07/05/2022
What is a Power Meter?
A Power Meter is one of the most useful and simple instruments to measure electrical power when no deeper analysis of the measured data is required. It measures the voltage (V) and current (A) and derives from these the most important power results. Power meters are perfect for technicians and engineers performing simple tasks like stand-by power measurements. The most important features are fast, accurate and easy power measurements as well as simple operation on an instrument alike base unit.
Typical Applications for a Power Meter
A power meter is easy to use, accurate and is the preferred instrument for cost effective power measurement solutions for a wide range of applications, such as: Production line testing of electric devices, evaluation of large current equipment, battery or DC driven device evaluation, quality assurance, efficiency measurement for industrial motors, rotating machinery and calibration labs, for installation and maintenance tasks and partly for R&D. It is also used to measure GRID power.
The Working Principles of a Power Meter
Power meters are typically equipped with 1, 3 or 6 measurement channels. They can measure all parameters in alternating current (AC) or direct current (DC) systems like apparent power, active and reactive power, Current, Voltage, Frequency, Power factor, Apparent energy, active and reactive energy.
Conventional power meters are pushbutton style instruments, being the same for decades. Whereas state of the art power meters are equipped with modern and intuitive user interfaces. Even more advanced systems can be connected via web app to a laptop or smartphone. This simplifies the operation and even remote monitoring is possible over any distance.
