Universal metering device

With combination measuring devices, you always have a clear view of your current consumption or performance parameters. In this category of your eibabo® online shop, we present many different multifunction devices for measuring electrical quantities. Depending on the design and equipment, the devices provide you with comprehensive information about your electrical installation and power distribution.

These devices provide measured values in order to be able to assess the condition of the system itself and the network quality. You can also process this measurement data further. Thanks to a wide range of interfaces and communication options, integration into higher-level automation systems and energy management systems is possible.

Source: eibabo®, Siemens 7KM2200-2EA40-1JB1 SENTRON measuring device Image: Siemens 7KM2200-2EA40-1JB1 SENTRON measuring device

What are combination meters?

The designation 'combined measuring devices' in this catalog of our shop mainly refers to devices for fixed DIN rail mounting in the control cabinet, which combine different measuring functions. These mainly include the functions as an ammeter (current measuring device), reactive power meter, tachometer, frequency meter, pulse counter, voltmeter (voltage measuring device) and active power meter.

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So: 'What do I want to measure?' This is the basic question you need to ask yourself before purchasing a combination meter. We offer you numerous measuring instruments. Many only measure individual electrical parameters, others record different measured variables. If, for example, measurements are only made on a single phase, an instrument for measuring voltage, current, frequency or phase angle will certainly already meet all requirements. If you want to measure other parameters such as energy consumption, you can integrate a multifunction device into your electrical system. Select the measuring device according to your requirements.

In the following, we briefly present the most important measured variables in more detail.

What does an ammeter measure?

An ammeter is a device for measuring current in AC circuits or DC circuits. Ammeters are connected in series in a circuit and have a very low internal resistance in order not to falsify the current data of the circuit being measured. The measurement data is usually given in amperes (A), milliamperes (mA), microamperes (μA).

What does a voltmeter measure?

In contrast to the ammeter, a voltmeter has an infinite resistance and is connected in parallel in the circuit. It is used to measure the voltage (electrical potential difference) in a specific section of a circuit. The voltmeter displays the reading in volts.

What does a tachometer measure?

The tachometer is an instrument that measures the rotational speed of a shaft or disk in engines and other machines. Such a device is used to measure a variety of objects and performance metrics, including:

the revolutions of wheels, rollers, motors, shafts, fans, ventilators or turbines
the speed of moving objects such as cars, airplanes, conveyor belts, conveyor belts or elevators
the dimensions of workpieces such as wires, cables, rolled sheets and the like

What does a frequency meter measure?

Frequency is one of the main indicators of electric current. A frequency meter is a special measuring device for determining the frequency of electrical AC voltage. Depending on the application, the device can be used to measure sinusoidal AC voltages or square-wave signals. The device thus measures the period of oscillation of an electrical signal and determines the number of oscillations for a specific time cycle. Frequency is measured in Hertz and is inversely proportional to the period of oscillation. As a rule, all devices powered by electricity must be operated with currents of a certain frequency. That is why devices for determining the frequency of the flowing current are so important. The measurement results are used to monitor the correct functioning of connected devices and the progress of technological processes.

What does a pulse counter measure?

Active power meters and reactive power meters are used when you want to evaluate the efficiency of your installation and the consumption costs. The amount of energy required by an electrical consumer is normally calculated from the total power of the electrical current flowing through the circuit. A distinction is made between two indicators that reflect the costs of operating the consumer. These indicators are called active energy and reactive energy.

Already knew

As a consumer, you do not pay for the power you use, but for the full power released by your supplier. These two measured variables are therefore also differentiated in the units of measurement. Total power is measured in volt-amperes (VA) and net power in kilowatts (kW).

What does that mean? The active part of the total power does the useful work and is converted into the types of energy that your electrical consumer needs. Reactive power is that part of the total power consumption that is not used for useful work. In AC circuits, the reactive component always occurs when there is an inductive or capacitive load. In this case there is a mismatch between the phase of the current and the phase of the voltage. Due to this phase shift between voltage and current, only part of the full power reaches the consumer. The main losses arise from the useless heating of equipment during operation. By using these measuring devices, you record the value of the energy used or lost.

It follows

There is no reactive energy in circuits in which direct current flows. Measuring devices of this type are not required here.

Use the universal measuring devices to get a complete overview of your installation. All devices from the eibabo® shop work reliably and precisely. You get the highest quality from brands such as Hager, Janitza, NZR, Panta, Phoenix, Schneider Electric, Siemens and Weidmüller. Use the detailed search to filter certain properties and quickly find the right device.

Catalogue content:

In this eibabo® catalogue Devices for distribution board- / surface mounting > Multifunction measuring instrument you will find items from the following product groups: