
Warning Codes. Warning codes indicate conditions of concern that do

not yet affect the integrity of billing data. When the condition is present, a
warning code is automatically inserted as the last item in the normal and
alternate display sequences. When the condition clears, the warning code,
is removed from the display sequence. Elster meter support software can
be used to select individual warnings that will lock the display as an error.
See “Error Codes” on page 6-2 for more information.
Warning codes are indicated on the LCD by a group code and a numerical
code. The group code makes it easier to identify the error on the LCD. The
numeric code indicates the specific condition that has occurred. See
Figure 6-2 for a sample warning code displayed on the LCD. Table 6-4 and
Table 6-5 describe the different warning conditions and their codes.

Technical Manual
Figure 6-2. Sample warning code
Table 6-4. Group W1 warning codes
Condition Code
Low battery warning 0 0 0 0 0 1
Improper meter engine 0 0 0 0 0
1
operation warning
Reverse energy flow warning 0 0 0 1 0 0
Potential indicator warning 0 1 0 0 0 0
Demand overload warning 1 0 0 0 0 0
Table 6-5. Group W2 warning codes
Condition Code
Service current test failure 0 0 0 0 0
2
warning
Demand threshold 0 0 0 0 0
2
exceeded warning
Line frequency warning 0 0 2 0 0 0
TRueQ test failure warning 0 2 0 0 0 0
End of calendar warning 2 0 0 0 0 0
Warning codes of the same group are displayed in combination (for

example, W2 202000), indicating that one or more warning conditions are
present. If warnings exist in more than one group, the meter displays each
group at the end of the display sequence before returning to the first item in
the display sequence.
W1 000001: Low battery warning. This warning code indicates a low

battery voltage or missing battery. A1800 ALPHA meters having realtime
TOU functionality require a battery to maintain date and time over an
extended power outage.
For timekeeping configurations, the meter should be de–energized and the
battery should be replaced. Once the new battery has been installed and
the meter is energized, the code is automatically cleared. See “Removing
the Battery” on page 7-6 and “Installing a TOU Battery” on page 7-3 for
instructions on replacing batteries.
Note: In addition, the low battery indicator will display on the
LCD (see “Low Battery Indicator” on page 3-3).

Technical Manual
W1 000010: Improper meter engine operation warning. This code indi-

cates that the meter engine program may be corrupt or is not executing
correctly. This warning condition is typically triggered when the microcon-
troller reinitializes the meter engine. An unstable or noisy electrical environ-
ment at the A1800 ALPHA meter installation can interfere with this
operation.
If the meter engine is successfully reinitialized, then the warning code will
be automatically cleared from the LCD. If the code continues to be
displayed on the LCD, the A1800 ALPHA meter should be returned to the
W1 000100: Reverse energy flow warning. This warning code indicates

that reverse energy flow has been detected equivalent to twice the Kh
since the last reset. It may be an indication of tampering with the
A1800 ALPHA meter installation. If reverse energy flow is expected, then
this warning code can be disabled through Elster meter support software.
If the service being metered is not expected to return energy to the utility,
further investigation is required. In some cases, it may be necessary to
return the A1800 ALPHA meter to the factory for repair or replacement.
The code is cleared by these methods:
■ performing a demand reset
■ issuing the clear values and status command through Elster meter
support software
W1 010000: Potential indicator warning. This code indicates that one or

more of the phase potentials are missing or below the defined threshold for
voltage sag detection. This code will display at the same time as one or
more of the potential indicators blink. See “Phase Indicators” on page 3-2
and “Voltage Sags” on page 4-15 for more details on potential indicators
and voltage sags.
The code is automatically cleared when the phase potential returns a value
within the programmed thresholds.
W1 100000: Demand overload warning. This code indicates that the

demand value exceeded the programmed overload value. It is generally
intended to inform a utility when the installation is requiring more power
than the service equipment was originally designed to handle.
If the demand overload value has been set lower than appropriate for the
installation, the A1800 ALPHA meter may be reprogrammed with a higher
threshold value.
support software
W2 000002: Service current test failure warning. This code indicates

that the most recently performed service current test has failed. See
“Service Current Test” on page 4-11 for more information.
■ the service current test is performed again and the test does not
fail
support software

Technical Manual
W2 000200: Demand threshold exceeded warning. This code indicates

that the demand has exceeded one of the programmed demand
thresholds. This warning follows the state of any relay programmed for
demand threshold operation. It is set once the demand threshold has been
exceeded and only cleared after one complete demand interval during
which the threshold is not exceeded.
W2 002000: Line frequency warning. If a meter is configured to use the

line frequency instead of the crystal oscillator as the time base, this code
indicates that the line frequency is off by ±5 % of its programmed setting.
When this condition occurs, the meter switches timekeeping to the crystal
oscillator.
The code will be automatically cleared once the line frequency returns to
within 5 % of the nominal frequency. This warning will never appear on
meters configured for constant timekeeping operation from the internal
crystal.
W2 020000: TRueQ test failure warning. This code indicates that one or
more TRueQ tests have detected a value outside the programmed
thresholds. Use the meter system instrumentation displays or Elster meter
support software to gain additional information on the specific TRueQ test
causing the problem.
The code will be automatically cleared once TRueQ conditions return to a
value within the programmed thresholds.
W2 200000: End of calendar warning. This code indicates that the meter
calendar has expired or is about to expire. The date at which this code
appears is configurable using Elster meter support software. Program a
new calendar using Elster meter support software.
support software
Communication Codes. Communication codes temporarily override

any other item that is being displayed on the LCD (including error codes).
Communication codes are indicated on the LCD by a port code and a
numerical code. The port code identifies the affected port. The numerical
code indicates the status of the communication session. See Figure 6-3 for
a sample communication code displayed on the meter’s LCD. See
Table 6-6 for the communication codes that can be displayed.
Figure 6-3. Sample

Technical Manual
Table 6-6. Communication codes
Condition Code
CRC error C 0 0 1 0 1
Syntax error C 0 0 1 0 3
Framing error C 0 0 1 0 4
Timeout error C 0 0 1 0 5
For most communication errors, Elster recommends you attempt the

communication again. You may need to cycle power to the A1800 ALPHA
meter or to reattempt the Elster meter support software function. If
communication errors persist, return the meter to the factory for repair or
replacement.
Meter Shop Testing Test Equipment

Typically, meter shops develop testing procedures specific to their own
needs and have the test equipment needed. Below is a list of standard test
equipment required for testing the A1800 ALPHA meter:
■ a stable mounting fixture for the meter and a means to temporarily
make the proper power connections to the meter
■ a reliable power supply that should be able to do the following:
■ provide a voltage source for energizing the meter at its rated
voltage (if desired, the meter can be tested using a lower
source voltage if that voltage is within the wide operating
voltage range of the A1800 ALPHA meter)
■ provide a variable load current at unity power factor (PF)
■ provide a variable load current at a lagging power factor for
varh testing; the power supply should be capable of delivering
load current at PF = 0.0 (90° lagging) or PF = 0.5 (60° lagging)
■ a precision Wh reference standard with ±0.002 % accuracy
■ a precision varh reference standard with ±0.002 % accuracy
■ a phantom load device or other loading circuit capable of
handling the test current
■ one of the following:
■ a photoelectric pickup to sense test pulses from the LED
and a device capable of counting pulses
■ a low voltage (12 VDC to 24 VDC), low-power pulse
sensor to capture and count pulses from the meter output
relay (the pulse sensor should provide a low voltage
source to the pulsing relay as well as detect and count
contact closures of the output relay)
■ test equipment for measuring, counting, and timing pulse
outputs
■ control equipment that can provide switching between the
meter source voltage and precision reference standard
■ precision voltage and current transformers
■ voltmeters, ammeters, phase angle meters, power factor
meters, and any other measuring equipment that might be
required

Technical Manual
Test Setup
Before testing the A1800 ALPHA meter, check the nameplate for the
following:
■ Meter class for expected accuracy
■ Test amperes (In or Ib)
The specific test ampere value is not critical as long as the applied
current does not exceed the Imax current rating of the meter.
Normally, a value of approximately 20 % to 25 % of Imax is used for
basic tests, with additional test points at 5 %, 10 %, and 100 % of
Imax also required by most legal authorities.
Note: The A1800 ALPHA meter has a flat, linear load curve
accuracy response. Therefore, when allowed by local
legislation, meter accuracy testing can be accomplished
by checking the meter accuracy at two typical points. For
example, test the meter with In equal to 10 % of Imax, at
both 100 % and 20 % PF. Historical data from testing the
A1800 ALPHA meter confirms that if these test points are
within the required accuracy, the entire range of loads is
within the required accuracy.
■ Operating voltage range
■ Any other important specifications for the meter being tested
Risk of personal injury or death!

Use only authorized personnel and proper test procedures to test metering
equipment. Dangerous voltages are present. Personal injury, death, or
equipment damage can result if safety precautions are not followed.
To set up the A1800 ALPHA meter for testing:

1. Install the meter in the stable mounting fixture.
2. Place the precision Wh or varh reference standard and precision
voltage and current transformers (as required) in series with the
meter being tested.
If voltage transformers are not required, then the meter source
voltage should be placed in parallel with the Wh or VARh reference
standards. See Appendix D, “Wiring Diagrams” for appropriate
wiring diagrams for the A1800 ALPHA meter.
3. Connect the control equipment for switching the source voltage to
the precision reference standard.
4. Connect the measuring equipment for counting the standard’s
output pulses.
Apply the rated test current and voltage to the terminals of the meter.
6-10 09 February 2007

Technical Manual
Meter Testing
Since no adjustments are required for the A1800 ALPHA meter in the field,
meter testing is done primarily to verify that the meter is operating within its
specifications. Typically, meter specifications are verified by checking the
meter calibration. The accuracy of the A1800 ALPHA meter remains
consistent over a wide range of ambient temperatures. Nevertheless, for
precise test results, meters should be tested in an environment where the
meter and test equipment are at the same ambient temperature, ideally
22 °C (72 °F).
The test voltage should be applied to the meter for at least ten seconds
prior to making test measurements. This allows the power supply circuitry
to stabilize. When testing meters for Class 0.2 accuracy, a test cycle time
of at least one minute is recommended at In and with PF = 1.0. When using
current values lower than In for testing, test errors may occur because not
enough time is allowed for the test. When using a lower test In, increase the
test time proportionally.
The preferred test method is to apply full 3-phase voltage and current to
both the meter and the precision reference standard. Nevertheless, if
required, polyphase meters can be tested with single phase loading. Single
phase loading is done by connecting the voltage inputs in parallel and the
current sensors in series to combine element operation. The accuracy test
results for single phase and polyphase loading will be virtually identical and
well within A1800 ALPHA meter specifications.
Using Relay Outputs for Testing. The relay outputs can be used
instead of the LED to test meter calibration. To do so, the relay outputs
need to be configured for pulse output. When using the relay outputs for
testing, testing time should exceed 20 seconds for accurate results at
normal test current values of Ib or In. If more accurate testing is required,
use longer testing times. If precision testing is required, testing times
should be as long as it takes to attain a stable accuracy level when
comparing the meter under test to the precision standard. The testing time
may vary because of the characteristics of the precision reference standard
and the amount of power flowing through the test circuits. Some
experimentation may be required to determine the testing time needed to
reach a stable accuracy level.
Using LCD Pulse Count for Testing.
Wiring a portable device into an energized metering circuit must be done

with extreme care, using only authorized procedures. If high voltage
connected current transformers are accidentally open circuited, the
voltages at the secondary open terminals can rise to the primary voltage
level, creating an extremely hazardous condition, leading to possible
property damage, personnel injury or death.
To test the meter using the LCD pulse count, the meter display must be
configured to display a test pulse count. Use the Elster meter support
software to communicate to the meter through the optical port and place it
in test mode. In test mode, the LCD display can be cycled to display the
pulse count accumulated during a test cycle. After meter testing is
complete, use the meter software to restore the meter to normal mode.
09 February 2007 6-11

Technical Manual
If a meter is programmed to display energy pulse counts when it is in the

alternate display mode, a similar procedure also can be used to test a
meter while it is in service at a customer site. When testing a meter in
service, follow the safety procedures specified by the utility. Wire a portable
precision reference standard into the circuit in series with the billing meter.
After the portable precision reference standard is in the circuit, the energy
value determined from the pulse count displayed on the LCD over the test
interval can be compared with the energy value displayed on the portable
reference standard. If this test method is used while the meter is in
alternate mode, any energy consumed by the customer during the test is
registered in the normal manner.
6-12 09 February 2007

A1800 ALPHA Meter Family 7 Installation and Removal
Technical Manual
7 Installation and Removal

y
Preliminary
Inspection
Circuit-closing devices must be used on current transformer secondaries.

Dangerous currents and voltages are present if secondaries are open-
circuited. Equipment damage, personal injury, or death can result if circuit-
closing devices are not used.
The A1800 ALPHA meter is calibrated and tested at the factory, and it is
ready for installation. Follow proper installation and removal procedures for
personal safety and protection of the meter.
Before installing and applying power to the A1800 ALPHA meter, a quick
inspection of the meter itself is recommended. Check for some of the
following items:
■ no broken or missing parts
■ no missing or broken wiring
■ no bent or cracked components
■ no evidence of overheating
■ check the nameplate to make sure it is appropriate for the service
Physical damage to the outside of the A1800 ALPHA meter could indicate
potential electronic damage in the inside of the meter. Do not connect
power to a meter that is suspected to have unknown internal damage.
Contact your local Elster representative if you suspect your meter may be
damaged.
Placing the Meter See Appendix D, “Wiring Diagrams,” for illustrations of both internal and
into Service connection wiring diagrams.

Dangerous currents and voltages are present if secondaries are open-
circuited. Personal injury, death, or equipment damage can result if circuit-
closing devices are not used.

7 Installation and Removal A1800 ALPHA Meter Family
Technical Manual
Make sure to install the correct meter for the service type, maximum
current, and capacity required. Always verify that the maximum meter
voltage and current ratings are equal to or greater than the maximum
service voltage and current. Installing inappropriate meters can damage
equipment.
To use the A1800 ALPHA meter effectively and safely, follow this
procedure:
1. Make sure that the meter hanger, located on the base of the
A1800 ALPHA meter, is in the desired position. Sliding the hanger
down to the hidden position will hide the top supporting screw.
2. Use at least an M6 screw for the top supporting position and hang
the meter on it, making sure it is level. The meter will operate
correctly in any position, but failing to mount the meter in a proper
vertical position will place the other mounting holes at the wrong
place on the mounting panel.
3. Use at least an M6 screw in each of the bottom supporting screws
to secure the A1800 ALPHA meter enclosure; the mounting holes
are 7.1 mm (0.28 inches) in diameter.
Before wiring the meter into the power circuit, use authorized utility
procedures to install proper ground connections on all appropriate VT and
CT circuits and on the meter ground terminals. Also, be certain that CTs on
energized lines are securely short-circuited either with circuit-closing test
switches or with properly installed conductors. Dangerous voltages can be
present. Personal injury, death, or equipment damage can result from
wiring an ungrounded meter or mishandling improperly grounded metering
transformer circuits.
4. Install the ground connections.
A1800 ALPHA meter terminals are designed for optimum use with copper
wiring. For direct connect-rated meters, aluminum wiring can be used but if
so, it is extremely important to use proper aluminum wiring practices.
Aluminum wiring compound or wiring paste (grease) should be used when
attaching the bottom-connected terminals. Tighten the connections, allow
them to relax for a few minutes, then tighten them again. This will minimize
the cold-flow effects of aluminum cable. Failure to observe correct
practices for installing aluminum wiring could lead to overheating of the
terminals, equipment failures, or damaging fires. Where possible, Elster
recommends copper-compatible meter terminals and aluminum wire. Such
adapters also can provide for use or larger aluminum conductors that can
be otherwise used in the terminals of the A1800 ALPHA meter.
5. Ensure that primary or system voltages are either disconnected

from a power source or that utility safety practices for handling live
circuits are strictly followed.

Technical Manual
6. If applicable, ensure that any current transformers are de-

energized with no high-voltage primary voltage connected to their
primaries and no primary current circulating through them. If
primary current and voltage are present in the current
transformers, it is extremely important to verify that safety shorting
connections are in place on all secondary winding connections
prior to handling CT connections to the meter.
7. Wire the meter using color-coded wire according to locally
applicable specifications. The terminal block dimensions on the
A1800 ALPHA meter support cable sizes of approximately 5 mm
in diameter for transformer rated connections (10 mm in diameter
for direct connect).
Standard wiring diagrams are shown in Appendix D, “Wiring
Diagrams.”
8. After wiring the meter, assemble the terminal cover and apply
power.
Installing a TOU Battery

The TOU battery is replaceable without breaking the meter seal. Use only
Elster-recommended TOU batteries. See your Elster representative for
details.
The meter should be de-energized before installing the battery. Dangerous

voltages are present; and equipment damage, personal injury, or death can
result if safety precautions are not followed. Use authorized procedures to
install the battery while power is removed from the meter.
Before installing the battery, the A1800 ALPHA meter must have been
energized for at least 1 minute within the preceding 60 minutes. This
ensures that the supercapacitor is properly charged and that the battery is
not immediately drained upon installation. If this is not done, then the
battery may be damaged and the meter may not function correctly. While
the meter is powered, verify that the LCD is active and functioning.
To install the battery:
1. If the meter has not been energized for at least 1 minute during the
previous 60 minutes, energize the meter for 1 minute.
If the meter has been energized for at least 1 minute during the
previous 60 minutes, proceed to step 2.
2. De-energize the meter.
3. Remove the terminal cover screws and seals.
4. Remove the terminal cover to expose the battery well.

Technical Manual
Figure 7-1. Battery well and connector
TOU battery
5. Slide the battery leads into the connector to the right of the battery
well.
6. Place the battery firmly in the battery well.
7. Replace the terminal cover.
8. Energize the meter and verify that the LCD becomes active and
functioning properly.
Verify that the low battery symbol on the meter LCD is not
displayed. See “Indicators and Controls” on page 3-1 for details.
9. Replace the terminal cover screws and seals.
10. Reprogram the meter or clear the errors (as necessary).
Troubleshooting.
Not following this procedure can cause the meter to function improperly. In
case a battery has been installed correctly and the meter is not functioning
properly (for example, display is blank but the meter is powered), use the
following procedure.
1. De-energize the meter and let it sit without power for 48 to 72

hours. This provides sufficient time for the supercapacitor to
discharge and for the microcontroller to shut down.1
2. Energize the meter for at least 1 minute. The microcontroller
should power up correctly and the supercapacitor will charge.
Verify that the LCD becomes active and functioning correctly.
3. De-energize the meter and insert the battery, following the
instructions earlier in this section.
If the meter still does not function properly, then it should be returned to the
factory.
1
If the battery was installed with the polarity reversed, the battery should not be dam-
aged. If the battery was installed without having the meter properly energized, then
the battery will lose approximately 8.5 % of its service life each day.

Technical Manual
Initial Setup After installing and powering the A1800 ALPHA meter, verify the following:
■ The system service voltage test (if enabled) shows the valid service
for this installation. The phase rotation, service voltage, and
service type should be indicated on the LCD. Other validation
information can be obtained using the system instrumentation
display quantities.
■ All potential indicators (from 1 to 3 depending on the wiring) are
present and are not blinking. A blinking indicator means that the
phase is missing the required voltage or is below the programmed
minimum voltage threshold value.
■ The LEDs are blinking and the energy direction indicators on the
LCD show the correct energy flow direction.
■ Required meter seals are in place.
■ Any information (such as registration and location of the meter) has
been recorded.
If the meter is not working correctly after it has been installed, then check
for improper installation or wiring. If the installation and wiring are correct,
then verify these other areas:
■ the meter installation matches the meter nameplate

■ the correct type of A1800 ALPHA meter is installed in the existing
service
■ no evidence of mechanical or electrical damage to either the meter
or the installation location
■ the service voltage falls within the operating range as indicated on
the nameplate
■ the optical port is free of dirt or other obstructions
Marking the Utility Information Card

The utility information card can be removed without breaking seals and
removing the meter cover screws.
To remove the utility information:
1. Remove the terminal cover as described above.
2. Grasp the protruding utility information card tab firmly and pull the
card out slowly from under the meter cover.
3. Mark the card as needed.
Figure 7-2. Removing the utility information card

Technical Manual
Removing the Meter Use the appropriate procedure when removing an A1800 ALPHA meter
from Service from service.
Use authorized utility procedures to remove metering equipment.

Dangerous voltages are present, and equipment damage, personal injury,
or death can result if safety procedures are not followed.

This applies to CT-connected meters. Dangerous currents and voltages are
present if secondaries are open-circuited. Equipment damage, personal
injury, or death can result if circuit-closing devices are not used.
If it becomes necessary to remove an A1800 ALPHA meter from service,

use the following procedure:
1. Before disconnecting the meter, make sure that the existing meter
data has been copied, either manually or electronically using Elster
2. Remove the voltage and disconnect the current circuits.
3. Break the seal holding the A1800 ALPHA meter terminal cover in
place.
4. Remove the terminal cover screws and take off the terminal cover.
5. Disconnect the wiring.
6. Remove the lower supporting screws.
7. Lift the meter off the top supporting screw.
Removing the Battery
The meter should be de-energized before removing the battery. Dangerous

voltages are present; and equipment damage, personal injury, or death can
result if safety precautions are not followed. Use authorized procedures to
remove the battery while power is removed from the meter.
Use the following procedure to remove a battery from an A1800 ALPHA

meter:
1. De-energize the meter.
2. Remove the terminal cover to expose the battery well.
3. Firmly grasp the battery and lift it from the well.
4. Disconnect the battery leads from the connector.
5. Replace the terminal cover and ensure the seals are in place.
If the removed battery is still in working condition, it can be stored safely for
future use. Non-functioning batteries should be disposed of according to
local laws, regulations, or electric utility policies.

A1800 ALPHA Meter Family 8 Loss Compensation
Technical Manual
8 Loss Compensation
y
Introduction What is Loss Compensation?

The Handbook for Electricity Metering defines loss compensation as
follows:
A means for correcting the reading of a meter when the metering point
and the point of service are physically separated resulting in measur-
able losses including I2R losses in conductors and transformers, and
iron-core losses. These losses may be added to, or subtracted from
the meter registration.1
For example, it may be desirable to measure the energy usage on the low
voltage side of a distribution transformer that serves an industrial customer
even though the end-point customer actually owns the transformer and is
responsible for any transformer losses. In this case, the utility billing point is
actually the high voltage side of the transformer. Using loss compensation,
the meter on the low voltage side of the transformer can actively adjust the
energy registration to account for the losses in the transformer.
Availability
The loss compensation functionality is available only on the following CT-
connected A1800 ALPHA meter configurations:
■ 2-element
■ 3-element
Software Support
A meter with loss compensation must first be programmed with the proper
utility rate configuration using Elster meter support software just as you
would with any other A1800 ALPHA meter. Next, a special programming
step is performed to load the proper loss constants into the meter. This is
done with special Windows–based software titled Meter Loss
Compensation Tool.
Calculating the To configure the loss compensation feature of an A1800 ALPHA meter you
Correction Values must input the following values into the loss compensation software. These
values are site specific and must be uniquely determined for each loss
compensation application.
Parameter Description
%LWFe Iron watts correction percentage
%LWCu Copper watts correction percentage
1
Edison Electric Institute, Handbook for Electricity Metering, 10th edition, Washington,
DC: Edison Electric Institute, 2002, p. 16.

8 Loss Compensation A1800 ALPHA Meter Family
Technical Manual
%LVFe Iron vars correction percentage
%LVCu Copper vars correction percentage
Meter current Meter current when power transformer is operating
at maximum rating
Meter voltage Meter voltage when power transformer is operating
at rated voltage
These values must be calculated on the basis of the power transformer

test report and, if line losses are to be included, the characteristics of the
primary/secondary conductors at the specific site in question. The
following sections describe these calculations.
Calculation of loss compensation parameters is dependent on the location
of the meter with respect to the power transformer. The rated voltage and
rated current used in the calculations must represent the values on the
same side of the power transformer as the meter is located.
■ If the meter is located on the secondary side of the power
transformer, then the rated voltage and rated current used in the
calculations must be secondary values.
■ If the meter is located on the primary side of the power
transformer, then the rated voltage and rated current used in the
calculations must be primary values.
Gather Necessary Data

The following information is necessary to calculate the loss compensation
configuration parameters.
KVArated Rated kVA of power transformer
Vpri L-L Primary line-to-line voltage of power transformer
Vsec L-L Secondary line-to-line voltage of power transformer
LWCu Full load watts loss of power transformer (copper or
winding losses)
LWFe No load watts loss of power transformer (iron or core
losses)
%EXC Percent excitation current of the power transformer
%Z Percent impedance of the power transformer
CTR Current transformer ratio for instrument transformers
supplying current to the meter
VTR Voltage transformer ratio for instrument transformers
supplying voltage to the meter
Elements Number of meter elements (use 3 for all 2 ½ element
meters)
Note: There may be one 3-phase transformer or a bank of three

single phase transformers. If there are three single phase
transformers then test data is needed for all three.

Technical Manual
Calculate the Meter Configuration Parameters

Step 1. Calculate the following quantities.
VAphase Per phase VA rating of power transformer
Vsec rated Rated secondary voltage of power transformer
Isec rated Rated secondary current of power transformer
Vpri rated Rated primary voltage of power transformer
Ipri rated Rated primary current of power transformer
LWFe No load watt loss of power transformer (loss watt iron)
LWCu Full load watt loss of power transformer (loss watt
copper)
LVAFe No load VA loss of power transformer (loss VA iron)
LVACu Full load VA loss of power transformer (loss VA copper)
LVFe No load var loss of power transformer (loss var iron)
LVCu Full load var loss of power transformer (loss var copper)
Parameter Equation
VAphase If bank of 3 transformers
VA phase = KVArated × 1000
If one 3-phase transformer

( kVArated × 1000 )
VA phase =
3
Vsec rated For 2 element, 3-wire delta
applications V sec rated = V sec L - L
For 3 element, 4-wire wye

applications V sec L - L
V sec rated =
3
Vpri rated For 2 element, 3-wire delta

applications V pri rated = V pri L - L
For 3 element, 4-wire wye

applications V pri L - L
V pri rated =
3
Isec rated All applications

3 × VA phase
I sec rated =
V sec L- L
Ipri rated All applications

3 × VA phase
I pri rated =
V pri L - L

Technical Manual
Parameter Equation
Note: For a bank of three single phase transformers the below calculations
should be performed independently for each transformer and then
summed to obtain the total losses.
LWFe Take directly from power transformer test report.
LWCu Take directly from power transformer test report.
LVAFe
⎛ %EXC ⎞
kVArated × 1000 × ⎜ ⎟
⎝ 100 ⎠
LVACu
⎛ %Z ⎞
kVArated × 1000 × ⎜ ⎟
⎝ 100 ⎠
LVFe
LVAFe 2 - LWFe 2
LVCu
LVCu 2 - LWCu 2
Step 2. If it is desired to compensate for line losses then calculate the full
load watt line loss and the full load var line loss values (see next section for
details on line loss calculation).
LiWTOT Total full load watt line loss (line loss watt)
LiVTOT Total full load var line loss (line loss var)
Step 3. Calculate the per element % correction factors, the meter voltage,
and the meter current. These are the values that must be entered into the
loss compensation software to configure the meter properly.
■ If the meter is on the primary side of the power transformer, then
Vrated = Vpri rated and Irated = Ipri rated.
■ If the meter is on the secondary side of the power transformer,
then Vrated = Vsec rated and Irated = Isec rated.
Parameter Equation
%LWFe
LWFe × 100
Vrated × I rated × Elements
%LWCu
(LWCu + LiWTOT )× 100

Technical Manual
Parameter Equation
%LVFe
LVFe × 100
%LVCu
(LVCu + LiVTOT )× 100
Meter current
I rated
CTR
Meter voltage
Vrated
VTR
Calculating Line Compensation for line losses may include primary losses, secondary
Loss losses, or both depending on the application.

The following information is necessary to calculate the line losses.
f Frequency
n Number of conductors
L Line length (units compatible with conductor
resistance)
Ra Conductor resistance (Ω/meter or Ω/kilometer)
1
GMR Geometric mean radius of the phase conductors (in
meters)
Xa 1 Inductive reactance of the conductor at 1ft. spacing
(Ω/meter or Ω/kilometer)
1 Either GMR or Xa is required (but not both). The available information determines
which is used in the calculations.
Step 1. Calculate line resistance and line reactance

The equations below should be applied individually to the primary and the
secondary conductors.
RL Line resistance (Ω)
XL Line reactance (Ω)
Deq Geometric mean distance between phase
conductors (in meters)
DL1,L2 Distance between Line 1 and Line 2 (in meters)

Technical Manual
Parameter Equation
RL
L × Ra
Calculating the reactive component of the impedance is not as straight

forward as the resistance calculation, and the calculation depends on the
wiring configuration. The most common configuration is one where the
wires are unbundled and the spacing between wires is uniform. Other
types of wiring, such as bundled conductors, will not be discussed in this
document. Two equations can be used to calculate line reactance. The
choice of which equation to use is based on the whether GMR or Xa is
available.
Item Equation
XL If using
GMR ⎛ f ⎞ ⎛ Deq ⎞
L × 0.2794 × ⎜ ⎟ × Log ⎜⎜ ⎟⎟
⎝ 60 ⎠ ⎝ GMR ⎠
If using Xa
⎧ ⎡ ⎛ f ⎞ ⎤⎫
L × ⎨ X a + ⎢0.2794 × ⎜ ⎟ × LogDeq ⎥ ⎬
⎩ ⎣ ⎝ 60 ⎠ ⎦⎭
where
Deq = 3 DL1 ,L 2 × DL 2 ,L 3 × DL 3 ,L1
Step 2. Calculate the line losses

Item Description
LiWTOT Total full load watt line loss (line loss watt)
LiVTOT Total full load var line loss (line loss var)
Vpri L-L Primary line-to-line voltage of power transformer
Vsec L-L Secondary line-to-line voltage of power transformer
Ipri rated Rated primary current of power transformer
Isec rated Rated secondary current of power transformer
Note: Vpri L-L, Vsec L-L, Ipri rated, and Isec rated are the same values
as used in calculation of transformer losses (see previous
section).
When compensating for both transformer and line losses:
Item Equation
LiWsec
I sec2 rated × RL sec × n

Technical Manual
Item Equation
LiVsec
I sec2 rated × X L sec × n
LiWpri
rated × RL pri × n
2
I pri
LiVpri
rated × X L pri × n
2
I pri
LiWTOT
LiW sec + LiW pri
LiVTOT
LiV sec + LiV pri
Note: In the special case that you are compensating only for line
loss (no transformer losses), then the values for Ipri rated
and Isec rated must be directly specified by the user.
Typically, these two values will be inversely proportional to
the rated secondary and primary voltages of the power
transformer. That is,
I pri rated V sec rated

=
I sec rated V pri rated
Step 3. If compensating for both transformer and line losses, return to

Step 3 of the previous section using the above calculated line losses to
help calculate the %LWCu and %LVCu values.
If compensating only for line losses use the following equations to calculate
the per element % correction factors, the meter voltage and the meter
current for entry in the loss compensation software.
■ If the meter is on the primary side of the power transformer,
Irated = Ipri rated.
■ If the meter is on the secondary side of the power transformer,
Irated = Isec rated.
Vrated is the nominal voltage seen on the high side of the instrument
transformer supplying voltage to the meter.
Parameter Equation
%LWFe 0
%LWCu
LiWTOT × 100
%LVFe 0
%LVCu
LiVTOT × 100

Technical Manual
Parameter Equation
Meter current
I rated
CTR
Meter voltage
Vrated
VTR
Calculation Example The following example can be used as a guideline. This is based on the
sample transformer data for loss compensation shown in chapter 10 of the
Handbook for Electricity Metering (10th edition).2
Application notes:
■ The application is a bank of three single-phase power
transformers.
■ The metering occurs on the low (secondary) side of a power
transformer, and losses will be added to the measured energy.
■ There is a delta connection on the secondary of the power
transformer and thus a 2-element meter will be used to measure
the service.
■ Losses are being compensated for the power transformer only (no
line losses).

Power transformer data (from transformer manufacturer)
Value
Parameter
Line 1 Line 2 Line 3
KVArated 3333 3333 3333
Vpri L-L 115000 115000 115000
Vsec L-L 2520 2520 2520
LWCu 18935 18400 18692
LWFe 9650 9690 9340
%EXC 1.00 1.06 0.91
%Z 8.16 8.03 8.12
Instrument transformer data

Parameter Value
CTR
3000
= 600
5
2 Edison Electric Institute, Handbook for Electricity Metering, tenth edition, Washing-
ton, DC: Edison Electric Institute, 2002, Chapter 10, “Special Metering,” pp. 249-88.

Technical Manual
Parameter Value
VTR
2400
= 20
120
Meter data:
Parameter Value
Elements 2
Step 1. Calculate the quantities

Because the metering is on the secondary side of the power transformer,
all references to rated voltage and rated current refer to the secondary
rated values.
VAphase bank of three transformers:
kVArated × 1000 = 3333 × 1000 = 3,333,000
Vrated secondary side, 2-element delta application:
V sec L - L = 2520
Irated secondary side application:
VA phase 3 ,333 ,000

3× = 3× = 2290.84
V sec L - L 2520
Phase 1. Calculations
Parameter Value
LWFe 9650
LWCu 18935
LVAFe
⎛ %EXC ⎞
kVArated × 1000 × ⎜ ⎟
⎝ 100 ⎠
⎛ 1.00 ⎞
3333 × 1000 × ⎜ ⎟ = 33 ,330
⎝ 100 ⎠
LVACu
⎛ %Z ⎞
kVArated × 1000 × ⎜ ⎟
⎝ 100 ⎠
⎛ 8.16 ⎞
3333 × 1000 × ⎜ ⎟ = 271 ,973
⎝ 100 ⎠
LVFe
LVFe 2 - LWFe 2
35 ,330 2 − 9690 2 = 33 ,975

Technical Manual
Parameter Value
LVCu
LVACu 2 - LWCu 2
271 ,923 2 − 18 ,935 2 = 271,313
Parameter Value
LWFe 9690
LWCu 18400
LVAFe
⎛ % EXC ⎞
kVArated × 1000 × ⎜ ⎟
⎝ 100 ⎠
⎛ 1.06 ⎞
3333 × 1000 × ⎜ ⎟ = 35 ,330
⎝ 100 ⎠
LVACu
⎛%Z ⎞
kVArated × 1000 × ⎜ ⎟
⎝ 100 ⎠
⎛ 8.03 ⎞
3333 × 1000 × ⎜ ⎟ = 267 ,640
⎝ 100 ⎠
LVFe
LVAFe 2 - LWFe 2
35 ,330 2 − 9690 2 = 33 ,975
LVCu
LVACu 2 - LWCu 2
267 ,640 2 − 18 ,400 2 = 267 ,007
Parameter Value
LWFe 9340
LWCu 18,692
LVAFe
⎛ % EXC ⎞
kVArated × 1000 × ⎜ ⎟
⎝ 100 ⎠
⎛ 0.91 ⎞
3333 × 1000 × ⎜ ⎟ = 30 ,330
⎝ 100 ⎠
8-10 09 February 2007

Technical Manual
Parameter Value
LVACu
⎛ %Z ⎞
kVArated × 1000 × ⎜ ⎟
⎝ 100 ⎠
⎛ 8.12 ⎞
3333 × 1000 × ⎜ ⎟ = 270 ,640
⎝ 100 ⎠
LVFe
LVAFe 2 - LWFe 2
33 ,330 2 − 9340 2 = 28 ,856
LVCu
LVACu 2 - LWCu 2
270 ,640 2 − 18 ,692 2 = 269 ,993
From the above:

Parameter Value
LWFe 9650 + 9690 + 9340 = 28,680
LWCu 18,935 + 18,400 + 18,692 = 56,027
LVFe 31,902 + 33,975 + 28,856 = 94,734
LVCu 271,313 + 267,007 + 269,993 = 808,313
Step 2. Compensate for line loss (if needed).

Per the stated assumptions, there is no compensating for line losses:
Parameter Value
LiWTOT 0
LiVTOT 0
Step 3. Now the per element % correction factors may be calculated:

Parameter Value
%LWFe
LWFe × 100
28 ,680 × 100
= 0.2484
2520 × 229084 × 2
%LWCu
(LWCu + LiWTOT )× 100
56 ,027 × 100
= 0.4853
2520 × 2290.84 × 2
09 February 2007 8-11

Technical Manual
Parameter Value
%LVFe
LVFe × 100
94 ,734 × 100
= 0.8205
2520 × 2290.84 × 2
%LVCu
(LVCu + LiVTOT )×
808 ,313 × 100
= 7.0009
2520 × 2290.84 × 2
Meter current
I rated 2290.84
= = 3.82 A
CTR 600
Meter voltage
Vrated 2520
= = 126 V
VTR 20
Enter Data
Summary of calculated values to enter in A1800 ALPHA Meter Loss
Compensation Tool
Parameter Value
Registration
Iron watts correction % (%LWFe) 0.2484
Copper watts correction % (%LWCu) 0.4853
Iron vars correction % (%LVFe) 0.8205
Copper vars correction % (%LVCu) 7.0009
Meter current 3.82
Meter voltage 126
Internal Meter To understand the loss compensation calculations, it is first necessary to

Calculations understand a little bit about how the A1800 ALPHA meter engine operates.
Internal to the meter engine, Vrms and Irms are measured independently on
each phase every two line cycles. These values are used to perform the
normal energy calculations on each phase every two line cycles. The
individual phase measurements are then summed. This drives an internal
accumulator in the meter engine that generates a pulse to the
microcontroller when a threshold level is reached. The threshold level at
which a pulse is generated is known as the meter Ke (energy per pulse).
There are separate calculations, separate accumulators and separate Ke
pulses generated for each measured energy quantity (for example, kWh-
delivered, kvarh-delivered).
8-12 09 February 2007

Technical Manual
When loss compensation is turned on, additional calculations are

performed. Every two line cycles on each phase, the Vrms and Irms values
used in the normal energy calculations are also used to calculate a watt
compensation value and a var compensation value. The following
equations indicate the compensation terms that are calculated and applied
to the normal energy measurements every two line cycles.
For a 3–element meter, watts and vars are compensated every two line
cycles according to the following equations:
Compensation Equation
W
R × (I L1 meas 2 + I L2 meas 2 + I L3 meas 2 ) +
G × (VL1 meas 2 + V L2 meas 2 + Vc meas 2 )
var
(
X × I L1 meas 2 + I L2 meas 2 + I L3 meas 2 + )
B × (V L1 meas
4
+ V L2 meas 4 + Vc meas 4 )
For a 2-element meter, watts and vars are compensated every two line
cycles according to the following equations:
Compensation Equation
W
(
R × I L1 meas 2 + I L3 meas 2 + )
G × (V L1 meas
2
+ Vc meas 2 )
var
X × (I L1 meas 2 + I L3 meas 2 ) +
B × (V L1 meas 4 + Vc meas 4 )
Where:
Term Description
R Per element resistance
G Per element conductance
X Per element reactance
B Per element susceptance
Ixmeas Per phase rms current
Vxmeas Per phase rms voltage
The A1800 ALPHA Meter Loss Compensation Tool calculates R, G, X, and

B using the following formulas and then programs these values into the
meter.
Item Equation
R
%LWCu × Meter voltage
Meter current × 100
09 February 2007 8-13

Technical Manual
Item Equation
G
%LWFe × Meter current
Meter voltage × 100
X
%LVCu × Meter voltage
Meter current × 100
B
%LVFe × Meter current
(Meter voltage )3 × 100
The compensation terms will be either positive or negative depending on

whether losses are configured to be added or subtracted from the energy
measurements. So, the key difference on meters with loss compensation is
that every two line cycles on each phase, the calculated W compensation
value is summed with the normal Wh energy calculations. Similarly, the var
compensation term is summed per phase every two line cycles with the
normal varh energy calculations. From that point everything is essentially
the same (individual phases are then summed to drive an accumulator).
Note regarding two-element meters: Two-element ALPHA meters
are unique in that they create an artificial internal reference that is used to
measure the phase voltages. For example, line 3 experiences a loss of
voltage while the meter remains powered (either from line 1 or from an
auxiliary supply) the internal meter engine will still measure a line 3 voltage
equal to one-half of the line 1 voltage. In applications where loss
compensation is not applied this has no impact on the measurement of
energy because no power will be drawn by the load on line 3. That is, line 3
current equals zero and so the net energy measured on line 3 is accurately
calculated as zero. However, in the special case of a meter that is
compensating for transformer losses, the no-load compensation terms are
based solely on the measured voltage on each phase (see above
formulas). Therefore, on 2-element ALPHA meters with loss compensation
enabled, if line 3 voltage is lost while the meter remains powered, the no
load compensation terms for line 3 will be in error because they will be
calculated based on one-half the line 1 voltage.
The same situation would result if line 1 experiences a loss of voltage.
Meter Outputs When loss compensation is enabled on an A1800 ALPHA meter, all of the
Affected by following collected data use the compensated values:
Compensation ■ all register billing data
■ all pulse profile data
■ all KYZ pulse outputs
■ all test pulses (both in the LCD and on the LED)
Compensation does not affect instrumentation values or the meter features
that use instrumentation values. Regardless of the status of loss
compensation, all instrumentation values reflect the actual measured
values as seen at the meter terminals. For example, per phase voltage
values are not affected (whether displayed on the LCD or reported in meter
support software). Likewise TRueQ functions and instrumentation profiling
values are not affected when compensation is active.
8-14 09 February 2007

Technical Manual
Testing a Meter with Compensation

The LEDs on A1800 ALPHA meters always reflect the current
measurement algorithm in the meter engine. That is, if compensation is
turned on then the LEDs will indicate compensated energy. If
compensation is turned off then the LEDs will indicate uncompensated
energy. Because the LED always reflects the state of the compensation it
reduces the chance that a meter with active compensation is accidentally
installed unknowingly.
Using the A1800 ALPHA Meter Loss Compensation Tool, it is possible to
configure the meter to automatically turn off compensation whenever the
meter enters test mode. This may or may not be desired depending on
utility testing practices.
The loss compensation software also permits the A1800 ALPHA meter
loss compensation function to be manually turned off and turned on
without altering the loss compensation parameters configured in the meter.
Utilities may desire to calculate the expected test results of a compensated
meter and then test the meter with active compensation to verify that the
expected results are obtained.
09 February 2007 8-15

Technical Manual
8-16 09 February 2007

A1800 ALPHA Meter Family A Glossary
Technical Manual
A Glossary
y
✱ button. The push button that activates the alternate mode. It also can
be used to control the scrolling of display quantities in the different
operating modes.
Alpha Keys. A system combining hardware and software to upgrade
existing A1800 ALPHA meters. Keys allow addition of new functionality to
an existing meter for an additional fee.
alternate mode. The operating mode in A1800 ALPHA meters used to
display a second set of display quantities on the LCD. It is generally
activated by pressing the ✱ button on the meter. A typical use of the
alternate mode is to display non-billing data as programmed by Elster
AvgPF. see average power factor.
average power factor. Calculated once every second, when the meter
is not in test mode, using the following formula:
kWh
AvgPF =
k var h 2 + kWh 2
billing data. The measured quantities recorded and stored by the meter
for use in billing the consumer. May also be referred to as tariff data.
bit. Short for binary digit. It is the smallest information unit used in data
communications and storage.
coincident. Information regarding one parameter occurring at the same
time as another. For example, coincident kvar demand is the kvar demand
occurring during the interval of peak kW demand.
communication session count. The number of data-altering commu-
nications occurring since the A1800 ALPHA meter was last programmed
or a clear of the values and status.
complete LCD test. A display showing 8 in all the display areas and all
identifiers on the LCD turned on. This confirms that all segments are
operating properly.
continuous cumulative. A display technique used with demand
calculations and similar to cumulative demand except continuous
cumulative demand is updated constantly.
CTR. see current transformer ratio.
cumulative. A display technique used with demand calculations. Upon a
demand reset, the present maximum demand is added to the sum of the
previous maximum billing period demand values.
current transformer ratio. The ratio of the primary current to the
secondary current of a current transformer. For example, 400 A to 5 A
would have a current transformer ratio of 400:5 or 80:1.
09 February 2007 A-1

A Glossary A1800 ALPHA Meter Family
Technical Manual
data-altering communication. Any communication that performs any

of the following actions:
■ writes to a meter table
■ clears data
■ resets log pointers or data set pointers
■ resets the demand
■ performs a self read
■ performs a season change
del. see delivered.
delivered. Used to specify the energy delivered (provided) to an electric
service.
demand. The average power computed over a specific time.
demand forgiveness. The number of minutes that demand will not be
calculated following a recognized power outage. This provides a time
period immediately following the restoration of power during which startup
power requirements will not be included in the calculated demand.
demand interval. The time period over which demand is calculated.
Demand interval must be evenly divisible into 60 minutes.
demand reset. The act of resetting the present maximum demand to
zero.
demand reset count. The total number of demand resets since the
meter was last programmed.
demand reset date. The date of the last demand reset.
demand threshold. The present value of demand which when reached
initiates a relay closure or other programmed action.
display quantity. Any value available for display on the LCD.
EEPROM. Acronym for electrically erasable programmable read only
memory. This memory retains all information even when electric power is
removed from the circuit.
EOI. see end of interval.
end of interval. The indication that the end of the time interval used to
calculate demand has occurred. An EOI indicator is on the LCD and an
optional relay can be supplied to provide an EOI indication.
energy. Power measured over time.
error display. The method by which the meter displays an error message
which consists of E and numeric codes. The code indicates a condition or
conditions that can adversely affect the proper operation of the meter.
event log. The event log provides a record of entries that date and time
stamp specific events such as:
■ power outages
■ demand resets
■ entering test mode
■ time changes
external display multiplier. Used when the transformer factor is larger
than can be stored within the A1800 ALPHA meter. When programmed
with Elster Metering meter support software for an external display
multiplier, display quantities read from the meter LCD must be manually
multiplied by this value to yield proper readings.
A-2 09 February 2007

Technical Manual
factory default. Operating parameters that are programmed into the

meter at the factory and assure that the meter is ready for correct energy
measurement when installed.
four quadrant metering. See Figure A-1 for an illustration of energy
relationships for delivered and received real power (kW), apparent power
(kVA), and reactive power (kVAR).
Figure A-1. Four quadrant metering quantity relationships
kvar Delivered
Lag Lag
kVA Delivered
kVA Received
kW Delivered
kW Received
Q2
Q2 Q1
Q1
Q3
Q3 Q4
Q4
Lead Lead
kvar Received
IC. see integrated circuit.

instrument transformer. A transformer used to reduce current and
voltage to a level which does not damage the meter. Meter readings will
need to be increased by the transformer ratios to reflect the energy and
demand values on the primary side of the instrument transformer.
integrated circuit. Generally used to reference the custom meter circuit
used in the A1800 ALPHA meter for per phase voltage and current
sampling plus energy measurements.
Ke. The smallest discrete amount of energy available within the meter. It is
the value of a single pulse used between the meter IC and the
microcontroller.
kW overload value. The kW threshold which, when exceeded, will cause
the display of the kW overload warning message.
LC. see load control.
LCD. see liquid crystal display.
LP. see load profile.
line frequency. The frequency of the AC current on the transmission line,
often used in timekeeping applications in lieu of the internal oscillator.
Depending upon the country or region, the line frequency is either 50Hz or
60Hz.
liquid crystal display. The LCD allows metered quantities and other
information about the A1800 ALPHA meter and installed service to be
viewed. Display quantities are programmable through Elster meter support
software.

Technical Manual
load control. Used to describe a relay dedicated to operate based upon

entering a specific TOU rate period or when a demand threshold is
reached.
load profiling. Load profiling records energy usage per a specific time
interval while the meter is energized. Load profiling data provides a 24 hour
record of energy usage for each day of the billing period.
maximum demand. The highest demand calculated during any demand
interval over a billing period.
microcontroller. A single chip that contains the following components:
■ main processor
■ RAM
■ ROM
■ clock
■ I/O control unit
nonrecurring dates. Holidays or other specific dates that are not based
upon a predictable, repeated pattern.
normal mode. The default operating mode for the A1800 ALPHA meter.
Typically, normal mode displays billing data on the LCD following a
programmed sequence.
optical port. A photo-transistor and an LED on the face of the meter that
is used to transfer data between a computer and the meter via pulses of
light.
outage log. Display quantity that shows the cumulative total outage time
in minutes.
P/R. see pulse ratio.
previous billing data. Used to describe the billing data recorded at the
demand reset. See also self read.
previous season data. Used to describe the billing data for the season
preceding the present billing season.
primary rated. A condition where the energy and demand as measured
by the meter are increased by the current and voltage transformer ratios.
Meter data will reflect the energy and demand actually transferred on the
primary side of the instrument transformers.
program change date. The date when the meter program was last
changed.
program mode. The operating mode of the meter in which full
reprogramming of metrological parameters is permitted.
pulse ratio. Pulses per equivalent disk revolution. On ALPHA meters, 1
revolution is equal to 1 Kh period.
pulse relay. A relay used with the meter to provide output pulses from the
meter to an external pulse collector. Each pulse represents a specific
amount of energy consumption.
rec. see received.
received. Used to specify the energy received by the utility at an electric
service.
recurring dates. Holidays or other special dates that occur on a
predictable basis.

Technical Manual
self read. The capturing of current billing data and storing it in memory.
Self reads are scheduled events that can be triggered by the specific day of
month, every set number of days, or command by Elster meter support
software. See also previous billing data.
tariff data. See billing data.
TOU. see time-of-use.
TOU meter. A meter that records energy usage and demand data on a
time-of-use basis.
test mode. The test mode stores billing data in a secure memory location
while the meter measures and displays energy and demand data for
testing purposes. The TEST identifier will flash while the test mode is
active. When test mode is exited, the accumulated test data is discarded
and the original billing data is restored.
timekeeping. The ability of the meter to keep a real time clock, including
date and time.
time-of-use. A billing rate that records energy usage and demand data
related to specific times during the day. See also timekeeping.
transformer-rated. A meter designed to work with current or voltage
transformers. The maximum current of a transformer-rated A1800 ALPHA
meter is typically 20 A.
voltage transformer ratio. The ratio of primary voltage to secondary
voltage of a transformer. For example, 12,000 V to 120 V would have a
voltage transformer ratio of 100:1.
VTR. see voltage transformer ratio.
watthour constant. A meter constant representing the watthours per
output pulse on the LED. Historically, the constant represents the energy
equivalent to one revolution of an electromechanical meter.

Technical Manual

A1800 ALPHA Meter Family B Display Table
Technical Manual
B Display Table
y
Display Format Displayable items are described in “Display List Items” on page B-2. The
A1800 ALPHA meter supports up to 64 quantities for display on the LCD.
The LCD can be divided into different regions, as described in Table B-1.
See “Indicators and Controls” on page 3-1 for more detailed information on
the LCD regions.
Figure B-1. A1800 ALPHA meter LCD
Low battery indicator Quantity

Phase
identifier
Error/warning indicator indicators (3)
Energy direction
indicators Alternate mode
indicator
Comm. port
Display
indicator
quantity
Power/energy
units identifier
Tariff indicators 1 to 8 Test mode

(left to right) indicator
Cover removed
EOI indicator indicator
LC indicator
Table B-1. LCD regions

Item Description
quantity identifier identifies the displayed quantity. Using Elster meter
support software, an identifier can be assigned to most
quantities. For instrumentation quantities, the identifiers
are fixed.
alternate display indicator indicates that the meter is currently displaying items in the
alternate display list (see “✱ Button” on page 3-5)
active COM port indicates that a communication session is in progress and
indicators the communication port that is being used: either COM 0,
COM 1, or COM 2
power/energy units indicates the unit of measurement for the quantity currently
identifier displayed on the LCD.
display indicators indicates whether the meter is currently doing the
following:
• accumulating in tariff (T1 - T4)
• has reached the end of an interval (EOI)
• compensating for transformer line loss (LC)
• indicating that either the terminal cover or the meter
cover has been removed
• is operating in test mode (see “Test Mode” on page 3-8)
09 February 2007 B-1

B Display Table A1800 ALPHA Meter Family
Technical Manual
Item Description
display quantity Shows metered quantities or other displayable information.
From 3 to 8 total digits with up to 9 decimal places can be
used. These digits are also used to report the following:
• operational errors
• system instrumentation and service test errors
• warnings
• communication codes
display identifiers more precisely identifies the information presented on the
LCD.
energy direction indicators indicates the directions of active (P) and reactive (Q) energy
flow (positive energy flow is energy delivered to the
consumer load, while reverse energy flow is energy
received from the consumer load)
error indicator indicates either of the following:
• flashes when any error flag is set
• remains on if a displayable warning flag is set and no
error exists
low battery indicator if the indicator is turned on, the battery warning flag has
been set.
phase indicators L1, L2, and L3 (Line 1, Line 2, and Line 3, respectively)
correspond to a phase voltage present on the
A1800 ALPHA meter connections.
• If the indicators are on, then all phase voltages are
present.
• If an indicator is blinking, then that phase voltage is
either missing or below the defined threshold for
voltage sag detection.
Display List Items The display list items for the normal mode, alternate mode, and test mode
are programmed from the 64 available items.
The display format for all displayable items can be programmed using
Elster meter support software. The A1800 ALPHA meter LCD is capable of
supporting the following characters and symbols:
■ all numbers (0 to 9)
■ all Latin-based alphabetical characters
■ symbols such as ° (degree), * (asterisk), [ (left bracket), and ] (right
bracket)
Additional display items may also be available depending upon the version
of Elster meter support software. See the software documentation for a list
of the displayable items.
Displayable items can be grouped into the following categories:
■ LCD test
■ general meter information
■ meter configuration
■ status
■ metered quantities
■ average power factor
■ coincident demand and power factor
B-2 09 February 2007

Technical Manual
■ system instrumentation
■ system service test
■ errors and warnings
■ communication codes
Default Display Formats

The display areas on the LCD (such as the display quantity and display
identifier) are programmable through Elster meter support software. See
“Display Format” on page B-1 for more information.
The following sections describe the default behavior of the A1800 ALPHA
meter display. See Table B-2 for a description of some of the special
characters that have been used in the display quantity examples.
Table B-2. Characters in display quantity examples
Character Represents
Blank (space)
. Decimal
- hyphen; represents testing in progress
* asterisk; represents all 16 character segments on
: colon; separates time units (hh:mm), etc.
a Any alphanumeric character displayable on the LCD.
dd Numeric character; represents day (01 to 31)
H Indicates the day type is holiday
hh Numeric character; represents time in hours (01 to 24)
mm Numeric character; represents time in minutes (00 to 59)
MM Numeric character; represents month (01 to 12)
x Any numeric character.
ss Numeric character; represents time in seconds (00 to 59)
YY Numeric character; represents two digit year (00 to 99)
LCD Test
The A1800 ALPHA meter tests the LCD by displaying all the identifiers, as
shown in Table B-1. The meter tests the LCD for 3 seconds after power up.

Technical Manual
Figure B-2. LCD all segment test
Display
Display Description Quantity ID Units ID
Quantity
LCD test [all segment test] ******* ******** [all segments]
General Meter Information

General meter information quantities are items that are not associated with
any particular pulse or instrumentation source.
Display
Quantity
Indentifier String 1 [Account:1] aaaaaaaa ID 1-1 of 4
Indentifier String 1 [Account:2] aaaaaaaa ID 1-2 of 4
Indentifier String 1 [Account:3] aaaa ID 1-3 of 4
Indentifier String 1 [Account:4] ID 1-4 of 4
Indentifier String 2 [Meter ID:1] aaaaaaaa ID 2-1 of 4
Indentifier String 2 [Meter ID:2] aaaaaaaa ID 2-2 of 4
Indentifier String 2 [Meter ID:3] aaaa ID 2-3 of 4
Indentifier String 2 [Meter ID:4] ID 2-4 of 4
Meter type A1800 TYPE
Firmware product xxx FW
Firmware version xxx FWV
Firmware revision xxx FWR
Hardware version xxx HDWV
Hardware revision xxx HDWR
DSP code xxx DSP
DSP code revision xxx DSPR
Meter Programmer ID xxxxxxxx
LCD test [all segment test] ******* ******** [all segments]

Technical Manual
Meter Configuration
Display
Quantity
Program ID xxxxxxxx PRG ID
Pulse ratio (P/R) x.xxxxxxx P/R
Pulse output ratio [imp/kWh] xxxxx.xxx imp/kWh
Current transformer (CT) ratio xxxxxxxx CT
Voltage transformer (VT) ratio xxxxxxxx VT
Demand interval - normal mode xxxxxxxx INTERV
Demand interval - test mode xxxxxxxx INTERVT
Watthours per pulse (Ke) xxxxxxxx Wh/Imp
Meter Kh xxxxxxxx Kh
Transformer factor (CT × VT) xxxxxxxx CTxVT
External multiplier xxx.xxxxx ExtMult
Demand overload value xxxxx.xxx DmdOvld
Status
Display
Quantity
Communication session count (port 1) xxxxxxxx Com1No
Communication session count (port 2/optical) xxxxxxxx Com2No
Days since demand reset xxxxxxxx ResDays
Days since input pulse xxxxxxxx ImpDays
Number of manual demand resets xxxxxxxx RstPress
Number of all demand resets xxxxxxxx DmdRes
Power outage count xxxxxxxx Outages
Initial remote baud (port 1) xxxxxxxx COM1bps
Initial remote baud (port 2) xxxxxxxx COM2bps
Transformer Loss Comp Status xxxxxxxx
TRueQ Status (On/Off) On
Off
Outage Log
Program Change Date (port 1) MM:dd:YY
Program Change Date (port 2/optical) MM:dd:YY
Last Elster configuration change date MM:dd:YY CnfDate
Demand reset date MM:dd:YY DmdRes
Last power outage start date MM:dd:YY Outage
Last power outage start time hh:mm Outage
Last power outage end date MM:dd:YY Restore

Technical Manual
Display
Quantity
Last power outage end time hh:mm Restore
Present date MM:dd:YY Date
Present time hh:mm Time
Present day of week aaaaaaaa Day
Present season aaaaaaaa Season
Date of last pending table activation MM:dd:YY TblActv
Time Left in interval hh:mm Sub Int
Pulse count for quantity (Wh-delivered) xxxxxxxx ImpWhD
Pulse count for quantity (alternate-delivered) xxxxxxxx ImpE2D
Pulse count for quantity (Wh-received) xxxxxxxx ImpWhR
Pulse count for quantity (alternate-received) xxxxxxxx ImpE2R
Self Read Date MM:dd:YY
Effective Date for Rates/Special Dates MM:dd:YY
Number of Write Sessions (port 1) xxxxxxxx
Number of Write Sessions (port 2/optical) xxxxxxxx
Metered Quantities
A1800 ALPHA meters can measure two quantities. Meters with the
optional 4-quadrant metering can measure six quantities. The
A1800 ALPHA meter can display the available metered quantities for each
meter type.
To indicate a self read quantity, the LCD will use the last two characters of
the quantity identifier to indicate the last self read number (01 to 35).
Display Display
ID Quantity
Current Billing, Previous Billing, Previous Season, Last Self Read
Total energy xxxxxxxx Deliver kWh/kVAh/kvarh
Receive
Q1
Q2
Q3
Q4
Maximum demand xxxxxxxx Del MD kW/kVA/kvar
Rec MD
Q1 MD
Q2 MD
Q3 MD
Q4 MD
Date of maximum demand MM:dd:YY MD Date
Time of maximum demand hh:mm MD Time

Technical Manual
Display Display
ID Quantity
Cumulative demand xxxxxxxx Del CMD kW/kVA/kvar
Rec CMD
Q1 CMD
Q2 CMD
Q3 CMD
Q4 CMD
Tariff 1 energy T1 xxxxxxxx Deliver kWh/kVAh/kvarh
Receive
Q1
Q2
Q3
Q4
Tariff 1 maximum demand T1 xxxxxxxx Del MD kW/kVA/kvar
Rec MD
Q1 MD
Q2 MD
Q3 MD
Q4 MD
Tariff 1 date of maximum demand T1 MM:dd:YY MD Date
Tariff 1 time of maximum demand T1 hh:mm MD Time
Tariff 1 cumulative demand T1 xxxxxxxx Del CMD kW/kVA/kvar
Rec CMD
Q1 CMD
Q2 CMD
Q3 CMD
Q4 CMD
Receive
Q1
Q2
Q3
Q4
Rec MD
Q1 MD
Q2 MD
Q3 MD
Q4 MD
Rec CMD
Q1 CMD
Q2 CMD
Q3 CMD
Q4 CMD

Technical Manual
Display Display
ID Quantity
Receive
Q1
Q2
Q3
Q4
Rec MD
Q1 MD
Q2 MD
Q3 MD
Q4 MD
Rec CMD
Q1 CMD
Q2 CMD
Q3 CMD
Q4 CMD
Receive
Q1
Q2
Q3
Q4
Rec MD
Q1 MD
Q2 MD
Q3 MD
Q4 MD
Rec CMD
Q1 CMD
Q2 CMD
Q3 CMD
Q4 CMD
Present Interval (current billing only)
Previous Interval (current billing only)
Average Power Factor

For each average power factor, the following items are available for display.

Technical Manual
Display Display
ID Quantity
Average power factor xxxxxxxx AvgPF
Tariff 1 average power factor T1 xxxxxxxx AvgPF
Coincident Demand and Power Factor

The A1800 ALPHA meters can measure two coincident quantities.
Additionally, meters with the 4-quadrant metering option can measure four
coincident quantities. Coincident quantities are configurable with Elster
Metering meter support software to be any demand or average power
factor value captured at the time of a maximum demand value. For each
coincident value, the following items is available for display:
Display
Display Description Display Quantity Quantity ID Units ID
ID
Coincident demand xxxxxxxx CoinDmd kW/kVA/kvar
Tariff 1 coincident demand T1 xxxxxxxx CoinDmd kW/kVA/kvar
Coincident power factor x.xxx CoinPF kW/kVA/kvar
Tariff 1 coincident power factor T1 x.xxx CoinPF kW/kVA/kvar
Cumulative Demand
The A1800 ALPHA meter records either the cumulative or continuous
cumulative demand.
Display
ID
Cumulative demand xxxxxxxx CumDmd kW/kVA/kvar
Tariff 1 cumulative demand T1 xxxxxxxx CumDmd kW/kVA/kvar

Technical Manual
System Instrumentation
The A1800 ALPHA meter can display system instrumentation quantities.
See “System Instrumentation” on page 4-1 for a listing of the
instrumentation quantities that can be displayed.

Line frequency xx.xxHz L123
Line 1 voltage (secondary) xxx.xxx V L1
Line 1 voltage (primary) xxx.xxxkV
Line 1 current (secondary) xxx.xxx A L1
Line 1 current (primary) xxx.xxxkA
Line 1 power factor xx.xx L1 COS
Line 1 power factor angle xxx.xx° L1
Line 1 voltage phase angle xxx.xx°V L1
Line 2 voltage phase angle xxx.xx°V L2
Line 3 voltage phase angle xxxx.x°V L3
Line 1 current phase angle xxx.x°A L1
Line 1 kW (primary) xxxx.xxxx L1 kW
Line 1 kW (secondary) xxx.xxx MW
Line 1 kvar (primary) xxxx.xxxx L1 kvar
Line 1 kvar (secondary) xxx.xxx Mvar
Line 1 kVA (primary) xxxx.xxxx L1 kVA
Line 1 kA (secondary) xxx.xxx MVA

Technical Manual

System kW (primary) xxxx.xxxx L123 kW
System kW (secondary) xxx.xxx MW
System kvar (primary) (arithmetic) xxxx.xxxx L123 kvar
System kvar (secondary) (arithmetic) xxx.xxx Mvar
System kVA (primary) (arithmetic) xxxx.xxxx L123 kVA
System kVA (secondary) (arithmetic) xxx.xxx MVA
System power factor (arithmetic) xx.xx L123.COS
System power factor angle (arithmetic) xx.xx ° L123
System kvar (primary) (vectorial) xxxx.xxxx L123 kvar
System kvar (secondary) (vectorial) xxx.xxx Mvar
System kVA (primary) (vectorial) xxxx.xxxx L123 kVA
System kVA (secondary) (vectorial) xxx.xxx MVA
System power factor (vectorial) xx.xx L123.COS
System power factor angle (vectorial) xx.xx ° L123
Line 1 voltage % total harmonic distortion xx.xx%V L1.H2-15
(THD)
(THD)
(THD)
Line 1 current % total harmonic distortion xx.xx%A L1.H2-15
(THD)
(THD)
(THD)
Line 1 total demand distortion (TDD) xx.xx A L1 TDD
Line 1 fundamental voltage magnitude xxx.xxx V L1 H1
(secondary)
Line 1 fundamental voltage magnitude xxx.xkV
(primary)
Line 2 fundamental voltage magnitude xxx.xxxkV L2 H1
(primary)
Line 2 fundamental voltage magnitude xxx.x V
(secondary)
Line 3 fundamental voltage magnitude xxx.xxxkV L3 H1
(primary)
Line 3 fundamental voltage magnitude xxx.x V
(secondary)

Technical Manual

Line 1 fundamental current magnitude xxx.xxxkA L1 H1
(primary)
Line 1 fundamental current magnitude xxx.x A
(secondary)
(primary)
(secondary)
(primary)
(secondary)
Line 1 2nd harmonic voltage magnitude xxx.xxxkV L1 H2
(primary)
Line 1 2nd harmonic voltage magnitude xxx.x V
(secondary)
(primary)
(secondary)
(primary)
(secondary)
Line 1 2nd harmonic current magnitude xxx.xxxkA L1 H2
(primary)
Line 1 2nd harmonic current magnitude xxx.x A
(secondary)
(primary)
(secondary)
(primary)
(secondary)
Line 1 2nd harmonic voltage % distortion xx.xx%V L1 H2
Line 1 harmonic current distortion (2nd - xxx.xxxkA L1 H2-15

15th) (primary)
xxx.x A
Line 1 harmonic current distortion (2nd -
15th) (secondary)

15th) (primary)
xxx.x A
15th) (secondary)

Technical Manual

15th) (primary)
xxx.x A
15th) (secondary)
System Service Tests

The A1800 ALPHA meter can display the validity of the electricity service
where it is installed. See “System Service Tests” on page 4-5 for more
information.

Service Voltage Test -------- TEST V
System Test Error xxxxxxxx SE
Service Current Test OK TEST I
--------
System Service Type xxx 4Y L1-2-3
xxx 3Δ L3-2-1
xxx 1L
Currently locked service [xxx 4Y] L1-2-3
[xxx 3Δ] L3-2-1
[xxx 1L]
Errors and Warnings

The A1800 ALPHA meter displays error codes and warning codes as an
indication of a problem that may be affecting its operation. See “Error
Codes” on page 6-2 and “Warning Codes” on page 6-5 for more
information.
Communication Codes
The A1800 ALPHA meter indicates the status of a communication session
by displaying it on the LCD. See “Communication Codes” on page 6-8.

Technical Manual

A1800 ALPHA Meter Family C Nameplate and Style Number Information
Technical Manual
C Nameplate and Style Number

Information
y
Nameplate The nameplate provides important information about the meter. The
nameplate can be configured to meet the needs of the utility company;
however, Figure C-1 is an illustration of a A1800 ALPHA nameplate for
transformer rated meters.
Figure C-1. Nameplate
LCD indcator labels
T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6 T7 T8 EOI LC TC TST
LED pulse
settings
Meter type 5,000 imp/kWh
TYPE A1800 5,000 imp/kVarh
Meter model MODEL 1830RALN
Number of elements
Voltage rating Accuracy Class 2
and frequency 3 x 58/100...277/480V, 60 Hz
0.2S
1(10)A
Nominal (max) 2006 Made in USA Isolation Class 2
current symbol
ELSTER SAMPLE
01234567
SERIAL # Year and place
of manufacture
STYLE

Elster style number ZE3JF4R00LM-01 *01234567*
R1.2-06210102AG-000000
Utility symbol
Firmware version Meter serial number
and barcode
See Table C-1 for a description of the firmware version information.
Table C-1. Firmware version information
Code Description
R Meter release
A1800 ALPHA meter
01 Firmware version number
00 Firmware revision number
YYWW Manufacturing date code (year and week)
DD Meter engine code set version
XX Slot 1 option board firmware version, if installed (numbers
are omitted from the nameplate if no option board is
installed)
09 February 2007 C-1

C Nameplate and Style Number Information A1800 ALPHA Meter Family
Technical Manual
Code Description
ZZ Slot 2 option board firmware version, if installed (numbers
are omitted from the nameplate if no option board is
installed)
AAAAAA Manufacturer order number
Utility Information The removable utility information card provides a place for the utility to
Card enter meter site-specific information (for example, CT, VT, etc.). Figure C-2
is an example of a utility information card.
Figure C-2. Transformer rated meter utility information card
CT A
VT V
imp/kWh(kVARh)
Figure C-3. Direct connect-rated meter utility information card
C-2 09 February 2007

A1800 ALPHA Meter Family C Nameplate and Style Number Information
Technical Manual
Style Number The following table lists the commonly used styles for the A1800 ALPHA
Information meter and the options that are available. Style numbers are subject to
change without notice. Contact Elster for availability.
Table C-2. Meter style numbers for the A1800 ALPHA meter
ZE 3 K F 4 R0 0 LP
A1800 ALPHA meter
Service
3-phase, 3-wire, delta or network 2
3-phase, 4-wire, wye 3
Test Amps & Wiring
1 A or 5 A (10 A max), transformer rated
Symmetrical wiring J
Sequential wiring K
5 A (120 A max), direct connect-rated
Sequential wiring N
Main Board Options
All meters are 57.7 V to 480 V, 128 KB memory
No main board options F
Auxiliary power supply only G
Backlight only J
Auxiliary power supply and backlight K
Relays and Extended Memory
No relays and no extended memory 0
4 relays and no extended memory 4
6 relays and no extended memory 6
No relays with extended memory A
4 relays with extended memory E
6 relays with extended memory G
Communication Options
No ports (A1810 ALPHA) 00
1 port: Internal telephone modem (ITM3) (A1810 ALPHA) D0
2 ports: RS-232/485* and ITM3 (A1830 ALPHA) RD
2 ports: RS-232/485* and RS-232 (A1860 ALPHA) RE
2 ports: RS-232/485* and RS-485 (A1860 ALPHA) RF
1 port: RS-232/485* (A1830 ALPHA) R0
2 ports (ICP): RS-485† and DLT645 (A1880 ALPHA) R1
Miscellaneous Options
Long terminal cover, IEC optical port, TOU battery 0
Long terminal cover ANSI optical port, TOU battery 1
Long partially-transparent terminal cover, IEC optical port, TOU battery 2
Long partially-transparent terminal cover, ANSI optical port, TOU battery 3
Short terminal cover, IEC optical port, TOU battery 4
Short terminal cover, ANSI optical port, TOU battery 5
Metering Options
Watt, var, TRueQ L1
Watt, var, loss compensation, TRueQ L3
Watt, var, load profiling, TRueQ L5
Watt, var, loss compensation, load profiling, TRueQ L7
Watt, var, load profiling, instrumentation profiling, TRueQ L9
Watt, var, loss compensation, load profiling, instrumentation profiling, TRueQ LB
Watt, var, 4-quadrant metering, TRueQ LD
Watt, var, 4-quadrant metering, loss compensation, TRueQ LF
Watt, var, 4-quadrant metering, load profiling, TRueQ LH
Watt, var, 4-quadrant metering, loss compensation, load profiling, TRueQ LK
Watt, var, 4-quadrant metering, load profiling, instrumentation profiling, TRueQ LM
Watt, var, 4-quadrant metering, loss compensation, load profiling, instrumentation
LP
profiling, TRueQ
*4-wire RS-485 implementation
†2-wire RS-485 implementation
09 February 2007 C-3

C Nameplate and Style Number Information A1800 ALPHA Meter Family
Technical Manual
C-4 09 February 2007

A1800 ALPHA Meter Family D Wiring Diagrams
Technical Manual
D Wiring Diagrams
y
Refer to the wiring diagram on the nameplate of each meter for specific
terminal assignments. All connections are equipped with combination–
head screws that accept either a slotted or Phillips screwdriver.
Polyphase, CT-
connected Meters
Figure D-1. Two–Element, Three–Wire Delta Transformer Connected
1 3
1 2 3 5 7 8 9
L 1 L
I O
2
N A
E 3 D
09 February 2007 D-1

D Wiring Diagrams A1800 ALPHA Meter Family
Technical Manual
Figure D-2. Three-Element, Four-Wire Current Transformer, Sequential Connection
1 3
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 11
1
L 2 L
I O
N3 A
EN D
Figure D-3. Three-Element, Four-Wire Current Transformer, Symmetrical Connection
1 3
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 11
1
L 2 L
I O
N 3 A
EN D
D-2 09 February 2007

A1800 ALPHA Meter Family D Wiring Diagrams
Technical Manual
Figure D-4. Three–Element, Four–Wire Instrument Transformer, Sequential Connection
1 3
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 11
1
L
L
2 O
I
N3 A
E D
N
Figure D-5. Three Element, Four–Wire Instrument Transformer, Symmetrical Connection
1 3
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 11
1
L L
I 2 O
N 3 A
E D
N
09 February 2007 D-3

D Wiring Diagrams A1800 ALPHA Meter Family
Technical Manual
Polyphase, Direct
Connected Meters
Figure D-6. Two–Element, Three–Wire Delta or Network
L1 L3
L2
or
L3 L1 2 5 8
N
1 3 4 6 7 9
L1
L2 or N
L3
Figure D-7. Three–Element, Four–Wire Wye or Four–Wire Delta
L3 L1
L2
or
2 5 8
1 3 4 6 7 9 10 12
L1
L2
L3
N
D-4 09 February 2007

A1800 ALPHA Meter Family E Technical Specifications
Technical Manual
E Technical Specifications
y
Absolute Maximums
Voltage Continuous 528 VAC
Surge voltage withstand Test performed Results
Oscillatory (IEC 61000-4-12) 2.5 kV, 60 seconds
Fast transient (IEC 61000-4-4) 4 kV
Impulse voltage test (IEC 60060-1) 12 kV @ 1.2/50 µs ≥ 450 Ω (8 kV with
option boards)
AC voltage (insulation) test 4 kV, 50 Hz for 1 minute
Current Continuous at Imax
Temporary (0.5 seconds) at 2000 % of Imax (transformer rated)
½ cycle at 30 × Imax (direct connect-rated)
Operating Ranges
Voltage
Nameplate nominal range 58 V to 415 V
Operating range 49 V to 528 V
Auxiliary power supply range For AC power: 57 V rms to 240 V rms (nominal)
For DC power: 80 V to 340 V (nominal)
Current 0 A to 10 A (transformer rated)
0 A to 120 A (direct connect rated)
Frequency Nominal 50 Hz or 60 Hz ± 5 %
Temperature range -40 °C to +85 °C inside meter cover
-40 °C to +60 °C outside
Humidity range 0 % to 100 % noncondensing
09 February 2007 E-1

E Technical Specifications A1800 ALPHA Meter Family
Technical Manual
Operating
Characteristics
Power supply burden Less than 3 W
Per phase current burden Less than 0.01 VA (transformer rated and direct connect-rated)
Per phase voltage burden1 0.008 W at 120 V 0.03 W at 240 V 0.04 W at 480 V
Accuracy
Active energy 0.2 % (IEC 62053-22) 0.5 % (IEC 62053-22) 1.0 % (IEC 62053-21)
Reactive energy 2.0 % (IEC 62053-23) Actual accuracy is better than 0.5 % for 0.2 %
accuracy meters
1 Conforms to IEC 62053-61 (Electricity Metering Equipment, Power Consumption and Voltage Requirements)
General
Performance
Characteristics
Starting current
CT-connected 1 mA
Direct-connected < 20 mA (Ib = 5 A)
Creep 0.000 A (no current) No more than 1 pulse per quantity, conforming to IEC 62053
requirements
Internal clock accuracy Better than 0.5 seconds/day (while powered), while conforming to IEC
62054-21
Outage carryover capacity LiSOCl2 battery rated 800 mAhr, 3.6 V and shelf life of 15+ years.
5 years continuous duty at 25 °C.
Supercapacitor is expected to provide carryover power for all normal
power outages for a period of at least 6 hours at +25 °C. The battery is
not under load except when supercapacitor is discharged or when a
programmed meter is stored for an extended period without line power.
Based on this low duty cycle, the projected life of the battery in normal
service is expected to be greater than 20 years.
Communications rate
Optical port 1200 to 28,800 bps Physical components meet IEC
62056-21 or ANSI C12.18
Optical port protocol ANSI C12.18 and C12.19
Serial ports 1200 bps to 19,200 bps
Serial port protocol ANSI C12.21 and C12.19
E-2 09 February 2007

A1800 ALPHA Meter Family E Technical Specifications
Technical Manual
Dimensions
89
22
204 224*
307
*This represents
hanger in center
position.
150 5
170
09 February 2007 E-3

E Technical Specifications A1800 ALPHA Meter Family
Technical Manual
E-4 09 February 2007

Technical Manual Index
Index
y
A partially-transparent terminal cover: 2-1

sealing of: 2-2
A1800 ALPHA meter short terminal cover: 2-1
accuracy: 1-4 tamper detection: 2-5
adaptability: 1-3 cover tamper: 3-4
economy: 1-4 crystal oscillator: 1-3, 2-6, 5-5, 6-1, 6-3, 6-4, 6-8
maintainability: 1-3 current sensors. See sensors:current
meter types: 1-5 current test, errors: 4-13
overview: 1-1
physical components: 2-1 D
reliability: 1-3
security: 1-4 delivered, energy: 3-2
active COM port indicator: 3-3 demand
Alpha Keys software: 1-6 and primary metering: 2-13
alternate display indicator: 3-2 and secondary metering: 2-13
alternate mode: 3-8 coincident: 2-12
entering: 3-5, 3-8 continuous cumulative maximum: 2-12
exiting: 3-8 cumulative maximum: 2-12
LED pulse output and: 3-8 maximum: 2-11
Always Positive metered quantities: 2-9
theft-resistant option: 2-13 demand forgiveness: 2-12
ANSI standards. See standards:IEEE/ANSI demand interval: 2-10
auditing block: 2-11
tampering: 4-23 rolling: 2-10
autolock. See system service locking:smart autolock thermal time constant: 2-11
auxiliary power supply. See power supply, auxiliary demand reset
average power factor. See power factor data area: 3-10
average lockout: 3-10
performing: 3-4, 3-9
B results of: 3-9
diagnostic mode, test: 4-10
basic metered quantities: 2-9 DIN standards. See standards:DIN
pulse output and: 5-2 display indicator: 3-3
battery: 1-3, 2-5, 6-1, 6-3, 6-5 display quantity: 4-4
and cover removal detection: 2-15 system instrumentation: 4-4
disposal: 7-6 DSP. See meter engine
indication of low power: 3-3, 5-5, 6-6, 6-6, B-2
installing: 7-3 E
removing: 7-6
reversed polarity: 7-4 EEPROM: 1-3, 6-3, A-2
block diagram. See system architecture access error: 5-5, 6-4
and microcontroller: 2-8
C and power failure: 2-8, 6-5
calibration constants: 2-8
calibration constants. See EEPROM stored values: 2-9
coincident power factor. See power factor theory of operation: 2-9
coincident end-of-interval: 3-3
communication relay outputs and: 5-2
ANSI standards: 1-3 energy delivered: 3-2
RS-232/RS-485: 1-4, 2-4, 2-6, 5-1 energy direction indicator: 3-2
serial: 1-4, 1-4, 2-4, 2-8 energy pulse divisor: 5-3
communication codes: 6-8 energy pulse value: 5-4
communications energy received: 3-2
optical port. See optical port EOI. See end–of–interval.
cover assembly: 2-1 error codes: 6-2
and event log: 2-5 system service errors: 4-12
long terminal cover: 2-1 error indicator: 3-3
meter cover: 2-1 errors, current test: 4-13
09 February 2007 X-1

Index Technical Manual
errors, voltage test: 4-12 meter engine

event log pulse: 2-9
cover tamper detection: 2-5 theory of operation: 2-8
event log. See logs:event metered quantities: 2-9
microcontroller
H and meter engine pulses: 2-9
detecting power failure: 2-8
history log. See logs:history. theory of operation: 2-8
I N
IEC standards. See standards:IEC nameplate: 6-10
IEEE standards. See standards:IEEE/ANSI in verifying installation: 7-5
installation nonvolatile memory. See EEPROM
calibration: 7-1 normal mode
preliminary inspection: 7-1 LED pulse output and: 3-8
verifying: 7-5
instrumentation profiling. See logs:instrumentation O
profiling
operating modes: 3-7
L optical port: 2-3, 2-3
and communication codes: 6-2
LCD. See liquid crystal display and microcontroller: 2-8
LED and operation during errors: 6-4
output specifications: 5-7 and password: 4-23
pulse outputs: 5-6 and test mode: 3-8, 3-9, 6-11
LED pulse output ANSI: 1-3, 2-3
alternate mode and: 3-8 IEC: 1-3, 2-3
normal mode and: 3-8 output relays
output specifications: 5-7 current: 5-2
test mode and: 3-9 voltage: 5-2
line frequency: 6-6, A-3
and timekeeping: 1-3, 6-8 P
line loss compensation: 8-1
availability: 8-1 password
calculations: 8-5 encryption: 4-23
liquid crystal display: 1-3 levels: 4-23
active COM port indicator: 3-3 meter: 4-22
alternate display indicator: 3-2 phase indicator: 3-2
backlight: 3-1 physical components. See A3 ALPHA meter:physical
cover tamper (TC) indicator: 3-4 components
display quantity: 3-1 power factor
end–of–interval indicator: 3-3 average: 2-10
energy direction indicator: 3-2 concident: 2-12
error indicator: 3-3 power factor, poor
loss compensation indicator: 3-4 theft-resistant option: 2-13
low battery indicator: 3-3 power fail: 2-8
phase indicator: 3-2 and event log: 2-13
power/energy units identifier: 3-2 power supply: 1-3, 2-6
quantity identifier: 3-1, 4-3 theory of operation: 2-7
tariff indicator: 3-3 power supply, auxiliary: 1-3, 1-5
test mode indicator: 3-4 power supply, main
load control theory of operation: 2-7
relay outputs and: 5-2 power/energy units identifier. See liquid crystal
load profiling. See logs:load profiling display:power/energy units identifier
logs: 2-14 primary metering: 2-13
event: 2-15 programmable relays: 5-2
history: 2-15 push buttons: 3-4
instrumentation profiling: 2-17
load profiling: 2-16 Q
self reads: 2-15
TRueQ: 2-18 quantity identifier. See liquid crystal display:quantity
voltage sag: 2-18 identifier
loss compensation: 3-4
software support: 8-1
R
M received, energy: 3-2
relay
meter cover. See cover assembly demand forgiveness: 5-3
meter cover energy pulse: 5-2
X-2 09 February 2007

Technical Manual Index
EOI: 5-2 T
error, warning, event: 5-3
load control: 5-2 Tamper restraint and quality. See TRueQ
pulse outputs: 5-3 tariff indicator: 3-3
tariff: 5-3 terminal cover. See cover assembly
triggering alarms: 5-4 test
TRueQ test failure: 5-3 diagnostic mode: 4-10
relay outputs: 5-1 test LED: 5-6
removal test mode: 3-9
A–base procedure: 7-6 indicator: 3-8
RESET button LED pulse output and: 3-9
system service locking and: 3-5 test mode indicator: 3-4
resistive dividers. See sensors:voltage testing
RS-232/RS-485. See communication:RS-232/RS- meter: 6-11
485 setup: 6-10, 6-10
theft-resistant measurement: 2-13
S theft-resistant option
poor power factor: 2-13
safety theory of operation: 2-7 to 2-9
notices: v auxiliary power supply: 2-7
procedures: v EEPROM: 2-9
secondary metering: 2-13 main power supply: 2-7
security meter engine: 2-8
anti-tampering: 4-23 microcontroller: 2-8
program protection: 4-24 sensors: 2-8
use of passwords: 4-22 time-of-use: 2-13
self reads. See logs:self reads TOU. See time-of-use
self test: 6-1 TRueQ: 4-14
sensors counters: 4-17
current: 2-8 LCD and: 4-15
theory of operation: 2-8 log: 2-18
voltage: 2-8 notification of event: 4-15
service current test: 4-11 relay outputs and: 4-15
initiation of: 4-12 timers: 4-17
service voltage test: 4-5 voltage sag: 4-15
initiation of: 4-8 TRueQ log. See logs:TRueQ
signal conversion: 2-8 TRueQ test
standards no event: 4-16
ANSI: 4-23, 6-4, 6-5 TRueQ test sets: 4-16
DIN: 1-2, 2-18
IEC: 1-1, 1-4, 2-1 U
IEEE/ANSI: 1-2, 1-2
style numbers: C-3 user defined tables: 2-18
support software utility information card: 2-3
loss compensation: 8-1
system architecture: 2-6 V
system instrumentation: 4-1
calculations used in: 4-1 voltage sensors. See sensors:voltage
how obtained: 4-1 voltage test, errors: 4-12
measurement in progress: 4-4
system service locking: 4-6
manual lock: 4-6, 4-7 W
RESET button and: 3-5
warning codes: 6-5
smart autolock: 4-6, 4-7 warranty: v
system service tests. See service current test or
service voltage test
09 February 2007 X-3

Index Technical Manual
X-4 09 February 2007

Elster Electricity, LLC
208 South Rogers Lane
Raleigh, North Carolina USA
+1 800 338 5251 (US Technical Support)
+1 800 257 9754 (US Sales Support)
+1 919 212 4800 (US Main)
support@us.elster.com
www.elsterelectricity.com

Elester 1800

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A1800 ALPHA® Meter Family

A1800 ALPHA® Meter Family

Printed in the United States of America.

2. Product Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1

TOU Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-13

3. Operating Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-1

4. Meter Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1

7. Installation and Removal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-1

8. Loss Compensation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-1

B. Display Table . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-1

09 February 2007 iii

Display List Items . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-2

C. Nameplate and Style Number Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-1

D. Wiring Diagrams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-1

E. Technical Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E-1

Disclaimer of There are no understandings, agreements, representations, or warranties

product. This information should not be considered as all–inclusive or

Notice is used to alert personnel to installation, operation, or maintenance

Caution is used to alert personnel to the presence of a hazard that will or

Warning is used to alert personnel to the presence of a hazard that can

Danger is used to alert personnel to the presence of a hazard that will

Revision Date Brief Description

Figure 1-1. A1800 ALPHA meter

09 February 2007 1-1

Table 1-1. IEC standards supported by the A1800 ALPHA meter

Number Date Edition Title

IEEE/ANSI. The A1800 ALPHA meter meets or exceeds the following

Table 1-2. IEEE/ANSI standards supported by the A1800 ALPHA meter

Number Date Title

1-2 09 February 2007

Table 1-3. DIN standards supported by the A1800 ALPHA meter1

Number Date Title

Maintainability. The A1800 ALPHA meter is easy to maintain. Meter

ANSI Standard Communication Open Protocol. The A1800 ALPHA

Adaptability. The A1800 ALPHA meter allows configuration for custom

1 For transformer-rated meters only.

09 February 2007 1-3

improves readability and provides flexibility for displaying meter information.

Accuracy. The A1800 ALPHA meter meets or exceeds requirements of

IEC 62053-22 IEC 62053-21 IEC 62053-231

1-4 09 February 2007

Table 1-4. Meter designations of the A1800 ALPHA meter family

Meter Market segment Class Standard features Optional features

09 February 2007 1-5

Figure 1-2. A1800 ALPHA meter family application pyramid

1-6 09 February 2007

Figure 2-1. Front view of the A1800 ALPHA meter

LCD Active energy LED

09 February 2007 2-1

2-2 09 February 2007

Figure 2-4. Comparison of ANSI-compliant and IEC-compliant optical port interfaces

ANSI-compliant optical interface IEC-compliant optical interface

LCD. The A1800 ALPHA meter is equipped with a 16-segment character

Nameplate. Elster installs the nameplate at the factory. See Appendix C,

Utility Information Card. The utility information card is removable (after

09 February 2007 2-3

Figure 2-5. Removing the utility information card

Communications. The A1830 ALPHA meter provides a factory

*Present when optional second communication port is installed

2-4 09 February 2007

*Present when optional second communication port is installed

Cover Tamper Detection Switches. When either the terminal cover or

Figure 2-8. Terminal cover detection switch