Anti-stealing inspection techniques and measures to prevent electricity theft - Solutions - Huaqiang

Probe current voltage pin 420*4450 head diameter 5.0 over current and voltage pin

Inductance

Electricity theft has long been a major issue in the power supply industry, negatively impacting key performance indicators. This illegal activity not only harms the interests of utility companies but also disrupts the normal power supply and usage order. With increasingly sophisticated methods used by thieves, detecting and preventing electricity theft has become more challenging than ever. During anti-theft inspections, several common techniques are employed:

1. Visual Inspection Method

This method involves checking the physical condition of the metering device, such as mechanical meters, to see if they are tilted, damaged, or have mismatched identification plates compared to recorded data. It also includes inspecting the integrity of the wiring, checking for swapped or bypassed incoming lines, and ensuring that all seals are intact.

2. Clamp Meter Testing

A clamp multimeter is used to measure voltage and current at different points in the metering system. By comparing readings before and after the meter, inspectors can detect under-voltage or phase-shifting techniques used to steal electricity. For single-phase loads, clamping both the live and neutral wires simultaneously should result in zero current. If there’s an imbalance, it may indicate unauthorized connections. In three-phase systems, checking the number of turns on current transformers and the insulation between them helps identify tampering. The secondary circuit wiring is also inspected for correctness, and voltage and current measurements are taken to rule out shunting methods.

3. Wattage and Time Method to Detect Meter Errors

This technique uses the formula T = (3600 × 1000N) / P, where T is the time required for the meter to rotate, N is the meter constant, and P is the actual power consumption. By measuring the voltage and current with a multimeter, inspectors can calculate the expected rotation time and compare it with the actual time. If the measured time is longer than calculated, the meter is running slow; otherwise, it may be fast or accurate.

4. Field Calibrator Use

A field calibrator measures parameters like current, voltage, and phasor angles to verify the correct wiring and ensure that the voltage and current phasor diagrams are within normal ranges.

Preventive Measures Against Electricity Theft:

1. Proper Wiring Arrangement

Ensure that all lines are clearly marked with different colors for easy identification. Install household lines in PVC conduits to prevent tampering and make inspections easier.

2. Meter Installation Standards

Meters should be installed safely and in accordance with official guidelines. Ideally, they should be placed at the property boundary and in locations that are easily accessible for inspection.

3. Advanced Metering Equipment

Use long-life and anti-theft electric meters. Transparent meter boxes and sealed secondary junction covers help prevent unauthorized access. High-voltage meter boxes should be sealed with special sheaths, and the current and voltage ratios should be clearly marked on the meter cover for quick verification.

4. Seal Management

Implement strict seal control, record each sealing point, and use high-quality, tamper-evident seals to prevent counterfeiting and unauthorized access.