When looking for the right power timing, an important consideration is to determine the power to be measured. Is the monitored load signal phase, split or three phase? What voltage/current ranges will be monitored?

If you are interested in power meters for residential or small commercial applications, then usually single-phase or split-phase meters will be the best choice. These applications use approximately 120 to 240 VAC and consume less current than three-phase applications. Applications for three-phase instruments include coolers, air handling units (AHU) and process equipment. At the same current, the power provided by the three-phase power supply is 1.7 times that of the single-phase power supply. Three-phase motors have a maximum power range of 480 BAC and can handle a maximum current range of 5,000 Amps. Advanced meters allow you to configure the field voltage using a broadband power supply.

Installation requirements
When trying to accommodate a NEMA4 enclosure for an electric meter, space may become a problem in the electrical room. The installation cost can be avoided by choosing the appropriate instrument, but it must be installed in compliance with the National Electrical Code (NEC). When connecting the power supply, it is recommended to connect the voltage leads through a circuit breaker with appropriate size wiring.

If the wire is damaged, the circuit breaker is to protect against any displacement that may occur, just like any other equipment connected through the circuit breaker. Meters with appropriate dimensions and safety levels can be installed directly inside the switchboard without the use of fuses. These meters can save a lot of materials, labor and time. Not all meters have this installation flexibility, so contact the manufacturer before purchasing the meter. This ensures that the specific instrument is installed in an electrical enclosure without fuses and complies with the NEC feeder tap code.

Type of current transformer
The two most common types of current transformers used in power meters are split/solid CT and Rogowski coils. Over the past decade, technology has made Rogowski coils the contractor's preferred CT due to ease of installation and reduced installation time. Busbars and irregularly shaped cable bundles are common in applications with high power requirements. The flexibility of the Rogowski coil allows the installer to save labor time and manual labor. As a direct result of this advantage, these coils can be installed in any application.

Communication settings
The power meter can communicate through a variety of methods, including pulse, BACnet and Modbus, and various wireless options. Pulse output is very common in single-phase applications and the end user needs less information. Meters that use advanced protocols (such as BACnet and Modbus) have the ability to communicate all parameters through the building automation system, thereby providing end users with a more complete picture to understand consumption data. Due to the cost savings associated with installation, wireless submeters are becoming more common.

On-site configuration
When installing a pre-configured instrument, if the wrong part number is ordered, it cannot be installed. Contractors do not always get perfect information when ordering, so meters with field configurability are very beneficial. These meters reduce the risk of ordering the wrong CT type, communication protocol and even monitoring the current range.

Total installation cost
All previous considerations account for the total installation cost. The total installation cost takes into account the purchase price, labor costs, project compatibility and effectiveness. This fee can help the contractor to better understand all potential expenses that may be incurred during the work. Before choosing a power meter, make sure the installer is aware of all application requirements.

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