Electrical test board in meter shop

Meter Test Board (MTB1) – Full Series Parallel Multi-Position Meter Testing System

The TESCO MTB1 Meter Test Board is a full series-parallel, multi-position testing system designed for electric utilities to perform accurate, repeatable testing of watt-hour meters under a wide range of real-world conditions.

Built for meter shop environments, the MTB1 supports meter accuracy testing, diagnostics, communications validation, and program verification for AMI and AMR meters.

What is a Full Series Parallel Meter Test Board?

A full series-parallel meter test board allows utilities to test multiple meters simultaneously while applying controlled voltage and current conditions across all positions.

This enables:

  • Higher throughput in meter shops
  • Consistent and repeatable testing conditions
  • Validation of meter performance before field deployment
SKU: MTB1 Category:
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Description

Key Features and Capabilities

High Accuracy Meter Testing

  • Accuracy: ±0.04% (±0.02% typical)
  • Optional accuracy upgrades to 0.02% and 0.01%
  • Valid across current ranges from 0.2A to 50A
  • Single-phase voltage applied across all stabs with series current across phases

Real-World Condition Simulation

  • The MTB1 is designed to replicate actual service conditions, including:
  • Load variation over time (brownout and surge simulation)
  • Harmonic waveform testing
  • Power on/off cycling
  • Phasor distortion

Digital Waveform & Power Quality Testing

  • Harmonic testing up to the 25th order
  • ANSI C12.20 waveform generation
  • Arbitrary waveform capability
  • Frequency range: 45–60 Hz

Multi-Position Meter Testing

  • Full series-parallel configuration
  • Simultaneous testing of multiple meters
  • Automated meter socket with detection
  • Supports a wide range of meter forms (1S–166S)

Meter Shop Workflow Integration

  • Meter program updates
  • Software revision verification
  • Detection of open or shorted elements
  • PC software interface for test setup and control
  • Data export and system integration capabilities

Applications

The MTB1 Meter Test Board is used by electric utilities for:

  • Meter shop accuracy testing and calibration
  • AMI/AMR meter validation prior to deployment
  • Troubleshooting and diagnostics of problem meters
  • Communications testing and verification
  • Long-duration and demand testing

What Makes the MTB1 Different?

The MTB1 is engineered specifically for utility meter shop environments, where accuracy, repeatability, and throughput are critical.

It applies single-phase voltage across all stabs with series current to simulate multi-phase conditions in a high-throughput test environment.

By combining:

  • Multi-position testing
  • Real-world condition simulation
  • Integrated communications validation

The MTB1 allows utilities to identify issues before deployment, reduce field failures, and maintain confidence in meter accuracy and billing.

Technical Overview

  • Voltage Drive: 30–350V RMS (490V peak line-to-neutral)
  • Current Drive: 0.01–50A RMS (up to 75A peak)
  • Adjustment Resolution: 0.01V / 0.01A
  • Power Requirement: 120V, 20A
  • Integrated digital waveform generator
  • Built-in reference standard

Not sure whether a full series-parallel or true three-phase system is right for your application? The comparison below highlights the key differences.

Feature MTB1 MTB3
Testing Approach Series-parallel (single-phase across stabs) True three-phase
Throughput High (multiple meters per module) Lower (single meter per module)
Sockets per Module 2 1
Max Sockets per Chassis Up to 6 Up to 3
Best Use Case High-volume meter shop testing Advanced / engineering validation
Phase Simulation Simulated across phases Independent phase control
Complexity Lower Higher

 

Looking for true three-phase testing? Explore the MTB3 Meter Test Board.

Contact a TESCO team member to discuss configuration options, system integration, or to request additional technical details.

FAQs

Meter test board is used by utilities to test, calibrate, and verify the accuracy and performance of electric meters under controlled electrical conditions.

Full series-parallel testing allows multiple meters to be tested at the same time while maintaining consistent voltage and current across all test positions.

Yes. The MTB1 supports AMI meter testing, including communications validation, firmware verification, and functional diagnostics.

The MTB1 can simulate load variation, harmonic distortion, power cycling, and phasor distortion to replicate real-world operating conditions.

By allowing multiple meters to be tested simultaneously and automating test processes, the MTB1 increases throughput and reduces manual effort.

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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.