Electricity 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.

STS prepaid electricity meter from CalinMeters

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.

Model comparison

Single-phase, three-phase, DIN-rail or CT-operated: which prepaid meter fits?

Choose a direct-connected single-phase model when the service voltage and current match the published configuration. Use a three-phase four-wire model for supported commercial or utility service connections. A DIN-rail meter with a separate Customer Interface Unit can keep the main meter inside a protected cabinet while the customer enters tokens indoors. Select standalone STS when local token entry is sufficient, or evaluate GPRS or LoRaWAN when the operator also needs remote reading.

Model and configurationPublished parametersBuyer fitSpecification
CA168-S-NS06Single Phase Energy Meter
  • Phase: Single phase
  • Nominal voltage: 230 V
  • Nominal frequency: 50-60 Hz
Residential and small commercial prepaid service connectionsDownload PDF
CA168-CS23Single Phase Energy Meter
  • Phase: Single phase
  • Nominal voltage: 230 V
  • Nominal frequency: 50-60 Hz
Residential and small commercial prepaid connectionsDownload PDF
CA168Single Phase Energy Meter
    		Residential prepaid service connectionsRequest current specification
    CA368-WS23Three Phase Energy Meter
    • Phase and wiring: Three phase, four wire
    • Nominal voltage: 3 x 230/240 V
    • Frequency: 50/60 Hz +/-5%
    		Commercial and utility three-phase service connectionsDownload PDF
    CA368-WS21Three Phase Energy Meter
    • Phase and wiring: Three phase, four wire
    • Nominal voltage: 3 x 230/240 V
    • Frequency: 50/60 Hz +/-5%
    		Commercial and utility three-phase prepaid connectionsDownload PDF
    CT Operated Energy MeterCT Meter
      		Commercial and industrial services that use external current transformersRequest current specification

      Published values are transcribed from the current model datasheets. Confirm the final phase, voltage, current or CT ratio, wiring, communication option, installation conditions and destination requirements in the quotation and pilot.

      Buyer selection guide

      How to select an STS prepaid electricity meter

      1

      Define the electrical service

      Confirm single-phase or three-phase service, nominal voltage, frequency, maximum current and whether an external current transformer is required.

      2

      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.

      3

      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.

      4

      Define vending and integration

      Document the vending platform, key-management responsibilities, sales channels, mobile-money flow and any API connection to existing utility systems.

      5

      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. 1. Register the meter

        The operator records the meter identity and required vending configuration in the prepaid management system.

      2. 2. Sell electricity credit

        The customer purchases a selected credit amount through an approved sales or payment channel.

      3. 3. Generate the token

        The vending system produces a 20-digit token associated with that meter and transaction.

      4. 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.

      How does a token based prepaid meter work?

      A token based prepaid meter uses STS security to load credit before consumption. The operator registers the meter in a vending system, the customer buys credit, the system generates a secure 20-digit token, and the customer enters that token on the meter keypad or CIU. Remote recharge can also be supported when the project uses GPRS, LoRaWAN, or AMI integration.

      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.

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