5 Things to Consider when Selecting an Energy Meter

Whether your application is tenant submetering or power quality monitoring, there are many critical features to consider when selecting the right energy meter. Availability of industrial automation protocols, specified accuracy class, design or form factor, and other key specifications require thoughtful review before making a final choice to ensure the meter matches your project objectives. As you work through the selection process, here are five important criteria to keep in mind.

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1 &#; Modular Solution

Some energy meters utilize add-on modules to increase base meter functionality by expanding I/O and communication protocols. As project requirements evolve over time, communication options can be added as needed, ensuring that the meter adapts as conditions change. Rather than replacing the existing meter or over-specifying at the beginning of a project, time and money are saved by performing necessary in-field upgrades to previously installed equipment.

2 &#; Simple Integration

Especially critical in retrofit situations, it is important to select a meter which will integrate seamlessly into an existing building automation system. A software agnostic energy meter, particularly one that combines industry-leading versatility and multiple communication options in a robust, high-performance design, is critical to ensuring simple integration. Energy meters that use open, industrial communication protocols, such as Modbus and BACnet, are specifically suited to building system integration. They can be easily deployed into systems communicating via Modbus RTU, Modbus TCP/IP, BACnet MS/TP, or BACnet IP. In addition, some energy meters utilize other protocols including SNMP, DNP3, DNP3 over IP, IEC , or Ethernet IP along with post functions via FTP and HTTP for compatibility with existing servers or systems.

3 &#; High Accuracy Measurements

Applications such as submetering, protecting critical equipment, and measurement and control require reliable, high-precision measurements, The ability to monitor over 400 measurement parameters with ANSI C12.20 Class 0.2 revenue grade accuracy is imperative to safeguarding sensitive equipment and ensuring facility operations run at peak efficiency. In-depth analysis on collected data can be crucial to identifying improvement opportunities, further increasing facility performance.

4 &#; Multiple Form Factors

Some power and energy meters are available in a variety of form factors, making it easy to tailor the instrument to each unique application. Configurations can include panel mount, as a DIN rail mountable transducer base for system integration, with a large LCD, or in a pre-wired enclosure for fast, efficient installation. Superior flexibility ensures the energy meter is well suited for industrial, commercial, residential, or any other project environment.

5 &#; Feature Rich

It is crucial to select a robust energy meter that combines innovative, industry-leading features in a single, high-performance instrument. Valuable features such as sub-100ms refresh rates, dedicated web server, and configurable Modbus registers provide facilities engineers critical system data for informed decision making. Additional features such as access to data logs, remote metering, tariff segregation, switch status monitoring, and threshold alarms set the energy meter apart from competitive devices and make it the preferred choice for energy professionals.

The basic function of a 3 phase power meter is to measure the active and reactive energy in a 3 phase circuit. It can measure energy consumption at different times, store total energy consumption and energy consumption at different tariffs, and perform operations such as timing freeze, instant freeze, agreed freeze, and daily freeze on energy consumption. In addition, the 3 phase power meter also has tariff and time-of-use functions, allowing adjustment of the calendar, clock, and tariff period.

In terms of expanded functions, current 3 phase power meters not only measure electric energy, but also have various signal output interfaces, communication interfaces, etc. They can real-time record programming and resetting operations, as well as the operation status of the power meter, which helps users to grasp the overall usage of the power meter and ensure its normal operation.

When choosing a suitable 3 phase power meter, the following factors should be considered:

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1. Accuracy: Accuracy is one of the important indicators of an power meter. The higher the accuracy, the more accurate the measured electric energy will be. For 3 phase power meters, it is generally recommended to choose Class 0.5 or 1.

2. Range: Different models of 3 phase power meters have different range options. Choosing the appropriate range can ensure more accurate and reliable energy measurement. For 3 phase power meters installed at the end of a circuit, a 100A current range is commonly used. For 3 phase power meters directly installed at the output end of transformers or on busbars, CT-type power meters are usually used, with power parameters sampled through external current transformers and voltage transformers.

3. Features: The selection of functions for 3 phase power meters is also crucial. By choosing appropriate application functions and expansion functions such as output interfaces, actual needs can be met.

4.Communication function, tariff function, load control function, bidirectional metering function, etc. are all application functions developed by 3 phase power meters to meet market demands.

Brand and quality: Well-known brands of 3 phase power meters have better quality and after-sales service guarantees, which can reduce the trouble of use and maintenance. The design, development, and manufacturing of 3 phase power meters have high technical content, so the manufacturer of power meters needs to have high technical capabilities and a sound operating system.

5.Amount of electricity used: According to the different high and low voltage electricity consumption scenarios, 3 phase power meters can be divided into two categories: 3 phase three-wire meters and 3 phase four-wire meters, with different specifications of meters having different voltage and current requirements.

6. Actual requirement: Before making a purchase, users can determine what their actual functional needs are and select a 3 phase power meter model that is targeted towards those needs. For example, some enterprise users may require a large amount of data analysis and therefore need to choose a more accurate active power meter.

Choosing the appropriate 3 phase power meter requires a comprehensive consideration of factors such as accuracy, range, functionality, brand and quality, electricity consumption, and actual needs. During the purchase and usage process, attention should also be paid to product descriptions, specifications, and important details in order to fully utilize the performance and functionality of the 3 phase power meter.

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