Meter-Farm-on-Field

AMI Meter Farm

Utility-scale testing of AMI meters, firmware, and communications prior to field deployment

The TESCO AMI Meter Farm is a custom-built testing system used by utilities to evaluate AMI meter performance at scale. By powering and loading large groups of meters simultaneously, the system enables validation of communication, functionality, and firmware updates prior to deployment or system-wide upgrades.

AMI Meter Farms are used both before deployment to qualify new meters and after deployment to test firmware releases across large meter populations prior to rollout.

 

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Manufacturer #: AMI Meter Farm
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Description

The Meter Farm powers up banks of meters and runs a current load through each meter. TESCO Meter Farms are designed to serve as a cost effective method for testing communication, functionality and firmware upgrades from your meter manufacturer(s). The Meter Farm can be used as part of the qualification process prior to deployment, but has been more popular as a post deployment tool to allow large scale testing of all new releases of firmware over hundreds or even thousands of meter points prior to upgrading the entire system. The Meter Farm can also be used to perform long term testing for new hardware releases prior to introducing later generation meters into the field. As with all of our products, the TESCO Meter Farm is built with the tradition of reliability and ruggedness.

Specifications

Key Capabilities:

  • Simulates real-world operating conditions across large meter populations
  • Supports testing across hundreds or thousands of meter points simultaneously
  • Enables large-scale firmware validation prior to deployment
  • Supports communication and functionality testing of AMI systems
  • Allows long-term testing of new meter hardware before field introduction
  • Powers and loads multiple meters simultaneously for system-level validation
  • Custom-built to match utility specifications and meter configurations

Utility Applications

  • Pre-Deployment Qualification
    Validate new AMI meters before field installation
  • Firmware Testing at Scale
    Test firmware updates across hundreds or thousands of meters prior to system-wide rollout
  • Post-Deployment Validation
    Verify system performance after meters are installed
  • Hardware Evaluation
    Perform long-term testing on new meter designs before introducing next-generation equipment
  • Training & Field Readiness
    Provide a controlled environment for technicians to understand system behavior before working in live field conditions

Why Controlled Testing Matters

AMI Meter Farms provide a controlled environment for validating system performance before meters are deployed or updated in the field. By identifying issues early, utilities can reduce operational risk, improve system reliability, and better prepare personnel for real-world conditions.

 

Each AMI Meter Farm is built to customer specifications. Typical configurations include:

  • Meter Forms: Available to support a wide range of meter forms
  • Voltages: 120, 240, 277, and 480 VAC (custom options available)
  • Amperages: Standard configurations available with customization based on application requirements
  • Socket Positions: Designed to meet utility-specific layouts and testing needs

 

Each TESCO AMI Meter Farm is engineered to meet the specific requirements of the utility, including meter types, communication systems, and testing objectives. Systems are designed in collaboration with the customer to ensure alignment with real-world deployment conditions.

 

FAQs

An AMI meter farm is a system used by utilities to test and validate large groups of electric meters under controlled conditions before deployment or system upgrades.

Utilities use meter farms to test firmware, communication, and meter functionality at scale before implementing changes across their entire system.

AMI meter farms are designed to support testing across hundreds or even thousands of meter points simultaneously, depending on the system configuration.

Yes. AMI meter farms are commonly used to test firmware updates across hundreds or thousands of meters before system-wide rollout.

Yes. They are designed to replicate real-world operating environments, allowing utilities to evaluate performance before field implementation.

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Disclaimer:

TESCO Metering reserves the right to modify product designs, specifications, features, and documentation at any time as part of our continuous improvement process. All information is provided “as is” and may change without prior notice. While TESCO® strives for accuracy, completeness, and technical reliability, customers should verify the latest product details before making purchasing or engineering decisions. For confirmation of current specifications or application suitability, please contact TESCO® directly.