Frequently Asked Questions

The electromagnetic (radio) and magnetic field indicator is a built-in sensor in NIK meters that detects attempts at external interference with the metering device.
• The electromagnetic field indicator (marked “C” in the meter model code) triggers when field strength exceeds 10 V/m in the 80–2000 MHz range for more than 3 seconds, displaying “error RADIO” or “RADIO”.
• The magnetic field indicator (marked “M”) triggers when magnetic induction exceeds 100 mT for more than 3 seconds, displaying “error МАГН” or “МАГН”.
• Which indicators a specific meter includes is stated in its passport (technical documentation).

The indicators trigger under the same conditions described above — exposure to an electromagnetic or magnetic field above the threshold values.
• Electromagnetic indicator: field strength above 10 V/m (80–2000 MHz) for more than 3 seconds.
• Magnetic indicator: induction above 100 mT for more than 3 seconds.
• If “RADIO” or “МАГН” appears on the display, contact your electricity supply company.

To send a meter for a detailed technical inspection, contact the NIK-ELEKTRONIKA Service Center — inspections are carried out at the manufacturing plant in Vyshhorod.
• Package the meter properly; if it was issued by a power distribution company, seal it in a safety bag and include a cover letter.
• Meters can be dropped off at the Kyiv Service Center (13A Marshala Tymoshenka St., office 606; Tuesday and Thursday, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM) or shipped via Nova Poshta to the Vyshhorod plant.
• Inspection takes up to 14 calendar days after registration, provided payment is made on time.
• The Service Center is not state-accredited for expert/forensic activities — for official expert opinions, contact an accredited expert organization.

Inspection is free of charge if the device is still under warranty and the warranty conditions have not been violated.
• If the warranty has expired or operating conditions were violated, the inspection is paid.
• The cost depends on the meter model and the complexity of the work.

The manufacturing plant offers five types of meter inspection:
• checking for tampering with the meter;
• determining the cause of failure;
• verifying metrological characteristics;
• investigating the cause of “RADIO” or “МАГН” messages;
• verifying the functionality of the built-in data communication interface.
• The company is not state-accredited for expert/forensic activities — for expert opinions, contact an accredited organization.

Current loop (CL) is a wired interface with galvanic isolation that transmits data as a current-modulated signal.
• A value of “0” corresponds to 4 mA, and a value of “1” to 20 mA.
• Meters with a current loop interface are not manufactured as a standard series product.

The radio channel (ZigBee) is a wireless IEEE 802.15.4 interface that transmits data at 2.4 GHz and links multiple meters into a single network, for example within an apartment building.
• Denoted by the digit “4” in NIK meter model codes.
• A chain of devices can extend over a kilometer and can be extended further with repeaters.
• Meters on the radio channel are polled either by a controller or by an access point.

Ethernet is a local-network data interface operating at 10/100 Mbit/s over the TCP/IP protocol.
• Compatible with the 10BASE-T and 100BASE-T standards.
• Denoted by the digit “7” in NIK meter model codes.
• Connects via an RJ-45 connector.

The optical port is a two-way interface for local data exchange between a PC and the meter via infrared light, per the IEC 62056-21 standard.
• Available on all NIK electronic meters, except certain non-tariff single-phase models.
• Denoted by the digit “1” in model codes.
• Connection speed is 9600 bit/s.

RS-485 is an asynchronous, galvanically isolated interface for a half-duplex, multi-point “common bus” line, transmitting data via differential signaling. • Compatible with ANSI TIA/EIA-485-A:1998, at speeds from 1200 to 19200 baud. • Denoted by the digit “2” in model codes. • Up to 32 NIK meters can operate simultaneously on a single RS-485 system.

RS-232 is an asynchronous, full-duplex “point-to-point” interface with galvanic isolation, available only as a custom-order option.
• Not manufactured as a standard series product.
• Compatible with the EIA232 standard, at speeds from 1200 to 19200 baud.

GSM/GPRS is an interface for transmitting data over mobile networks in the 850/900/1800/1900 MHz bands.
• Denoted by the digit “6” in model codes.
• A mini-SIM card tray is located under the meter’s terminal cover.
• An external antenna for signal reception is included with the device.

PLC (Power Line Connection) is an interface that transmits data as a modulated signal directly over the power supply lines.
• Denoted by the digit “8” in model codes.
• First-generation PLC: marked “PLC”, CENELEC-A frequency band (10–95 kHz), DCSK modulation.
• Third-generation PLC: marked “PLC3” or “PLC 3”, same frequency band, OFDM modulation.
• The PLC and PLC G3 versions are not compatible with each other.

It is normal, not a violation, for a meter not to bear the state verifier’s seal.
• Under Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine Resolution No. 94 of January 13, 2016, the procedure of sealing meters by a representative of Ukrmetrteststandard SE was abolished.
• Responsibility for the metering device now rests with the manufacturer, who declares conformity with the technical regulation.
• Proof that testing was performed is a certificate under module “F” (module “D” since 2020), whose date and number are stated in the declaration of conformity.

The maximum cable cross-section depends on the meter or terminal block type:
• direct-connection NIK meters — up to 25 mm²;
• transformer-connection NIK meters — up to 6 mm²;
• KP 25 switching terminal block — up to 6 mm²;
• KP 125 switching terminal block — up to 25 mm²;
• KM 125 mounting terminal block — up to 25 mm².

NIK tariff meters switch between winter and summer time automatically.
• If needed, this switch can be disabled or a specific switch date can be set using the “NIK Parameterization” software.

No — after factory repair, the meter is reprogrammed to a single tariff (T1), and any parameterization set by the electricity supplier is not retained.
• When sending a meter for repair, specify in the cover letter which tariff schedule should be programmed afterward.

This can happen and is not an error: depending on the complexity of the repair, some devices receive a new nameplate bearing a different serial number.
• This does not affect the device’s technical characteristics.
• The Service Center issues a Serial Number Replacement Certificate stating both the old and new numbers, which is attached to the repaired meter.

Because the mechanical register of the NIK 2102 has a resolution of 0.005 kWh, equal to 200 steps.
• Since the meter’s pulse constant is 6400 pulses/kWh, each mechanical step corresponds to 6400 ÷ 200 = 32 LED pulses.

“Error 040” means the terminal cover has been removed from the meter — a typical situation during installation.
• The message disappears as soon as the cover is closed and secured.
• If the error persists, the cover may not be fully closed, its locking pin may be broken, or the cover’s microswitch may be damaged.
• A damaged microswitch requires paid, non-warranty repair; a replacement cover can be ordered through the NIK-ELEKTRONIKA Service Center.

This means the meter has detected an imbalance between the phase and neutral currents (“090”) or a 180° phase-angle shift (“091”).
• Under Ukrainian industry standard SOU-N MPE 40.1.35.110:2005, NIK’s two-element single-phase meters compare phase and neutral currents to help prevent unauthorized tampering.
• A current difference greater than 3% triggers “err 090” (the “Ground” LED) — possible causes include incorrect connection, faulty wiring, or defective connected equipment.
• A 180° phase-angle shift triggers “err 091” (the “Reverse” LED).
• With no load connected, these errors may appear and clear once the load current exceeds 500 mA — on their own, they do not indicate a meter malfunction.

The load indicator flashes in proportion to the current flowing through the meter — the higher the load, the more frequently it flashes.
• The pulse constant is 8000 pulses/kWh for three-phase meters or 6400 pulses/kWh for single-phase meters.

The meter’s display sequentially shows a set of readings, each identified by a unique OBIS code.
• Depending on the model, these may include: consumed/generated active energy, positive/negative reactive energy, instantaneous active/reactive power, and the current time and date.
• Example OBIS codes: 0.9.1 — current time; 0.9.2 — current date; 15.8.0 — total active energy across all tariffs; 15.8.1–15.8.3 — energy consumed under tariffs T1–T3.
• A complete OBIS code reference is provided in the meter’s operating manual, available for download on the NIK website.

Rated current (Inom) is the base value used to define the meter’s other parameters, including sensitivity and creep; it is also the reference value used when testing the meter after external influences.
• Maximum current is the value at which the meter can continuously measure energy at its declared accuracy, as determined by the device’s accuracy class.

The impact depends on the meter type and on whether the building’s own wiring is correctly installed.
• Single-phase meters: incorrect phasing does not affect metering accuracy, provided the building wiring itself is correct. The exception is older buildings where the neutral wire is shared across several apartments — there, meters with two measuring elements cannot be used without rewiring, and meters with a single measuring element become vulnerable to unauthorized use if phasing is incorrect.
• Three-phase direct-connection meters: phasing does not affect metering accuracy.
• Three-phase transformer-connection meters: it is essential that the secondary windings of the external current transformers are connected to the corresponding meter phase.
• A “combined connection scheme” (voltage and current on the same conductor) has little effect on accuracy near rated load, but introduces significant error at low loads — the error increasing with the length of the shared conductor.

The most effective protection is to install additional surge arresters, filters, suppressors, or self-resetting fuses at the device input, with an absorption capacity exceeding that of the meter’s internal protective circuits.
• Meters are tested for resistance to a 6 kV impulse voltage (3/20 microsecond rise/fall waveform) — this is the basis for the design of their internal protection circuits.
• A real lightning impulse can have significantly greater duration and energy than the standard test impulse.
• A single set of protective elements can protect several devices on the same line, provided the connecting length between them does not exceed 1–2 meters.

The Aron connection is a method of connecting a transformer-connected three-phase meter using two current transformers instead of three (a delta configuration).
• It is implemented in the NIK 2303 and NIK 2307 models, for metering in high-voltage switchgear where current transformers are installed only on the “A” and “C” phase busbars.
• Before connecting via the Aron scheme, enable the “Enable three-wire connection” option using the “NIK Parameterization” software: connect to the meter via the optical port, read the meter’s configuration, go to the “Other Settings” tab, and enable the option.

NIK manufactures meters for both direct and transformer connection.
• Direct connection is available for both single-phase and three-phase meters.
• Transformer connection is available only for three-phase meters — via current transformers, or via both current and voltage transformers together.
• Connections must be made by trained personnel holding the appropriate electrical safety clearance, following the factory wiring diagram in the meter’s passport and operating manual (the diagram is also duplicated on the meter’s front panel or terminal cover).

Because every meter leaves the factory pre-configured for a single tariff (T1) — regardless of whether “multi-tariff” is stated in the model name.
• To enable multi-tariff metering, the meter must be parameterized after purchase — by the electricity supplier, an authorized company, or the NIK-ELEKTRONIKA Service Center.
• After parameterization, the consumer receives a protocol stating the tariff schedule that was programmed.

Parameterization is the process of programming an electronic meter — either at the factory (initial parameterization) or subsequently by an authorized organization using the “NIK Parameterization” software (UNIK1 and UNIK2 versions).
• Parameterization configures the date and time, the tariff model, the consumer disconnection relay (where fitted), and any debt information.
• Tariff zone assignments vary by region in Ukraine (for example, in Kyiv, T2 is the day tariff and T1 is the night tariff), so the required tariff schedule must be clearly specified when submitting a meter for parameterization.
• After parameterization, the consumer receives a protocol, which should be kept together with the meter’s other documentation.

Parameterization can be performed by electricity supply companies, organizations authorized to parameterize NIK meters, and the NIK-ELEKTRONIKA Service Center.
• The process requires trained personnel, specialized technical equipment, and dedicated software.
• After parameterization, the consumer receives a protocol bearing an official stamp and the technician’s signature.

NIK meters are parameterized using the manufacturer’s own “NIK Parameterization” software, available in two versions.
• UNIK1 (latest version 1.0.5.10) — for meters manufactured before 2018, and certain models made after 2017.
• UNIK2 (continuously updated) — for meters manufactured from 2018 onward.
• The software is freely available on the official website nik-el.com, on the relevant meter model’s page.
• Default login: username “admin”, no password required; instructions are available under “Help” → “User Guide”.

A sample parameterization protocol is issued to the consumer after a meter has been parameterized using the “NIK Parameterization” software.
• In the sample shown, a NIK 2303 AP6T.1002.MC.11 meter (parameterized via UNIK2) was configured for two tariffs — T2 (day) and T1 (night) for Kyiv — with the consumer disconnection relay set to trigger at 15 kW.

The verification interval is the period during which the manufacturer guarantees the meter’s operation within its declared accuracy class; once it expires, the device must undergo verification.
• The interval is stated in the meter’s passport and depends on the model:
• NIK 2102, NIK 2100, NIK 2104 — 16 years;
• NIK 2300, NIK 2301, NIK 2303, NIK 2307 — 10 years.
• New meters ship with an abbreviated passport; the full passport with complete technical information can be downloaded via the link or QR code provided, from the NIK server.
• For older models, the interval is determined by the legislation in force at the time the device was manufactured.

Yes — as part of a detailed technical inspection, the plant can verify a meter’s metrological characteristics, though this is not the same as formal legal verification.
• The result is an inspection report confirming whether the meter meets its declared accuracy class.
• Measurement results from the NIK-ELEKTRONIKA Conformity Assessment Center are used only for module D conformity assessment, or as part of verifying devices that have been in service and undergone repair.
• Under the Law of Ukraine “On Metrology and Metrological Activity,” the Center is prohibited from providing measurement results to third parties — only the inspection report is issued, not a test protocol.

A “triangle with an exclamation mark” or “circle with the letter i” on the display indicates one of three things: a device error, activation of a built-in magnetic or radio field indicator, or an outstanding balance.
• To identify the cause, press the “View” button — a specific error code will appear, such as “Err 040” (terminal cover not closed) or “RADIO” (radio field indicator triggered).
• A full explanation of error codes is provided in the “Digital errors” section.

A “battery” icon on the display means the built-in power cell, which keeps the meter’s clock running, needs replacement.
• Depending on the model, the meter uses either a CR2032 (3 V coin cell) or an ER14250 ½ AA battery (3.6 V); in newer models, the ER14250 has a wired connector and is sold only through the Service Center.
• A fully discharged battery can cause a date/time fault and switch the meter to the emergency tariff — the display will also show error “Err 006” in this case.
• Battery replacement may be performed only by the electricity supplier or another authorized organization.

Each numeric error code on a NIK electronic meter’s display corresponds to a specific cause and a recommended consumer action — the full list of codes is provided in the table on the website (image below).

If the meter has never shown separate day/night readings, this is expected: multi-tariff meters leave the factory configured for a single tariff (T1), and multi-tariff metering only begins after parameterization.
• If the meter previously registered day/night tariffs correctly but this stopped (with only the total reading accumulating), this indicates a parameterization fault.
• For causes and next steps, see “My parameterization has failed / emergency tariff” below.

Signs of a parameterization fault include: an “error 006” message (sometimes together with the “triangle with exclamation mark” symbol), an incorrect date and time, and a “T4” symbol on the display.
• The most common cause is a power cell (battery) that was not replaced in time; a device malfunction is a less common cause.
• In this state, all consumed energy accumulates under the so-called emergency tariff (T4 by default, shown via OBIS codes 1.8.4/15.8.4 or as “TA”).
• The first step is to contact your electricity supply company; if a device malfunction is confirmed, contact the NIK-ELEKTRONIKA Service Center.

Warranty is calculated from the date of manufacture, or from the date of purchase if a receipt is available.
• 2303, 2301, 2300, 2307 meters — 3 years
• 2102, 2104, 2100 meters — 5 years
• KS data collection controller — 3 years
• KK-13-10, KK 03, KK 01 switching controller — 5 years
• DOT 3.1 enclosure — 3 years
• 7071, 7051, 7061 heat meters — 4 years
• OR-02, OR-03 optical head — 2 years
• ATS-50 automatic transfer switch — 1 year
• A-GSM communication module — 3 years
• R-485 radio channel extender — 5 years
• KP 25, KP 125 switching terminal block — 2 years
• 7011 water meter — 1.5 years
• ZBM-01 user display — 5 years
• RT-01 repeater — 5 years
• STV voltage stabilizer — 3 years
• 5500 gas meter — 4.5 years
• TD-01 access point — 3 years
• TOPN-0.66, TOPN(Sh)-0.66 current transformer — 1 year
• PLC filter — 1 year
• ASKOE cabinet — 3 years

To send a meter for repair, follow this sequence of steps:
• Check whether the issue is isolated to your meter.
• Describe the nature of the defect so you can report it to metering service or service center specialists.
• Check the manufacturer’s website for a description of your issue.
• If the meter is indeed faulty, contact your electricity supply company (regional grid operator, housing office, service company, or garden association).
• Following a written request, specialists from the electricity supply company will remove the seal and disconnect the meter from the metering point; direct power supply or a temporary meter may be used in the meantime.
• If shipping the meter yourself, prepare: the original box (paid restoration if missing), the meter’s passport (paid restoration if missing), and the parameterization protocol, if the meter is programmed for two or more tariffs.
• Important: without the parameterization protocol or a stated tariff schedule in the cover letter, the required tariffs will NOT be reprogrammed after repair — standard factory parameterization to tariff T1 will be applied instead.
• Prepare a cover letter stating the reason for the return, the return address, and a contact phone number, email, or Viber.
• Ship the meter via Nova Poshta to the address listed in the “Shipping to the manufacturing plant” section.
• Once the plant receives the package, an SMS confirmation will be sent to the phone number listed on the waybill.

The NIK-ELEKTRONIKA Service Center offers the following additional services for NIK products:
• reading data stored in the electronic meter’s memory;
• parameterization of a multi-tariff electronic meter;
• replacement of the built-in power cell in a multi-tariff electronic meter;
• date and time synchronization in a multi-tariff electronic meter;
• resetting the electronic meter’s access password to factory default;
• issuing a duplicate passport for the metering device.
• Pricing is available directly from the NIK-ELEKTRONIKA Service Center.

Who pays for shipping depends on the type and condition of the device:
• small items (three-phase meters up to 2.3 kg, single-phase meters up to 1 kg, communication equipment up to 2 kg) are shipped at the customer’s expense, per Cabinet of Ministers Resolution No. 506 of April 11, 2002;
• large items (voltage stabilizers) are shipped at the manufacturing plant’s expense;
• devices with an expired warranty are shipped at the customer’s expense regardless of size.
• Shipments to the Dnipro Service Center: Nova Poshta Branch No. 2, 40 Akademika Yanhelia St.; recipient — NIK-Elektronika LLC; phone +38 050 355 93 45; contact person — Serhii Sharanov. Send here: NIK meters of all models (2303, 2301, 2307, 2300, 2102, 2100, 2104) for warranty and post-warranty repair, as well as gas and water meters, current transformers, and mounting (switching) terminal blocks.
• Shipments to the Vyshhorod Service Center: Nova Poshta Branch No. 1, 14 Kurhuzova St.; recipient — NIK-Elektronika LLC; phone +38 050 387 61 10; contact person — Viktor Liniichuk. Send here: all meter models for detailed technical inspection, communication equipment (KS, KK, RT-01, R-485), STV voltage stabilizers, and 7071/7061 heat meters for warranty and post-warranty repair.
• Check that you have all required documents before shipping.
• Note: if products are mistakenly sent to the wrong service center, NIK-Elektronika LLC does not guarantee turnaround times and is not liable for any additional costs or storage fees.

The battery type depends on the meter model:
• NIK 2102 and NIK 2104 (Cyrillic name) — CR2032 battery;
• NIK 2303 black case (Cyrillic name) — CR2032 battery;
• NIK 2303L, NIK 2303i, and rounded-case NIK 2104 (Cyrillic name) — ER14250 ½ AA battery;
• NIK 2100, NIK 2104, NIK 2300, NIK 2303, NIK 2307 (Latin-script name) — ER14250 ½ AA battery with a special connector (not sold at retail; must be ordered through the Service Center).
• Rated voltage: CR2032 — 3 V (installation permitted down to 2.8 V); ER14250 — 3.6 V (installation permitted down to 3.4 V).
• Replace the battery when the “battery” icon appears on the display.
• Replacement requires access to the optical port (under the opaque cover on the meter’s housing).
• Perform the replacement with the power live, to avoid a time fault in the device.
• For NIK 2303 black-case units, use a specially insulated screwdriver — the battery may be live at 220 V.
• Battery replacement may only be performed by the electricity supplier or another authorized organization, or by the NIK-ELEKTRONIKA Service Center by prior arrangement.

Kyiv: 13A Marshala Tymoshenka St., office 606; Tuesday and Thursday, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM; phone +380 (50) 387 61 10.
• This address is for device drop-off and pickup only — the meter itself is then forwarded to the plant in Vyshhorod (and, if repair is needed, on to the plant in Dnipro), so shipping directly via Nova Poshta significantly shortens turnaround time.
• Landmark: near Minska metro station, next to Borys Grinchenko University.
• Dnipro: 34 Budivelnykiv St.; Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:30 PM; phone +380 (50) 355 93 45.
• Both Service Centers handle NIK-branded products exclusively.

No — the NIK-ELEKTRONIKA Service Center accepts for repair and maintenance only NIK-branded products of its own manufacture.

The most common cause is replacing an old, worn induction meter (e.g., SOI-446) with a new one: mechanical wear in the old disc caused extra drag and a negative measurement error — i.e., under-registration — so the new meter only appears to show “more” consumption, while in fact it measures correctly.
• Another common cause is outdated building wiring, where the neutral wire is shared across several apartments. Modern meters with two measuring elements compare the phase and neutral currents and register based on whichever is higher, which may be accompanied by the “Ground” indicator or the “error 090” message.
• You can check the meter yourself as follows: turn off all loads in the apartment and record the reading; switch on a known constant load (e.g., a stove burner) for a fixed period; record the reading again; compare the difference against the calculated value (load power × time in hours).
• If the deviation exceeds 1–2% of the calculated value, contact the energy metering service of your electricity supply company.

For electronic meters, the most common cause is a parameterization fault, usually due to a discharged clock battery: day/night tariff metering may stop, and the meter may switch to the emergency tariff T4. In this case, contact your electricity supply company to have the power cell replaced and the correct date and time restored.
• For electromechanical meters, a display reading that does not change while mains voltage is present most often indicates a fault in the mechanical counting mechanism. In this case, contact your electricity supply company to have the meter’s seal removed, the device disconnected, and it sent for repair.

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Contact:

Address: 34 Lesi Ukrainky Blvd, Kyiv, Ukraine

Phone: +38 (044) 248 74 71
Fax: +38 (044) 248 74 82

Email: nik@nik.net.ua