Install the Tesla Remote Energy Meter and CTs

Plan Meter and CT Locations

Before installing the meter and/or CTs, ensure none of the following maximum distances are exceeded:

Distance to Measure Wiring Option Tesla P/N (if applicable) Maximum Distance
Meter to Point of Measurement CT lead only 2033376-xx-y 1.5 m (59 in)
If additional length is required: CT extension (3.5 m (138 in) long) 2060713-xx-y 8.5 m (335 in) (CT extension (3.5 m) + CT extension (3.5 m) + CT lead (1.5 m) = max 8.5 m)
Meter to Site Controller (RS-485 wired connection) RS-485 harness 2045794-xx-y 1.2 m (4 ft)
If additional length is required: 24-16 AWG (0.2-1.5 mm2) communication wiring N/A (wiring supplied by installer) 50 m (164 ft)
Meter to Breaker Voltage Harness 2046207-xx-y 600 mm (23.6 in)
If additional length is required: 16-10 AWG (1.5-6 mm2) AC wiring N/A (wiring supplied by installer) To maintain accuracy for revenue grade metering (RGM), keep the meter within 61 m (200 ft) of its breaker when using 14 AWG (2.5 mm2) wire

Install the Meter

  1. Using the screws provided in the meter kit, attach the meter to the inside of the main distribution board or to another surface.
  2. Connect the voltage line harness leads to a dedicated two pole circuit breaker (not exceeding 20 A):
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    Note
    If unsure of the panel phases, see Troubleshooting: Identifying Breaker Phase.
    1. Black Wire: Connect the black wire to L1
    2. Red Wire: Connect the red wire to L2
    3. Blue Wire: If using the CT 3 port, splice the blue wire with the red L2 wire as shown below; otherwise cap the blue wire
    4. White Wire: Connect the white wire to the Neutral busbar
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    Note
    If a dedicated circuit breaker is not available, the voltage line harness can be spliced to existing breakers.
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    Note
    For the Remote Energy Meter to function properly, the voltage line harness leads must be connected to the correct breaker phases. The following are common reasons for the voltage line harness being miswired to the incorrect phases:
    • Some breaker types cross phases so that the breakers are on the opposite phases from the supply lugs
    • Some localities do not follow the L1 = black, L2 = red wire color scheme, which can result in incorrectly identifying phase by wire color
  3. Plug the voltage line harness into the meter.

Install the CTs

To install a CT:
  1. Plug the CT into the CT port on the meter.
    • If installing Site CTs:
      1. Plug the CT measuring L1 into the CT1 port.
      2. Plug the CT measuring L2 into either the CT2 or CT3 port.
    • If installing a Solar CT:
      • IF the CT is measuring L1, plug it into the CT1 port.
      • IF the CT is measuring L2, plug it into either the CT2 or CT3 port.
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      Note
      Only (1) CT is required to measure Solar because total power output is calculated by the software.
  2. Pinch the CT to open it, then close the CT around the conductor(s) being measured.
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    Note
    Ensure the CT is installed so that the side with white text on the CT housing pointing toward the power source (service entrance / grid for Site CTs, solar inverter for Solar CTs). Always verify CTs are in the correct orientation by observing power flow in Tesla One.
    Figure 1. CT Orientation in Relation to Power Flow
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    Note
    Ensure the CT closes completely. If the CT is not closed, it will not measure properly. This is especially relevant if installing a CT around multiple conductors, or around large gauge wire.

Connect Tesla Remote Energy Meter to Powerwall 3

Connection Option 1: Connect Tesla Remote Energy Meter via Wi-Fi:

Install the external antenna on the end of the Remote Energy Meter. If installing the Remote Energy Meter in a metal enclosure:
  1. Drill a ¼-inch hole in the bottom of the enclosure.
  2. Using the provided antenna extender, route the antenna through the bottom of the enclosure as shown below.

Meter configuration, including pairing the meter via Wi-Fi will be performed during Device Setup in Tesla One. See Configure Wi-Fi Connected Tesla Remote Energy Meter for commissioning instructions.

Connection Option 2: Wire Tesla Remote Energy Meter via RS-485:

  1. For Powerwall 3 installations, wire the Tesla Remote Energy Meter to the Powerwall 3 Tesla Asset Controller (TACO) via RS-485:
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    Note
    If required, extend the RS-485 harness up to 164 ft (50 m) using 24-16 AWG (0.2-1.5 mm2) shielded twisted pair with drain wire.
    1. Plug the 2-conductor RS-485 harness into the port on the top of the meter.
    2. Connect the harness leads to the TACO by inserting them in the corresponding Remote Energy Meter connector.
      TACO Remote Energy Metering Port PinTerminal NameWire Gauge
      5RS-485 +24-16 AWG (0.2-1.5 mm2 or CAT5 (24 AWG)
      6RS-485 -
  2. See Configure Wired Tesla Remote Energy Meter for instructions to configure the meter and CT(s).
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Note
If extending the RS-485 harness with wiring that includes a metal shield or drain wire, cut the excess shield and/or drain and insulate it with electrical tape.
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Note
If the system includes Backup Switch or Gateway 3, do not attempt to connect the RS-485 harness to the Backup Switch or Gateway 3 communication connector. It must be connected to Powerwall 3 (or Tesla Remote Energy Meter can be connected to the Site Controller wirelessly as noted below).

Power On the Meter

Once the meter and CT(s) have been installed, the meter breaker can be closed to power on the meter for device setup.
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CAUTION
For any changes to meter wiring and/or CT placement, always OPEN the meter breaker to power the meter off before performing any work.