This document summarizes a presentation on functional testing for meters and AMI systems. It discusses the differences between functional and accuracy testing and the types of functional testing required for AMI meters and networks. With AMI, testing must consider the functional performance of the entire metering device and installation, not just the meter itself. The presentation outlines categories of traditional meter testing and new types of functional tests needed for AMI meters, modules, and networks, including firmware updates, communication verification, and network status checks. It asks when this additional AMI testing should be performed as part of standard testing procedures.

1. 10/02/2012 Slide 1
Functional Testing
How to Cope with Ever
Changing Needs &
Requirements
Notes from the Shop
Prepared by Tom Lawton,TESCO
for the Spring ECNE Engineering & Operations Conference 2016

2. Session Objectives
• Discuss the differences between functional and accuracy
testing
• Discuss the types of functional testing required in a post-
AMI world
• Discuss the need for functional testing as well as
Certification or FAT testing (first article testing)
Session ObjectivesSession Objectives

3. Types of Meter Testing
• New meters have many tests specified in ANSI C12.1 and
C12.20, usually performed by the meter vendors.
• With In-service meters, mainly meter consumption accuracy
– Maybe Full Load, Light Load, Weighted Average Accuracy
– In the Meter Shop (periodic in service testing
requirements)
– In the Field (customer inquiries & complaints)
• With AMI/Smart Grid, must consider meter device functional
testing for in-service.
Types of Meter Testing

4. Impact of AMI & AMR
Test an installation and system and not just a meter!
Test programs for AMR & AMI systems need to
involve testing and checking the meter performance
as well as checking and testing the installation. This
more extensive test check list needs to be done
especially for the higher revenue C&I customers.
Impact of AMI and AMR on Meter Testing

5. Impact of AMI Devices
• New concept of what is a meter…includes
everything under the cover.
• AMI communications modules and
service disconnect switches.
• Need to apply sampling and testing
requirements to these devices when part of the
AMI meter.
Impact of AMI

6. Categories Of Meter Testing
• New Meters
– Testing in the Meter Shop
• In Service
– Testing in the Meter Shop for State sampling
requirements
– Testing in the field for customer inquiries or
complaints
• Retirement
– Testing in the Meter Shop
Traditional Categories of Meter Testing

7. • Inspection
• Error Reporting/Clearing
• Clear/Reset
• Meter Reprogramming
• Program Verification
• Disconnect Testing
• Firmware Updates
• Security Updates
• Password Updates and Verification
• Battery Replacement
AMI Meter Testing

8. • Firmware Updates
• Disconnect Testing
• Meter Association Confirmation
• Network Status Updates
• Security Updates
• Communication Interval Verification and Configuration
• Communication Verification
• Real Time Clock synchronization
• Zigbee
• Alarms (Verification and Programming)
• Lat/Long (Verification and Configuration)
AMI Network Testing

9. • As a part of Standard Testing
• As a check for “new meters”
• As a check of an installation
When do we do this testing?

10. Questions and Discussion
Tom Lawton
TESCO – The Eastern Specialty Company
Bristol, PA
Tom.Lawton@tescometermanager.com
Cell: 215-688-0298
This presentation can also be found under Meter Conferences
and Schools on the TESCO web site: www.tesco-advent.com