How to choose the right multifunction meter

Multifunction meters play a key role in power measurement in many industrial sectors. They are capable of measuring not only power consumption but also many other power-related parameters. They are used in sectors where accurate power measurement is vital to saving costs. Newtek Electricals provides durable and reliable multifunction meters that measure vital PQ parameters. Multifunction meter enable the industry to measure power accurately on a daily basis and accordingly design power-saving strategies from the insights gained.

Basics of multifunction meter

Multifunction meter is a digital meter that measures multiple parameters of a single-phase or three-phase network, and displays three parameters simultaneously on its LCD or LED screen. Newtek multifunction meters come in standard sizes of 96X96 mm, and generally have a MODBUS which enables data-logging to PC or SCADA. The meter may also have optional digital outputs to support relays or open collector transistor outputs for alarm or overload protection. A multifunction meter thus works to measure, display, record, and control power consumption data in an electrical network.

Factors to be considered when choosing a multifunction meter

Ideal Number of Phases in an Electrical System for Multifucntion Meters

The choice of the multifunction meter system depends upon the type of system you use to log power-related data. Depending on your system, you could choose a single-phase or three-phase multifunction meter 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)

Relevance of Multifunction meters in Metering and Transformer Applications

Current transformer rated multifunction meters are used for primary as well as secondary metering. These are two different ways of metering depending upon the voltage used by the customer.

Optimizing Primary Metering with Multifunction Meters

As the name suggests, primary metering equipment is installed on the primary, and thus is rated for higher voltage. The CTs and PTs used in primary metering tend to be larger than the ones used in secondary metering. As per the application requirements, 1-3 CTs and PTs are used in primary metering.

Enhancing Secondary Metering with Multifunction Meters

Secondary metering installations are suitable for lower voltages. It is installed on the secondary outputs of underground or overhead transformers, at the risers of overhead installations or in CT cabinets. The utility may influence whether a protection transformer will be installed or not. PT installation is optional for voltage over 120 V. Some utilities require PT for voltage about 240V.

Multifunction Meters: A Comprehensive Parameters Measured

The 6 key power parameters measured by the multifunction meter include

1. Basic parameters of Multifunction Meters

• Phase voltage: Phase voltage is the voltage in a three-phase load measured across a single component.
• Line-to-line voltages: The voltage between two lines in a three-phase system
• Line current : The current which is flowing though any one line between a load and a three-phase source.
• Frequency. The number of times a single wave completes the positive-negative cycle.

2.  Power factor and phase angle of Multifucntion meter

• Active power: The power which is consumed by the electrical resistance and does the actual work in the load.
• Reactive power: The imaginary power which resides in the capacitive or inductive load. It should be kept to the minimum.
• Apparent power: The power supplied from the grid and required to cover the active and reactive power consumed by the load.

3. Power factor and phase angle.

• Power factor: The ratio of working power to apparent power. It shows the ratio of power actually delivered to the circuit and the power used by the circuit.
• Phase angle: The angle formed between the voltage and the current of a phase

4. Multifucntion meter measures electricity demand measurement

• The average rate at which businesses consume electricity in a defined interval of time.

5. Efficient Energy Measurement with Multifunction Meters

• Active energy: Energy transformed into mechanical work or heat by the electrical current. It is useful energy for getting work done
• Reactive energy: The additional consumption of energy by motors, to create magnetic field they need or by capacitor banks to store charge
• Apparent energy: The total energy consumed by an installation. It depends on active and reactive energy and is the combination of both.

6. Generator parameters

• RPM: Revolutions per minute
• Run hours: Cumulative time for which the load was running
• On hours: Cumulative time for which the meter’s auxiliary spply was on.
• Interruptions: Number of times the auxiliary supply failed
• Min/Max parameters: Minimum and maximum of all parameters attained till now.

Multifucntion Meters Unlocking High-Performance power

Backed by years of proven experience and expertise, Newtek Electricals provides high-performing and accurate multifunction meters in short lead time. Our meters come with dedicated features that make power measurement easy to visualize and understand the recorded data. To choose safe and accurate power measurement, drop us a mail at sales@newtekelectricals.com