Help Center

1. What is an amperimetric clamp?

It is a tool that measures current intensity in amperes, determining the charge used at a given time.

 

2. What is a current reducer?

It is a device that reduces the current from the feeding network in order to make the measurement without damaging the measurement equipment.

 

3. Why is my bill so high if my neighbor has the same appliances and pays less?

Billing does not depend on the amount of appliances installed, but on their usage time (consumption).
For example, If you have a 1 kW iron and you use it four hours a day, your consumption will be 120 kW/h in 30 days, if your neighbor uses it 2 hours a day, he/she will consume only 60 kW/h a month.

Other valid reasons are:

  • Grounded faults caused by defective internal connections or defective or misused appliances. In this case, you must contact an electrician to repair your installations.
  • Meter failure, in which case you may have your equipment checked by calling FONOLUZ at 617-5000 or by coming to our branch office.

 

4. Why does my meter disk spin more than that of my neighbor?

Meter disk spinning depends mainly on energy consumption at one given time. Furthermore, meters do not have the same spinning speed, which is determined by a constant according to the meter model (rev / kW/h).


The meter constant determines how many revolutions the disk will make to register 1 kW/h.


If you consider that billing does not coincide with your consumption, you may call Fonoluz at 617-5000 or come to any of our branch offices to request checking of your equipment.

 

5. Why does my meter disk keep spinning if I have already turned down the master key?

The reasons may be:

  • Energy leakage between the meter and its master key.
  • Defective meter registering non-existing consumption.

We will register your data in order to check your meter.

 

6. Why aren't internal installations checked?

The Dealer Company is only liable for the connection from the entrance cable to the measurement equipment. Checking the installation from that point to the inside of the premise is at the expense of the client who will have to hire an electrician.

 

7. What is the difference between grounded fault and isolated fault?

Grounded fault is a problem that generates energy losses through a cable that makes contact with some energy-conducing material (earth, wall, pipelines, etc.). This may cause short circuit or electric shock in the installations.
Low isolation is the decrease of resistance of a conductor cable that may cause grounded faults.

 

8. What is a sand well?

A sand well is made in the client's internal installation in order to direct the energy losses to earth, avoiding the risk of electrical shocks and discharges, in case of failure.

For a broader definition, we can say that this well contains treated sand and chemical additives that ensure the land's low resistance to current, up until the grounded circuit of the internal installations is connected (if any) in order to protect people and installations from possible electric shocks.

 

9. Can I put a grating on my meter?

Yes, as long as the grating is not in contact with the meter box and it does not hinder any intervention (meter reading, power cut, reconnection and maintenance).
It is suggested that the minimum distance from the grating to the meter box be 5 cm. and that its padlock be placed in the upper part to facilitate equipment intervention by the personnel from Luz del Sur. If necessary, the Company is empowered to withdraw protection.

 

10. What is the thermomagnetic switch used for?

It is a current limiter (electromechanical device) that prevents to exceed the hired power. When there is excessive power, the heat generated opens the device, suspending thus the energy supply. Furthermore, it protects the client's installations from overloads or short circuits.