How long will your smart meters actually last?
Independent lifetime validation now has a practical path.

Large-scale smart meter investment rests on a single assumption that is difficult to rigorously verify: that the meters will perform for as long as the business case says they will. Until recently, there has been no practical, meter-specific methodology to test this.

Most rollout programmes treat lifetime as a given. Projections often rely on past field data, accelerated soak tests not designed for this purpose, or MTBF calculations. Possibilities for independent testing are limited. As a result, rollouts begin, money is spent, and the assumption often goes untested.

When those assumptions prove wrong, the consequences are significant. Assets need replacing sooner, warranty risks increase, and grid reliability programs lose their data foundation.

Why smart meter lifetime assumptions have not been independently tested

A new smart meter rollout requires substantial investment. The financial case rests on one core expectation: that the meters will meet their expected lifespan in the field.

Until recently, verifying that expectation rigorously has not been straightforward. The original IEC 62059-31-1 — the standard for accelerated reliability testing — required approximately 150 samples across multiple stress conditions, with test cycles that could be really long. For most procurement programmes, that made formal validation impractical before capital was committed. So the assumption entered the business case and remained there, untested.

A more workable IEC methodology is now available

IEC Technical Committee 13 recognised the problem. In December 2025, they released draft document 13/1985/CD, which provides a more pragmatic approach to perform accelerated reliability testing for electricity meters. Over time, this document is intended to be published as 62059-31-1 Edition 2.

The new method is simpler but still thorough. It uses one stress condition, a fixed sample size (based on confidence level and failure rate), as well as a calculated test duration (depending on normal use conditions and applied test conditions)[HS2.1][OK2.2], and a clear pass/fail rule. The draft still requires formal adoption, but the method is sound and can be used now.
At NMi, we use this new method as follows:

Key parameters of the revised approach:

• Single stress condition (e.g. 85°C / 85% relative humidity), replacing the multi-condition original
• A limited amount of samples (approximately 30-50), down from 150
• Pass criterion: zero failures
• Acceleration Factor calculated using the Peck temperature-humidity model, including self-heating corrections

How NMi delivers smart meter lifetime testing

NMi has developed a lifetime validation service built directly on the updated IEC TC13 methodology in development. Here is how the process works:

Test definition. The manufacturer specifies the meter’s expected lifetime, the confidence level, average field failure rate, and operating environment (temperature and relative humidity).

Stress exposure. The calculated amount of samples are placed under a single stress condition (Ee.g. Ts = 85 °C and RHs = 85% R.H.). During the test the meters are operated at conditions close to nominal voltage and 10% of the maximum current.

Modelling. The Acceleration Factor (AF) is derived using the Peck temperature-humidity model, accounting for internal self-heating. Activation energy (Ea) is established from a Mean Time Between Failure (MTBF) calculation based on the bill of materials, or defaults to 0.7 eV where empirical data is not available.[HS4.1].

Pre- and post-stress inspection. All meters are assessed at reference conditions before and after exposure: metering accuracy per IEC 62052-11 and IEC 62053-21/22, communications performance, data integrity, and correct functioning of the display.

Judgement. To pass the test, no failures are accepted.

Output. A structured test report with a clear, confidence-level conclusion on whether the meters meet stated lifetime characteristics.
With the new method, the whole program is now much faster than the old method, which could take six to twenty-four months. Now, lifetime validation can happen before final deployment decisions.
This means lifetime validation can be done during procurement or before deployment, instead of alongside rollout or afterwards.

What independent lifetime validation delivers

For manufacturers, a validated test result gives a solid basis for warranty promises and product choices.
For utilities and asset owners, this means lifetime assumptions are no longer just estimates. They become evidence from an independent lab, provided before any major spending.

NMi is an ISO/IEC 17025 lab and works within the European calibration and testing framework. Since the draft standard is not yet formally adopted, these tests are not under ISO/IEC 17025 scope. Still, working with an accredited lab with strong experience in electricity metering ensures the rigour and independence that third-party validation should offer. The new IEC method, combined with NMi’s approach, makes lifetime validation both practical and credible before major investments.

Speak with one of our metering specialists

If you need lifetime verification for an upcoming purchase or rollout, NMi’s team can review the testing needs, confirm the activation energy, and give you a program estimate.

Contact us at nmi.nl/contact or get in touch directly to discuss your requirements.