Error Codes of STS Prepayment Meters

STS (Standard Transfer Specification) prepayment meters take digital medium as information exchange media. Users load in pre-purchased credit and then the meters take credit as their billing to realize the functions of active energy measuring and prepayment control and realize remote communication and remote control via module.
Local power companies or utilities use prepayment meters to avoid debts by charging power bills in advance. Additionally, prepayment smart meters with automatic reading function reduces cost of manual collecting meter data.
For end-customers, they can check their meter load in real time to use power reasonably. They can also recharge meters in any place and any time, instead of going to local power company to pay for.

CLOU STS Prepayment Meters

We have many STS prepayment meters, such as CL730S22 and CL710K22. You can also find more information about prepayment meters here.

Single Phase Meter CL710K22
Single Phase Meter CL710K22
Three Phase Meter CL730S22
Three Phase Meter CL730S22

Differences between TOKEN and Meter Numbers

TOKEN numbers and meter numbers are two totally different things.
According to the STS standard, a TOKEN has only complete 20 digits.
While CLOU STS meters have 11 digits. Other CLOU meters also have 12 digits.
The length of meter numbers is customized.
When you input a Token by which the prepayment meter can not work, the meter will show error codes. Specific reasons are cited one by one as below. If your meter equips an UIU (User Interface Unit), error codes also shows on its LCD.

Error Codes Shown on CLOU Prepayment Meter

CLOU regulates prepayment meter error codes in a certain statement according to the IEC62055-41 chapter 7.1. Almost all CLOU prepayment meters have the same error codes.
Here takes error codes shown on the CL730S22 three-phase meter as an example.

Meter Display Information

  • OPEN Any meter cover was opened
  • DISTU Magnetic disturbance detected
  • OVER PO Power exceeds the limit
  • VOL-OVER Voltage is over allowed threshold
  • CUR-OVER Current is over allowed threshold
  • CUR-UNB Current unbanlance occured
  • N-DST Neutral line is disturbed
  • CT-BYPAS Meter is bypassed
  • CT-OPEN Meter current circuit is open
  • VOL-UNB Voltage is unbalanced
  • HIGH-TMP Temperature too high
  • LOW-PF Power factor too low

UIU Display Information

  • ACCEPT TOKEN accepted
  • REJECT TOKEN rejected. The 20-digit TOKEN input is not generated from the designated platform.
  • OLD TOKEN expired
  • USED TOKEN used
  • FULL Overflow error. The credit register in the payment meter would overflow if the token were to be accepted; the token is not accepted.
  • OK Operation accepted
  • Err_01 Error in manufacturer code. The Manufacturer Code value in the Class 1 token does not match the Manufacturer Code value for the Decoder.
  • Err_02 Key expired error. The TID (Token Identifier) value as record in the token is larger than the KEN (Key Expiry Number)stored in the payment meter memory.
    Solution: First, please check your meter KEN value if it has expansion space or not; If the number is already maximum, shift the TID and change the Base Date in the energy selling system into “2014” option.
  • Err_03 DDTK (Decoder Default Transfer Key) error. The Decoder has a DDTK value in the DKR (Decoder Key Register): a Transfer Credit token may not be processed by the Meter Application Process in accordance with the values given in credit.
  • Err_04 Overflow error. The credit register in the payment meter would overflow if the token were to be accepted; the token is not accepted. (Some meter types are showing Err_04 instead of FULL).
  • Err_05 Key type error. The key may not be changed to this type in accordance with the key change rules.
  • Err_06 TOKEN format error. One or more data elements in the token does not comply with the required format for that element. That's say, to aviod this error, 20 digits of the TOKEN are correct and complete, and the TOKEN must be valid and unused. For example, the error shows when one only inputs 19 digits.
  • Err_07 TOKEN range error. One or more data elements in the token have a value that is outside the defined range of values defined in the application for that elements.
  • Err_08 TOKEN Function error. The particular function to execute the token is not available.
  • NULL Reserved

Troubleshooting to Pairing A UIU with A Meter

If something wrong happens while paring a UIU (User Interface Unit) with an energy meter, the following steps can be taken to initiate the UIU for troubleshooting.

  • Step1: Input "1593570" + "999" + "Enter" to initialize the UIU.
  • Step2: Input "1593570" + "11-digit meter number" + "Enter" to pair the meter with UIU.
  • Step3: Input "999" + "enter" to check the paired meter, and "12-digit address" will be displayed on the UIU.

Conclusion

So far, we have received a great number of comments about meter error codes and TOKEN. This article aims to at least provide a fundamental explanation to error codes.
For visitors who are finding information about them, wish this article can help you.
If you have more questions about error codes, just leave a comment below to discuss it.
Thank you for your reading and best wishes.

Editor's note: This article was originally published in November 2021 and has been updated for comprehensiveness.

100 Replies to “Error Codes of STS Prepayment Meters”
  1. My clou meter indicates over power all the time even when the power is okay,the line has other meter in the same building. What code can I use to reset that meter back to normal operation?

    1. Hello! It sounds like the over-power alert on your meter is being triggered by a high consumption load within your premises rather than an issue with the meter itself or the mains supply. Here's a step-by-step approach to resolving this:
      1. Identify High-Consumption Devices: Check which appliances or devices in your premises might be using a lot of power simultaneously. It's possible that running several high-power devices at once is exceeding the threshold that triggers the alert.
      2. Reduce Consumption: Try switching off or reducing the use of some of these devices to see if the alert disappears. This will help confirm if the issue is related to consumption levels.
      3. Monitor the Meter: After reducing the load, keep an eye on the meter to see if the alert resets. The alert should disappear once the consumption is back within acceptable limits.
      4. No Reset Code Needed: There isn't a specific reset code for this situation. The meter should automatically return to normal operation once the power usage is below the threshold.

      If the alert persists even after reducing your consumption, it might be worth checking with an electrician to ensure everything is in order.

    1. Thank you for your question! When you encounter a situation where your power consumption exceeds the limit, there are a few immediate and longer-term solutions to consider:
      – Reduce Power Consumption: Switching off high-consumption appliances like air conditioning units, heaters, or heavy machinery can help bring your usage back within limits. It's a quick fix to avoid tripping breakers or incurring additional charges.
      – Load Management: Implementing load management strategies can help balance your power usage. This might involve scheduling high-energy-consuming activities during off-peak hours when demand is lower.
      – Energy Efficiency: Investing in energy-efficient appliances and lighting can significantly reduce your overall power consumption. Consider upgrading to more efficient systems where possible.
      – Power Supply Options: Contact your power supplier to discuss different tariff structures and power limits. They may offer plans that better align with your consumption patterns, potentially providing higher limits or lower costs during certain times.

    1. The err_03 error on STS prepayment meters typically indicates an issue with the token being entered. This error can occur due to incorrect or invalid token values. Here are a few steps to resolve this issue:

      Verify Token Validity: Ensure that the token you are trying to input is valid. Tokens should be generated from the designated platform or official sources. Avoid purchasing tokens from unofficial dealers, as they may not be recognized by the meter.

      Double-Check Token Entry: Sometimes, the error can be as simple as a typo. Make sure you are entering the token correctly, paying attention to each digit.

      Contact Support: If the token is valid, and you are still encountering the err_03 error, it may be best to contact your utility customer support for further assistance. They can help verify the token and provide additional troubleshooting steps.

      By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the err_03 error and ensure your prepayment meter functions correctly.

    1. Hi there! All STS prepaid meters, including the Single Phase Meter CL710K22, require the TID Rollover. Your utility should issue a set of two tokens to update the meter before November 24, 2024. For specific details on whether your meter has already been updated, please contact your power service provider. They will be able to assist you further.

  2. What is the solution to the error code "over_po" which doesn't allow power into the house?

    1. The error code 'over_po' indicates an over power issue, which is a load limiting function implemented by your power company to manage grid stability. To resolve this, you need to reduce your electrical load. Consider turning off high consumption devices, such as an air conditioner or heavy appliances, temporarily. For a detailed understanding of the load limiting process and how to manage your household power consumption more effectively, you might find this article helpful.

    1. Thank you for your query about the low power factor error [LOW-PF] indicated by your meter. Since these meters are intended for domestic use and this warning is triggered when the power factor falls below 0.5, it's likely that the issue could be related to the electrical wiring in your home.
      Since dealing with electrical wiring and grounding requires specialized knowledge and tools, it's safest to contact your power service provider. Inform them about the low power factor indication on your meter. They have the expertise to check for potential wiring or grounding problems that might be affecting your power factor.

  3. Ciu display connection complete e.g 3units and terminal symbol ok .But no output on plc

    1. Thank you for reaching out with your query. It sounds like you've checked the display for eventually tamper indications or symbols, and everything seems in order there. If you're experiencing no output power and assuming there's no tamper indication, it's quite possible that the main MCCB (Moulded Case Circuit Breaker) has tripped. This could prevent power from reaching your home, even if the meter appears correctly connected. I would recommend checking your main MCCB, which is usually located near the energy meter, to ensure it hasn't tripped. If it has, resetting it should restore power. However, if the problem persists, it would be wise to consult a professional electrician to safely investigate the issue further.

  4. Good day! What causes the Clou meter to read in reverse, having a minus sign before the value of units? The meter has been working well for a while and all of a sudden it's recording in reverse

    1. Good day!
      When a STS prepaid meter reads in reverse, with a minus sign before the value of units, it typically indicates that the available units have been depleted, and the meter is now recording the consumed units as a negative value. Let me explain further:
      In most cases, the meter operates on a prepaid system, where each unit you use is deducted from the units that you have loaded onto the meter. The default behavior is that the meter disconnects when the units reach zero to prevent further consumption. However, some utilities provide an additional allowance known as an overdraft or emergency credit.
      If your utility has granted you an overdraft allowance, the meter will continue counting in the negative range once the loaded units are consumed. The amount of the overdraft units is predetermined by the utility and can vary. It's important to note that relying on the overdraft allowance for an extended period is not recommended, as the meter can disconnect at any time once the overdraft limit is reached.
      To resolve the issue, I suggest purchasing a new credit token as soon as possible to replenish the units on your meter. This will prevent any unexpected disconnection and ensure uninterrupted service. Additionally, it may be helpful to contact your utility and inquire about the specific details of your overdraft allowance, including any limitations or conditions associated with it.

  5. How can I reset my prepaid meter if the voltage is low. What do I do to increase the voltage

    1. An energy meter doesn't have the capability to manipulate the voltage level. If you are experiencing low voltage, it's essential to reach out to the utility or power company to report the issue. They have the authority and infrastructure to monitor and maintain the voltage levels in the electrical grid. They will be able to investigate and address any voltage-related concerns.

  6. Hello, I'll like to know if my meter indicates over vol. And the light trips off and on at intervals then displays over vol..my question is do I need to work on this issue or is it normal?
    Meanwhile I sent a message earlier but mistakenly wrote over volume instead of over vol.
    Thanks

    1. Thank you for your comment and question! It sounds like your meter is indicating over-voltage and causing the lights to trip off and on intermittently. This behavior is actually a result of the over-voltage protection feature in your meter.
      Over-voltage protection is designed to safeguard your electrical devices and appliances from excessive voltage levels, which can potentially cause damage. When the meter detects an over-voltage condition, it automatically interrupts the power supply to prevent any harm.
      However, if you are experiencing frequent tripping due to over-voltage, it is advisable to address the issue with your power company. They can assess the voltage levels in your region and make necessary adjustments to ensure a stable and safe electrical supply. It's also worth checking with your neighbors if they are facing similar issues, as it could indicate a broader voltage problem in the area.
      For more detailed information on over-voltage protection and related measures, you can refer to this article.

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