STE18-G STS Prepaid Single-Phase Keypad-Type GPRS Electricity Meter

1. Product Overview

The STE18-G is a single-phase STS prepaid keypad-type electricity meter with GPRS communication, designed for advanced power management with seamless remote monitoring capabilities. It integrates dual-mode GPRS/433 MHz RF communication to enable real-time electricity data access via web portals, vending systems, handheld units (HHUs), or API-integrated third-party platforms. This multi-channel connectivity supports detailed consumption analytics, usage trend tracking, and instant anomaly alerts for proactive energy optimization.

Its modular plug-and-play design accommodates diverse smart metering requirements while maintaining STS compliance for data collection and network communications. Utilities can deploy cost-effective solutions across PLC, RF, GPRS, or 4G LTE networks based on existing infrastructure. The component-replaceable architecture minimizes lifecycle costs by enabling module-only upgrades without compromising system performance.

2.Key Features & Highlights

· STS standard compliance — certified by the STS Association (association number 58103811848), enabling internationally interoperable token-based prepayment.

· Dual-mode communication — GPRS plus 433 MHz RF for flexible and reliable connectivity.

· IP54 protection — resistant to dust and water splashes for demanding installation environments.

· High-accuracy metering — measurement accuracy Class 1.0 with metering chips from international high-end brands.

· Compliant with IEC 62052-11 and IEC 62053-21.

· 8-year LCD display battery life — long maintenance-free operation.

· Flame-retardant casing — thickened shell material for stability, durability and safety.

· Rated 230 V, 50 Hz, active energy constant 1000 imp/kWh (nameplate: 230 V 5(80) A).

3. Main Functions

Table 1 Main Functions

4. Product Details

The meter features a liquid crystal display (LCD) with a transparent protective cover, a full numeric keypad, LED indicators, and an infrared communication port. A meter ID number and a wiring diagram are printed on the front panel. A tamper switch provides anti-tamper protection. Dimensions (approx.): 200.7 mm x 124.0 mm x 56.0 mm (H x W x D).

The back plate is designed with fixed triangular mounting positions and a hanging-hole design for easy installation. The thickened flame-retardant shell material is stable and durable, ensuring safety in long-term service.

5. Technical Specifications

Table 2 Electrical Parameters

Table 3 EMC & Protection

5.1 Standards & Compliance

The meter complies with IEC 62052-11 (electricity metering equipment - general requirements, tests and test conditions) and IEC 62053-21 (alternating current static meters for active energy - accuracy class 1). Prepayment is implemented in accordance with the STS (Standard Transfer Specification) standard, and the meter is registered with the STS Association (association number 58103811848).

Note: the nameplate shown in the catalog reads 230 V 5(80) A, while the specification table lists a basic current of 5 A and a maximum current of 100 A. Please confirm the exact current rating with the supplier for your order.

6. Applications

The STE18-G smart meter boasts an extensive application scope, proving ideal for a wide range of metering scenarios:

· Residential communities — landlords can remotely monitor tenant electricity usage for precise billing.

· Small and medium enterprises (e.g., supermarkets and offices) — track energy consumption trends for cost optimization.

· Rural electrification projects — RF communication adapts to remote areas with limited network coverage, ensuring reliable metering.

· Municipal utilities — city-wide smart grid deployments for real-time data collection.

· Industrial sub-metering — monitor department-level energy use in factories and workshops.

· Off-grid or hybrid solar-powered systems — integrates seamlessly for versatile energy management.

Thanks to its dual-mode communication and modular design, the meter serves everything from household applications to large-scale utility projects with flexible connectivity and scalable infrastructure requirements.

7. Advantages & Selling Points

· Dual-mode GPRS/433 MHz RF communication — flexible connectivity options and reliable data transmission.

· Multi-channel remote access — real-time data via web portal, vending system, handheld unit (HHU), or API-integrated third-party platforms.

· STS-standard prepayment — internationally recognized token-based recharge and settlement.

· Modular plug-and-play design with component-replaceable architecture — module-only upgrades minimize lifecycle costs.

· High accuracy (Class 1.0) — metering chips from international high-end brands ensure precise measurement.

· Comprehensive anti-tamper protection — cover opening detection, tamper switch, tamper detection and event logging.

· Wide operating range — 30% ~ 120% Un working voltage and -25 °C ~ +70 °C operating temperature.

· Strong immunity and safety — 8 kV impulse voltage, 4 kV fast transient burst, 8 kV contact / 16 kV air electrostatic discharge, Class II protection.

· Robust build quality — IP54 dust and water splash protection with a flame-retardant casing.

· Low power consumption and long service life — 8-year LCD display battery life.

· Complete ecosystem — StronPay vending system, cloud-based AMI solution, and flexible recharge channels (recharge points, mobile platforms such as M-PESA/Alipay/MTN/Airtel, and door-to-door mobile vending units).

8. Vending System (StronPay)

The StronPay vending system works as a complete prepayment management platform:

· Covers multiple databases including meters, prices, customers, regions, sales stations, and accounts; supports creation, editing, deletion, querying, and Excel import/export for easy management of basic information.

· Supports two recharge methods: by amount and by unit; generates a receipt with a recharge token after each recharge.

· Clears meter tampering records and remaining balance; views and exports clearing records to ensure meter data security and normal operation.

· Generates various reports — receipt reports, monthly summary reports, customer payment reports, transaction number reports, regional reports, and non-electricity sales meter reports — to provide data support for operational analysis.

· Allows users to modify payment and login passwords, create sub-accounts, and assign permissions.

· Adaptable to various meter types, including electricity, water, and gas meters.

· Microsoft SQL Server backend database safeguards data security; account permission management guarantees operation security.

· Open APIs are available to help users expand functions and meet the personalized needs of different business scenarios.

9. Basic Recharge Process

Three basic recharge channels are supported:

1. Recharge at a nearby recharge point. The staff enters the user information and recharge amount into the STRON vending system; after payment, the vending system generates a token receipt with a 20-digit number; the user enters the token into the meter and the recharge is successful.

2. Mobile phone top-up through a third-party platform. Users log in to third-party platforms (such as M-PESA, Alipay, MTN, Airtel, etc.) that have integrated the relevant APIs; the platform calls the APIs to interact with the STRON vending system and sends a text message containing the recharge token; the user enters the token and the recharge is successful.

3. Door-to-door recharge by mobile vending unit. The staff takes a mobile vending unit to the meter installation site, enters the user information and recharge amount into the mobile vending unit; the unit generates a recharge token after payment; the user enters the token and the recharge is successful.

10. Advanced AMI Solution

The STE18-G supports an advanced AMI (Advanced Metering Infrastructure) solution enabling remote recharge and intelligent management. The architecture consists of three layers:

· Management platform (web server) — provides data management, remote control, report generation, account management, and load control. Based on the data processed by the cloud, it issues control instructions to the cloud to achieve remote operation and maintenance as well as intelligent management of terminal devices.

· STRON Service cloud — receives the data uploaded by the underlying meters, performs preliminary storage and processing, and simultaneously and accurately issues the control instructions from the management platform to the corresponding terminal devices.

· GPRS electricity meters — upload data to the STRON server via the GPRS module and simultaneously receive control instructions issued by the cloud/platform.