IC Card Prepaid Electricity Metering System with RS485 (Single-Phase Series)
BAW-1A, BAW-2A, BAW-RL, BAW-RA
Prepaid electricity metering systems of this type operate on a pay-before-use mechanism, eliminating unbilled consumption and simplifying electricity cost recovery. This single-phase IC card meter series supports four tariff modes — including TOU (Time-of-Use) pricing — with dual RS485 interfaces for seamless integration with card readers, value loaders, and back-end management platforms. Suitable for rental apartments, EV charging stations, school facilities, and other applications requiring accurate, automated electricity billing.
About the Product
The prepaid electricity meters BAW-1A and BAW-2A are single-phase electronic devices designed to work together with the IC Card Reader (BAW-RL) and the Value Loader (BAW-RA). This IC Card Prepaid Electricity Metering System operates on a pay-before-use mechanism, effectively preventing unbilled electricity consumption. Equipped with dual RS485 communication interfaces and a built-in control relay, the system can be integrated with a back-end management platform for remote credit top-up and electricity consumption monitoring. The meters support up to four tariff modes and automatically save power measurement data every 15 minutes. Widely used in rental apartments, EV charging stations, school air conditioning applications, and other use cases, the system provides accurate billing and convenient power management.
Features
- Four selectable tariff modes: single-rate, summer/non-summer two-tier rate, six-tier step rate, and TOU (Time-of-Use) rate
- Dual RS485 communication ports for connecting the IC Card Reader and management system, enabling credit top-up and remote monitoring
- Measurement and display functions for: active energy (kWh), voltage (V), current (A), frequency (Hz), active power (kW), apparent power (kVA), power factor (PF), tariff mode in use, communication status, and relay switch status
- Built-in memory stores power measurement data including instantaneous voltage, current, power, and cumulative total consumption. Data is saved automatically every 15 minutes; each record is retained for at least 14 days and can be retrieved via the RS485 interface
- Power data retention during power outages
Example Applications
- Rental apartments
- EV charging station market
- School air conditioning systems
* All units are individually verified and lead-sealed in accordance with the regulations of the Bureau of Standards, Metrology and Inspection (BSMI), Ministry of Economic Affairs, Taiwan.
Electrical Specifications
Standard | CNS 14607, IEC 62053-22 |
Accuracy Class | Class 0.5 |
Metering Display | Backlit LCD, 8-digit display |
Metering Unit | 0.01 kWh (6+2 digits) |
Operating Temperature | -20 ∼ +70℃ |
Operating Voltage Range | 0.7 ∼ 1.2 Un |
Power Consumption | Less than 5 VA (including the IC Card Reader) |
Surge Test | 6 kV 1.2/50 𝜇s |
Service Life | More than 10 years |
| Meter Constant | 1600 imp/kWh |
| Starting Current | 40 mA |
IC Card Reader (BAW-RL)

- Shares power supply with the meter; connects directly without an external power source
- RJ11 communication port for quick connection to the meter
- Numeric (0–9) and function keys for easy operation
- 2-line, 16-character backlit LCD display with Chinese/English switchable interface
- Audible alert when remaining balance is insufficient
- Wall-mount installation; can be lead-sealed
- Displays available balance, tariff rate, current month consumption, yesterday's consumption, today's consumption, and cumulative total deducted amount
Value Loader (BAW-RA)

- Activated by a management card; loads or deducts value on consumer cards
- Numeric (0–9) and function keys for easy operation
- 2-line, 16-character backlit LCD display with Chinese/English switchable interface
- Allows setting a PIN and expiration date on consumer cards
- Can modify the tariff rate stored on the tariff card (price per kWh)
- Optional value loader management software for printing receipts and top-up summary reports
Detailed Specifications

- Download Documents
CIC Company Profile
Learn about our company: history, strengths, products, global locations, and our Advanced Electricity Lab.
【Product Brochure】 IC Card Prepaid Electricity Metering System (Single-Phase Series)
This document is a 3-page detailed brochure including technical data, drawings, and installation dimensions, etc.
- Related Products
Multifunction Power Meter for Single-Phase / Three-Phase Power Monitoring and Analysis
CMFM-F, CMFM-G
Multifunction power meters of the CMFM Series provide single-phase and three-phase power monitoring, energy management, and power quality analysis for industrial control panels, factories, commercial buildings, and residential complexes. Supporting 1P2W, 1P3W, 3P3W, and 3P4W systems, they measure voltage, current, power, power factor, frequency, bidirectional energy, maximum demand, total harmonic distortion (THD), individual harmonic distortion (IHD), and harmonic analysis up to the 63rd harmonic order. Built-in RS485 Modbus RTU communication enables seamless integration with SCADA and energy management systems.
Multi-Circuit Multifunction Energy Meter
CED-4C ML
Multi-circuit energy meter CED-4C ML is a multifunction DIN rail power meter designed for accurate multi-circuit measurement in single-phase and three-phase electrical systems. Supporting up to 4 three-phase circuits or 12 single-phase circuits, it measures voltage, current, active power, reactive power, active energy, reactive energy, power factor, frequency, demand, and total harmonic distortion (THD), with RS485 Modbus RTU communication for remote monitoring and parameter configuration.
DIN Rail Multifunction Energy Meters (Single-Phase & Three-Phase)
CED Series
DIN rail multifunction energy meters in the CED Series provide accurate power monitoring for single-phase and three-phase electrical systems. These multifunction energy meters support voltage, current, active and reactive power, energy, power factor, frequency, and harmonic analysis, with RS485 Modbus RTU communication for remote monitoring. Available in direct connection and CT-connected models, the CED Series offers compact DIN rail mounting for a wide range of energy metering applications.
Overvoltage Protector for Current-Transformer Protection
CCTP-03
When a power system is in operation, it is imperative that the secondary of the current transformer(s) should not have an open circuit. When an open circuit occurs, an extremely high transient voltage will be induced, which can in turn damage the current transformers and the instruments at the secondary, or even posing a threat to personal safety. This CT secondary overvoltage protector offers protection from such accidental damage caused by secondary transient voltage.
Split-Core Current Sensors C06 Series
C06-05E, C06-10E, C06-15E, C06-20E, C06-25E
Hinged clip and compact design for easy installation. Current input range: 5 A – 25 A.
- Related News
08Oct 2024 Focus on Smart Energy: CIC Showcases Power Solutions at Successful Exhibition
Challenge Industrial Co., Ltd. (CIC) successfully showcased a range of power solutions at the “Energy Taiwan 2024” held from October 4 to 6 this year. The well-prepared exhibits included not only a variety of current transformers (CTs), voltage transformers (VTs), bushing current transformers (BCTs), and surge protection devices (SPDs) but also featured the most sought-after Smart Electronic Meters and Energy Management Systems (EMS).
Read More21Mar 2024 Smart Meters for Carbon Footprint Verification: Precision Energy Saving, A Tool for Sustainable Business Operations
Today (March 21st) marks Taiwan's Meteorological Day, a day to raise awareness and take action for climate preservation! We’re celebrating in advance of World Meteorological Day on March 23rd! With a team of professionals specializing in the fields of electrical power and electronics, Challenge Industrial Co., Ltd. (CIC) has been deeply rooted in the electrical and electronic industries for decades. We actively promote energy-saving and smart products, providing comprehensive solutions to customers in line with the trend of environmental sustainability.
Read More27Jul 2023 CIC Returns to Intelligent Asia's 'Automation Taipei' Exhibit
We are delighted to announce that CIC will once again be participating in Intelligent Asia's prestigious "Automation Taipei" exhibit. This year's event, held from August 23 to 26, promises to be a remarkable gathering with approx. 1200 companies showcasing their innovations across more than 4,000 booths.
Read More03Nov 2021 CIC to showcase EV chargers and Electronic Meters at Taipei World Trade Center
CIC (Challenge Industrial) is showcasing its popular Electronic Energy Meters and Electric Vehicle Chargers at the Taipei World Trade Center (TWTC) during the 2021 Taipei Building Show, from November 4th to November 7th.
Read More06Aug 2020 Kaohsiung Industrial Automation Exhibition 2020
This year CIC participated in the largest professional automation show in South Taiwan: the "Kaohsiung Industrial Automation Exhibition," which featured approx. 450 exhibitors/companies this year. CIC's booth showcased a variety of meter products, testing instruments by Fluke, surge protection devices (SPDs), and transformers.
Read More24Oct 2019 2019 “Energy Taiwan” Exhibition, Taipei City
This year, once again CIC (Challenge Industrial Co., Ltd.) participated at the “Energy Taiwan” Exhibition. In addition to CIC's electronic energy meters, Fluke testing instruments were also in the spotlight. Representatives from CIC's Electronic Products Division welcomed many visitors and guests during this major event.
Read More22Aug 2018 2018 “Energy Taiwan” Exhibition, Taipei City
CIC (Challenge Industrial Co., Ltd.), in collaboration with Yama-Sun Energy Technology Co., Ltd., will be participating in the 2018 Exhibition “Energy Taiwan.” CIC’s Electronic Products Division will showcase the following:
Read More

