General Questions

Troubleshooting Questions

Questions & Answers

Why is the kWh value of a new Polaris not zero?
  • After production, each Polaris is subjected to a load bearing test during calibration before being stocked.
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What is the meaning of Kt = 1Wh?
  • It means that 1 pulse will be outputted for every watt-hour, or 1000 pulses for every kWh. The P indicator will flash once for every watt of power consumed.
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Does the Polaris come with its own CTs? Can I make use of my own CTs?
  • The Polaris is sold with the CTs included. The Polaris cannot be used otherwise, since it is neither direct connect nor a regular 5A output CT can be used.
  • The Polaris is basically sold as a kit which already includes the CTs. But it can also be sold standalone without any CT for use as replacement units. The Polaris uses dedicated CTs and cannot directly accept neither regular 5A output CTs nor other dedicated CTs from other manufacturers. Connecting a regular 5A output CT directly will damage the Polaris. If a regular 5A output CT needs to be used, it needs to first be connected through a dedicated 5A CT.
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Can I make use of my own CTs?
  • The short answer is no. The longer answer is yes but not directly.
  • The Polaris uses dedicated CTs and cannot directly accept regular 5A output CTs. The CT input of the Polaris can only accept milli-amps which matches our dedicated CTs. Connecting a regular 5A output CT directly will thus damage the Polaris. If a regular 5A output CT is to be connected, it needs to first be connected through a dedicated 5A CT.
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What are dedicated CTs?
  • Dedicated CTs are the CTs specifically provided for use with the Polaris and some other meter models from DAE. These are not available from anywhere else other than DAE and is proprietary to DAE. They are called dedicated CTs because they are dedicated for use with DAE branded meters.
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Why do you use dedicated CTs?
  • The Polaris meter is designed for submetering. Submeters are adjunct to the main utility meter, and as such their CTs often need to be installed in electrical panels which are already cramped, especially in residential and commercial electrical panels. Thus the CT used by the Polaris would need to share space with other already previously installed CTs.
  • Regular 5A output CTs are large and bulky and often cannot fit into the panel. Dedicated CTs on the other hand are small enough to fit even in such cramped spaces. Not having to install a new panel just for the CTs eliminates or reduces the cost of the labor and materials which would otherwise be needed.
  • Another reason for using dedicated CTs is because they are much more accurate than regular 5A output CTs. The smaller the CT, the more precise the construction. Solid core dedicated CTs have an accuracy better than 0.5% and split core dedicated CTs have an accuracy of 1%.
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Why is the Polaris not direct connect?
  • A meter that requires a direct connect wiring installation will mean that the electrical wiring will need to be severed. Severing the wire often means that the installation will require a professional electrician to conduct which is an expensive proposition. It also means that the power will be interrupted, which in some cases may not be possible or allowed.
  • Having an external CT, specifically a split core obviates both of these problems. No wire need to be cut, the power does not need to be interrupted. The split core CT can be easily clipped onto the wire.
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Can the Polaris measure amperages greater than 600A?
  • Since the Polaris uses dedicated CTs, the selection of dedicated CTs that can be used is necessarily limited. The selection of dedicated CTs is only up to 600 A. To measure amperages greater than 600A, regular 5A output CTs must be used in conjunction with the Polaris model using dedicated 5A CTs.
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Why do you use split core CTs?
  • Split core CTs are very easy to install. All you need is to unsnap the CT, clip it onto the wire, snap it shut and you're done. No need for the complicated process of cutting the wire and installing new wiring.
  • By default, our selection of Polaris models come with split core CTs because of their ease and convenience. However, for cost sensitive projects, we also have a selection of lower cost solid core CTs.
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Why are there no 5A version of the single phase Polaris?
  • The 5A version is meant to be used with regular 5A output CTs. Which is needed when the amperage exceeds the selection of dedicated CTs available. Single phase meters are used mainly for residential applications, and it is improbable that larger amperages are needed. Thus only three phase meters have the 5A version since commercial and industrial applications often use three phase.
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Can the CT lead wire be extended?
  • Yes, the CT lead wire can be extended up to 2000 feet. An example of a suitable cable would be the 7958A or the 7957A from Belden cables. A twisted pair 22 to 26 AWG sized cable is recommended, but make sure to consult your local electrical codes for proper sizing requirements.
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What should be connected to the RLY+ and RLY-?
  • These are meant to be connected to an external relay. They can be connected to either a non-latching or latching relay. The default setting is to a non-latching relay. To connect to a latching relay, the setting must be changed via Modbus.
  • The latching relay used must be the LR02, which is also available from DAE.
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For those with only a single meter, is there a driver or software available to remotely read the meter?
  • DAE provides the Modbus protocol, but the user can either provide for their own software or purchase DAE's EnergyLink400 auto meter reading software.
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Can a single CT be used to monitor multiple circuits?
  • It is possible to do so if the different circuits share the same power source. The L wire for each circuit must go through the CT in the same direction, and the current rating of the CT must be higher than the total amperage for all the circuits to be measured.
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Can the cables for both measured volage and the communication be placed within the same conduit?
  • No, it is not recommended as the communication cable is sensitive to noise and interference. Each should be placed within their own conduits separately.
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How can the Polaris be connected to a host computer that doesn't have an RS485 communication port?
  • If the host computer only has an Ethernet port, then use an RS485 to Ethernet converter (e.g. DAE's WSC200).
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Can a single Polaris be used to monitor two different subpanels?
  • It is possible if the two subpanels have the same power source. If the two subpanels do not share the same power source, then two Polaris must be used.
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Why is there unstable or no communication between the RS485 interface of the Polaris to the host computer?
  • Make sure that the network does not form a tree or star topology and that there are no loops.
  • Check that the converter has its IP address and other parameters set up properly.
  • Make sure that the baud rate set for the Polaris and the host computer are the same.
  • Make sure that each meter on the same bus has its own unique device address.
  • Make sure that the polarities for the RS45 wiring are correct for all meters. All positive erminals must be connected together, and all negative terminals must be connected together.
  • Make sure that the total length of any single RS485 bus segment is less than 3000 feet, a segment is defined to be one without any intervening repeaters.
  • Make sure that there are no more than 32 devices on a single RS485 bus segment.
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What will happen if the polarities are reversed for each of the following: CT and communication?
  • The Polaris only considers the absolute value of the current and disregards the direction; thus, the current and energy values can only be positive. However, we still recommended that the CTs be connected with the correct wiring orientation.
  • The communication cable is polarity sensitive. RS485 requires that all positive terminals are connected together, and all negative terminals are connected together, reversing any one on any single device will cause the entire RS485 bus to collapse and all communication will fail. If the polarity to any one device is inconsistent with the rest, simply reverse the polarities and the communication should be restored.
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Why doesn't the LED display light up after powering on the unit?
  • Make sure that the voltage input terminal wiring are connected properly.
  • Make sure that the fuse and circuit breaker are neither blown nor tripped, respectively.
  • Make sure that power is being supplied from the power source to the voltage input.
  • Make sure that the power source voltage is withing the rated power supply.
  • Make sure that the enclosure or terminals are not damaged.
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Why is the displayed kWh value - zero, wrong or not incrementing?
  • Make sure that the CT wiring to the terminals have the correct polarity.
  • Make sure that the measured circuit corresponds to its phase.
  • Make sure that the power is on for the load circuit being measured.
  • Check the fuse or circuit breaker
  • Make sure that only the L wire passes through the CT, if the N wire is also passing through then remove it from the CT.
  • The CT may be damaged or defective, swap it with another CT to crosscheck. If found to be defective or damaged, replace the CT.
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Why doesn't the voltage input indicators light up?
  • Make sure that the voltage input terminal wirings are connected properly.
  • Check that none of the voltage input terminals are damaged.
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Why doesn't the kWh reading match the actual consumption?
  • For models using a regular 5A output CT. Check that the CT ratio set matches the main CT used. (e.g. 500A:5A, then the CT ratio should be 100)
  • Make sure that there is continuous power to the unit 24 hours a day.
  • If there are multiple CTs connected to the same input. Make sure that the loads going through the CTs are oriented in the same direction and that the polarities are consistent.
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