ABB PMC916 – Compact 96×96 Multifunction Power Meter for Three‑Phase Monitoring

The ABB PMC916 is a compact, panel‑mounted power meter designed for three‑phase systems where you need dependable visibility of electrical parameters without overcomplicating the cabinet. From my experience, it suits MCC panels, small switchboards, and plant sub‑meters quite well—especially when you want fast Modbus readings and clear front‑panel data for electricians on the floor. One thing I appreciate is the balance between practical functions (true RMS, kWh logging, alarms) and a familiar 96×96 mm footprint, which typically simplifies retrofits.

You might notice that the PMC916 seems to be engineered for routine plant measurements: voltage, current, power, energy, PF, frequency, and demand. It’s the sort of meter maintenance teams rely on to spot phase imbalance early, track machine loads after a changeover, and capture consumption for cost allocation. A client in a packaging line told us, “We used the PMC916 to verify motor loading after a VFD swap—within minutes we had a clean PF and demand profile, which made the audit easier than expected.”

Company’s Order Placement Process and Guarantees

• Warranty: 365 days
• Delivery: 1 week for in‑stock items; no more than one month at the latest
• Payment: 50% advance payment, full payment for delivery
• Express options: FedEx, UPS, DHL

Key Features

• 96×96 mm panel form factor – Fits standard cutouts, making replacements and upgrades straightforward.
• Comprehensive three‑phase measurements – V, A, kW, kVA, kVAR, kWh, frequency, PF, and demand; typically enough for energy and load profiling.
• True RMS measurement – Better accuracy with non‑linear loads and VFDs commonly found in plants.
• RS‑485 (Modbus RTU) – Simple integration into existing BMS/SCADA for trending and alarms.
• Configurable alarms and pulse output – Use alarm relays for over/under thresholds; pulse output for kWh collection.
• Clear front display – Quick on‑site checks without a laptop; you can scroll main parameters in seconds.
• Flexible CT/VT inputs – Works with standard 1 A / 5 A CTs and typical LV voltage ranges, which reduces engineering time.

Technical Specifications

Related or Supporting Products

• ABB M4M 20 – Entry-level multifunction meter with Modbus RTU; similar measurements in a modern platform.
• ABB M4M 30 – Adds more I/O and event functions; typically a good step up if you need deeper diagnostics.
• ABB M4M 40 Ethernet – For plants standardizing on Modbus TCP; faster polling and simplified SCADA maps.
• ABB low‑voltage CTs (various ratios) – Pair 1 A/5 A CTs with the PMC916 to match feeder loads and maintain accuracy.
• Surge protection devices (SPD) – Recommended upstream to protect measurement inputs in harsher networks.

Installation & Maintenance

• Panel & environment – Mount on a clean, ventilated enclosure door (96×96). Avoid direct sunlight and high vibration; allow 80–90 mm depth clearance for wiring.
• Wiring practices – Use shielded twisted pair for RS‑485 (Modbus). Keep CT/VT wiring short and segregated from power cables. Observe CT polarity (S1/S2) to avoid negative power readings.
• Grounding & protection – Provide proper protective devices on the auxiliary supply; earth the communication shield at one end to minimize noise.
• Commissioning – Configure CT/VT ratios, system type (3P3W/3P4W), and Modbus address/baud. Validate phase sequence and check PF sign after energization.
• Routine maintenance – Wipe the display lens; verify terminal tightness during shutdowns; back up meter settings; review firmware updates when available, typically during scheduled outages.
• Calibration – For metering-critical loads, consider periodic verification with a portable standard, especially after CT changes or upstream work.
• Safety – Only qualified personnel should handle CT/VT circuits; never open a live CT secondary—use shorting blocks to service safely.

Quality & Certifications

• CE compliant; RoHS aligned materials in most cases
• UL/cUL listing is typically available for ABB panel instruments in this category
• Manufactured under ISO 9001 quality systems
• Manufacturer’s standard warranty usually 12 months; our coverage: 365 days

If you’re replacing a legacy 96×96 meter or standardizing on Modbus RTU devices, the ABB PMC916 tends to drop in with minimal fuss. In many cases, it’s the practical choice for feeders up to 480 V where you want reliable data, predictable integration, and a familiar form factor.