Bruntab Energy — Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, smart meters can be installed in many existing buildings. The main requirement for installation is having an accessible pipe route and enough space to mount the meter. In other words, if the cold water, hot water, heating or fan-coil shut-off valves are in an accessible location and the pipe can be cut and a meter installed, the system can be deployed easily. For example, in buildings where each unit's piping is individually accessible in the risers, the boiler room, or the parking area, smart meters can usually be installed without any demolition. Conversely, if the piping is fully embedded inside walls, ceilings, or floors and covered with plaster, concrete, or other building materials, with no suitable access point for mounting a meter, installing submeters will not be feasible or will require demolition and structural modifications. For this reason, Bruntab's experts visit the site before executing a project and assess the technical feasibility of installation in order to propose the most suitable solution to the client.

The most important difference between digital (ultrasonic) water meters and mechanical (Single Jet) meters lies in how the water flow is measured. Ultrasonic meters have no moving mechanical parts such as turbines, impellers, or gears, and measure flow using the difference in transit time of ultrasonic waves. As a result, they are not subject to mechanical wear and their performance remains stable and accurate over time. Mechanical meters, on the other hand, suffer from wear, aging, and scale buildup over time due to their moving parts. This can reduce measurement accuracy, especially at very low flow rates (such as minor leaks) or at high flow rates. The advantages of Bruntab ultrasonic meters include: Very high, stable measurement accuracy throughout the meter's lifespan No moving parts, eliminating mechanical wear High resistance to scale and mineral deposits in the water Ability to detect and accurately measure very small leaks Long lifespan with a 10-year lithium battery No need for repairs or periodic servicing caused by mechanical wear For these reasons, ultrasonic meters are considered a more reliable, durable, and precise choice for smart water measurement and submetering systems.

All equipment supplied by Bruntab Energy comes with a 3-year replacement warranty and 10 years of after-sales service.

Yes. Once the Bruntab measurement and submetering system is up and running, a separate monetary bill is issued for each unit. The amount of each bill is calculated based on the actual consumption of that unit, applying the tariffs and progressive consumption tiers set by the relevant authorities (water and wastewater company, electricity distribution company, gas company) within the software. This feature ensures that each unit's share of the consumption costs is determined precisely, transparently, and fairly.

Yes. The Bruntab software can issue bills using several different methods, depending on each building's needs. Method 1: Apportioning the master bill In this method, the amount of the bill issued by the utility provider is split among the units based on their consumption; therefore, the sum of the sub-bills equals the building's master bill exactly. Method 2: Calculation based on tariffs and progressive consumption tiers In this method, each unit's bill is calculated according to the tariffs and progressive tiers published by the water, electricity, or gas company. In this case the sum of the sub-bills may exceed the master bill, because each unit pays based on its actual consumption — high-consumption units do not benefit from subsidies or the share of low-consumption or vacant units. Method 3: Building-specific tariff In this method, the building manager or board can define their own preferred or approved tariffs in the software so that each unit's bill is issued according to the complex's financial policy. This way, the Bruntab software gives users the flexibility needed to apply various calculation and billing methods, in line with the regulations and needs of each complex.

Yes. The progressive tiers of the water, gas, and electricity authorities are built into the software, and any change in the regulations is reflected in the software accordingly.

Yes. The building manager or board can define their own preferred or approved tariffs in the software so that each unit's bill is issued according to the use case and conditions of each complex. Examples include setting tariffs for electricity generated by generators or solar panels, purchased or treated water for uses such as pools or car washes, and diesel-consumption tariffs.

Bruntab Energy data loggers use wireless Wi-Fi or cellular SIM (GSM) networks and require no cabling to communicate with the server.

Bruntab's next-generation data loggers are powered in two ways: by battery or by an adapter. They can run on 4 AA alkaline batteries or through a Type-C adapter. Battery operation allows easy installation with no need to run power wiring, and when mains power is available, the adapter can be used for continuous power. Battery life, depending on the logger model, the number of connected sensors, and how often data is transmitted, is between 3 and 6 years, and once the battery reaches end of life it can simply be replaced.

All loggers connect to an advanced web-based software that issues alarms via SMS, email, and automated phone calls whenever a value rises above or drops below the permitted range.

Bruntab offers loggers for various temperature ranges: -90°C loggers for ultra-low freezers; -20°C to +75°C loggers for pharmaceutical and food refrigerators and freezers; and high-temperature loggers up to 250°C for kilns, with other models up to 400°C. Please note that when placing an order, the required temperature range must be specified so the appropriate temperature sensor is connected to the logger.

In many buildings, laboratories, and boiler rooms, knowing about leaks is critically important. The leak-detection cable is designed to detect leaks as follows: the moment the slightest moisture or water touches it, an alarm is triggered and the device notifies the user of the leak and warning via its Wi-Fi connection.

Many goods shipped to a destination that do not need to be returned — such as food, chicken, fish, meat, and various pharmaceuticals. This single-use logger is placed inside the food or pharmaceutical cargo; upon arrival, the collected data is transmitted to the internet via a mobile phone, and once the sender or receiver verifies it, it can — due to its low cost — be disposed of, or returned to the origin and reused. This is why it is also called a single-use or multi-use logger.

Under the fifth edition of Section 19 of the National Building Regulations, issued in 1404 (2025), using a central boiler room to supply heating and hot water is mandatory in buildings with more than 30 units. In these buildings, a central boiler room combined with Bruntab's energy sub-metering system (energy meter) offers significant advantages over installing an independent package unit in each unit, in terms of economics, safety, and operation. The main advantages of this approach are: Lower installation, maintenance, and repair costs compared to dozens of independent packages. Improved building safety and elimination of risks from gas leaks and carbon-monoxide emissions inside units. No occupation of usable indoor space. Higher heating-system efficiency and centralized management of facilities. One of the biggest challenges of central boiler rooms has been the fair allocation of energy costs between units. This is solved by installing Bruntab ultrasonic energy meters — each unit's consumption is measured precisely and its bill is issued based on real consumption. This way, residents enjoy the benefits of a central boiler room while paying their energy costs fairly and in proportion to their own usage.

A Bruntab energy meter consists of three main parts: two temperature sensors installed on the supply and return pipes of the cooling or heating system, a flow sensor to measure the mass of water flowing through, and an electronic processing unit. The device continuously measures the temperature difference between the supply and return and multiplies it by the mass of water flowing through to calculate the exact amount of heating or cooling energy actually consumed by the unit. The calculated data is then shown on the device's display and finally transmitted — wired or wirelessly — to the software and the online monitoring system in order to issue sub-bills in monetary terms.

Yes. Bruntab Energy's submetering and online monitoring systems are designed to integrate with many Smart Home and Building Management Systems (BMS). Bruntab meters support common protocols and communication media and allow data exchange with building automation systems. As a result, information on water, electricity, gas, energy, diesel consumption and temperature, humidity, and leak sensors — alongside other smart equipment such as lighting, ventilation, cooling, and heating — can be viewed and controlled from a single management panel. Beyond making building management easier, this integration enables real-time consumption monitoring, data analysis, energy optimization, and smarter decision-making for managers and residents.

BLOCK CO₂ is a model of Bruntab's smart data loggers used for continuous monitoring of ambient carbon-dioxide (CO₂) concentration, temperature, and humidity, transmitting data to the online monitoring system via Wi-Fi or a GSM SIM. In addition to instantaneous measurement, the device calculates the Time-Weighted Average (TWA) of people's exposure to CO₂ so that air quality is accurately assessed over long time periods. If the CO₂ concentration or any other measured parameter crosses the defined permitted limits, the system automatically sends the necessary alerts — via SMS, email, and automated voice call — to the responsible parties so action can be taken in the shortest possible time. This product is used to monitor air quality and improve safety in schools, universities, hospitals, office buildings, shopping centers, assembly halls, industrial environments, and other high-traffic spaces, and plays an effective role in protecting health, boosting concentration, and improving environmental quality.

Section 19 of the National Building Regulations sets the rules for "energy conservation" in buildings. The goal of these regulations is to reduce energy consumption, increase productivity, preserve national resources, lower operating costs, and improve occupant comfort. This section defines the requirements for the design, construction, and operation of buildings in terms of energy-use management, insulation, and mechanical and electrical systems.

The latest edition of Section 19 (1404 / 2025) places special emphasis on measuring, monitoring, and managing energy and water consumption. In buildings that use central utilities (chillers and boiler rooms), using measurement and sub-metering systems is considered the most important solution for correctly implementing the principle of "paying based on actual consumption."

Until each unit's consumption is measured precisely, it is impossible to manage and reduce usage. Accurate measurement, in addition to ensuring fairness in paying costs, also helps correct consumption patterns, detect leaks, diagnose equipment faults, and improve energy productivity.

Yes. Many of the requirements related to energy-use management — such as installing smart meters, online monitoring systems, and submetering equipment — can also be applied in existing buildings, provided the technical conditions for installing the equipment are met.

Experience from hundreds of installed projects shows that once consumption is measured accurately and bills are issued based on actual usage, consumer behavior shifts and energy consumption drops noticeably. In addition, water leaks, malfunctioning equipment, and other sources of energy waste are detected much faster.

The fairest way to split the cost of water and heating/cooling energy is to calculate each unit's cost based on its actual consumption. In many buildings, the cost of water, heating, or hot water is divided between units based on floor area, the number of occupants, or equally. These methods are usually unfair, because the consumption of the units differs significantly. The systematic solution is to use a measurement and submetering system. In this method, a water meter or energy meter is installed for each unit and its consumption is measured precisely. The software then issues each unit's bill based on its actual consumption and according to the calculation method chosen by the building manager or the official tariffs. Beyond ensuring fairness in payment, this method also helps correct consumption patterns, lower shared costs, quickly detect leaks, and improve energy productivity. For this reason, today smart submetering systems are considered the most reliable and transparent way to divide water and energy costs in residential, office, and commercial complexes.

Electricity sub-metering is the process in which each unit's electricity consumption is measured and calculated independently. In buildings with a single shared electricity connection (demand-metered), such as commercial buildings or residential complexes that also have commercial units, single-phase or three-phase Bruntab submeters and sub-metering systems let the cost of each unit's consumption be determined precisely and fairly. Single-phase meters come in 60- and 80-amp models, and three-phase meters in two types: direct-connected up to 80 amps and indirect (CT / current transformer) above 80 amps.

Bruntab systems are designed for measuring and managing energy consumption and are not a replacement for the official utility-company meter, except in projects where the relevant regulations permit such use — such as commercial complexes that use submeters due to their large number of units.

This system can be used for any kind of building that has a single shared electricity meter, including: Residential complexes Office buildings (independent sub-metering of each unit) Shopping centers (sub-metering of different units) Factories (metering production units' electricity) Workshops (multiple consumers on a single shared meter) Hospitals and medical centers

In most projects, no. Bruntab systems are designed so they can be installed with minimal changes to existing electrical infrastructure. Suitable space for mounting the submeter can usually be found in the existing panels in the building. If not, standalone panels alongside the same existing infrastructure are used to house the meter and the meter-reading devices.

The Bruntab Energy software records each unit's consumption independently and calculates and reports each unit's cost based on the required electricity tariff (public, residential, commercial, etc. usages). Users can also apply progressive tiers or choose a custom tariff in the software.

No. Meter values can be read from the meter's built-in display, and if Bruntab's online smart systems are used, consumption data is also viewable online via the user dashboard or software. It is also possible to install in-house software on servers within the project and store data at very short intervals (under one minute) on site. In both cases, all electricity-meter parameters can be reported and viewed graphically.

No. Measured data is stored in the device's memory and can be recovered once power is restored. This smart system can also account for emergency-generator electricity.

Ordinary meters only record how much energy was consumed, and reading them usually requires a physical visit by a meter reader or a direct look at the meter's display. Smart meters, in addition to accurately measuring consumption, expose data over the Modbus (RS-485) protocol and provide advanced features such as: Remote meter reading without needing to be on site Real-time display of consumption and all meter parameters Logging consumption history over different time periods Sending data to energy-management software Analyzing consumption patterns and detecting abnormal usage or events Automated reporting and invoicing For this reason, smart meters are not just a measurement device but also a tool for managing and optimizing energy consumption.

Yes. Using electricity sub-metering systems to measure and calculate each unit's share of consumption in buildings and complexes is completely legal and is used in many residential, office, commercial, and industrial projects. Note, however, that submeters or sub-metering systems are not a replacement for the official utility-company meter. The utility company's billing continues to be based on the master meter or the official meters installed by the electricity company. Sub-metering systems, by accurately measuring each unit's consumption, help building managers and consumers split the electricity cost transparently, fairly, and with documentation. With standard equipment and proper installation, this method is one of the most common and reliable ways to manage energy consumption in buildings.

AC chargers transfer household AC power to the vehicle's onboard charger, which converts it to DC inside the vehicle. This type is most suitable for homes, offices, and private parking. Models from 3.5 kW to 22 kW, carrying single-phase and three-phase currents of 8 to 32 amps, fall into this category. Fast DC chargers transfer much higher three-phase currents (e.g. 50 to 100 amps three-phase) directly to the vehicle's battery and, thanks to the higher power, charge much faster. These chargers are usually found at public charging stations, intercity stops, and high-traffic hubs.

Bruntab chargers are designed to international standards and are compatible with all fully electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids that support common charging standards such as GB/T and Type 2. Before selecting a charger, Bruntab experts review the site's electrical infrastructure, the vehicle's specifications, and the connector type, and recommend the most suitable model.

Installation requirements depend on the existing electrical infrastructure at the install site (single-phase or three-phase supply), the charger's power, and the ability to run a cable to the desired location. In many residential projects a suitable power feed and a standard electrical panel are sufficient. For high-power chargers or commercial projects, assessing grid capacity, running appropriate cabling, and outfitting the electrical panel are also required.

Charging time depends on the vehicle's battery capacity, the charger's power, and the battery's initial state of charge. AC chargers typically charge a vehicle over several hours (4 to 8 hours), while DC chargers can supply a large portion of the battery capacity in a much shorter time (50 to 90 minutes).

Yes. Bruntab smart chargers let users and building managers manage power draw, schedule charging, limit charging current, and view energy-consumption data. Every project needs to manage the simultaneous charging power of multiple vehicles. Given peak electricity hours and the limited capacity of common-area power, an integrated charger-management system is essential as a consumption controller — to avoid warnings from the electricity authority and to prevent damage to the building's and chargers' electrical equipment.

Yes. Many Bruntab charger models can connect to the charge-management system, letting users view and manage charging status, energy consumption, charging history, sub-bills for each unit, and other information through the management panel and software.

EV batteries are designed for daily charging. Using a standard charger and following the manufacturer's recommendations has no significant negative effect on battery life. A balanced mix of fast (DC) and standard (AC) charging also helps preserve battery health over the long term. For battery health, the priority is to charge the vehicle with AC chargers over longer charging windows.

OCPP (Open Charge Point Protocol) is an international communication standard for exchanging information between EV chargers and a charge-management system (CSMS). Using this protocol means chargers are not tied to a single brand or software and can communicate with OCPP-compatible management systems. The main advantages of OCPP are: Remote management and monitoring of chargers (over Wi-Fi and the internet) Real-time charger status Charging-history logging and reporting User authentication and access management Over-the-air (OTA) charger firmware updates Tariff and charging-cost management For this reason OCPP is recognized as the prevailing standard in EV-charging projects worldwide and plays an important role in the smart management of charging infrastructure.

The cost of charging an EV depends on several factors; there is no fixed amount for all vehicles. The most important factors are: Vehicle battery capacity Remaining battery charge Electricity tariff at the charging location (residential, commercial, or public) Charger type (AC or DC) Service fees charged at public charging stations For home charging, the cost is calculated from the consumed electricity tariff. Charging from a household meter, given its limited capacity and the electricity company's progressive tiers, is much more expensive than charging from the building's common-area power. At public stations, a service fee may be charged in addition to the energy cost. So the best price for charging a vehicle is the building's common-area power during the late-night hours. Bruntab smart systems record the exact energy used by each charge, automatically compute the cost, and provide reports and invoices for each user, helping managers of complexes manage costs transparently and fairly.

A standard earthing (grounding) system is one of the most important safety requirements for installing and operating EV chargers, and per international standards installing a charger without proper earthing is not recommended. Bruntab chargers are equipped with advanced protective devices and check the electrical network's safety before starting a charge. If an earth system is absent or does not meet standard, depending on the charger model and protective settings, the charger may refuse to start charging or may stop the process to prevent potential hazards. For this reason, before installing a charger, Bruntab inspects the building's electrical and earthing system and, if needed, proposes the necessary solutions to create or correct the earthing system so the charger can be used with maximum safety and in line with standards. That said, all Bruntab chargers do have an option to start charging without an earth present. Recommendation: Never remove or bypass protective devices or the earth connection to get a charger running; these devices are designed to protect users, the vehicle, and the electrical infrastructure.