The Beckhoff KL3403 Bus Terminal is a powerful analog input module designed for precise three-phase power measurement in industrial automation systems. With three current inputs and three voltage inputs, it provides full monitoring of three-phase electrical networks, making it ideal for energy management, load monitoring, and system diagnostics.

The terminal measures key electrical parameters including current, voltage, active power, energy consumption, power factor (cos φ), peak values (U, I, P), and frequency. This wide range of measured values allows users to gain a detailed understanding of energy usage, system efficiency, and load behaviour in real time. Such insight is critical for optimising machine performance, detecting anomalies, and supporting predictive maintenance strategies.

The KL3403 is designed for industrial-grade measurement ranges. It can handle measuring voltages up to 500 V AC (3-phase, ULX-N: max. 288 V AC) and currents up to 1 A when used with external measuring transformers (e.g., x A/1 A). This ensures compatibility with a wide variety of industrial electrical systems and power monitoring applications.

To ensure accurate acquisition, the KL3403 operates with 16-bit resolution, while internally it uses 21-bit resolution to achieve fine-grained calculations. The measurement uncertainty is typically 0.5% relative to full scale for voltage and current, and 1% for calculated values, providing dependable accuracy for energy monitoring and control.

As part of the Beckhoff Bus Terminal I/O system, the KL3403 draws its electronic power via the K-bus and integrates seamlessly into modular automation architectures. This modularity enables engineers to combine it with digital, analog, or communication terminals to create tailored solutions for machine and process control. Diagnostic indicators on the housing provide immediate feedback on channel status, aiding commissioning and ongoing maintenance.

Practical applications of the KL3403 include monitoring of machine power consumption, load balancing, and energy cost optimisation. In process automation, it ensures that critical equipment is operating within safe electrical parameters. In building automation, it enables centralised monitoring of HVAC systems, lighting, and distributed loads, supporting energy efficiency initiatives. Additionally, the terminal is a valuable tool for predictive maintenance, as it can detect unusual load patterns or power quality issues before they lead to system failures.

In summary, the Beckhoff KL3403 Bus Terminal is a versatile and accurate solution for three-phase power measurement. With six input channels (3 current, 3 voltage), 500 V AC and 1 A ranges, high-resolution acquisition, and comprehensive measurement of electrical parameters, it equips engineers with the tools they need for efficient energy management and reliable monitoring of industrial power systems.