Multi-Function Panel Meters: Everything you need to know.
When we say “panel meter” we are referring to Energy Monitoring Devices that are made specifically to slide perfectly into panel slots sized 922mm x 922mm as an industry standard. These can also be referred to as Door Mounted. These meters can often be found in Industrial or commercial Building Automation and Management Systems, Switchgears, Data centres, Large Renewable Energy Systems, and more.
How do Panel Meters Work?
Panel Meters work by utilizing various measurement techniques to measure electrical parameters in real-time. Due to often measuring currents of over 100A, they are equipped alongside a current transformer to measure the current and have separate terminals to measure voltage within the electrical system. Using these measurements, the meters calculate the energy consumption in kWh. The data is then displayed on the meter's digital screen or via a remote monitoring platform using Modbus, allowing users to access their electrical consumption from anywhere on an internet connected device! Note, the Eastron meters cannot achieve remote monitoring as standalone and require additional parts (such as a datalogger) to do so.
Our Panel Meters:
- SMART-X96-5-MID
- SMART-X96-5E-MID
- SMART-X96-1-MID
- SMART-X96-1E-MID
Description:
SMART-X96-5: Single Phase (1P2W) or Three Phase (3P3W/3P4W), Class 0.5, RS485 ModBus RTU, 1A or 5A CT Operated, Dual Pulsed Outputs, Digital Display, Touch Screen Buttons, Quick Connect Terminal Blocks.
SMART-X96-1: Single Phase (1P2W) or Three Phase (3P3W/3P4W), Class 0.5, RS485 ModBus RTU, 100mA CT Operated, Dual Pulsed Outputs, Digital Display, Touch Screen Buttons, RJ12 Easy Click CT plug in.
Parameters:
Measures: Phase to Neutral Voltage (V), Phase to Phase Voltage (V), Phase Current (A), Voltage Total Harmonic Distortion (THD), Current THD, Frequency (Hz), Power Factor (PF), Current Max Demand (MD A), Power Max Demand (MD kW), Active Power (kW), Reactive Power (KVAr), Apparent Power (KVA), Import Active Energy (kWh), Export Active Energy (kWh), Total Active Energy (kWh), Import Reactive Energy (KVArh), Export Reactive Energy (KVArh), Total Reactive Energy (KVArh).
The E version:
The difference in the E versions compared to the “fully loaded” versions: No Voltage Output for daisy chaining, no Power Factor, no Max Demand, Total THD instead of individual, no 3ph Internal Supply, Baud Rate max = 9600, no option to use with a PT / VT (power transformer / voltage transformer).
Performance:
The performance of these meters is like no other, they combine industrial energy measurement systems with intuitive installation, compact sizing, and offers a RS485 ModBus communication protocol along with your standard pulse.
These meters offer the following features:
Large Backlit LED Display: for long-distance day and night viewing.
MID Certification: Proves the accuracy and quality of the product and allows it to be used for Billing Applications.
CT Operated: Perfect for retro fitting these meters on machines/appliances that require to be on 24/7 + applications with a max current over 100A or more.
Smart Connect Plug in system and Easy Click: The Eastron SMART-X96-5 range features cleverly engineered Plug-in terminals, allowing for a quicker, simpler installation process in regards to the meter to CT connection. This meter can accept 1A or 5A secondary CTs. The SMART-X96-1 range is part of our easy click selection, allowing you to simply plug and play with an RJ12 connected CT. This version of the meter accepts 100mA with RJ12 connections in replacement of the traditional S1 and S2, making installation a breeze.
RS485 ModBus RTU: This communication type is integrated within our panel meters and is used to achieve remote monitor. So, you can remotely track just how much electricity you’re using and are able to plan out how to reduce spending from a comfier position than on site, starring at the face of the meter!
Touch Screen Buttons: These meters, alike our Din Rail series, include easy to navigate, touch screen buttons that make it simple to change screens and view other parameters readings, as well as changing any settings for configuration.
Accuracy: Digital panel meters are known for their high accuracy, providing precise measurements to ensure reliable data for critical operations and applications.
Reducing fused terminals / Daisy Chaining: By using the Voltage-to-Voltage loom, you can reduce the number of fused terminals used on the installation. Up to 32 Panel meters can be daisy chained from a single set of fuses.
Applications:
Due to their multifunctional capabilities and high level of accuracy, Multifunctional Panel Meters can be used in a wide range of applications Including:
Industrial Automation: In industrial automation, panel meters play a key role in process control, and monitoring many motor parameters.
Building Automation: Panel meters are used in building automation systems to monitor and control HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning), lighting, and energy consumption overall.
Renewable Energy Systems: In renewable energy applications such as solar or wind power, panel meters are used to monitor energy production and consumption to assess their performance. Panel meters may be deployed in this type of application if it was more large scale and often in these scenarios, panel meters can be a bit overkill.
Data Centers, Switchgears, Factories, etc.: Panel meters monitor power usage along with many other important parameters to ensure they’re operating efficiently and reliable.
Conclusion:
In summary, Multi-Function Panel Meters are pivotal components in electrical measurement. These meters are used in various sectors, including industrial and building automation, renewable energy, and data centres, offering real-time data on electrical parameters. They are packed with important features like large LED displays, MID certification, and RS485 ModBus communication. Their high accuracy makes them indispensable for applications such as motor parameter monitoring, HVAC control, energy assessment in renewable systems, and power usage monitoring in data centres, contributing to the efficiency and success of these critical operations. Panel meters are useful in many cases and as they allow you to monitor your energy usage and efficiency, aiding to the net carbon neutral goal.