A cover for an electrical rail mount device is provided. Further, an electrical rail mount device for mounting on a rail is provided, comprising at least ono input terminal configured to receive an input line, fixing means configured to fix the input line to the input terminal to establish an electrical connection, a lockable cover reversibly movable from an open state into a closed state, whereas the cover is configured to cover the fixing means in the closed state, such that the fixing means can only be accessed by moving the cover from the closed state into the open state, an electrical element arranged in the cover and configured to provide an electrical function to an active electronic element of the electrical rail mount device, wherein an electrical connection is provided between the electrical element and the active electronic element.

Bypass detection modules associated with a device are provided. The bypass detection module is configured to determine if one of more switches have been opened to remove service from a customer; monitor electrical characteristic associated with both a line side of the device and a load side of the device responsive to determining that one of more of the one or more switches have been opened to remove service from the customer; and determine a state of the device based on the monitored electrical characteristics.

Methods and system for detecting tampering of a meter. A continuous stream of raw sensor values can be received from one or more meters among a group of meters. In response to receiving the continuous stream of raw sensor values from the meter(s), a model of normal sensor values can be automatically constructed for each meter among the group of meters based on the raw sensor values obtained from the meter(s) and based on data obtained through an ongoing development of the meter(s) or through automated machine learning by the meter(s). The model of normal sensor values can be used to detect abnormal conditions with respect to the meter(s). The abnormal conditions detected with respect to the meter(s) are potentially indicative of a removal of the meter(s) or of an attempt to physically tamper with the meter(s).

An electric utility meter pedestal with provision for providing pre-construction power from underground service comprising an elongate support for a double compartment meter housing the upper portion of which accommodates a standard utility meter and the lower portion of which provides secure access to a pre-construction 110-volt duplex outlet and a breaker switch for that outlet. Access to the duplex outlet is made secure by virtue of an outer cover panel which can be put in place to fully cover and limit access to the outlet after the construction of the building has been complete. The 20 amp duplex outlet therefore provides 110 volt 20 amp service to workmen using tools during the construction phase as well as a convenient outdoor outlet for the homeowner after construction is complete.

An intelligent electronic device (IED) includes an image capture module configured for capturing images or video in a location of the IED. The IED may also include a heat sensor for sensing heat inside or outside a housing of the IED. In one application, these techniques are implemented in IEDs such as electrical power and energy meters and used to control access to reset, configuration, billing, communication, and data acquisition/processing functions of the meters. Additionally, image processing techniques are employed by the IED to detect events in an electrical distribution system and implement control functions thereof.

An anti-theft system and method for encoding power for distribution to a load (e.g., a house) and a decoding of the encoded power at the load for consumption. A meter with an integrated decoder may be installed proximate a house (or another load). In some embodiments, the combination meter/decoder system may be configured to replace a traditional meter on a standard service panel, to minimize any impact or changes to the home or other building. In other embodiments, an add-on decoder system may be configured for installation between a standard meter and a service panel (optionally, plug and play). Alternatively, an add-on decoder system may be installed with the meter positioned (electrically) between the add-on decoder system and the service panel of the house (or other type of load or consumer).

Techniques described enable a modular communication card to alert of its removal from a device. A method described herein includes monitoring, at a modular communication card for sending communications from a utility meter, a power fail signal received from a card of the utility meter. According to the method, the modular communication card monitors a power supply signal that supplies power to components of the modular communication card while the modular communication card is installed on the utility meter. The method includes detecting a change in the power fail signal, indicating a loss of power. The method further includes detecting that the power supply signal is outside an operational voltage range. The method further includes, responsive to the change and the power supply signal being outside, determining that the modular communication card has been removed from the utility meter. Additionally, the method includes transmitting an alert indicating the removal.

A utility meter includes a real-time clock (RTC), a supercapacitor, a power supply, and a set of photodiodes. The RTC keeps time utilized for time stamps applicable to events that occur during alternating current (AC) power outages of the utility meter, and the supercapacitor powers the RTC. The power supply operates in an active mode responsive to an AC line voltage meeting a threshold and, when in the active mode, charges the supercapacitor to power the RTC. The set of photodiodes absorbs energy from ambient light and charges the supercapacitor to power the RTC. Thus, the supercapacitor is configured to be charged based on the power supply and based on the set of photodiodes.

A utility meter assembly having a base that is secured to a front cover. The assembly includes a dual locking system having a first locking position and a second locking position. In the first locking position, the front cover is removably secured with the base. In the second locking position, the front cover is permanently secured with the base to prevent separation of the two components unless one or both components are destroyed.

A circuit for controlling a switching power supply and a method for controlling a switching power supply by using the circuit for controlling the switching power supply, the circuit for controlling a switching power supply is configured to control a power stage circuit of a converter of the switching power supply. The circuit for controlling the switching power supply includes an external magnetic field direct detection unit, a current limit threshold unit, an operating frequency unit, a pulse width unit and a logic unit. The external magnetic field direct detection unit includes a Hall device and a Hall detection component. In accordance with the circuit for controlling the switching power supply of the present disclosure, the intensity of the external magnetic field can be detected directly at the chip level, and the operating mode of the switching power supply system can be adjusted timely.