Single Phase Energy Meter
CA168 Smart STS Prepaid DIN Rail Energy Meter (LoRaWAN)
Model CA168-S-NS06
DIN rail STS prepaid energy meter with LoRaWAN communication for remote meter reading and token management.
View product detailsElectricity metering
STS Prepaid Electricity Meters for Utility Projects
Direct answer
An STS prepaid electricity meter measures energy and deducts credit loaded through a secure 20-digit token. Utilities can use standalone keypad models where continuous connectivity is not required, or select GPRS and LoRaWAN options for remote reading. The correct model depends on phase, current, installation, CIU access, vending integration and destination requirements.
Shenzhen Calinmeter Co., Ltd. (CalinMeters) supplies single-phase, three-phase and DIN-rail electricity meters for prepaid deployments. Use this page to compare the published models, understand the token and communication choices, and prepare the technical information needed for a quotation or pilot.
Published models
Compare available configurations
Open a model page for published specifications, application guidance, the current PDF and the project details that still need confirmation.
Single Phase Energy Meter
CA168 Smart STS Prepaid Energy Meter (GPRS)
Model CA168-CS23
STS prepaid single-phase meter with GPRS communication for remote monitoring and control.
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Single Phase Energy Meter
CA168 STS Prepaid Energy Meter
Model CA168
Standard STS prepaid single-phase energy meter with keypad for token entry.
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Three Phase Energy Meter
CA368 Smart STS Prepaid Three Phase Energy Meter (GPRS)
Model CA368-WS23
Three-phase STS prepaid electricity meter for commercial, industrial, and utility service connections, with GPRS communication for remote reading and management.
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Three Phase Energy Meter
CA368 STS Prepaid Three Phase Energy Meter
Model CA368-WS21
Standalone three-phase STS prepaid electricity meter with keypad token entry for projects that do not require always-on remote communication.
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CT Meter
CT Operated Energy Meter
Transformer-operated (CT) energy meter for high-current commercial and industrial metering.
View product detailsBuyer selection guide
How to select an STS prepaid electricity meter
Define the electrical service
Confirm single-phase or three-phase service, nominal voltage, frequency, maximum current and whether an external current transformer is required.
Choose direct or split customer access
Use a built-in keypad where customers can reach the meter. Use a DIN-rail or protected meter with a Customer Interface Unit when the main meter is outside, locked or pole-mounted.
Select the communication architecture
Standalone STS supports local token entry. GPRS can provide direct cellular connectivity, while LoRaWAN can aggregate many meters through shared gateways.
Define vending and integration
Document the vending platform, key-management responsibilities, sales channels, mobile-money flow and any API connection to existing utility systems.
Confirm compliance and pilot conditions
List the destination standards, utility specifications, test documents and representative pilot checks required before a production order.
STS workflow
How STS electricity token recharge works
The Standard Transfer Specification (STS) provides a token-based method for transferring prepaid credit to a registered meter. Network communication can add remote operations, but the basic keypad workflow does not require every meter to remain online.
1. Register the meter
The operator records the meter identity and required vending configuration in the prepaid management system.
2. Sell electricity credit
The customer purchases a selected credit amount through an approved sales or payment channel.
3. Generate the token
The vending system produces a 20-digit token associated with that meter and transaction.
4. Load and consume credit
The customer enters the token on the meter or CIU; the meter accepts valid credit and deducts it as electricity is consumed.
Buyer questions
Frequently asked questions
What is an STS prepaid electricity meter?
An STS prepaid electricity meter is a meter that uses the Standard Transfer Specification to accept secure 20-digit recharge tokens. It is commonly used by utilities, landlords, and property operators that need token-based credit control without requiring every meter to stay online.
When should a project use a three-phase prepaid electricity meter?
A three-phase prepaid electricity meter is normally used for three-phase commercial, industrial, or utility service connections. The buyer should confirm the nominal voltage, maximum current or CT ratio, installation method, accuracy requirement, communication coverage, and destination-market standards before selecting a model.
What is the difference between the CA368 GPRS and standalone STS models?
Both CA368 models support STS 20-digit token prepayment for three-phase service connections. The CA368 GPRS model adds direct cellular communication for remote reading, monitoring, and meter management. The standalone CA368 STS model uses keypad token entry without requiring always-on remote communication, which is suitable when secure prepayment is needed but direct cellular management is not.
When should a utility choose a split keypad prepaid meter?
A split keypad prepaid meter is useful when the main meter is installed outdoors, locked in a cabinet, mounted on a pole, or placed where the customer should not access the wiring compartment. The CIU gives the customer an indoor keypad for token entry, balance checking, and consumption information while the main meter remains protected.
Does a prepaid meter have to come with a SIM card?
No. The basic technology used in prepaid meters is STS (Standard Transfer Specification), a secure message system that does not require internet. The sales point encrypts credit information to generate a 20-digit token, which the user enters via the meter keypad to recharge. A SIM card is only needed for remote meter reading or remote management functions.
Project inquiry
Discuss STS prepaid electricity meter
Send the service conditions, communication plan, quantity, destination requirements and pilot criteria. CalinMeters can then review the published models against your project.
