What is IEC 62056-86 Ed.1 2018?

IEC 62056-86 Ed.1 2018, also known as the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standard for Electricity metering - Data exchange for meter reading, tariff and load control, is a technical document that provides guidelines and protocols for exchanging data between electricity meters and other devices.

Why is IEC 62056-86 Ed.1 2018 important?

This standard plays a crucial role in ensuring interoperability and compatibility between different electricity metering systems. It enables seamless communication between meters, data concentrators, and management systems, allowing utilities to accurately measure, monitor, and control energy usage in an efficient manner.

The adoption and implementation of IEC 62056-86 Ed.1 2018 provide several benefits:

Improved meter data accuracy: The standard defines consistent data formats and communication protocols, reducing the chances of data errors and ensuring accurate measurements.

Enhanced data security: The standard incorporates encryption and authentication mechanisms, safeguarding the integrity of meter readings and protecting against unauthorized access or tampering.

Efficient remote meter reading: With standardized protocols, utilities can remotely collect meter data without the need for manual intervention, reducing costs and improving operational efficiency.

Support for demand response programs: The standard's load control capabilities allow utilities to manage peak demand by controlling connected loads based on predefined tariffs or system conditions.

How does IEC 62056-86 Ed.1 2018 work?

The standard specifies the physical and logical layers for communication between devices. It defines the data structure, encoding rules, and communication protocols used for exchanging information. The process involves the following steps:

Physical connection: The electricity meter is connected to a data concentrator or other devices using wired or wireless interfaces such as RS-485 or Zigbee.

Data exchange initialization: The meter and the external device establish communication by identifying each other and negotiating parameters like baud rates and timeouts.

Data format and encoding: Meter readings, events, and other information are encoded following the standard's data structure, which includes elements like OBIS codes, data types, and units.

Communication protocols: The standard supports multiple protocols, including the popular DLMS/COSEM (Device Language Message Specification/Companion Specification for Energy Metering) protocol, allowing seamless integration with existing systems.

Data retrieval and processing: Once the data is transmitted, it can be collected by the external device, processed, and analyzed for various purposes such as billing, load management, or analytics.

By adhering to the guidelines outlined in IEC 62056-86 Ed.1 2018, utilities and manufacturers ensure compatibility and smooth integration of different products and systems, enabling reliable and efficient energy metering.