Mains signalling-progress of a UK remote meter reading and load management system

The author describes the current evolution of a mains signalling spread spectrum two way communication system for remote meter reading and load management using the LV distribution network. Early development of the system was reported at the Mates 82 conference and the results of a 1000 house trial of the system was reported at Mates 87. The 1000 house trial has been followed by a contract placed by the UK Electricity Council to develop the system for volume manufacture and to manufacture 2000 sets of equipment for a pilot scheme for installation by the London Electricity Board. The author describes the stages of the development programme, the finalised specification of the equipment, detailed aspects of the system management and some of the design implications pertaining to the various national and international specifications the equipment has to meet.<>