Thursday, July 20, 2006

Power meters monitor, display all power aspects

Multifunction power meter family of compact units now offers RS 232 serial or Profibus-PD outputs to link with PLCs, PCs and SCADA systems.
The GMW MA 400 multifunction power meter family now offers RS 232 serial or Profibus-PD outputs to link with PLCs, PCs and SCADA systems. These compact units are designed to monitor and display active, reactive and apparent power, as well as power factor, voltage, current and frequency in single and three-phase systems. Applications include electrical control, generator sets and building management systems.

Metrix Electronics states that, 'As these units are user configurable and can replace numerous single function meters, cost savings can be achieved in project planning, system construction and stock holding'.

'Therefore, they are cost effective alternatives to traditional panel meters and transducers.' Additional features include maximum demand analysis, bimetal ammeter functions and pulse outputs.

Most models also offer min, max, sum and averaging facilities.

Measuring voltages up to 690V phase to phase, and currents up to 5A can be directly connected.

Higher voltages and currents can be connected through voltage and current transformers.

All models are housed in a compact 96 x 96mm DIN-size case that only requires 58mm depth behind the panel.

They can be configured for operation in single-phase, and balanced or unbalanced three-phase (3-wire or 4-wire) systems.