1. (a) Location of meter test.

   1. (1) Periodic tests of watt-hour and demand meters may be conducted with the meter in place or the meter may be removed from service and tested, except as provided for in subdivision (a)(2) of this section.

   2. (2)

      1. (A) A customer-requested or Arkansas Public Service Commission-requested test of a watt-hour meter shall be made with the meter installed in place on the customer's premises under normal operating conditions, except that a detachable meter may be mounted on a test device designed for insertion into the meter mounting.
      2. (B) If a meter test at the customer premises is beyond the technical capability of the electric utility, the meter may be removed for testing provided the meter is sealed in the presence of the customer or Arkansas Public Service Commission representative in accordance with the Arkansas Public Service Commission's General Service Rules, 23 CAR § 455-518.

2. (b) Test methods.

   1. (1)

      1. (A) Watt-hour meters installed with instrument transformers or shunts may be tested independently of the instrument transformers provided that the transformer ratios and phase angles have been determined and are taken into account in the adjustment of the meter.
      2. (B) The transformer errors may be neglected in the adjustment of the meter if instrument transformers are used that conform to the three-tenths (0.3) accuracy-class limits at standard burdens approximating the actual secondary burden.

   2. (2)

      1. (A) When the meter or metering installations are inspected, the instrument transformers associated with the installations shall receive close visual inspection for correct connections or evidence of impairment resulting from:

3. (i) Severe overloads;

   1. (ii) Physical damage; or

      1. (iii) Abnormal conditions.
      2. (B) Tests of instrument transformers shall be performed at the same time and the results of the tests shall be recorded.

   2. (3) The current transformer shall be tested with a suitable variable-burden device to determine if the windings of the secondary circuit have developed an:

      1. (A) Open circuit;
      2. (B) Short circuit; or
      3. (C) Unintentional ground.

   3. (4) The secondary voltage of the potential transformer shall be measured and compared to the primary voltage to reveal defects in the transformer or associated circuits.

      1. (c) Accuracy of tests.

   4. (1) If the accuracy of the instrument transformers is suspect, then an accuracy test shall be made by:

      1. (A) An independent laboratory; or
      2. (B) The electric utility's testing facility.
   5. (2) Unless the accuracy of the transformer ratios is questioned, manufacturer's ratings will be acceptable.
   6. (3) The most recent rating shall be maintained by the electric utility.

Codification Notes: This section was promulgated as Rule 7.07 of the Special Rules — Electric prior to codification in the Code of Arkansas Rules.