Abstract:
A power monitoring system for monitoring characteristics of power transmitted through one or more power lines comprises a meter base and multiple option modules. The meter base includes a processor and associated circuitry for processing signals derived from sensors coupled to said power lines and producing output signals representing selected characteristics of the power transmitted through the power lines, and a housing containing the processor and the associated circuitry and having a first surface adapted to be mounted on a DIN rail, and a second surface containing multiple connectors for receiving multiple modules and electrically connecting the modules to the processor and the associated circuitry. Each of the multiple option modules includes a housing having a first surface containing a connector that is complementary with the multiple connectors in the second surface of the meter base so that any of the option modules can be plugged into any of the multiple connectors in the second surface of the meter base, and circuitry within the housing of the option module for interconnecting with the processor and the associated circuitry in the meter base. The first surface of the meter base housing may be adapted for optional mounting on the DIN rail or a flat panel, and contains a connector for mating with a complementary connector on the opposite side of the flat panel through a hole in the flat panel.
Abstract:
A clamp-on current and voltage module for an electrical power monitoring system that monitors characteristics of power distributed through one or more power conductors includes a current transformer having a core divided into at least two parts so that the core can be installed around a power conductor without cutting the conductor. The transformer produces a current signal corresponding to current passing through the power conductor. A pair of clamping elements fit on opposite sides of the conductor, for gripping the conductor. The transformer core parts and the clamping elements have engaging surfaces that prevent relative movement between the CT enclosure and the power conductor in a direction transverse to the axis of the power conductor. A voltage sensor makes electrical contact with the power conductor and produces a voltage signal corresponding to the voltage on the power conductor.