Under trade measurement laws, specified electricity and water meters used for trade (bill for usage) must be:
- pattern approved
- verified.
You use a meter for trade if you use the measurement to determine the amount to pay for a transaction, even proportionally.
Pattern approval
Pattern approval assesses the meter design to ensure it is:
- fit for purpose
- able to operate in the environment in which it is expected to be used.
Your meter design can be examined by:
- an approving authority
- an appropriate test facility in Australia or overseas.
We evaluate the test results from the examination and decide whether to approve the pattern of the meter. Once approved, we issue a certificate of approval:
- gas meter certificates of approval
- electricity meter certificates of approval
- water meter certificates of approval.
Expired or cancelled certificates of approval
You can install and use a meter for trade with an expired or cancelled certificate of approval as long as:
- the certificate of approval was valid at the time the meter was manufactured and the National Measurement Institute (NMI) has not withdrawn the certificate
- the meter is verified.