IEC 62053-23-2020 PDF

Full title and description

Electricity metering equipment - Particular requirements - Part 23: Static meters for reactive energy (classes 2 and 3). This standard defines type-test requirements, performance limits and test methods for static var‑hour (reactive energy) meters of accuracy classes 2 and 3 intended for use on 50 Hz or 60 Hz AC networks (general-purpose mains up to 1 000 V AC).

Abstract

IEC 62053-23:2020 specifies particular requirements for static reactive‑energy meters (classes 2 and 3), addressing accuracy limits, starting/minimum currents, environmental and electrical influence tests, measurement uncertainty and repeatability, and immunity and interference tests relevant to type testing of such meters. The document is based on a conventional definition of reactive energy for sinusoidal voltages and currents containing the fundamental frequency only, and includes provisions for meters intended to work with low‑power instrument transformers when tested together.

General information

• Status: Published (current international standard).
• Publication date: 17 June 2020.
• Publisher: International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).
• ICS / categories: 17.220.20 — Measurement of electrical and magnetic quantities.
• Edition / version: Edition 2.0 (IEC 62053-23:2020).
• Number of pages: 33.

Core bibliographic and status details above are taken from the IEC product publication and national adoption information.

Scope

Applies to newly manufactured static var‑hour (reactive energy) meters of accuracy classes 2 and 3 for measurement in 50 Hz or 60 Hz networks and is intended for type tests only. The standard covers meters designed for mains with voltages up to 1 000 V AC (line‑to‑neutral derived from nominal voltages), and meters with all functional elements enclosed in or forming a single meter case (displays may be detached). Meters intended for use with low power instrument transformers (LPITs) may be tested for compliance only when the LPITs and meters are tested together. Excluded are portable meters, meters for rolling stock/vehicles/ships/airplanes, laboratory reference meters and certain metering systems comprising multiple remote devices.

Key topics and requirements

• Definition and limits for accuracy classes 2 and 3 (type‑test performance limits for reactive energy measurement).
• Starting current and minimum current specifications relevant to low‑load accuracy.
• Requirements and tests for measurement uncertainty and repeatability during type tests.
• Tests for influence of electrical and environmental quantities (temperature, voltage, frequency variations, etc.).
• Newer test additions in the 2020 edition addressing fast load current variation influence and immunity to conducted differential current disturbances in the 2 kHz–150 kHz band.
• Provisions for testing meters together with LPITs where applicable and guidance on when meters may be considered directly connected for testing purposes.
• Reference to the conventional reactive‑energy definition limited to sinusoidal fundamental components (practical measurement assumption used by the standard).

These topics reflect the principal technical requirements and the notable updates introduced in the 2020 edition.

Typical use and users

Primary users include electricity meter manufacturers, type‑test and conformity assessment laboratories, utilities and distribution companies specifying revenue and non‑revenue metering equipment, national standards bodies and regulatory authorities, and test engineers responsible for meter type approval and compliance verification. The standard is used when performing type tests to demonstrate that static reactive‑energy meters meet the declared accuracy class and immunity/performance criteria.

Related standards

Relevant and commonly referenced standards include the general meter requirements in IEC 62052-11, related accuracy‑part standards in the IEC 62053 series (for example IEC 62053-22 for active energy and IEC 62053-24 for other reactive‑energy testing methodology), the IEC 61869 series (low‑power instrument transformers / LPITs) where LPITs are involved, and DLMS/COSEM and data‑interface standards for meter communications where applicable. National adoptions and regional EN/UNE‑EN versions (where available) should also be checked for local regulatory requirements.

Keywords

reactive energy; var‑hour meter; static meter; accuracy class 2; accuracy class 3; type tests; measurement uncertainty; LPIT; immunity testing; IEC TC13.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: IEC 62053-23:2020 is an IEC international standard that specifies particular requirements and type‑test methods for static meters that measure reactive energy (var‑hours) in accuracy classes 2 and 3.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers type‑test performance limits, starting and minimum current criteria, measurement uncertainty and repeatability tests, environmental and electrical influence tests, and immunity/EMC tests (including specific tests for conducted differential current disturbance in the 2 kHz–150 kHz band). It is based on a conventional definition of reactive energy for sinusoidal fundamental components and applies mainly to meters for mains up to 1 000 V AC.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Meter manufacturers, type‑test and certification laboratories, utilities and distribution companies, compliance engineers, and regulatory bodies involved in meter type approval and procurement.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: IEC 62053-23:2020 was published 17 June 2020 and is listed as the current edition with a published stability date; however, work on a further edition (ED3) was recorded in 2025 as part of normal TC13 development activity. Users should verify national adoptions and any newer editions or draft amendments before relying on the standard for new designs or formal conformity processes.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — IEC 62053-23 is one part of the IEC 62053 series (particular requirements for electricity metering equipment) and is used together with the IEC 62052 series (general requirements) and other parts of IEC 62053 that cover different meter types and accuracy classes.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Reactive energy, var‑hour meter, static meter, accuracy class 2, accuracy class 3, type tests, LPIT, measurement uncertainty, immunity testing.