NEMA Publishes Two New Standards on Electrical Submeters

EIN 32 CS int NEMA logo 400

Feb 20, 2020

The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) published NEMA ESM1-1 2019 Electrical Submeter—General Requirements and NEMA ESM1-2 2019 Electrical Submeter—Active Energy Accuracy. NEMA ESM1-1 covers general metrological requirements (accuracy) and associated testing for electrical energy submeters detailing energy use. NEMA ESM1-2 covers metrological requirements and associated testing for AC meters rated at not more than 1,000 V that measure active energy used in electrical energy submetering applications.

“In developing the first Standards for metrological certification of electrical submeters, NEMA started from the basics of ANSI C12 Standards governing utility meters and created specifications exclusively for electrical submetering applications,” said Henry Alton of Triacta Power Solutions and Chair of the NEMA Electrical Submeter Section. “These new Standards cover accuracy requirements for active energy as well as environmental performance requirements. Using a wealth of industry experience, the NEMA Electrical Submeter Section spent three years creating these performance specifications monitoring electrical energy.”

“These Standards apply to stand-alone meters and metering systems comprised of meters, associated sensors, and communications accessories,” added Alton. “ESM1 requirements are written in a concise, self-contained fashion. Electric submeters designed and built to meet ESM1 specifications can be used with confidence that they meet the accuracy requirements of today’s data-driven environment.”

These Standards are designed to be used by professional engineering firms as well as local, state, and federal regulators.

NEMA ESM1-1 2019 and NEMA ESM1-2 2019 are each available for $64 in hard copy and as an electronic download at no cost.  

Related Articles


Latest Articles

  • Mastering Advanced Bidding Strategies in Electrical Contracting

    Mastering Advanced Bidding Strategies in Electrical Contracting

    December 1, 2025 By Melvin Newman, Patabid CEO & Ian Paterson, Patabid Client Success Manager and journeyman electrician with 30+ years of experience In the competitive world of electrical contracting, knowing how to estimate electrical jobs effectively can make the difference between winning profitable projects and watching opportunities slip away. For electrical contractors, mastering advanced… Read More…

  • Why Choosing the Right USB Charger Matters

    Why Choosing the Right USB Charger Matters

    December 1, 2025 Not all USB Chargers are Created Equal As the number of devices used daily increases, so does the need for a charger that delivers safe speeds and maximum charging potential. A high-quality USB charger delivers efficient charging without risk of damage, but the sea of USB chargers and outlets available on online… Read More…

  • How Homebuilding Incentives Can Pay Off for Cities, Homeowners and Local Economies: New Concordia Study

    December 1, 2025 A new study from Concordia University’s John Molson School of Business finds that improving housing affordability isn’t just a social good — it’s an economic growth opportunity. Build and Benefit: How Homebuilding Incentives Can Pay Off for Cities, Homeowners and Local Economies reframes housing policy reform as a sustainable fiscal growth strategy, demonstrating meaningful… Read More…

  • The Importance of HazLoc LED Lighting for Safe Workplaces

    The Importance of HazLoc LED Lighting for Safe Workplaces

    November 30, 2025 By CSC LED In Canada’s industrial lighting sector, one of the most critical yet often overlooked safety components is lighting designed specifically for hazardous locations, otherwise known as HazLoc (hazardous location) LED lighting. For workplaces dealing with flammable gases, vapours, combustible dust, or ignitable fibres, standard LED fixtures simply don’t cut it…. Read More…


Changing Scene

  • Skills Ontario Celebrates the Expansion of Trades & Tech Truck Program

    Skills Ontario Celebrates the Expansion of Trades & Tech Truck Program

    December 1, 2025 Skills Ontario is expanding its fleet of Trades & Tech mobile unit thanks to support from the Ontario Government. The government announced this morning it’s investment in Skills Ontario to expand experiential opportunities for Ontario’s future workforce.    “Ontario’s future relies on a strong, skilled workforce,” said David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration,… Read More…

  • BC’s Canadian Mutual Recognition Agreement aims to Facilitate Interprovincial Trade

    BC’s Canadian Mutual Recognition Agreement aims to Facilitate Interprovincial Trade

    December 1, 2025 A new agreement signed by all provinces, territories, and the federal government will break down interprovincial trade barriers, making it easier for B.C. businesses to sell products across Canada, and for people to buy Canadian-made goods.   “When threats to Canada’s economic security land at our doorstep, we’re at our best when we work together as… Read More…

  • EB Horsman’s Commitment to Giving Back – A Year in Recap 2024/2025

    EB Horsman’s Commitment to Giving Back – A Year in Recap 2024/2025

    December 1, 2025 EB Horsman Cares is the company’s community engagement program that supports local children’s hospitals, communities, and non-profit initiatives with donations, fundraising, volunteering, and scholarships.  Since 1993, BC Children’s Hospital has been the primary recipient of EB Horsman & Son’s fundraising. However, as EB Horsman has continued to expand its businesses across Western… Read More…

  • Build Canada Homes Introduces Policy Framework to Guide its Investments in Affordable Housing

    Build Canada Homes Introduces Policy Framework to Guide its Investments in Affordable Housing

    December 1, 2025 Central to that work, the Government of Canada is stepping up with the recently launched Build Canada Homes, new federal agency with a mandate to scale up the supply of affordable housing across Canada. Build Canada Homes will also help fight homelessness by building transitional and supportive housing – working with provinces,… Read More…