What Are The Common Types Of Panel Meters?

Industrial control panels allow you to monitor and control equipment, safely and even remotely with less human labor and risk. Panel meters allow you to monitor your equipment’s most critical parameters in real-time, for better control and simpler troubleshooting. 

But what are the common types of industrial panel meters and what are their benefits? Find out in this guide about panel meter types, where we examine the two common types of panel meters as well as their unique pros and cons.

What Are Panel Meters?

Panel meters are display instruments on industrial control panels that indicate various measurements. Current, voltage, wattage, frequency, resistance, and temperature are some of the most common measurements these panels are used for. 

Depending on the type of meter and the data they are reading, they can gather this data by accepting input from various sensors, probes, gauges, and many other sources.

Common Types Of Panel Meters

Different applications require different meters, but they typically fall into one of two main types, each with its pros and cons. 

Analog Meters

Analog industrial panel meters display values through the mechanical movement of a needle or pointer on a dial. An analog meter can measure any one of a variety of industrial parameters, such as current, flow, pressure, temperature, speed, or voltage.

This traditional form of panel meter has provided numerous industries with data for decades, and it is still widely used today. 

Examples of analog meters still commonly used include ammeters and voltmeters. But just as there are important considerations when choosing HMI panels, the type of panel meters you use deserves consideration. There are both advantages and disadvantages to using traditional analog panel meters. 

Advantages Of Analog Meters

• They do not require a power supply other than the test current source. Because analog meters can generally operate without external power sources, it makes them more user-friendly off-site.

• Analog meters are simpler and therefore are usually less expensive to purchase and maintain than digital meters. 

Disadvantages Of Analog Meters

• Despite their time-honored pedigree in industry, analog meter readings rely on the reader’s skill and training. Although they are not necessarily difficult to read and interpret, they may confuse the untrained eye. 

• Parallax error can easily occur. This happens when the meter is viewed from any angle other than head-on. A side angle can make it appear that the needle or pointer is at a different reading. This discrepancy can amount to a reading that is out by a few degrees.

Digital Meters

A digital industrial panel meter displays specific electrical parameter data in digital numerical format, on a digital display screen. Although analog meters are still widely used, digital meters have become a popular substitute thanks to the increasing use of digital technologies. 

Digital panel meters can be single-function, or multi-functional. 

Single-function digital meters can display only one specific parameter such as current, power, or voltage. Examples include ammeters, frequency meters, temperature meters, and voltmeters. 

Multifunctional digital panel meters can measure multiple data at once, via sensors, and display these values on the same display screen. Examples include multi-measurement-range meters (voltage, current, and resistance) and multiparameter meters.

Advantages Of Digital Meters

• Many industries have made the switch to digital panel meters because they are typically more efficient and accurate. A lack of moving parts means there is no risk of parallax error. 

• Multi-functional digital panel meters allow multiple readings to be taken with one meter, saving time and effort. This makes meeting safety and compliance protocols hassle-free. 

• A digital display is easier, and therefore faster to read. Therefore digital panel meters speed up the process of taking and interpreting readings.

• The accuracy of digital panel meter readings is not as dependent on the operator’s experience and skill. The digital display makes taking readings easy. The figures are clearly visible and not open to interpretation.

Disadvantages Of Digital Meters

• A digital panel meter is not as sensitive as an analog one and, unlike its analog counterpart, does not offer truly continuous measurement. 

• A digital panel meter may have voltage limitations, which restricts its usefulness in high-voltage applications. Exceeding the limitations will cause damage to the meter.

• The LCD display screen of a digital panel meter depends on an external source. This may be a common battery, but without it, the meter will not display readings. Also, when the battery power declines, the reading will be dimmer and thus harder to read.

• Digital panel meters are mostly affordable, but will often be more expensive than analog meters. This is especially true of more advanced, multi-functional digital panel meters.

Conclusion

Panel meters enhance the functionality of industrial control panels by measuring and giving readouts of critical parameters. This allows you to abide by machinery limitations, detect problems, and report any inconsistencies in real time.  

At Automation Electric & Control, you’ll find control panels built to your specifications, plus all the components and parts necessary for optimal panel functioning. Contact us today to discuss your industry’s needs.