A smart meter typically looks similar to traditional electricity or gas meters but has a digital display instead of dials. It usually consists of a compact box with a digital screen showing energy usage and sometimes a small communications hub attached. It is often installed near the mains electricity supply or gas pipe and replaced older analogue meters. Additionally, smart meters come with a separate in-home display device that shows energy consumption information in near real-time.
Visual Characteristics:
- Usually sized similar to traditional meters.
- Digital display replacing mechanical dials.
- Buttons or touchscreen interface for navigating readings.
- A communications unit or module integrated or attached to the meter for sending data.
- Often found in cupboards, under stairs, or outdoors in a secure cabinet.
Additional Elements:
- In-home displays (IHDs) provide users with detailed, real-time energy consumption data.
- These displays are usually small, portable, with a screen and wireless connectivity to the smart meter.
The exact design can vary by manufacturer and region, but digital screens and compact, box-like shapes are common features.
