If your business needs to save power, then a multifunction meter is an important tool to have. Multifunction meters measure key power quality parameters with high accuracy. The data is displayed on the meter’s screen in a manner that is easy to read and understand for an average user. Further on, this power measurement data is could be analyzed to gain deeper insights. Hence, buying a multifunction meter requires serious consideration.
Are you considering these 3 key factors when buying a power meter?
Phase of power connection
Multifunction meters are available in both single-phase and three-phase models. The choice of the meter depends on the method you choose to log the power data. Single-phase meters are typically used in households which monitor low voltage current.
Manufacturing or commercial establishments use three-phase meters which work with higher levels of current and utilize current transformers in their network. Three-phase meters are used to monitor power above 10 KW. Newtek Electricals offers 3-phse meters that can be configured to measure AC current in single or 3-phase (4-wire, 3-wire, 2-wire, networks) system, along with CT/PT primary, CT secondary (1A or 5A) and PT secondary (100 VLL to 500 VLL).
Number of Amps
Most multifunction meters are configured for 60 Amps, 100 Amps ad 200 Amps. The number of Amps to be monitored can vary according to the power system. The meter must exactly match the requirement of Amps to be measured. If a 60 amps meter is used for 100 amps power network, the meter will offer inaccurate reading and be damaged soon.
Communication protocol
Modern multifunction meters communicate with each other and with the central monitoring system using various communication protocols. For a flawless metering operation, you should determine the right communication protocol for the metering system. MODBUS is the most widely used standardized, easy-to-use and openly published communication protocol in the present day.
Newtek multifunction meters monitor and record power consumption and communicate it to a central SCADA system using the MODBUS RS 485 communication protocol.
Newtek multifunction meters also come with dedicated software to make data retrieval and analysis easy and simple. The MODBUS protocol can be easily integrated with your currently existing MODBUS system. For more information on how to extract data from the Newtek multifunction meter with MODBUS RS 485, explore our blog here