Reed Relays and
Electronics India Limited
Manufacturer of Reed Switches, Reed Sensors and Reed-based products
Reed Relays and Electronics India Limited Incorporated in 1971

Reed sensors for Tamper-proofing Electricity Meters

tamper proof electricity meter

Electric Companies use electricity meters calibrated to measure 1 kilo-watt-hour and also measure maximum demand, which is the peak kilo-watt drawn during the billing period. Using the collective information from total usage and maximum demand, a bill is generated. The most common electromechanical induction meters operate through electromagnetic induction by counting the revolutions of a disc which is made to rotate at a speed proportional to the power passing through the meter. These electricity meters are easily tampered with.

With the advent of digital electronics and the Internet, electricity companies generate readings automatically using digital electricity meters and post bills on their website, where customers login and settle their dues. In such situations, where visits from the company are rare, unscrupulous customers sometimes tamper the utility meter by attaching magnets to the outside of the meter to saturate the magnetic fields and stop the disc from counting rotations.

To tamper proof such electricity, gas, water or other utility meters, Reed Sensors are placed near the front cover of the meter, in the vicinity of the rotating disc. These sensors are specially selected, having a low AT band so that it detects the weakest of external magnetic fields. This ensures that the tampering is detected well before the external magnet has any effect on the rotating disc, and triggering an alarm to the electricity company.

Application Classification

Applications are classified as Position Sensing, Pulse Counting, Electromagnetic or Relay, Temperature Sensing or Magnet Biasing types. This application is classified as follows and the link gives more information on best practices to help select the most suitable AT band and matching magnet.

Position sensing Type
Position sensing Position Sensing type application When an application requires the end position of a movement sensed, or the sensing of a part when it Continue reading ->

Feb 28, 2024

The Reed Switches and Sensors used in such applications need to be robust, durable and efficient in meeting a high life expectancy. Our engineers work hard in life testing our products under various conditions, and our intention is to ensure end product durability and life. Although we wouldn’t want to restrict any of our products for use in only certain applications, the recommended products for use in this application are listed below.

R3 Miniature SMD Reed Sensor
Miniature Reed Sensor These miniature SMD reed sensors are designed for low power, high speed switching applications, and have a cost advantage over the Continue reading ->

Jun 7, 2021

R2 Standard size SMD Reed Sensor
Standard Size Reed Sensor R2-S Gull-wing SMD Formed Reed SensorR2-S Gull-wing SMD Formed Reed Sensor Pad LayoutR2-F Low Profile SMD Formed Reed SensorR2-F Low Continue reading ->

Dec 2, 2020

MS-108 Standard Size PCB Mountable Reed Sensor
Standard size pcb mountable reed sensor Drawing of MS-108 Reed SensorDrawing of MS-108 Reed Sensor Pad Layout starFeatures10W Contact Rating. 20.3 mm PCB Pitch. Normally Continue reading ->

Oct 30, 2020

HB-2232 Reed Switch with High Breakdown
Reed Switch with high breakdown voltage This HB-2232 Reed Switch with High Breakdown Voltage is designed with highly flexible blades to get maximum contact gap at lower AT Continue reading ->

Dec 3, 2020