BS EN 61557-12:2008

What is  BS EN 61557-12 - Performance measuring and monitoring devices PMD about?  

BS EN 61557-12 is a British standard as a part of the IEC 61557 series that specifies requirements for combined performance measuring and monitoring devices that measure and monitor the electrical parameters within electrical distribution systems. Also, combined performance measuring and monitoring devices (PMD) for electrical parameters described in BS EN 61557-12 are used for general industrial and commercial.

BS EN 61557-12 provides guidelines for safety requirements of electrical measurement. 

Note 1 - Generally such types of devices are used in the following applications or for the following general needs: 

• Energy management inside the installation 
• Monitoring and/or measurement of electrical parameters that may be required or usual 
• Measurement and/or monitoring of the quality of energy 

Note 2 - A measuring and monitoring device of electrical parameters usually consists of several functional modules. All or some of the functional modules are combined in one device. Examples of functional modules are mentioned below: 

• Measurement and indication of several electrical parameters simultaneously 
• Energy measurement and/or monitoring, and also sometimes compliance with aspects of building regulations 
• Alarms functions 
• Power quality (harmonics, over/undervoltages, voltage dips and swells, etc) 

Who is  BS EN 61557-12 - Performance measuring and monitoring devices PMD for? 

BS EN 61557-12 on performance measuring and monitoring devices PMD is useful for: 

• Authorities working with Power distribution system 
• Sensors Manufacturers 
• Thermostats Manufacturer 
• The manufacturing industry 
• Testing and inspection facilities 

Why should you use BS EN 61557-12 - Performance measuring and monitoring devices PMD?  

Combined performance measuring and monitoring devices (PMD), as defined in BS EN 61557-12, give additional safety information, which aids the verification of the installation and enhances the performance of the distribution systems. As a complement to protection measures, it becomes more and more necessary to measure different electrical parameters, to monitor the required performances in energy distribution systems due to: 

• Installation standards evolutions, for instance over current detection is now a new requirement for the neutral conductor due to harmonic content 
• Technological evolutions (electronic loads, electronic measuring methods, etc.) 
• End-users needs (cost saving, compliance with aspects of building regulations, etc.) 
• Safety and continuity of service 
• Sustainable development requirements where energy measurement for instance is recognized as an essential element of energy management, part of the overall drive to reduce carbon emissions and to improve the commercial efficiency of manufacturing, commercial organizations, and public services 

BS EN 61557-12 provides a guideline on the general requirements for measuring and monitoring equipment that is required for the manufacturers to get desirable results.  

Using BS EN 61557-12 best practices guidance, can ensure the safety of user/manufacturer.