Measuring and Control Devices Selection Guide
Selection guide for panel-mount multimeters, energy meters, ammeters, voltmeters, PID temperature controllers, temperature probes and digital counters.
What are measuring and control devices? Panel-mounted measuring and control instruments monitor electrical parameters (current, voltage, frequency, active/reactive energy) and regulate industrial process variables such as temperature, speed, batch count, and operating hours.
This guide covers products in the Measuring and Control Devices category. For handheld multimeters and clamp meters, see the Measuring Instruments Selection Guide.
Main product groups
- Panel-mount multimeters and electric energy meters: Three-phase network analyzers, multi-function panel meters, and DIN-rail kWh energy meters.
- Ammeters, voltmeters, frequency meters, and measuring shunts: 72×72 mm and 96×96 mm digital/analog panel meters and DC current shunts.
- Temperature and heat control devices and temperature probes: PID and On/Off temperature controllers paired with PT100 RTD or J/K-type thermocouple probes.
- Process indicators, profile controllers, and sensors and transmitters: 4–20 mA and 0–10 V analog process displays and controllers.
- Tachometers and counters and hour meters: Preset batch counters, RPM indicators, and machine run-time meters.
- Potentiometers: Ø22 mm panel-mount rotary speed potentiometers for AC drives.
Device comparison table
| Device Category | Standard Cutout | Input Signal | Output / Communication | Typical Application |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Panel Multimeter / Analyzer | 96×96 mm or DIN Rail | 3-Phase V + X/5 A CT | RS-485 Modbus / Alarm Relay | Feeder monitoring and BMS energy logging |
| Electric Energy Meter | DIN Rail / Panel | Direct (≤80–100 A) or X/5 A CT | Pulse / RS-485 / M-Bus | Sub-metering and machine kWh tracking |
| PID Temperature Controller | 48×48, 72×72, 96×96 mm | PT100, J, K, T, S Thermocouple | Relay or SSR Drive (12–24 V DC) | Extruders, ovens, packaging and molding zones |
| Tachometer / Counter | 48×48, 72×72, 96×48 mm | PNP/NPN proximity or encoder | Relay / Transistor output | Cut-to-length, batch counting and RPM monitoring |
Frequently asked questions
Should I choose a relay output or an SSR output on a temperature controller?
Choose a relay output for slow On/Off switching via a mechanical contactor. For tight PID temperature control with rapid cycling, choose an SSR drive output paired with a solid-state relay so contacts do not wear out prematurely.
When is a current transformer (X/5 A) energy meter required instead of a direct-connected meter?
Direct-connected meters handle currents up to their internal terminal rating (typically 63 A to 100 A). Above that threshold, install X/5 A current transformers on the busbar or cable and select a CT-operated energy meter or network analyzer.
What is the difference between a PT100 sensor and a J/K thermocouple?
A PT100 is a platinum resistance thermometer (100 Ω at 0 °C) offering high accuracy between -50 °C and +400 °C, whereas J- and K-type thermocouples generate a millivolt signal suitable for higher temperatures and rugged heating zones.