How To Understand Approvals Used in Metering & Controls

Approvals in the smart building world can feel like alphabet soup. Specifiers are asked for MID meters, RHI eligibility, HNTAS compliance, BREEAM credits, and WRAS-approved fittings — all within the same project. Yet every one of these certifications governs a different part of the chain, from measurement accuracy to incentive funding and installation quality.

This guide explains what each approval means and, crucially, how to apply them together when selecting heat and water metering with modern control systems.

MID – Measuring Accuracy for Statutory Billing

The Measuring Instruments Directive (MID) approval is the legal benchmark for meters used for tenant charging and cost allocation. It certifies the complete heat or water meter — calculator, flow sensor, and temperature sensors — ensuring performance remains within defined accuracy limits.

How to use MID

• Always specify MID devices where data will support resident billing.

• Protect the approval during maintenance; replacing approved sensors with non-MID parts can invalidate the billing chain.

• MID focuses on the instrument, not on how it is connected or commissioned.

  
  

RHI – Incentive Approval for Renewable Heat

The Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) was created to reward generation of renewable energy. For many schemes, heat meters must meet specific classes and commissioning evidence to be accepted for payments.

How to use RHI requirements

• Select meters and data collection capable of producing verified kWh outputs.

• Maintain auditable records showing that metering is installed in line with manufacturer guidance.

• Ensure the communication path (for example via Elvaco modules used with Superstatic meters supplied through DMS) delivers secure and continuous readings.

SHOP RHI METERS 

HNTAS – Assurance for Heat Networks

The Heat Network Technical Assurance Scheme (HNTAS) assesses whether the wider heat network, including metering and controls, follows recognised codes of practice such as CIBSE TM39 and the Heat Network Regulations.

How to apply HNTAS

• MID meters should be combined with approved data collection and correctly located temperature sensors.

• Control strategies from Honeywell plant controllers must be aligned with real demand from meters.

• Evidence of commissioning and validation is as important as product selection.

  
  

BREEAM – Environmental Approval for Building Performance

BREEAM is not a meter certification; it awards credits for buildings that demonstrate effective energy and water monitoring.

How to use BREEAM

• Choose metering that provides accessible data for facilities teams.

• Integrate outputs into BMS/AMR platforms so that designers can prove reductions in operational demand.

• Sub-metering strategies supported by DMS often contribute directly to these credits.

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WRAS – Safety for Potable Water

The Water Regulations Advisory Scheme (WRAS) approval confirms that any fitting connected to domestic water will not contaminate supply. It is frequently mandatory upstream of water meters and control valves. 

How to apply WRAS

• Ensure valves, strainers, and adapters are WRAS approved.

• MID approval alone is insufficient for potable water connections.

• Do not mix non-approved accessories during upgrades.

SHOP WRAS METERS 

Interoperability in Controls

Manufacturer approvals from Elvaco communications and Honeywell controls govern the data path and plant integration. They allow MID instruments to feed verified demand into control systems so that buildings react intelligently.

How to use approvals in controls

• Match communication modules to the exact meter model.

• Use meter interval profiles to optimise Honeywell controllers for flow, temperature and pump sequencing.

• Cybersecurity conformity protects long-term reliability.

Bringing It Together – How to Checklist

1. Define the purpose: billing, incentive funding, or performance credits.

2. Specify MID for any statutory charging.

3. Apply RHI where renewable payments require verified kWh.

4. Align the whole network with HNTAS and code guidance for controls.

5. Use BREEAM strategies to prove operational benefit.

6. Protect domestic water with WRAS-approved fittings.

7. Verify manufacturer approvals for Elvaco communications and Honeywell controls.

Approvals are most powerful when combined. Correct technology selection supported by DMS Metering Solutions ensures accuracy, compliance, and intelligent control in one coherent solution.

Contact DMS for more information - https://www.dmsltd.com/contact-us