Using Group Metering Panels To Measure Power Consumption

 

Group metering panels (GMPs) are popular for providing economical and practical solutions for multi-apartment tenancy metering. These panels come complete with service disconnection devices, meter panel isolators, service fuses and outgoing circuit breakers fully wired in compliance with local service installation rules.

The DaRa Switchboards GMP series comes in several standard meter configurations and can be joined together to make up any custom configuration that is required. This allows for GMPs to be fitted into any sized project, from small apartment complexes to larger buildings such as shopping centres.

While the basic function of a GMP is to define parameters for individual unit measurement, the importance of correct metering for apartments and commercial buildings extends much further.

What is the importance of correct metering?

Apartment complexes come in any number of sizes, there isn’t a definite number of units for each building. Furthermore, some apartment complexes number apartment into the hundreds, with each individual unit required directed power and accurate metering for billing. Due to the variable number of dwellings, it’s crucial that a GMP perform a number of actions.

Firstly, imagine you are developing a large apartment complex. You may have upwards of 200 units in the building, each requiring their own individual metering, billing and connection capabilities. To achieve this, we use GMPs to monitor and distribute permissions to each apartment unit. Why is this so important? For a start, it means that each apartment can be individually billed for their unique usage of electricity.

The result of this is that each unit is only charged for the power they use, as opposed to a median average from the entire complex. After all, who would want to pay more for power simply because their neighbours were using an incredibly high amount?

The second aspect allows power companies the ability to isolate and disconnect individual units when they either don’t pay their bill or no longer require electricity. While this leans slightly towards a negative connotation with many individuals, the real benefit comes in relation to safety. If an area of an apartment complex requires refurbishment or reconstruction, power can be disconnected in a certain section to reduce the risk of electric shock.

Overall, the introduction of GMPs has allowed for greater control over a building’s power supply, from distribution to billing and disconnection.

DaRa brings power to the Quest Rockingham Apartments 

DaRa has experience in installing GMPs across Australia, with a recent inclusion at Quest apartments in Rockingham, a city to the south of Perth.

Quest Rockingham serviced apartments offer guests a relaxed and comfortable accommodation experience. Opened in August 2015, the seven-storey Quest Rockingham features 96 fully self-contained studio and one- and two-bedroom apartments all superbly finished to the latest standards.

This was made possible by the inclusion of GMPs and other switchboards from MSB to the Load Centre manufactured by DaRa Switchboards.

Group Metering Panels by DaRa Switchboards

Our GMPs are of the highest quality, and comply with international and national safety standards. Utilising the services of our manufacturing facility, we provide full customisation for our clients specific needs.

Features

• A modular solution for multi tenancy installations up to 100A.
• Starting from 6 x 1 phase or 3 x 3 phase meters. these panels can be configured and joined to have numerous meters.
• Removable, lift-off escutcheon
• Top and side removable gland plates
• Slack panel as per AS/ NZS 1795
• Can be wall mounted or floor mounted using a channel plinth
• Fully labelled for ease of circuit identification
• Fully wired to local SIR’s
• MEN link where required
• Combinations of 1P & 3P meters as per Standards
• IP 54, 2.00 Steel for Outdoor applications
• Aluminium or Brass gland plates
• Powder coated to required colour
• Cable ways for cable management

Technical Data

• Complies to AS/NZS 3439.1
• IP40 Degree of protection (IP42 with Doors ) for Indoor Application
• Enclosure depth 200/325/425mm
  Enclosure width 620/700/900mm
• IP 40, 1.60mm zincanneal steel construction for indoor applications
• IP 54, 2.00mm zincanneal steel construction for outdoor applications

The powder coated finish involves a two-stage preparation, consisting of degrease, iron phosphate etch and rinse followed by an electro-statically applied polyester powder coat (80 microns thick), ensuring anti-rust conditioning, superior finish and lasting strength.

To learn more about our range of switchboards and associated electrical units, you can browse our individual product pages or contact one of our helpful team.