(1) Based on the type of circuit used, electricity meters can be classified into DC meters and AC meters. AC meters can be further categorized by phase configuration into single-phase meters, three-phase three-wire meters, and three-phase four-wire meters.
(2) Based on operating principles, electricity meters can be classified into electromechanical meters and electronic meters (also known as static or solid-state meters). Electromechanical meters are used in AC circuits for standard energy measurement, with the induction-type meter being the most common. Electronic meters can be subdivided into fully electronic meters and electromechanical-electronic hybrid meters.
(3) Based on structure, electricity meters can be classified into integral (single-unit) meters and split-type meters.
(4) Based on application, electricity meters can be classified into active energy meters, reactive energy meters, maximum demand meters, standard meters, multi-rate (time-of-use) meters, prepayment meters, loss-measuring meters, and multi-function meters, among others.
(5) Based on accuracy class, electricity meters can be classified into standard panel-mounted meters (classes 0.2, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, and 3.0) and portable precision-grade meters (classes 0.01, 0.02, 0.05, 0.1, and 0.2).
