Panel Meters

Choosing Panel Meters components

Panel meter selection comes down to what's being measured, the input range and signal type, panel cutout, and whether the output is read-only or also needs alarm/relay/retransmit capability. Digital meters dominate new installations; analog meters remain valuable for trend visibility at a glance and for legacy panel replacement.

Specs to confirm before ordering:

Measured variable: DC voltage, AC voltage, DC current, AC current (true RMS recommended for non-sinusoidal loads), power (W, VA, var), power factor, frequency, RPM, process signal
Input range — meter direct, with shunt resistor (DC current), CT (AC current), or PT/VT (high voltage)
Display type: analog (moving coil for DC, moving iron for AC), digital LED (visible from distance), digital LCD (low power, backlit option)
Digit count and resolution (3½, 4½, 5 digits typical)
Accuracy class: 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.5%, 1.0% of full scale
Output options: alarm relay, analog 4–20 mA retransmit, Modbus RTU/TCP, BACnet
Supply voltage: self-powered from input (some analog and basic digital), 24 VDC, 120/240 VAC
Panel cutout: DIN 48×48, 48×96, 72×72, 96×96, or 1/4 DIN/1/8 DIN

Common gotchas: AC current meters expecting a 5 A or 1 A CT secondary will read incorrectly if connected directly to a load without the CT — and most cannot survive direct connection to 100+ A loads. RMS-responding meters give accurate readings on non-sinusoidal currents (VFD-driven motors, switching power supplies); average-responding meters scaled for sine waves under-read distorted currents. Analog meters have a fixed accuracy at full scale; using one near the bottom of its range gives poor resolution. Multifunction power meters with Modbus output let one device replace a panelful of single-function meters, but require integration work to use the data.

Typical applications: motor current and voltage indication on starter panels, generator voltage and frequency monitoring, process value display on instrumentation panels, energy submetering on tenant or process loads, and battery voltage on industrial vehicle dashboards. On legacy installations, exact-OEM replacement preserves panel cutout, wiring, and any calibration to existing CTs or shunts.

For obsolete panel meters, send the OEM part number for a sourcing quote.

Do you stock obsolete analog and digital panel meters?

Yes. Discontinued Crompton Instruments analog, retired Red Lion PAX earlier codes, end-of-life Simpson 1327, and earlier Carlo Gavazzi panel meters are sourced through our supplier network.

Do I need a CT for AC current measurement?

For currents above the meter's direct input (typically 5 A or 10 A), yes. Use a CT with the appropriate ratio (e.g., 200:5) and a meter scaled for that ratio. Direct connection to high currents without a CT will damage the meter.

True RMS vs. average-responding — which do I need?

True RMS for any non-sinusoidal load — VFD output current, switching power supply current, dimmed lighting circuits. Average-responding under-reads on distorted waveforms. For pure sine wave loads, both give the same reading.

Can the meter trigger an alarm at a setpoint?

Most digital panel meters offer optional alarm relay outputs configurable to setpoint and hysteresis. Confirm the option codes on each meter listing.

Does the meter need external power?

Self-powered meters draw operating current from the measured signal — common for analog meters and some basic digital DC meters. Higher-function digital meters typically need 24 VDC or AC supply. Verify on the meter's specification.

What is the warranty?

12-month functional warranty. Damage from over-voltage on input, missing CT on high-current applications, or operating outside rated input range is not covered.

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