A multifunction power meter combines several electrical measurement functions in a single device, providing real-time measurement of voltage, current, active and reactive power, energy, demand, frequency and power factor. Depending on the selected model, additional capabilities can include data logging, harmonics, communications, I/O and advanced power quality analysis.
SATEC offers multifunction meters for applications ranging from commercial and industrial energy monitoring to utility substations, revenue metering and advanced power-quality monitoring.
What Does a Multifunction Power Meter Measure?
- Voltage and current
- Active power (kW), reactive power (kvar) and apparent power (kVA)
- Active and reactive energy
- Power factor and frequency
- Demand
Depending on the meter model, additional functions may include harmonic analysis, load profiles, waveform recording, event recording, alarms and power quality analysis.
Billing and Communication Capabilities
Multifunction meters can be used for energy management, internal cost allocation and electrical monitoring. Selected SATEC models also provide the accuracy classes, anti-tamper features and approvals required for revenue-metering applications.
Depending on the selected model and configuration, SATEC multifunction meters support industrial communication protocols for integration with SCADA, BMS and energy-management systems. Protocol availability should be confirmed from the relevant product specification rather than assumed as a universal capability.
SATEC Multifunction Meters: Product Positioning
| Product / family | Recommended positioning |
|---|---|
| PM130 PLUS / PM135 | Multifunction power meters for general industrial and commercial applications. |
| EM133 | DIN-rail multifunction power and energy meter for energy monitoring and system integration. |
| PM17x PRO / PRO Series | Advanced multifunction power meters and analyzers. Logging, communication and PQ capabilities depend on the selected version. |
| PM180 | Advanced multifunction meter / power quality analyzer for applications requiring advanced PQ and event-recording capabilities. |
| EM720 | Advanced revenue-metering and power-quality applications; it should not be presented simply as another mounting version of EM133. |
| BFM-II | Multi-circuit / branch feeder monitoring solution measuring up to 54 single-phase circuits or 18 three-phase circuits, or a combination – presented separately from single-point multifunction meters. |
Multifunction Meter vs Energy Meter vs Power Quality Analyzer
Some advanced SATEC devices combine multifunction metering and power quality analysis in the same instrument.
| Device | Main purpose | Typical measurements / functions |
|---|---|---|
| Energy meter | Energy consumption | Accumulated energy, e.g. kWh / kvarh, plus related billing or demand functions depending on model. |
| Multifunction power meter | Complete electrical monitoring | Voltage, current, kW, kvar, kVA, PF, frequency, energy and demand. |
| Power quality analyzer | Advanced PQ investigation / compliance | Multifunction measurements plus advanced PQ functions such as harmonics, dips/swells, interruptions, events and waveforms, depending on model. |
How to Choose a Multifunction Power Meter
- Required accuracy and energy-metering class
- Current input and voltage range
- Three-phase wiring configuration
- Revenue-billing / approval requirements
- Harmonic and power-quality requirements
- Data logging and event recording
- Required communication protocols
- Digital / analog I/O
- Mounting format and local display
- SCADA / BMS integration requirements
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a multifunction meter?
A multifunction power meter combines measurement of voltage, current, active and reactive power, energy, demand, frequency and power factor in one device. Depending on the model, additional functions can include harmonics, data logging, alarms, I/O, waveform recording and power quality analysis.
What does a SATEC multifunction meter measure?
SATEC multifunction meters measure voltage, current, active and reactive power, apparent power, energy, demand, frequency and power factor. Selected models additionally provide harmonic analysis, waveform and event recording, and advanced power-quality functions.
Why use a multifunction meter instead of separate meters?
It can reduce panel space, wiring and the number of separate instruments while providing one consistent source of electrical and energy data for monitoring and system integration.
What is the difference between a multifunction meter and a power quality analyzer?
A multifunction meter provides the main electrical and energy measurements used for system monitoring. A power quality analyzer adds advanced PQ functions such as disturbance recording, harmonics, events and compliance measurements. Some advanced SATEC devices combine both functions.
Can a multifunction meter be used for revenue billing?
Selected SATEC models can be used for revenue-metering applications when the required accuracy class, approvals and project requirements are met. Suitability should be confirmed for the selected model and market.
Can a multifunction meter connect to SCADA or BMS?
Yes. Depending on the selected meter and configuration, SATEC meters support communication options for integration with SCADA, BMS and energy-management systems. Available protocols should be confirmed from the product specification.
