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Portable energy monitoring equipment

1.1    Scope

Portable energy monitoring equipment covers products that are specifically designed to temporarily measure energy use in different locations, and to record, analyse and report on energy consumption. 

Portable energy monitoring equipment helps to save energy by identifying energy wastage and ensuring the long-term effectiveness of other energy saving investment measures.

Portable energy monitoring equipment enables the temporary monitoring of energy use in different locations and can be used to record energy consumption data and to highlight unusual patterns of consumption. Some electricity monitoring equipment can also measure power quality. In total, these criteria cover four categories of equipment: energy monitors and loggers, power quality analysers, gas flow and heat flow monitoring equipment. 

A wide range of portable energy monitoring equipment is available. The Energy Technology List (ETL) aims to encourage the purchase of products that can measure and analyse energy consumption and power quality data, and produce reports containing energy management information that enable businesses to manage their energy use.

To be eligible for inclusion on the ETL, products shall meet the definitions, eligibility and performance requirements as set out below.

1.2    Definitions

The ETL covers portable energy monitoring equipment that measures one or more of the following:

  1. Electricity use
    Products which measure electricity use but not total harmonic distortion (THD). 
  2. Power quality
    Products which measure electricity use and total harmonic distortion (THD). They may also measure other optional power quality attributes such as voltage dips and swells, transients.
  3. Gas flow
    Products which measure gas flow. For example, flow of industrial gases such as nitrogen and oxygen.
  4. Heat flow
    Products which measure the flow of heat.

The portable energy monitoring equipment shall be clamped onto either a pipe or (a) cable(s) to measure consumption using transducers. These transducers should be easily moved and designed for temporary operation. 

1.3    Requirements 

1.3.1    Eligibility requirements  

To be eligible, products shall:

  • Be a portable measuring instrument package that includes:
    • a)    An ‘energy use’ metering device and associated measurement transducers (or probes).
    • b)    A means of electronically capturing and storing energy consumption data.
    • c)    A means of transferring data to other computing devices or computer systems.
    • d)    A software-based means of analysing and displaying energy consumption data, and of producing energy management reports, that can be used to identify the ‘key factors’ that influence energy consumption.
    • e)    Technical support to facilitate competent operation of the product by the user
  • Be able to meter one or more of the following:
    • a)    Electricity use
    • b)    Power quality
    • c)    Gas flow (e.g. industrial gases)
    • d)    Heat flow.
  • Have an appropriate Conformity Assessment mark and conform to:
    • The Electromagnetic Compatibility Regulations 2016
    • The Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 2016
    • The Radio Equipment Regulations 2017 for products that communicate wirelessly.

1.3.2    Performance requirements

Eligible products shall comply with the following. Note: portable energy monitoring equipment that measures more than one of electricity, power quality, gas or heat, shall comply with all the following performance requirements commensurate with its’ scope. 

1.3.2.1    Electricity Monitors and Loggers

Measurement accuracy of +/- 3% of meter reading across the product’s entire operating temperature range for:

  • Voltage

  • Current

  • Phase angle

Note: Products which measure electricity use (energy monitors and loggers), and also measure power quality attributes, at least total harmonic distortion (THD), shall be classified as power quality analysers for Energy Technology List purposes. 

1.3.2.2    Power Quality Analysers

Comply with Class S or Class A as defined in IEC or BS EN 61000-4-30:2015. Existing listed products at Class B as defined in IEC or BS EN 61000-4-30:2015 remain eligible. 

1.3.2.3    Heat flow monitoring equipment

Have a measurement accuracy of +/- 3% of meter reading across the product’s entire operating temperature range for all measurement ranges relevant to the metering of heat flow.

1.3.2.4    Gas flow monitoring equipment

Have a measurement accuracy of +/- 3% of meter reading across the product’s entire operating temperature range for all measurement ranges relevant to the metering of industrial gas flow.

1.4    Verification for ETL listing 

Manufacturers applying to list power quality analysers shall provide a certificate of conformity to verify the class (e.g. Class S) of the product according to IEC or BS EN 61000-4-30:2015.

Manufacturers of electricity monitors and loggers, heat flow, and gas flow monitoring equipment shall provide sales and technical brochures to evidence the conformity of their products against the requirements from section 1.3.

1.5    Conformity testing

Products listed on the ETL may be subject to the scheme’s conformity testing programme in order to ensure listed models continue to meet the ETL requirements.

1.6    Review 

1.6.1    Indicative review date 

The next technical review is scheduled for 2023-24. 

1.6.2    Illustrative future direction of the requirements  

Future changes to the specification may include:

  • Expansion of the software component to include carbon and price impacts