Today, all over the world, traditional energy meters are being replaced with new-generation smart meters. These smart meters are being deployed globally at a fast pace. With the installation of smart meters, visits to consumer premises will be reduced to a negligible amount as smart meters collect the consumed meter reading remotely, eliminating the need for consumers to visit the premises to collect the meter reading for monthly billing.

Hence, it has become a necessity to use high-security smart seals to protect the smart meters and prevent revenue losses. The purpose of a security seal is to protect the revenue completely by preventing unauthorised access for meter tampering. The accuracy of the meters determines the accuracy of recorded revenue. This new tamper-resistant smart security seal is designed to replace traditional plastic seals. It is smarter, more secure, and facilitates power utilities to provide maximum protection to their smart meters to prevent electricity theft.

Importance of high-security smart seals

We all understand the importance of security. We update the security features of our mobile phones every other day. We even hire security guards to protect our houses, offices, and warehouses with reputed professional security agencies. The use of AMI, prepaid, and smart meter systems translates to fewer in-person visits to consumer premises. Hence, we need to upgrade the meter sealing with high-security smart seals to provide the highest protection to AMI, prepaid, and smart meters.

The smart security seal plays a key role in the automation and secured management of smart meters. Compared with traditional plastic seals, there are many advantages including more convenience, intelligence, automation, and a higher level of secured sealing. The RevGuard meter seal provides integrity, prevents unauthorised access, tampering, and avoids the usage of illegal and duplicate seals.

Tamper resistance

A common problem with traditional plastic seals is pre-tampering of anchors before installation, by pressing the anchors with pliers or filing the anchor with a file. Safcon effectively solved this problem by introducing a four-anchor polycarbonate security seal, in which two anchors come pre-locked from the factory and two anchors are used for locking. Since the security seal is pre-locked, there is no access to anchors and no possibility of pre-tampering of the meter seal before installation. Once the seal is locked, it has a four-anchor locking mechanism, which is impossible to open for tampering with the meters. The pre-locked anchor locking insert and housing body cannot be separated without visible signs of tamper damage. The removal of the wire connecting parts also facilitates easy detection of tampering because of an extremely clean look on-site.

Another major problem with the traditional plastic seal is reading the serial number with the naked eye due to the compact size of the seal and the serial number printed on a transparent body. To solve this problem, Safcon provides a serial number with a bigger font size for easy, error-free readability. In the present digital era, to read, record, and verify serial numbers digitally, the smart security seal is provided with 2D data matrix barcoded serial numbers for reading serial numbers with the help of a smartphone or barcode scanner. The barcode is provided on the front side of the anchor locking insert for swift reading of the serial number. The barcode is directly laser engraved on the polycarbonate seal itself, eliminating over-pasted stickers that provide ample scope for counterfeiters to tamper with the seal.

It is human nature that anyone who reads the seal number from the barcode would find it rather difficult to read the seal number from the seal body. When the barcode is provided on the over-pasted sticker, counterfeiters can use duplicate seals with fake stickers. When field staff read the serial number, they may read it from the barcode sticker and verify the serial number directly printed on the seal. Thus, it becomes easier for counterfeiters to conduct meter tampering and replace the meter seal with a fake seal. Under no circumstances should the barcode sticker be over-pasted on the seal, as the transparency of the meter seal is also lost, making tamper evidence harder to trace.

Additionally, a hidden encrypted code is provided on the meter seal to deter the use of any duplicate seal for manipulation. Furthermore, the seal is provided with a logo and serial number on both the housing body and anchor locking insert to avoid part swapping for any malpractice.

Innovative approach

Safcon’s RevGuard tamper-resistant meter security seal is unique and patented. They are not manufactured by anyone else, making it virtually impossible to produce counterfeit seals. The RevGuard anchor (push-fit type) polycarbonate meter security seal is a well-researched, designed security seal. The seal is designed carefully to provide maximum protection to the energy meter to prevent meter tampering and electricity theft.

The selection of raw materials, seal construction, dimensions, customization, locking mechanism, and sealing wire are based on years of research. The RevGuard is 100% tamper-proof and an easy-to-lock meter seal. The RevGuard tamper-resistant polycarbonate security seal is designed for single use and cannot be opened and reused. The seal has four anchor locking mechanisms with an in-built molded stainless steel sealing wire. The seal wire must be cut with cutting pliers for removal.

The success of utility meter protection depends on the selection of the security seal, effective implementation, maintenance, and upgrading it from time to time. It requires proper attention to the entire process which includes selection, adoption, standardization, procurement, application, record keeping, vigilance, and most importantly, disposal.

For the implementation of a successful anti-theft meter protection program, power utilities need a long-term partnership with a security seal solution provider who can work with the meter management team of the utility to provide the best security solutions based on regular field reports and expertise in the field.

Commitment to quality

Safcon is an Indian pioneer in tamper-evident security seals for over 25 years. An R&D-focused company, they have designed and developed several patented security seal solutions. Adhering to security norms and best business practices, Safcon ensures that their customers can rely on their products. Safcon takes every possible step to safeguard the interests of their database of utility customers spread across the globe.

Safcon revolutionises security seals, prioritising ease and efficiency while offering an array of benefits to its customers. Direct supply ensures the integrity and confidentiality of products, bypassing intermediaries for cost-effectiveness. Swift responses to product development cater to specific customer needs promptly. With stringent quality control measures in place, Safcon guarantees zero-defect products. The entire manufacturing process is conducted in-house, ensuring full control over quality and customization. Committed to customer satisfaction, Safcon adopts a customer-centric policy, prioritising their needs and preferences at every step.

In today’s fast-changing world, one should not compromise on security quality. Safcon believes that ‘Poor security is no security’ and they are focused on technological developments.

About the author:

With an experience of over 30 years in the security seal business, Rajesh Kumar Banka has invented many tamper evident security seals. He can be reached on email: rajesh@safcon.co.in