Buy Digital Meters & Power and Energy Meters Online at Electrihub

A Digital Meter — also referred to as a Power and Energy Meter, Digital Panel Meter, or Multifunction Meter — is an electronic measurement instrument that displays one or more electrical parameters of an AC power system on a digital or LCD screen. Modern digital meters range from basic VAF (Voltage, Ampere, Frequency) meters and single-parameter panel indicators to advanced multifunction power meters and smart energy meters capable of measuring, logging, and communicating over 30 power quality parameters including voltage, current, frequency, power factor, active and reactive energy (kWh/kVARh), harmonics (THD), and demand.

Digital meters are selected to IEC 62053 (energy metering accuracy), IEC 61557-12 (multifunction measurement equipment), IEC 61010-1 (safety), and ANSI C12.1 / C12.20 for North American meter compliance. Accuracy classes range from Class 0.2S and Class 0.5S for revenue-grade billing meters to Class 1 and Class 2 for energy monitoring and power quality analysis. Communications interfaces — Modbus RTU (RS-485), Modbus TCP/IP, PROFIBUS, BACnet, MeterBus (M-Bus) — connect digital meters to SCADA, BMS, and energy management systems globally.

At Electrihub we stock Power Monitoring & Control instruments from the world's leading brands — Schneider Electric (PowerLogic and Conzerv), Siemens, ABB, Lauritz Knudsen, and Secure Meters — covering every application from single-phase residential energy monitoring to three-phase industrial power quality analysis and smart grid metering, with products certified to IEC, ANSI, and MID standards for international projects.

Types of Digital Meters — VAF, Multifunction, Energy, and Smart Meters

VAF Meters (Voltage, Ampere, Frequency)

VAF meters — also called digital panel meters or LCD meters — are basic single or dual-parameter instruments that display voltage (V), current (A), or frequency (Hz) on a backlit LCD or LED display. They are mounted on panel doors in distribution boards, MCCs, and generator sets to give operators a quick visual read of the supply condition without the need for complex communication interfaces. VAF meters are the most cost-effective entry point for panel monitoring and are offered by all major brands including ABB, Lauritz Knudsen, and Siemens.

Multifunction Meters (MFM)

A Multifunction Meter (MFM) or Digital Multifunction Meter measures and displays multiple electrical parameters simultaneously — typically voltage (V), current (A), frequency (Hz), power factor (PF), active power (kW), reactive power (kVAR), apparent power (kVA), and cumulative energy (kWh/kVARh) — on a single panel-mount device. Most multifunction meters include at least one RS-485 Modbus RTU communication port for integration with BMS, SCADA, or energy management systems. MFMs replace multiple individual meters in switchboards and MCCs, saving panel space and wiring. Leading series include Schneider PowerLogic PM2000/PM3000, ABB M1M, Siemens SENTRON PAC, and Lauritz Knudsen Multifunction Meters.

Power and Energy Meters

Power and Energy Meters focus specifically on accurate energy consumption measurement (kWh, kVARh, kVAh) and demand recording, meeting revenue-grade accuracy classes (Class 0.2S, 0.5S, 1) for billing, chargeback, and energy audit applications. They often carry MID (Measuring Instruments Directive) approval for fiscal and sub-billing metering in European and international commercial buildings. Advanced series such as Schneider PowerLogic PM5000/PM8000 and Secure Elite 440/445 add power quality analysis, waveform capture, and multi-tariff energy recording.

Smart Meters

Smart Meters are advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) devices that add remote communication (Modbus TCP/IP, DLMS/COSEM, IEC 61968, GPRS, RF Mesh, or PLC) to the measurement functions of a power and energy meter. They support multi-tariff energy recording, remote disconnect, tamper detection, and two-way communication with utility head-end systems and energy management platforms. The Secure Elite series and Schneider PowerLogic ION meters are widely specified as smart metering solutions for international commercial, industrial, and utility applications.

Key Measurement Parameters in Digital Meters

Voltage (V) — Phase-to-neutral and phase-to-phase voltage measurement, with over/under-voltage alarms on advanced meters. Accuracy typically Class 0.5% or better.

Current (A) — Phase current and neutral current measured via external CTs (current transformers). Current range: 1 A or 5 A CT secondary input on most panel meters, with direct connection on small current meters.

Frequency (Hz) — Supply frequency measurement, critical for generator monitoring and grid stability verification.

Power Factor (PF / cos φ) — True power factor and displacement power factor, enabling reactive power correction decisions for capacitor bank control.

Active Power (kW) — Real power consumed, per phase and three-phase total.

Reactive Power (kVAR) — Reactive power drawn or generated, used for power factor correction monitoring.

Apparent Power (kVA) — Total power demand, used for transformer and generator loading analysis.

Energy (kWh / kVARh / kVAh) — Cumulative energy consumption measurement, the core parameter for energy billing, sub-metering, and audit applications.

Harmonics (THD) — Total harmonic distortion of voltage and current, reported on power quality meters such as Schneider PowerLogic PM5000/PM8000 and Siemens SENTRON PAC4200/PAC4220 for power quality analysis in VFD-heavy and data centre installations.

Demand (kW Demand / MD) — Maximum demand recording with sliding window, block, or thermal demand modes — used for maximum demand tariff monitoring and penalty avoidance in industrial utility billing.

Digital Meter Brands and Series — Technical Comparison Table

The table below compares every digital meter brand and series stocked by Electrihub. Use the meter type, accuracy class, key parameters, communication, and certification columns to select the right product for your application, then click the series link to browse available stock.

Accuracy class and certification details are per the applicable IEC standard for the meter type. MID (Measuring Instruments Directive) approval applies to select models on approved accuracy class variants — verify individual product datasheets for MID module B+D approval reference. Communication interfaces may require optional add-on communication modules on certain series — confirm with the product datasheet before ordering.

About the Digital Meter Brands We Stock

Schneider Electric Digital Meters — PowerLogic & Conzerv

Schneider Electric offers two complementary digital meter ranges — PowerLogic and Conzerv — covering entry-level panel meters to enterprise-grade power quality analysers under a single Power Monitoring & Control platform.

The Schneider PowerLogic range is Schneider's flagship international metering platform. The PowerLogic PM2000 is a compact multifunction meter for panel monitoring (Class 1, Modbus RTU). The PM3000 / PM3250 series adds Class 0.5S energy measurement and MID approval for sub-billing metering. The PM5000 / PM5100 power quality meters deliver Class 0.2S accuracy with full harmonic analysis, data logging, and dual communication (Modbus RTU + TCP/IP). The PowerLogic ION7400 and ION9000 represent Schneider's advanced metering intelligence platform — revenue-grade (Class 0.1 / 0.2S), ANSI C12.20 and IEC certified, with IEC 61968 compliant communication for utility AMI and substation automation internationally.

The Schneider Conzerv range — Conzerv EM6200, EM6400, EM6700 — is a proven multifunction and power quality meter series widely used in industrial panels, data centres, and commercial buildings across Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. The Conzerv EM6400 is a versatile Class 0.5S multifunction meter with Modbus RTU, while the EM6700 delivers Class 0.2S power quality analysis with Profibus communication for high-end industrial applications.

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Siemens Digital Meters — SENTRON PAC Series

Siemens' SENTRON PAC range covers VAF panel meters to advanced power quality meters for commercial buildings, industrial MCCs, and critical infrastructure globally. The SENTRON PAC1600 is a compact LCD meter for basic panel monitoring. The PAC3200 / PAC3220 multifunction meters deliver Class 0.5 accuracy with Modbus RTU and Profibus DP communication, widely specified in Siemens-integrated building and industrial automation systems. The PAC4200 / PAC4220 power quality meters offer Class 0.2S accuracy, harmonic analysis up to the 63rd order, IEC 61000-4-30 Class A power quality compliance, MID approval, and BACnet/Modbus TCP/IP communication — the preferred choice for data centre power monitoring and high-accuracy sub-billing metering internationally.

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ABB Digital Meters — M1M, M2M / M4M, VAF Series

ABB's digital meter range addresses panel-level monitoring, energy management, and sub-metering for commercial and industrial projects globally. The ABB M1M 10 / M1M 20 are compact, DIN rail or panel-mount multifunction meters widely specified in switchboards and distribution panels for their accurate Class 1 measurement and integrated Modbus RTU communication. The M2M / M4M series extends to Class 0.5S energy metering with MID approval, Modbus TCP/IP, and M-Bus communication for sub-billing and energy audit applications. The ABB VAF LCD meters provide basic voltage, current, and frequency display for panel doors and local operator stations across international commercial and industrial projects.

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Lauritz Knudsen Digital Panel Meters — VAF + PF, Multifunction, Energy Meters

Lauritz Knudsen (formerly L&T Electrical & Automation) offers a range of IEC-certified digital panel meters for international switchgear and distribution board applications. The Lauritz Knudsen VAF + PF Meter displays voltage, current, frequency, and power factor on a backlit LCD for MCC and panel door monitoring. The Lauritz Knudsen Multifunction Meter provides Class 0.5 measurement of all key electrical parameters with Modbus RTU communication, commonly integrated with SCADA and BMS systems in international industrial projects. The Lauritz Knudsen Energy Meter (LCD) is a compact, reliable Class 1 energy meter suitable for sub-metering in commercial and industrial distribution panels.

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Secure Meters — Elite 100, Elite 300, Elite 440, Elite 445

Secure Meters is a specialist metering manufacturer with a global reputation in utility-grade and industrial smart metering. The Secure Elite 100 and Elite 300 are three-phase LCD energy meters for industrial and commercial sub-metering, offering Class 1 accuracy with Modbus RTU communication for SCADA integration. The Secure Elite 440 and Elite 445 represent the advanced tier — Class 0.2S power quality and smart energy meters with DLMS/COSEM, Modbus TCP/IP, and M-Bus communication protocols, full harmonic analysis, maximum demand recording, tamper detection, and MID approval for revenue-grade and sub-billing applications. The Secure Elite range is widely specified in commercial building energy management, industrial utility metering, and international smart city infrastructure projects.

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Where Are Digital Meters Used?

Industrial MCCs and Main Distribution Panels — Multifunction meters (Schneider PowerLogic PM5000, Siemens PAC3200, ABB M1M) are installed at incoming and feeder positions in Motor Control Centres and main LV distribution switchboards globally to provide continuous power monitoring, demand tracking, and Modbus communication to SCADA systems.

Commercial Buildings and Data Centres — Power quality meters (Siemens PAC4200, Schneider PowerLogic ION9000, Conzerv EM6700) are specified at HV/LV transformer incomer, UPS output, and critical bus positions in commercial buildings and data centres to monitor power quality, THD, voltage events, and energy KPIs for building management and power continuity assurance.

Energy Sub-Metering and Tenant Billing — MID-approved, Class 0.5S energy meters (Schneider PM3250, ABB M4M, Secure Elite 440/445) are used for accurate energy sub-metering in multi-tenant commercial buildings, industrial parks, and campuses — enabling chargeback billing and energy consumption transparency.

Renewable Energy and Solar PV Plants — Revenue-grade power and energy meters (Secure Elite 445, Schneider ION9000) are installed at solar PV inverter output, grid connection points, and export metering positions in utility-scale and commercial solar projects across international markets.

Generator Monitoring — VAF meters and multifunction meters are standard instruments on generator control panels globally, providing operators with real-time voltage, frequency, current, and load monitoring during standby or island-mode operation.

OEM Machine Panels and Control Cabinets — ABB M1M, Lauritz Knudsen VAF+PF, and Siemens PAC1600 LCD meters are widely integrated by OEM machine builders and panel fabricators into switchboard doors and control panels for local parameter display without communication requirements.

Utility AMI and Smart Grid Infrastructure — Smart meters and advanced metering infrastructure (Schneider PowerLogic ION, Secure Elite 445 with DLMS/COSEM) are deployed in smart city, DISCOM, and utility-grade metering installations internationally for automated meter reading (AMR), demand response, and grid analytics.

How to Select the Right Digital Meter

Step 1 — Define what needs to be measured

For basic panel monitoring (V, A, Hz only), a VAF or LCD panel meter is sufficient. For energy management, select a multifunction meter measuring kW, kVAR, kVA, kWh, and power factor. For power quality analysis (THD, harmonics, transients), select a power quality meter. For billing or revenue metering, select a MID-approved energy meter with the appropriate accuracy class.

Step 2 — Select the required accuracy class

Use Class 1 or Class 2 for general panel monitoring and indicative energy reading. Use Class 0.5S for energy management sub-metering where accuracy directly impacts operational decisions. Use Class 0.2S or Class 0.1 for revenue-grade billing, utility metering, and high-accuracy power quality measurement applications.

Step 3 — Determine communication requirements

If the meter connects to a SCADA, BMS, or energy management system, confirm the required protocol: Modbus RTU (RS-485) is the most widely used in industrial panels; Modbus TCP/IP or BACnet IP for Ethernet-connected building systems; PROFIBUS DP for Siemens-integrated automation systems; DLMS/COSEM for utility and AMI-grade metering. Standalone local display applications require no communication port.

Step 4 — Confirm power and current input ratings

Most panel meters accept a 1 A or 5 A CT secondary input for current, and direct 63–690 V AC voltage input (or via VT for HV). Confirm the meter's rated auxiliary supply voltage (typically 85–265 V AC/DC universal, or specific ranges) matches your panel supply.

Step 5 — Check certification requirements

For general panel metering, IEC 62053-21 (Class 1) or IEC 62053-22 (Class 0.5S) is sufficient. For fiscal sub-billing or chargeback metering in European and international markets, specify a MID-approved meter. For utility metering in North American markets, confirm ANSI C12.1 / C12.20 compliance. For power quality compliance measurement, specify meters certified to IEC 61000-4-30 Class A.

Frequently Asked Questions — Digital Meters

What is the difference between a multifunction meter and an energy meter?
An energy meter measures and records energy consumption (kWh, kVARh) as its primary function. A multifunction meter measures all key electrical parameters — voltage, current, frequency, power factor, active/reactive/apparent power, and energy — in a single device. Most modern multifunction meters also include energy measurement, so the terms overlap at the mid-range of the market.

What is the difference between Schneider PowerLogic and Conzerv meters?
Both are Schneider Electric brands. PowerLogic is Schneider's global flagship metering and power monitoring platform, spanning from simple panel meters to enterprise-class ION power quality meters with full SCADA integration. Conzerv is a complementary range developed for Asia-Pacific and international markets, offering strong multifunction and power quality meters at competitive price points. Both ranges communicate over Modbus and are compatible with Schneider's EcoStruxure Power Monitoring Expert software.

What does MID approval mean on an energy meter?
MID (Measuring Instruments Directive 2014/32/EU) approval means the energy meter has been independently tested and certified as fit for fiscal or commercial measurement in European Union and many other international markets. MID-approved meters are required where energy readings are used for billing, tenant chargeback, or commercial settlements — as opposed to indicative or monitoring-only applications where standard IEC class certification is sufficient.

What is the difference between Class 0.2S, 0.5S, and Class 1 for energy meters?
The accuracy class defines the maximum permitted percentage error in energy measurement. Class 0.2S allows ±0.2% error across a wide current range (1%–120% of rated current) — used for revenue metering and high-accuracy applications. Class 0.5S allows ±0.5% — used for sub-billing and energy management sub-metering. Class 1 allows ±1% — suitable for general panel monitoring and indicative energy reading.

Which digital meters carry both Modbus RTU and Modbus TCP/IP communication?
Several series on Electrihub carry both Modbus RTU (RS-485) and Modbus TCP/IP (Ethernet): Schneider PowerLogic PM3250, PM5000/PM5100, ION7400/ION9000, Conzerv EM6700, Siemens PAC4200/PAC4220, ABB M4M, and Secure Elite 440/445. For basic panel monitoring without network connectivity, Modbus RTU-only meters such as the Schneider PM2000, ABB M1M, or Siemens PAC3200 are sufficient.

What is a VAF meter and when is it used?
A VAF (Voltage, Ampere, Frequency) meter is a basic single or multi-parameter digital panel instrument that displays V, A, and Hz on an LCD. It is used on panel doors, generator sets, and distribution boards where only basic supply monitoring is needed — without energy recording or communication. ABB VAF LCD meters, Lauritz Knudsen VAF+PF meters, and the Siemens PAC1600 are typical examples.

What is the difference between Secure Elite 100/300 and Elite 440/445?
The Secure Elite 100 and Elite 300 are Class 1 three-phase LCD energy meters with Modbus RTU, used for commercial and industrial sub-metering. The Secure Elite 440 and Elite 445 are Class 0.2S advanced power quality and smart energy meters with DLMS/COSEM, Modbus TCP/IP, M-Bus, full harmonic analysis, and MID approval — suitable for utility-grade and revenue metering in smart city and industrial projects.

Can digital meters be used with current transformers (CTs)?
Yes — virtually all panel-mount digital meters accept external CT inputs (standard 1 A or 5 A CT secondary) for current measurement, allowing them to be safely connected to high-current circuits without direct connection. The CT ratio is programmed into the meter so it displays true primary current and calculates all power and energy values correctly. Always verify the meter's CT input rating and impedance with your CT manufacturer before installation.

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