What is the difference between wireless smart meters and two-way three control meters?

To understand the difference between wireless smart meters and two-way three control meters, it is necessary to start from three core dimensions: functional positioning, technical characteristics, and application scenarios. The essence of the two is the difference between "intelligent metering devices" and "specific scenario control devices". The specific differences are as follows:

1、 Different core definitions and functional positioning

This is the fundamental difference between the two, determining their design goals and core values:

Wireless smart meter: With "intelligent metering and data management" as its core, it is essentially a "metering terminal+data node" with wireless communication capabilities. In addition to basic electricity metering (such as current, voltage, power, and electricity consumption statistics), the core functions revolve around "data interconnection". For example, through wireless technologies such as LoRa, NB IoT, 4G, etc., electricity consumption data can be automatically uploaded to cloud platforms, supporting remote meter reading, automatic power outage/restoration due to arrears, abnormal electricity usage alarms (such as overload, leakage, theft), and time of use electricity price statistics. The focus is on solving the problems of "precise metering, efficient management, and data visualization".

Two way three control electricity meter: with "flexible control of specific circuits" as the core, it is essentially a combination device of "metering module+multi-channel control switch". Two circuits "refer to the ability to simultaneously measure and control two independent electrical circuits (such as lighting circuits and socket circuits in the same space); The "three controls" refer to each circuit supporting three control methods (commonly local manual control, remote signal control, and timed automatic control), with the core function of "sub circuit management+multi-mode control". For example, in the dormitory, the switch of the lighting circuit can be controlled separately (timed power-off), while monitoring the power consumption of the socket circuit, focusing on solving the problem of "power safety and circuit control in specific scenarios".

2、 Differences in Technical Characteristics and Core Components

The technical paths from hardware design to technical logic are completely different:

technical dimension

Wireless smart meter

Two way three control electricity meter

core component

High precision measurement chip, wireless communication module (such as NB IoT), cloud data interaction module, intelligent control chip

Basic metering module, dual circuit relay (control switch), three control signal receiving module (such as infrared, RS485)

Data interaction capability

Supports bidirectional wireless communication, can actively upload data, receive remote instructions (such as price adjustments, power outages), and has a long data transmission distance (NB IoT can reach several kilometers)

Mainly based on local control, remote control relies on wired (such as RS485) or short-range wireless (such as infrared), and data exchange is mainly based on "control instructions", without the ability to upload large-scale data

Measurement accuracy and function

High measurement accuracy (usually 0.2S level), supporting complex measurement functions such as active/reactive energy, peak valley equal time measurement, harmonic detection, etc

Measurement accuracy meets basic requirements (usually 1.0 level), only supports total electricity consumption or sub circuit electricity consumption statistics, without complex measurement functions

Safety and reliability design

Key prevention measures include electricity theft (such as lid opening alarm, current imbalance detection), data tampering (such as encrypted transmission), and adaptation to long-term outdoor operation (IP65 protection)

Key prevention measures include circuit overload (such as overcurrent protection) and short circuit (such as leakage protection), with a focus on indoor fixed environments (IP20 protection)

3、 Different matching between application scenarios and user needs

The difference in scenarios between the two directly corresponds to the core needs of different users:

Wireless smart meter: adapted to "large-scale, remote, and refined" electricity management scenarios, typical users include:

Power company: used for remote meter reading for residents and industrial and commercial users, replacing manual meter reading and achieving "contactless meter reading and automated billing";

Park/commercial complex: Manage the electricity consumption of hundreds of shops, guide off peak electricity consumption through peak and valley electricity prices, and monitor overload risks in real time;

In the field of new energy, combining photovoltaic and energy storage systems, measuring grid connected power generation and electricity consumption, and achieving data monitoring of "power generation and consumption balance".

Two way three control electricity meter: suitable for power consumption scenarios of "small range, divided circuits, and strong control". Typical users include:

School Dormitory: Control the lighting circuit to automatically shut off at 11pm, while allowing the socket circuit (for charging mobile phones) to remain on to avoid unauthorized use of electricity;

Rental housing: divided into two circuits: "public area (such as corridor lights)" and "in room", measuring electricity bills separately to avoid disputes over sharing;

Small shops: Control the "lighting" and "high-power equipment (such as air conditioning)" circuits, manually turn off the air conditioning circuit to save energy, and monitor the total electricity consumption.

4、 Selection key: Clarify whether the core requirement is' measurement management 'or' loop control '

When making a choice, there is no need to worry about "technology first", but focus on your core needs:

If remote meter reading, data monitoring, and automatic management are required (such as property management for hundreds of households or power company management for areas), choose wireless smart meters;

If separate circuit control and local/timed switches are required (such as dormitory lighting and sockets, rental housing area billing), choose two three control electricity meters;

Special scenarios (such as dormitories that require both loop control and remote meter reading): "Two way three control electricity meters with wireless communication function" (integrated product) can be selected, but it should be noted that such products are usually expensive and only used when demand is superimposed.