BUYING GUIDE | METERMALL GUIDES
Choosing a prepaid electricity meter doesn't need to be complicated, but not every meter is suitable for every property.
The right prepaid meter depends on your electricity supply, where the meter will be installed, how the property is used and whether you need a separate Customer Interface Unit (CIU).
Whether you're installing prepaid electricity for a home, rental property or multiple units, understanding a few basics before purchasing can help you choose the right solution from the start.
Start with the property's electricity supply
One of the first things to determine is whether the property has a single-phase or three-phase electricity supply.
Single-phase electricity meters
Single-phase electricity is commonly found in homes, apartments, cottages and smaller rental units.
If the unit or flatlet you want to meter has a single-phase electricity supply, you'll generally need a compatible single-phase prepaid electricity meter.
Three-phase electricity meters
Three-phase electricity is typically used where greater electrical capacity is required and may be found in larger properties, commercial environments and certain residential installations.
A three-phase supply requires a meter designed specifically for that electrical configuration.
MeterMall Tip
Not sure whether you have single-phase or three-phase electricity?
Don't guess based on the appearance of the meter. Ask a suitably qualified electrician or installer to confirm the property's electrical supply before purchasing.
Where will the prepaid meter be installed?
The installation location can influence which prepaid metering setup is most practical.
In some properties, the meter may be installed somewhere easily accessible to the occupant.
In others, particularly rental properties, the meter may be positioned inside a secure distribution board, meter enclosure or another area that isn't convenient for everyday access.
This is where a separate Customer Interface Unit (CIU) can become particularly useful.
Do you need a CIU?
A CIU, or Customer Interface Unit, is a separate interface that communicates with a compatible prepaid electricity meter.
Depending on the meter system, the CIU can allow the user to enter prepaid tokens and access certain meter information without needing direct access to the physical electricity meter.
For example, the prepaid meter may be installed securely outside the rental unit while the tenant keeps the CIU conveniently accessible inside.
Good to Know
The meter and CIU are not the same device.
The prepaid electricity meter measures consumption. The CIU provides a convenient way for the user to interact with a compatible meter.
When comparing products, always check whether you're purchasing a meter only or a meter and CIU combination.
Are you buying a meter for a rental property?
Rental properties are one of the most common applications for prepaid sub-metering.
A property owner may want to measure electricity consumption for:
- A separate flat or cottage
- A tenant
- Multiple rental units
- Student accommodation
- A subdivided property
- Different sections of a larger property
In these situations, individual prepaid sub-meters can help separate electricity consumption between occupants.
This can make utility management simpler while giving tenants greater visibility and control over their own electricity usage.
Remember: a sub-meter does not replace the municipal meter
This distinction is important when choosing a prepaid meter.
A prepaid sub-meter is generally installed downstream from the property's existing municipal or primary electricity supply.
It measures the electricity consumed by the particular area or unit connected through it.
The property's municipal meter and municipal electricity account remain in place.
MeterMall Explains
Think of the municipal meter as measuring electricity supplied to the property, while individual sub-meters can be used to measure electricity consumed by specific units or occupants within that property.
How many units do you need to meter?
If you're managing a property with several rental units, think beyond the first meter.
For example, if a property has four separately occupied units and you want to measure each unit individually, each metered supply will generally require its own appropriate prepaid meter.
Planning the complete metering setup before purchasing can help ensure that the meters, CIUs and installation arrangement work together properly.
Check how prepaid tokens will work
A prepaid meter needs to be correctly configured and registered on the applicable vending platform before prepaid electricity tokens can be generated for it.
The customer uses the meter's unique meter number when purchasing electricity through supported vending channels.
Depending on the vending platform, these can include participating retailers, banking apps, online banking platforms, ATMs and approved prepaid electricity vendors.
For this reason, meter registration is an important part of the prepaid metering process and shouldn't be overlooked when choosing your solution.
Consider installation before you buy
A prepaid electricity meter isn't simply another plug-in household device.
Its installation forms part of the property's electrical system and should be completed by a suitably qualified installer in accordance with applicable electrical requirements and the manufacturer's instructions.
Before ordering, consider:
- The property's electrical supply
- Where the meter will be positioned
- Accessibility
- Whether a CIU is required
- The number of units being metered
- The installation requirements of the selected meter
If you're uncertain about the electrical requirements, confirm them with your installer before purchasing.
Your prepaid meter buying checklist
Before choosing your meter, make sure you can answer these questions:
1. Is the supply single-phase or three-phase?
2. Is the meter for a home, rental unit or another application?
3. Where will the meter be installed?
4. Will the user have easy access to the meter?
5. Would a separate CIU be more convenient?
6. How many individual units need to be metered?
7. Have the installation requirements been confirmed?
Getting these basics right makes selecting the appropriate prepaid meter considerably easier.
Find the right prepaid meter with MeterMall
MeterMall makes it easier to compare and purchase prepaid electricity metering solutions online.
Our prepaid meter range includes solutions suitable for different property and installation requirements, with straightforward product information to help you understand what you're buying.
Ready to explore your options?
Browse MeterMall's range of prepaid electricity meters and choose the solution that best suits your property.
SHOP PREPAID ELECTRICITY METERS →
Not sure which option is suitable? Get in touch with MeterMall before ordering and we'll help point you in the right direction.
Continue Learning
What Is a Prepaid Electricity Meter and How Does It Work?
New to prepaid metering? Read our Prepaid 101 guide to understand how prepaid electricity meters, tokens, CIUs and sub-metering work.
Coming Next
Why Prepaid Electricity Makes Sense for Rental Properties
Our next MeterMall Guide looks specifically at prepaid electricity for landlords and rental properties, including individual consumption, utility recovery and managing multiple units.
About MeterMall
MeterMall is a South African online store specialising in prepaid electricity and water metering solutions.
Our goal is to make prepaid metering easier to understand, purchase and manage for homeowners, landlords, property managers and developments across South Africa.
MeterMall | Prepaid Metering. Made Simpler.
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